ASUS F2A55-M LK, F2A55-M LK PLUS User Manual

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Motherboard

F2A55-M LK Series

• F2A55-M LK

• F2A55-M LK PLUS

E7617

First Edition

August 2012

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, modied or altered, unless

such repair, modication 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

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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

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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR

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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),

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Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the

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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,

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iii

Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii

F2A55-M LK Series specications summary ........................................................... ix

Package contents ....................................................................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Special features ............................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights ...........................................................................1-1

1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM ........................................................................... 1-2

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ............................................................... 1-2

1.2 Before you proceed ...................................................................................... 1-4

1.3 Motherboard overview .................................................................................1-5

1.3.1 Placement direction ........................................................................1-5

1.3.2 Screw holes ....................................................................................1-5

1.3.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................................1-6

1.3.4 Layout contents ...............................................................................1-7

1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) ............................................................ 1-7

1.4.1 APU installation ...............................................................................1-8

1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...................................1-9

1.5 System memory .......................................................................................... 1-11

1.5.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 1-11

1.5.2 Memory congurations ..................................................................1-12

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................................1-17

1.6 Expansion slots .......................................................................................... 1-18

1.6.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................................1-18

1.6.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................................... 1-18

1.6.3 PCI slot .........................................................................................1-18

1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................................1-18

1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................................1-18

1.7 Jumpers.......................................................................................................1-20

1.8 Connectors ..................................................................................................1-22

1.8.1 Rear panel ports ...........................................................................1-22

1.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................................1-23

1.9 Software support ........................................................................................ 1-29

1.9.1 Installing an operating system ......................................................1-29

1.9.2 Support DVD information ..............................................................1-29

Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .............................................................2-1

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................................2-1

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................................ 2-2

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................................2-3

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ....................................................................... 2-4

2.2 BIOS setup program .....................................................................................2-6

2.3 Main menu ................................................................................................... 2-10

2.3.1 System Language [English] .......................................................... 2-10

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .......................................................2-10

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] .................................................................2-10

2.3.4 Security .........................................................................................2-10

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................ 2-12

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................................2-13

2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................................2-13

2.4.3 APU Multiplier [Auto] ..................................................................... 2-13

2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto] .....................................................................2-13

2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................................2-13

2.4.6 GPU Boost [Auto] ..........................................................................2-14

2.4.7 OC Tuner ......................................................................................2-14

2.4.8 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................................2-14

2.4.9 CPU Voltage [Offset Mode] ...........................................................2-14

2.4.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................................... 2-15

2.4.11 SB 1.1V Voltage [Auto] ................................................................. 2-15

2.4.12 1.1VSB Voltage [Auto] .................................................................. 2-15

2.4.13 APU1.2V Voltage [Auto] ................................................................2-15

2.4.14 VDDA Voltage [Auto] ..................................................................... 2-15

2.4.15 DIGI+ VRM ....................................................................................2-15

2.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................... 2-17

2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................................2-17

2.5.2 SATA Conguration ....................................................................... 2-18

2.5.3 USB Conguration ........................................................................ 2-19

2.5.4 NB Conguration ...........................................................................2-19

2.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................................... 2-19

2.5.6 APM ..............................................................................................2-21

2.5.7 Network Stack ............................................................................... 2-22

2.6 Monitor menu .............................................................................................. 2-23

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]...................... 2-23

2.6.2 CPU / Chassis fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] ..............2-23

2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................................2-23

2.6.4 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage ..................2-24

2.6.5 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................................2-24

2.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................... 2-25

2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] ......................................................... 2-25

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ...........................................................2-25

2.7.3 Fast Boot [Enabled] ......................................................................2-26

2.7.4 Post Delay Time [3 sec] ................................................................2-26

2.7.5 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] .......................................................2-26

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ........................................... 2-27

2.7.7 Next boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot] ..............................2-27

2.7.8 CSM Parameters ..........................................................................2-27

2.7.9 Security Boot parameters .............................................................2-27

2.7.10 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................................2-29

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................................2-29

2.7.12 Boot Override ................................................................................ 2-29

2.8 Tools menu .................................................................................................. 2-30

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................................2-30

2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ................................................................. 2-30

2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................................... 2-30

2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................................2-31

Appendices

Notices ..................................................................................................................... A-1

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-3

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.

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all

power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices

could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not

sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power

company.

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals

that came with the package.

Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power

cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,

slots, sockets and circuitry.

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area

where it may become wet.

Place the product on a stable surface.

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

•

vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it

supports.

• Chapter 2: BIOS information

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.

Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

Where to nd 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.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the

standard package.

viii

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.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> 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 (+).

(continued on the next page)

F2A55-M LK Series specications summary

APU FM2 socket for AMD

A-Series accelerated processors (APU) with AMD

Radeon™ HD 7000 Series graphics, up to 4 CPU cores

AMD

Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support

Microsoft

DirectX

11 support

• The AMD

Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support depends on the APU types.

• Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD

APU support list.

Chipset AMD

A55 FCH

Memory 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 32GB unbuffered non-ECC

DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2250(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) /

1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz memory modules

Dual-channel memory architecture

• The maximum 32GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above

DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the

market.

• Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).

• When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows

32-bit

operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a

maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows

32-bit operating

system.

Graphics Integrated AMD

Radeon™ HD 7000 series graphics in Trinity APU

Supports DVI-D and D-Sub ports

Supports DVI with max. resolution 2560x1600@60Hz

Supports D-Sub with max. resolution 1920x1600@60Hz

Supports Microsoft

DirectX 11

Expansion slots 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot

2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots

1 x PCI slot

Storage / RAID AMD

A55 FCH:

- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10

and JBOD congurations

LAN Realtek

8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller

Audio ALC887 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

• Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel

audio output.

USB AMD

A55 FCH:

- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports at the back

panel)

F2A55-M LK Series specications summary

Specications are subject to change without notice.

ASUS unique

features

ASUS DIGI+ VRM

ASUS 3+2 Phase Power Design

Network iControl

ASUS EPU

ASUS AI Suite II

ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface

ASUS TurboV

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS MyLogo 2™

Special features 100% All high quality conductive polymer (F2A55-M LK PLUS only)

Back Panel I/O

ports

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)

1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

1 x DVI-D port

1 x D-Sub output port

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

8-channel audio I/O ports (3-jack)

Internal I/O

connectors /

buttons / switches

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors

1 x COM connector

1 x LPT connector

1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin)

1 x Chassis fan connector (3-pin)

1 x Front panel audio connector

1 x S/PDIF output connector

1 x System panel connector

1 x Speaker connector

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

BIOS 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM

BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS

CrashFreen BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and

ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

Support DVD Drivers

ASUS Update

ASUS utilities

Anti-Virus software (OEM version)

Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.2 in (24.4 cm x 20.8 cm)

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

F2A55-M LK PLUS

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCI1

USB910 USB78 USB56

SPDIF_OUT

ALC

887

AAFP

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

AUDIO

DIGI

+VRM

RTL

8111F

COM

KBMS

64Mb

BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

USBPW5-10

KBPWR

USBPW1-4

20.8cm(8.2in)

24.4cm(9.6in)

AMD

A55

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

LAN_USB12

USB34

SOCKET FM2

EATXPWR

ATX12V

SATA3G_6SATA3G_5

SATA3G_1

SATA3G_2

SATA3G_3

SATA3G_4

LPT

F_PANEL

SPEAKER

VGA

DVI

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series motherboard

2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s

cables

User Guide

1 x I/O Shield User Guide Support DVD

• F2A55-M LK Series motherboards include F2A55-M LK PLUS and F2A55-M LKF2A55-M LK Series motherboards include F2A55-M LK PLUS and F2A55-M LK

models. The package contents vary from models.

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

xii

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

AMD

A-series accelerated processors with AMD

Radeon™ HD 7000 series

graphics

This motherboard supports AMD

A-series accelerated processor with AMD

Radeon™

HD 7000 series graphics. This revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines

processing power and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in one small, energy-efcient design to

enable accelerated performance and an industry-leading visual experience. It features Dual-

channel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5GT/s.

AMD

A55 FCH chipset

AMD

A55 FCH is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s

ports.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2250(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.

C.) / 1866 / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz Support

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates

of DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2250(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1866 / 1600 /

1333 / 1066 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth

requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

8-channel high denition audio

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia)

CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that

automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio

I/O jacks and noties users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more

confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an

ACPI management function to provide efcient power management for advanced operating

systems.

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors (F2A55-M LK PLUS

only)

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved

lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

Product introduction

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series

1-1

1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM

DIGI+POWER CONTROL: Digital Power Design for the APU*

ASUS motherboards using the AMD

A55 chipset employ precise digital voltage regulation

for the APU, called DIGI+ VRM (Voltage Regulation Modules) digital power design. The APU

voltage is adjusted via either carefully developed automated modes, or by using user-dened

proles. The effect is that DIGI+ VRM technology ensures greater energy efciency and the

most precise power delivery. Boosted by world-renowned ASUS quality, it creates an ideal

computing platform for a diverse range of applications, from gaming to multimedia or ofce

work and heavy multitasking. Engineered and tested to assure unmitigated performance,

ASUS A55 boards with DIGI+ VRM remain efcient and accurate, for reliable application in

every scenario.

* DIGI+ VRM functions also available in FM2 socket compatible CPUs

1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features

Network iControl

Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to

manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities

for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a

more convenient online experience.

* The ASUS Network iControl feature does not support Windows

XP/Vista operating systems.

ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive

graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,

providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the

traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard

drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:

• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey

• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and

helping with difcult POST situations.

ASUS TurboV

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS TurboV offers you the adrenaline rush of real-time

overclocking without exiting or rebooting the OS. It also provides you with the ASUS OC

proles for the best overclocking settings in different scenarios.

EPU

EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s rst real-time system power-saving chip,

automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.

It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the

component’s lifespan.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-2

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused

by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).

AI Suite II

With its user interface, ASUS AI Suite II integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to

launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to congure the overclocking

settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the system via a

mobile device, and other easy-to-use helpful utilities.

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed based on different

ambient temperatures, resulting to a quiet and cool computing environment.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

ASUS MyLogo2™

Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS le from a USB storage

device that contains the BIOS le.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system

hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and

clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically

restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.

ErP ready

The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP

requires products to meet certain energy efciency requirements in regards to energy

consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-

efcient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the

product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series

1-3

1.2 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change

any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded

object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due

to static electricity.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the

bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and

detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,

peripherals, or components.

Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system

is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down

the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard

component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

F2A55-M LK PLUS

SB_PWR

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

F2A55-M LK PLUS Onboard LED

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-4

F2A55-M LK PLUS

1.3 Motherboard overview

1.3.1 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.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis.

1.3.2 Screw holes

Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series

1-5

1.3.3 Motherboard layout

F2A55-M LK PLUS

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCI1

USB910 USB78 USB56

SPDIF_OUT

ALC

887

AAFP

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

AUDIO

DIGI

+VRM

RTL

8111F

COM

KBMS

64Mb

BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

USBPW5-10

KBPWR

USBPW1-4

20.8cm(8.2in)

24.4cm(9.6in)

AMD

A55

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

LAN_USB12

USB34

SOCKET FM2

EATXPWR

ATX12V

SATA3G_6SATA3G_5

SATA3G_1

SATA3G_2

SATA3G_3

SATA3G_4

LPT

F_PANEL

SPEAKER

VGA

DVI

6432 5

142

12 910111315

F2A55-M LK Series motherboards include F2A55-M LK PLUS and F2A55-M LK models.

The package contents vary from models. The layout illustrations in this user guide are for

F2A55-M LK PLUS only.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)

This motherboard comes with an FM2 socket designed for AMD

A-series accelerated

processors with AMD

Radeon™ HD 7000 series graphics.

Ensure that you use a APU designed for the FM2 socket. The APU ts in only one correct

orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and

damaging the APU!

1.3.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-21

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, 3-pin USBPW5-10) 1-21

3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-24

4. AMD FM2 socket 1-7

5. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN and 3-pin CHA_FAN) 1-23

6. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-11

7. SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6) 1-25

8. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-4

9. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-26

10. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-26

11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-20

12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 1-28

13. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-25

14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-27

15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-27

16. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 1-28

F2A55-M LK PLUS

F2A55-M LK PLUS APU socket FM2

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series

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1.4.1 APU installation

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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53 4

1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material

to the APU heatsink and APU before

you install the heatsink and fan if

necessary.

To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series

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To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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1.5 System memory

1.5.1 Overview

This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules

(DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched

differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for

better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1

Channel B DIMM_B1

F2A55-M LK PLUS

F2A55-M LK PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B1

ASUS F2A55-M LK Series

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1.5.2 Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM

sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps

the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess

memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better

overclocking capability.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we

recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)

from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows

OS, when you install 4GB

or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be

about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the

following:

- Install a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows

OS.

- Use a 64-bit Windows

OS if you want to install 4GB or more memory on the

motherboard.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.

• The maximum 32GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above DIMMs.

ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the market.

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent 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. To operate at the vendor-marked

or at a higher frequency, refer to section 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory

frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

F2A55-M LK Series Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DIMM socket

support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V •

KINGMAX FLLE88F-C8KKAA HAIS(XMP) 2GB SS - - 10-11-10-30 1.8V •

Team TXD34096M2400HC9N-L 4GB DS SEC 128 HCH9 K4B2G0846D 9-11-11-28 1.65V • •

DDR3 2250 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DIMM socket

support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

KINGSTON KHX2250C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • •

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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