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under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
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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ii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................... iv
About this guide ......................................................................................... iv
Package contents ....................................................................................... vi
A88X-PLUS specications summary ........................................................ vi
Product introduction
1.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-1
ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-3
iii
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 qualied service
•
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
Before installing the motherboard and adding components, 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 be exposed to moisture.
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
•
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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. It includes descriptions of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are also provided.
iv
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.
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
completing a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when
completing 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 textIndicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
<Key>Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
v
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
MotherboardASUS A88X-PLUS motherboard
Cables2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
Accessories1 x I/O Shield
Application DVDSupport DVD
DocumentationUser Guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
A88X-PLUS specications summary
APUAMD® FM2+ socket for AMD® A-Series/AthlonTM series processors
Supports CPU up to 4 cores
AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support
• The AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support depends on the APU types.
• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of indivudal
APUs.
• The maximum 64GB 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 (Qualied Vendors List).
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI/RGB ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz
- Supports DVI with max. resolution of 2560x1600@60Hz
- Supports RGB with max. resolution of 1920x1600@60Hz
- Maximum shared memory of 2048MB
- Supports AMD
• Refer to http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/dual-graphics/Pages/
dual-graphics.aspx#3 for the discrete GPUs that support Dual Graphics
technology.
®
Dual Graphics technology
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (@x4 mode)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
* Only FM2+ processors can support PCIe 3.0.
Realtek® 8111G PCIe Gigabit LAN controller
(continued on the next page)
vi
A88X-PLUS specications summary
StorageAMD® A88X FCH (Bolton D4) chipset:
AudioRealtek® ALC887-VD 7.1-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC
USBAMD® A88X FCH (Bolton D4) chipset:
ASUS unique
features
- 8 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (yellow) with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD
support
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- 4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at the back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-board)
- 10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at the back panel, 6 ports at mid-board)
ASUS 5X Protection
- ASUS motherboards safeguard your PC with 5X Protection: DIGI+VRM,
DRAM Fuse, ESD Guards, High-Quality Solid Capacitors, and Stainless
Steel Back I/O to ensure the best quality, reliability, and durability.
ASUS DIGI+ VRM
- ASUS DIGI+ PVRM: Digital Power Design for APU
ASUS DRAM Fuse
- Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circui damage
prevention
ASUS ESD Guards
- Strong ESD Protection for extended component lifespan
ASUS High-Quality Solid Capacitors
- 2.5x Long Lifespan with excellent durability
ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O
- 3x More durable corrosion-resistant coating
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS EPU
- ASUS Turbo V EVO
- ASUS GPU Boost
- ASUS MemOK!
- ASUS AI Suite 3
- ASUS AI Charger
- ASUS Anti Surge
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
- ASUS Network iControl
- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- ASUS Disk Unlocker
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
- Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution & MOS Heatsink
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-Slot
(continued on the next page)
vii
A88X-PLUS specications summary
Back panel I/O ports1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub output port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue)
5 x Audio jacks (Line in, Front Speaker Out, Mic in, Center/Subwoofer,
Rear Speaker Out)
Internal I/O
connectors / buttons/
switches
BIOS features64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
Operating SystemWindows® 8 / 8 64-bit
Support DVDDrivers
Form factor
1 x USB 3.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports (19-pin)
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports
1 x COM port connector
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
2 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)
1 x System panel connector
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x clear CMOS jumper
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x GPU Boost switch
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
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
Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit
Windows® XP
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.9 in (30.5 cm x 22.6cm)
viii
Specications are subject to change without notice.
Product introduction
1
1.1 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, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
1.2 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard ts.
Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can
cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components.
1.2.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, 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.
1.2.2 Screw holes
Place six 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.
ASUS A88X-PLUS
1-1
A88X-PLUS
Place this side
A88X-PLUS
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
USB910 USB78 USB56
AAFP
EATXPWR
CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN
GPU_LED
GPU_Boost
BATTERY
Super
I/O
ALC
887
RTL
8111G
KBMS_USB34
HDMI
DVI_VGA
8Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
22.6cm(8.9in)
AMD
®
A88X
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA6G_3
SATA6G_4 SATA6G_5
SATA6G_7 SATA6G_8
SATA6G_6
PANEL
AUDIO
LAN_USB12
USB3_12
CHA_FAN1
SPDIF_OUT
30.5cm(12.0in)
DRAM_LED
MemOK!
DIGI
+VRM
COM
USB3_34
SOCKET FM2+
ATX12V
421352
9
13
10
12
14
1617
15
11
1
6
7
8
towards the rear
of the chassis
1.2.3 Motherboard layout
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.4 Layout contents
A88X-PLUS
A88X-PLUS CPU socket FM2+
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LEDPage
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)1-15
2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2)
3. AMD FM2+ socket
4. GPU Boost switch
5. GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED)
6. DDR3 DIMM slots
MemOK! button1-20
7.
8. DRAM LED
9. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
10. SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~8)
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
16. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)
17. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
1-14
1-3
1-21
1-22
1-7
1-22
1-19
1-16
1-17
1-19
1-11
1-14
1-18
1-21
1-18
1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)
This motherboard comes with a FM2+ socket designed for AMD® A-series and Athlon™
processors.
Ensure that you use an 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!
ASUS A88X-PLUS
1-3
1.3.1 APU installation
1
2
43
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2 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
1
2
534
ASUS A88X-PLUS
1-5
To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly
1
3
2
4
5
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 System memory
A88X-PLUS
A88X-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
1.4.1 Overview
This motherboard comes with four 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:
ChannelSockets
Channel ADIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel BDIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
1.4.2 Memory congurations
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 conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
• 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
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:
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows
- Install a 64-bit Windows
®
OS if you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.
®
OS, when you install 4GB
®
OS.
ASUS A88X-PLUS
1-7
• 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 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.
• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
• Visit the ASUS website at:
1.4.3 Installing a DIMM
1
2
www.asus.com for the latest QVL.
1-8
3
Chapter 1: Product introduction
To remove a DIMM
B
A
A
1.5 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.
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
1.5.1 Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card:
1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later
use.
4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is completely
seated on the slot.
5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.
1.5.2 Conguring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for
information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that
the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI
groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.
ASUS A88X-PLUS
1-9
1.5.3 PCI slot
The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that
comply with PCI specications.
1.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that
comply with the PCI Express specications.
1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot
This motherboard has two PCI Express x16 slots that support PCI Express x16 graphic cards
complying with the PCI Express specications.
• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (yellow) for a PCI Express x16
graphics card to get better performance.
• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ mode.
See page 1-27 for details.
• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN when using
multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
ABCDEFG
PCIEx1_1shared––––––
PCIEx16_1––shared––––
PCIEx1_2–––shared–––
PCIEx16_2shared––––––
Realtek LAN controller–shared–––––
OnChip SATA controller–––shared–––
OnChip USB EHCI 1/2/3/4––shared––––
OnChip USB EHCI 1/2/3–shared–––––
OnChip USB XHCI 1––shared––––
OnChip USB XHCI 2–shared–––––
HD Audioshared–––––
PCI_1––––shared––
PCI_2–––––shared–
PCI_3–––––shared
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6 Jumpers
A88X-PLUS
1 22 3
Normal
(Default)
Clear RTC
CLRTC
A88X-PLUS Clear RTC RAM
1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing
the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in
CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3
for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <
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!
Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-
• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper
• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
ASUS A88X-PLUS
again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the
battery.
system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter
settings to default values.
1-11
1.7 Connectors
3
1110
2
12
1
14
13
4 5 6 7
8
9
1.7.1 Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keybaord or mouse.
2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port.
VGA-compatible devices.
3. LAN (RJ-45) port.
through a network hub.
LAN port LED indications
Activity/Link LEDSpeed LED
StatusDescriptionStatusDescription