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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication 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,
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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
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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”),
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
applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location
where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
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Legal Compliance Dept.
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In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
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The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
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This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
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ii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-4
v
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 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 qualied service
•
technician or your retailer.
vi
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.
• 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.
vii
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 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 (+).
viii
F2A55-M specications summary
APUFM2 Socket for AMD® A- series Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon™
HD 7000 series Graphics, Up to 4 CPU cores
Supports AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0
Supports DirectX® 11
®
* The AMD
Turbo Core Technology 3.0 Support depends on the APU types.
ChipsetAMD® A55 FCH(Hudson D2)
Memory4 x DIMMs, max. 64GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.)/ 2250(O.C.) /2200(O.C.) /
* Due to OS limitation, 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.
** The Max. 64GB memory capacity can be supported with DIMMs of 8GB (or above).
ASUS will update QVL once the DIMMs are available on the market.
*** Refer to
www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).
GraphicsIntegrated AMD® Radeon™ HD 7000 Series Graphics in Trinity APU
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI / DVI / D-Sub port
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920x1080@60Hz
- Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution 2560x1600@60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution 1920x1600@60Hz
- Supports Microsoft
- Maximum shared memory of 2G
- Supports AMD
www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support Dual
* Refer to
Graphics technology
®
DirectX 11
®
Dual Graphics technology
Expansion slots2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (blue @ x16 mode, black @ x4 mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
1 x PCI slot
Supports AMD CrossFireX™ Technology (x16 & x4)
Storage
AMD® A55 FCH:
- 6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors (blue) with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10
and JBOD support
LAN
Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller
AudioRealtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
USB
AMD® A55 FCH:
- 10 x USB2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel, 6 ports at mid-board)
ASMedia USB3.0 Controller:
- 2 x USB3.0 /2.0 ports at back panel
(continued on the next page)
ix
F2A55-M specications summary
ASUS unique features
ASUS Exclusive
overclocking features
ASUS Digital Power Design:
- Industry leading digital 4+2 phase power design
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- ASUS Network iControl
- ASUS AI Charger+
- ASUS GPU Boost
- ASUS Turbo V
- Disk Unlocker
- ASUS MemOK!
- ASUS AI Suite II
- ASUS Anti Surge
- ASUS ESD
- 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDDNB: Adjustable CPU/NB voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.005V increment
- vFCH: Adjustable FCH voltage at 0.01V increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- APU Frequency tuning from 90MHz up to 300MHz at 1MHz
increment
Overclocking Protection
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)
x
F2A55-M specications summary
Back Panel I/O ports1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x DVI port
1 x HDMI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-Channel audio I/O ports
Internal I/O
connectors
Accessories2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
BIOS features64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
Support DVDDrivers
Form factor
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x COM connector
1 x GPU Boost switch
1 x MemOK! button
1 x TPM header
1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin)
1 x Chassis fan connector (4-pin)
1 x power Fan connector (3-pin)
1 x System panel connector (20-pin)
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V poweer connector
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
BIOS 2.7, ACPI v2.0a, 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
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
Specications are subject to change without notice.
xi
Package contents
User Manual
F2A55-M
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCI1
PCIEX1_1
USB56USB78USB910
TPM
PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
CPU_FAN
PWR_FAN
CHA_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
AUDIO
ALC
887-VD2
RTL
8111F
COM
KBMS_USB34
64Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
AMD
®
A55
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)
USB3_12
LAN_USB12
SATA3G_6
SATA3G_5
SATA3G_4
SATA3G_3
SATA3G_2
SATA3G_1
SPDIFO
_HDMI
MemOK!
DRAM_LED
DVI_VGA
SOCKET FM2
EATXPWR
GPU_LED
GPU Boost
ATX12V
DIGI+
EPU
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS F2A55-M motherboard2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
1 x I/O-ShieldUser GuideSupport DVD
xii
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.
Product introduction
1
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-efcient design to
enable accelerated performance and an industry-leading visual experience. It features Dualchannel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5GT/s.
AMD® A55 FCH (Hudson D2) Chipset
AMD® A55 FCH (Hudson D2) is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and PCI
Express™ 2.0 x 16 graphics. It supports 6 x SATA 3Gb/s ports.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2250(O.C.)/ 2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 2000
(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.
C.)/ 2250(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/ 066 MHz to boost
the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D
graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.
Complete USB 3.0 integration
This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity
solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.
8-channel high denition audio
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia)
CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that
automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio
I/O jacks and noties users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more
confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.
AMD® CrossFireX™ Technology
AMD’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the
need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™ allows
higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display
congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a real-
time 3D-rendered previews within AMD Catalyst™ Control Center.
ASUS F2A55-M
1-1
1.1.2 DIGI+VRM
DIGI+ POWER CONTROL: Digital Power Design for the APU*
ASUS motherboards using the AMD® A55 chipset employ precise digital regulation for the
APU, called DIGI+ VRM (Vloltage Regulation Modules) digital power design. The APU
voltage is adjusted via either carefully developed automated modes, or by using user-dened
proles. The effect is that DIGI+ VRM technology ensures greater energy efciency and the
most precise power delivery. Boosetd by world-renowned ASUS quality, it creates an ideal
computing platform for a diverse range of applications, from gaming to multimedia or ofce
work and heavy multitasking. Engineered and tested to assure unmitigated performance,
ASUS A55 boards with DIGI+ VRM remain efcient and accurate, for reliable application in
every scenario.
* DIGI+ VRM functions are also available in FM2 socket compatible CPUs.
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 system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the component’s
lifespan.
1.1.3 Innovative ASUS features
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
proles for the best overclocking settings in different scenarios.
MemOK!
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates
exible frequency adjustments, and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every
use.
* AMD A10-5800K, A6-5400K, and all upcoming Black Edition APUs support GPU
overclocking.
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.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused
by power surges from switching power supply (PSU).
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Ai Charger+
ASUS Ai Charger+, the latest Ai Charger* version, brings you to a new level of USB3.0 fast
charging experience. With its easy and user-friendly interface, you can easily charge iPod,
iPhone, iPad, but also BC 1.1** standard mobile devices three times*** as fast as before.
* Ai Charger is ASUS unique fast-charging software that supports iPod, iPhone and
iPad.
** Check your USB mobile device manufacturer if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.
*** The actual charging speed may vary with your USB device’s conditions.
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 congure the overclocking
settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the system via a
mobile device, and other easy-to-use helpful utilities.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC
environment. The heatsink design also lowers the temperature of the chipset and power
phase area through high efcient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics,
the ASUS stylish heatsink will give you an extremely silent and cooling experience with the
elegant appearance!
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
based on different ambient temperatures, resulting to a quiet and cool computing
environment.
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY
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 difcult POST situations.
ASUS F2A55-M
1-3
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more
colorful and vivid image on your screen.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS
le using the bundled support DVD or USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based
utility.
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.
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, 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.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
F2A55-M
1.3 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard ts into it.
Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.
Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
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.
1.3.2 Screw holes
Place eight 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
ASUS F2A55-M
1-5
1.3.3 Motherboard layout
F2A55-M
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCI1
PCIEX1_1
USB56USB78USB910
TPM
PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
CPU_FAN
PWR_FAN
CHA_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
AUDIO
ALC
887-VD2
RTL
8111F
COM
KBMS_USB34
64Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
24.4cm(9.6in)
24.4cm(9.6in)
AMD
®
A55
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)
USB3_12
LAN_USB12
SATA3G_6
SATA3G_5
SATA3G_4
SATA3G_3
SATA3G_2
SATA3G_1
SPDIFO
_HDMI
MemOK!
DRAM_LED
DVI_VGA
SOCKET FM2
EATXPWR
GPU_LED
GPU Boost
ATX12V
DIGI+
EPU
12
5
243
9
151614
13
12
11
8
6
7
1
10
17
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-6
1.3.4 Layout contents
F2A55-M
F2A55-M CPU socket FM2
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LEDPage
1.ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-26
2.CPU, power fan and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN and
3-pin PWR_FAN)
3.GPU Boost switch1-32
4.GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED)1-33
5.AMD® FM2 socket1-7
6.DDR3 DIMM slots1-11
7.MemOK! switch1-31
8.DRAM LED (DRAM_LED1-32
9. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-32
10. SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6)1-29
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-30
12. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)1-26
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-22
14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)1-28
15. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)1-27
16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)1-25
17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-25
1-27
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.
ASUS F2A55-M
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!
1-7
1.4.1 Installing the APU
1
2
43
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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
1
2
534
ASUS F2A55-M
1-9
To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly
1
3
2
4
5
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5 System memory
F2A55-M
F2A55-M 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
1.5.1 Overview
The 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
ASUS F2A55-M
1-11
1.5.2 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.
• 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
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 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.
• 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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full