ASUS F2A55-M User Manual

F2A55-M

Motherboard

E7489
First Edition

August 2012

Copyright © 2012 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, 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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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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the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

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

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

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

Package contents ...................................................................................................... xii

Product introduction

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

1.1.1 Product highlights ...........................................................................

1.1.2 DIGI+VRM .......................................................................................

1.1.3 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................................

1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..................................................................................

1.2 Before you proceed ......................................................................................

1.3 Motherboard overview .................................................................................

1.3.1 Placement direction ........................................................................

1.3.2 Screw holes ....................................................................................

1.3.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................................

1.3.4 Layout contents ...............................................................................

1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) ............................................................

1.4.1 Installing the APU ............................................................................

1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation ...................................

1.5 System memory ..........................................................................................

1.5.1 Overview .......................................................................................

1.5.2 Memory congurations ..................................................................

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................................

1.5.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................................

1.6 Expansion slots ..........................................................................................

1.6.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................................

1.6.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................................

1.6.3 PCI slot .........................................................................................

1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................................

1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slots ...................................................................

1.7 Jumpers

1.8 Connectors ..................................................................................................

1.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................................

1.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................................

1.9 Onboard switches ......................................................................................

1.10 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................................

1.11 Software support ........................................................................................

.......................................................................................................1-22

......................................................... 1-3

1-1

1-2

1-2

1-3

1-4

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-6

1-7

1-7

1-8

1-9

1-11

1-11

1-12

1-19

1-19

1-20

1-20

1-20

1-20

1-20

1-21

1-23

1-23

1-25

1-31

1-32

1-34

iii

1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................................1-34

1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................................

1-34

BIOS information

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

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................................

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

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................................

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .......................................................................

2.2 BIOS setup program .....................................................................................

2.3 Main menu ...................................................................................................

2.3.1 System Language [English] ..........................................................

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .......................................................

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] .................................................................

2.3.4 Security .........................................................................................

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................................

2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................................

2.4.3 APU Multiplier [Auto] .....................................................................

2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto] .....................................................................

2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................................

2.4.6 GPU Boost [Auto] ..........................................................................

2.4.7 OC Tuner ......................................................................................

2.4.8 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................................

2.4.9 CPU Voltage [Offset Mode] ...........................................................

2.4.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ....................................................................

2.4.11 SB 1.1V Voltage [Auto] .................................................................

2.4.12 1.1Vsb Voltage [Auto] ...................................................................

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

2.4.14 VDDA Voltage [Auto] .....................................................................

2.4.15 DIGI+ VRM ....................................................................................

2.5 Advanced menu ..........................................................................................

2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................................

2.5.2 SATA Conguration .......................................................................

2.5.3 USB Conguration ........................................................................

2.5.4 NB Conguration ...........................................................................

2.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................................

2.5.6 APM ..............................................................................................

2.5.7 Network Stack ...............................................................................

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-6

2-10

2-10

2-10

2-10

2-10

2-12

2-14

2-14

2-14

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2-15

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2-16

2-16

2-16

2-18

2-18

2-19

2-20

2-20

2-20

2-21

2-22

iv

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

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature

2.6.2

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

2.6.4 CHA_FAN Q-Fan Control [Enabled] .............................................

2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage ..................

2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................................

2.7 Boot menu ...................................................................................................

2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] .........................................................

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ...........................................................

2.7.3 Fast Boot [Enabled] ......................................................................

2.7.4 Post Logo Delay Time [3 sec] .......................................................

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

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ...........................................

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

2.7.8 CSM Parameters ..........................................................................

2.7.9 Security Boot parameters .............................................................

2.7.10 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................................

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................................

2.7.12 Boot Override ................................................................................

2.8 Tools menu ..................................................................................................

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................................

2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information .................................................................

2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................................

2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................................

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

[xxxºC/xxxºF]...................... 2-23

2-24

2-24

2-25

2-25

2-26

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-29

2-29

2-29

2-30

2-30

2-30

2-30

2-31

Appendices

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

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 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.

vi

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.

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 text Indicates 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 specications summary

APU FM2 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.

Chipset AMD® A55 FCH(Hudson D2)

Memory 4 x DIMMs, max. 64GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.)/ 2250(O.C.) /2200(O.C.) /

2133(O.C.) /2000(O.C.) /1866 /1600 /1333/1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-

buffered memory

Dual-channel memory architecture

* 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 (Qualied Vendors List).

Graphics Integrated 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 slots 2 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

Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Denition 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 specications 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 specications summary

Back Panel I/O ports 1 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

Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables

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

Support DVD Drivers

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)

Specications 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 motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables

1 x I/O-Shield User Guide Support 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 specications 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-efcient 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 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.

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
congurations, 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-dened
proles. The effect is that DIGI+ VRM technology ensures greater energy efciency 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 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 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

proles 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 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.

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 efcient 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 difcult 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 conguration 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

1 2

5

2 43

9

1516 14

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/LED Page

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 switch 1-32

4. GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED) 1-33

5. AMD® FM2 socket 1-7

6. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-11

7. MemOK! switch 1-31

8. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED 1-32

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

53 4

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:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

ASUS F2A55-M

1-11

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
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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

®

OS, when you install 4GB

®

F2A85-M Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

F3-19200CL9D-

G.SKILL

Kingmax

Team

Team

4GBPIS(XMP)
FLLE88F-C8KKAA

HAIS(XMP)
TXD34096M2400

HC9N-L

TXD34096M2400
HC9N-L

4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V • •

2GB SS - - 10-11-10-30 1.8V • • •

4GB DS

4GB DS

SS/DSChip

Brand

SEC 128
HCH9

SEC 128
HCH9

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

K4B2G0846D 9-11-11-28 1.65V • •

K4B2G0846D 9-11-11-28 1.65V • •

DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3-2250 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS

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

Chip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

1-12

DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3-2200 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65V • • •

GEIL GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V • • •

Kingmax FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Kingmax FLKE85F-B8KHA EEIH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.5V-1.7V • •

Kingmax FLKE85F-B8KJA FEIH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.5V-1.7V • •

C h i p

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

D IM M s o ck et s up po r t
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3-2133 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2(XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-11-9-27

Corsair CMT16GX3M4X2133C9(XMP 1.3) 16GB(4 x 4GB) DS - - 9-11-10-27 1.50V • • •

Corsair CMT4GX3M2A2133C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-24 1.65V • •

Corsair CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V • • •

Corsair CMT8GX3M2B2133C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 24GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.50V •

G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH(XMP1.3) 16GB(4GB x 4) DS - - 9-11-10-28 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX2133C11D3T1K2/16GX(XMP) 16GB(8GB x 2) DS - - - 1.6V • • •

Kingston KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX2133C9AD3T1K4/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • •

PATRIOT PGD38G2133C11K(XMP) 16GB(4GB x 4) DS - - 11-11-11-30 1.65V • • •

Team TXD34096M2133HC9N-L 4GB DS

Kingston KHX21C11T1BK2/16X(XMP) 16GB(8GB x 2) DS - - - 1.6V • • •

Kingston KHX21C11T1BK2/8X(XMP) 8GB(4GB x 2) DS - - - 1.6V • • •

Team TXD34096M2133HC9N-L

4GB

SS/DSChip

DS

Brand

SE C 1 28
HCH9

SE C 1 28
HCH9

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

K 4B 2G

9-11-11-28 1.65V • • •

0846D

K 4B 2G

9-11-11-28 1.65V

0846D

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1.55~

• •

1.75V

• •

DDR3-2000 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • •

Corsair CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 10-10-10-27 1.50V • • •

Corsair CMT6GX3M3A2000C8(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-9-8-24 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBFLS(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • •

G.SKILL F3-16000CL6T-6GBPIS(XMP) 6GB (3x 2GB ) DS - - 6-9-6-24 1.65V • •

GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX2000C9AD3W1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX2000C9AD3W1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB (3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • •

Asint SLA302G08-ML2HB(XMP) 4GB DS HYNIX

S S/DSChip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

H5 TQ2G 83
BFR H9C

- - • •

D I M M s oc ke t s up po rt
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

•

DDR3-1866 (O.C.) MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

Corsair CMT4GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair CMT6GX3MA1866C9(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • •

Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V • • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-16GBZL(XMP1.3) 16GB ( 4GB x4 ) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5V • • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL10Q2-64GBZLD(XMP1.3) 64GB ( 8GBx 8 ) DS - - 10-11-10-30 1.5V • • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5V • • •

G.SKILL F3-14900CL9Q-8GBXL(XMP) 8GB(2GBx4) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6V • • •

Kingston KHX1866C9D3K4/16GX(XMP) 16GB ( 4GB x4 ) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1866C11D3P1K2/8G 8GB ( 4GB x 2) DS - - - 1.5V • • •

Kingston KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4GBX2) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

ASUS F2A55-M

D IM M s o ck et s up po r t
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1-13

DDR3-1600 MHz capability

1.65V •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

•

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AM2U16BC2P1 2GB SS A-DATA

A-DATA AX3U1600XB2G79-2X(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-9-7-21 1.55V-1.75V • •

A-DATA AM2U16BC4P2 4GB DS A-DATA

A-DATA AX3U1600GC4G9-2G(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.55V-1.75V • • •

A-DATA AX3U1600XC4G79-2X(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-9-7-21 1.55V-1.75V • • •

Corsair

TR3X3G1600C8D(XMP)

Corsair CMD12GX3M6A1600C8(XMP) 12GB(6 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10(XMP) 32GB(8GB x 4) DS - - 10-10-10-27 1.50V • •

Corsair CMP4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair CMP4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • •

Corsair CMP4GX3M2C1600C7(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.65V • • •

Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • •

Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair TR3X6G1600C8 G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair TR3X6G1600C9 G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair CMP8GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •

Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C7R(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-20 1.50V • • •

Corsair CMX8GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •

Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - - • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-8-24 XMP 1.35V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.60V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 XMP 1.35V • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-8GBECO(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 XMP 1.35V • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

GEIL GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP) 16GB(4 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.6V • • •

GEIL GV34GB1600C8DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-28 1.6V •

HYNIX HMT351U6CFR8C-PB 4GB DS HYNIX

Kingmax FLGD45F-B8MF7 MAEH(XMP) 1GB SS - - 7 - •

Kingmax FLGE85F-B8KJ9A FEIS(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Kingmax FLGE85F-B8MF7 MEEH(XMP) 2GB DS - - 7 - • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3P1K2/4G 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - - 1.5V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • •

KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/

Kingston

12GX(XMP)

Kingston KHX1600C9D3K4/16GX(XMP) 16GB(4GB x 4) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9AD3/2G 2GB DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KVR1600D3N11/2G-ES 2GB DS KTC

Kingston KHX1600C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX1600C8D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 XMP 1.35V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3X2K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • •

KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/6GX

Kingston

(XMP)

Kingston KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • •

Kingston KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.5V • • •

Super

WA160UX6G9 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

Talent

3GB(3 x 1GB) SS

12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V •

6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

-

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

3CCD-1509

- - • • •

A EL1126T

3CCD-1509

- - • • •

A EL1126T

- 8-8-8-24

H5TQ2G83

- - • • •

CFR PBC

D1288JPN

11-11-11-28 1.35V-1.5V • • •

DPLD9U

1-14

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3-1600 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Transcend JM1600KLN-8GK 8GB(4GB x 2) DS Transcend TK483PCW3 - - •

SanMax SMD-4G68HP-16KZ 4GB DS HYNIX

AMD AE32G1609U1-U 2GB SS -

AMD AE34G1609U2-U 4GB DS AMD

ASint SLZ302G08-EGN1C 2GB SS Asint

Asint

SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP)

Asint SLA302G08-EGG1C(XMP) 4GB DS Asint 302G08-GG1C - - • • •

Asint SLA302G08-EGJ1C(XMP) 4GB DS Asint 302G08-GJ1C - - • • •

ASint SLA302G08-EGN1C 4GB DS Asint

ASint SLB304G08-EGN1B 8GB DS Asint

M2P2G64CB8HC9N-DG(

Elixir

XMP)

M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG

Elixir

(XMP)

Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • • •

Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • •

PATRIOT PGD316G1600ELK(XMP) 32GB(8GB x 4) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • •

PATRIOT PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7V •

Silicon

SP002GBLTU160V02(XMP) 2GB SS S-POWER 20YT5NG-1201 - - • • •

Power

Silicon

SP004GBLTU160V02(XMP) 4GB DS S-POWER 20YT5NG-1201 - - • •

Power

Apacer 78.B1GE3.9L10C 4GB DS

Kingston KHX16C9K2/16 16GB(8GB x 2) DS - - - 1.5V • • •

M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG

Elixir

(XMP)

2GB DS

2GB DS - - - - • • •

8GB DS Elixir 1213

8GB DS Elixir 1213

SS/DSChip

Brand

Asint

Apacer
KZZC

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

H5TQ2G83B
FR PBC

23EY4587M
B6H11503M

23EY4587M
B6H11503M

SLZ302G0
8-GN1C

3128M8-GJ1D 9-9-9-24

SLA302G0
8-GN1C

SLB304G0
8-GN1B

N2CB4G8
BOBN-DG

AM5D5908
DEQSCK

N2CB4G8
BOBN-DG

- - • • •

9-9-9-24 1.5V • •

9-9-9-24 1.5V • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

- - • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

1.6V •

•

DDR3-1333 MHz capability

1.25V-1.35V
(low voltage)

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

• •

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AD31333001GOU 1GB SS A-Data

A-DATA AD3U1333C2G9 2GB SS A-DATA 3CCD-1509HNA1126L - - • • •

A-DATA AM2U139C2P1 2GB SS ADATA 3CCD-1509A EL1127T - - • • •

A-DATA AX3U1333C2G9-BP 2GB SS - - - - • • •

A-DATA AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V • •

AXDU1333GC2G9-2G

A-DATA

(XMP)

A-DATA AD31333G002GMU 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V •

A-DATA AD63I1C1624EV 4GB DS A-Data 3CCA-1509A - - • • •

A-DATA AM2U139C4P2 4GB DS ADATA 3CCD-1509A EL1127T - - • • •

A-DATA SU3U1333W8G9-B 8GB DS ELPIDA J4208BASE-DJ-F - - • •

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808DEWSBG - - • • •

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 - • • •

Apacer AU02GFA33C9NBGC 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808APQSBG - - • • •

Apacer 78.B1GDE.9L10C 4GB DS Apacer AM5D5908CEHSBG - - • • •

Corsair TR3X3G1333C9 G 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

Corsair TR3X6G1333C9 G 6GB(3x 2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

CMD24GX3M6A1333C9

Corsair

(XMP)

Corsair TW3X4G1333C9D G 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

Corsair CM3X4GA1333C9N2 4GB DS Corsair

Corsair CMX4GX3M1A1333C9 4GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •

Corsair CMD8GX3M4A1333C7 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.60V • • •

Crucial CT12864BA1339.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24

24GB(6x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.60V • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

AD30908C8D-151C
E0906

256MBDCJGELC04
01136

- - •

9-9-9-24 - • • •

(continued on the next page)

ASUS F2A55-M

1-15

DDR3-1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Crucial

CT25664BA1339.16FF

Crucial BL25664BN1337.16FF (XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65V • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -

G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK(XMP) 1GB SS G.SKILL - - - • •

G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

F3-10666CL8D-

G.SKILL

4GBECO(XMP)

G.SKILL F3-10666CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 7-7-7-21 1.5V • • •

GEIL GV32GB1333C9DC 2GB(2 x 1GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24

GEIL GV34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

GEIL GVP34GB1333C7DC

Hynix

HMT112U6TFR8A-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TC1G83TFRH9A -

Hynix HMT325U6BFR8C-H9 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C - - • •

Hynix HMT125U6TFR8A-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TC1G83TFRH9A -

Hynix HMT351U6BFR8C-H9 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C - - • • •

Kingmax FLFD45F-B8KL9 NAES 1GB SS Kingmax

Kingmax FLFE85F-C8KF9 CAES 2GB SS Kingmax

Kingmax FLFE85F-C8KL9 NAES 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • • •

Kingmax FLFE85F-C8KM9 NAES 2GB SS Kingmax

Kingmax FLFE85F-B8KL9 NEES 2GB DS Kingmax

Kingmax FLFF65F-C8KL9 NEES 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • • •

Kingmax FLFF65F-C8KM9 NEES 4GB DS Kingmax

KVR1333D3N9/1G(low

Kingston

prole)

KVR1333D3N9/2G(low

Kingston

prole)

Kingston KVR1333D3S8N9/2G 2GB SS Micron IID77 D9LGK - 1.5V • • •

KVR1333D3S8N9/2G-SP(low

Kingston

prole)

KVR1333D3N9/2G(low

Kingston

prole)

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS KTC D1288JPNDPLD9U 9 1.5V • • •

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

KVR1333D3N9/2G-SP(low

Kingston

prole)

KVR1333D3N9/2G-SP(low

Kingston

prole)

Kingston KHX1333C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7 1.65V • • •

KHX1333C9D3UK2/

Kingston

4GX(XMP)

KVR1333D3N9/4G(low

Kingston

prole)

KVR1333D3N9/4G(low

Kingston

prole)

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS KTC D2568JENCNGD9U - 1.5V • • •

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - - • •

KVR1333D3N9/4G-SP(low

Kingston

prole)

Micron MT4JTF12864AZ-1G4D1 1GB SS Micron OJD12D9LGQ - - • •

Micron MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • • •

2GB DS

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS

1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFRH9C 9 - • • •

2GB SS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - 1.5V • • •

2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BFBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

2GB DS KTC D1288JEMFNGD9U - 1.5V • • •

2GB DS Kingston D1288JPSFPGD9U - 1.5V • • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9

4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •

4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - 1.5V • • •

4GB DS Kingston D2568JENCPGD9U - 1.5V • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Micron

-

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

9KF27D9KPT 9

- 7-7-7-24

KKB8FNWBFGNX­27A

KFC8FMFXF-DXX­15A

KFC8FNMXF-BXX­15A

KKB8FNWBFGNX­26A

KFC8FNMXF-BXX­15A

- - • • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

- - • •

- - • • •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

- •

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

XMP

• • •

1.35V

1.3V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.5V •

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

XMP

• • •

1.25V

•

•

•

•

1-16

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3-1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Micron

Micron

Micron MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 - • • •

Micron MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4D1 4GB DS Micron OLD22D9LGK - - • • •

NANYA NT4GC64B8HG0NF-CG 4GB DS NANYA NT5CB256M8GN-CG - - • • •

PSC AL7F8G73F-DJ2 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • •

PSC AL8F8G73F-DJ2 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3FGF - - • • •

Samsung M378B2873FHS-CH9 1GB SS Samsung K4B1G0846F - - • • •

Samsung M378B5773DH0-CH9 2GB SS Samsung K4B2G0846D - - • • •

Samsung M378B5673FH0-CH9 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846F - - • • •

Samsung M378B5273CH0-CH9 4GB DS Samsung K4B2G0846C - - • • •

Super Talent W1333UA1GH

Super Talent

Super Talent W1333UB2GS 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846F 9 - • • •

Super Talent W1333UB4GS 4GB DS Samsung K4B2G0846C - - • • •

Super Talent W1333UX6GM

Transcend JM1333KLN-2G 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BZRH9C - - • • •

Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2GB DS Micron 9GF27D9KPT - - • • •

Transcend TS1GLK64V3H 8GB DS Micron IVD22D9PBC - - • • •

KINGSTEK KSTD3PC-10600 2GB SS MICRON PE911-125E - - • • •

AMD AE32G1339U1-U 2GB SS AMD 23EY4587MB3H11503M 9-9-9-24 1.5V • •

AMD AE34G1339U2-U 4GB DS AMD 23EY4587MB3H11503M 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

ASint SLZ302G08-EDJ1C 2GB SS Asint SLZ302G08-DJ1C - - • • •

ASint SLA302G08-EDJ1C 4GB DS Asint SLA302G08-DJ1C - - • • •

ASint SLB304G08-EDJ1B 8GB DS Asint SLB304G08-DJ1B - - • • •

Elixir M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80BN-CG - - • • •

Elixir M2F2G64CB88D7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80DN-CG - - • •

Elixir M2F2G64CB88G7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80GN-CG - - • • •

Elixir M2F4G64CB8HB5N-CG 4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G80BN-CG - - • • •

Elixir M2F4G64CB8HD5N-CG 4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G80DN-CG - - • • •

Kingshare KSRPCD313332G 2GB DS PATRIOT PM128M8D385-15 - - • •

Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-10666 2GB DS Samsung

Kingtiger KTG2G1333PG3 2GB DS - - - - • • •

Markvision BMD32048M1333C9-1123 2GB DS Markvision M3D1288P-13 - - • • •

Markvision BMD34096M1333C9-1124 4GB DS Markvision M3D2568E-13 - - • • •

PATRIOT PSD32G13332H 2GB DS - - - - • • •

PATRIOT PG38G1333EL(XMP) 8GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • •

RAMAXEL RMR1870ED48E8F-1333 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F - - • • •

RAMAXEL RMR1870EC58E9F-1333 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - - • • •

RiDATA C304627CB1AG22Fe 2GB DS RiDATA N/A 9 - • • •

RiDATA E304459CB1AG32Cf 4GB DS RiDATA N/A 9 - • • •

Silicon Power SP002GBLTU133V02 2GB SS S-POWER 20YT3NG-1202 - - • • •

SILICON
POWER

Silicon Power SP004GBLTU133V02 4GB DS S-POWER 20YT3NG-1201 - - • •

TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-107EY 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.5V •

TAKEMS TMS2GB364D082-138EW 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • •

UMAX E41302GP0-73BDB 2GB DS UMAX U2S24D30TP-13 - - • • •

WINTEC 3WVS31333-2G-CNR 2GB DS AMPO AM3420803-13H - - • • •

MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB

MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB SS MICRON IJM22 D9PFJ - - • • •

W1333UX2G8(XMP)

SP002GBLTU133S02 2GB DS Elixir N2CB1680AN-C6 9 - • • •

SS/DSChip

SS

1GB

SS Hynix

2GB

SS

(2 x 1GB)

6GB

DS Micron 0BF27D9KPT 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

(3 x 2GB)

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

Micron OJD12D9LGK

H5TQ1G83TFR 9

- -

SEC 904 HCH9
K4B1G0846D

- -

8 -

- - • • •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

•

-

• •

•

• •

•

•

ASUS F2A55-M

1-17

DDR3-1066 MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF

Crucial

CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G(low prole) 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BFSE-DJ-F 7 1.5V • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/2G 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F 7 1.5V • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR 7 1.5V • • •

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

DS

1GB

SS Micron

9GF22D9KPT 7

• SS: Single-sided / DS: Double-sided

DIMM support:

• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration. We suggest that you install the module into A1 slot.

•

2 DIMMs: Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black

slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration. We suggest that
you install the modules into slots A1 and B1 for better compatibility.

• 4 DIMMs: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as

two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration

• Visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

-

• •

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

1.35V(low

• • •

voltage)

•

1-18

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components.
Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

1. Press the retaining clips
outward to unlock a DIMM
socket.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the
DIMM matches the DIMM
slot key on the socket.

Unlocked retaining clip

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into

a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips snap
back in place and the DIMM is
properly seated.

1.5.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

2

DIMM notch

1

1

DIMM slot key

3

Locked Retaining Clip

2

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing the

retaining clips. The DIMM might

get damaged when it ips out

with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS F2A55-M

1

1

DIMM notch

1-19

1.6 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.

1.6.1 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.

1.6.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure 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, conicts will arise between the two PCI

groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

1.6.3 PCI slot

The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

comply with PCI specications.

1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards

that comply with the PCI Express specications.

1-20

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard supports two PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI

Express specications.

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card x16 (Recommended for single VGA card) N/A

Dual VGA/PCIe card x16 x4

• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ mode.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN when using

PCI Express operating mode

PCIe x16_1 PCIe x16_2

graphics card to get better performance.

See page 1-26 for details.

multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIe x16_1 - - shared - - - - -

PCIe x16_2 shared - - - - - - -

PCIe x1_1 shared - - - - - - -

PCI slot - - - - shared - - -

AMD FCH SATA Controller - - - shared - - - -

AMD FCH USB 1.1
Controller

AMD FCH USB 2.0
Controller

ASMedia USB3.0
Controller

HD Audio Controller shared - - - - - - ­Onboad VGA - shared - - - - - -

- - shared - - - - -

- -shared - - - - - -

- - shared - - - - -

ASUS F2A55-M

1-21

1.7 Jumpers

F2A55-M

F2A55-M Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

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-

1-22

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper
again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the
battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter
settings to default values.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8 Connectors

12

5 6 7 8

910

4

11

3

1314

1

2

15

1.8.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2

mouse.

2. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an

optical S/PDIF cable.

3. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port.

VGA-compatible devices.

4. LAN (RJ-45) port.

through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection

This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)

This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other

LAN port

Speed

LED

Activity Link

LED

5. Center / Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer

speakers.

6. Rear Speaker Out port (black)

6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

7. Line In port (light blue)

sources.

8. Line Out port (lime)

channel, and 8-channel congurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker

Out.

9. Microphone port (pink)

ASUS F2A55-M

. This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-

. This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel,

. This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio

. This port connects a microphone.

1-23

10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speaker in an 8-channel

audio conguration.

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or
8-channel conguration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

11. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB

2.0/1.1 devices.

12. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2.

These two 9-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to

USB 3.0/2.0 devices.

• DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows
operating system.

• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under
Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.

• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.

• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster
and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.

®

13. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be converted to

output RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I.

14. HDMI port.

This port is for a High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector,

and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected
content.

15. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB

2.0/1.1 devices.

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

F2A55-M

F2A55-M Front panel audio connector

AAFP

AGNDNCSENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT2 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

NC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

NC

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

1.8.2 Internal connectors

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

F2A55-M

F2A55-M Digital audio connector

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.

•

If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector,

set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]. If you want to connect an
AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default,
this connector is set to [HD]. See section 2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration for
details.

2. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot
opening at the back of the system chassis.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

ASUS F2A55-M

1-25

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

F2A55-M

F2A55-M ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts

-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND

-12 Volts
+3 Volts

+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

+12V DC

GND

GND

F2A55-M

F2A55-M TPM Connector

PIN 1

TPM

PCICLK

FRAME

PCIRST#

LAD3

+3V

LAD0

SMBSCL

+3VSB

GND

SB_SUS_STAT

GND

PWROWN

LAD2

LAD1

GND

SMBSDA

SERIRQ

GPIO

RESET

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are

designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 300 W.

•

DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will
not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when conguring a

system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,
refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

4. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely

store keys, digital certicates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance

network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

TPM module is purchased separately.

1-26

Chapter 1: Product introduction

5. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)

F2A55-M

F2A55-M Serial port (COM) connector

PIN 1

COM

DCD

TXD

GND

RTS

RI

RXD

DTR

DSR

CTS

F2A55-M

F2A55-M Fan connectors

CPU_FANPWR_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

CHA_FAN

GND
CHA FAN PWR
CHA FAN IN
CHA FAN DC mode

Rotation

+12V

GND

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The COM module is purchased separately.

6. CPU and chassis fan connectors (3-pin PWR FAN, 4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin
CHA_FAN)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the

system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place
jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.

• Only the 4-pin CPU fan & CHA fan support ASUS FanXpert feature.

ASUS F2A55-M

1-27

7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)

F2A55-M

F2A55-M USB2.0 connectors

USB+5V

USB_P6-

USB_P6+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

USB56

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

The USB module cable is purchased separately.

1-28

Chapter 1: Product introduction

8. AMD® A55 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6 [blue])

SATA3G_1

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA3G_2

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA3G_3

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA3G_4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA3G_5

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA3G_6

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

F2A55-M

F2A55-M SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical drives via
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, and 0+1(10)

congurations through the onboard AMDl® A55 chipset.

• These connectors are set to [AHCI] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA

RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to
[RAID]. See section 2.5.2 SATA Conguration for details.

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to the RAID Supplementary Guide included in the
folder named Manual in the support DVD.

• You must install Windows
hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10) is available only if
you are using Windows® XP SP3 or later version.

• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the
[AHCI]. See section 2.5.2 SATA Conguration for details.

®

XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA

SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to

ASUS F2A55-M

1-29

9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

F2A55-M

F2A55-M System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

IDE_LED PWRSW RESET

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED
cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system
power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns
the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS
settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON
turns the system OFF.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without
turning off the system power.

1-30

Chapter 1: Product introduction

F2A55-M

F2A55-M MemOK! switch

1.9 Onboard switches

Onboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case

system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to
enhance system performance.

1. MemOK! switch

Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

• Refer to section 1.10 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

• The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment.

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot
and load BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST reminding you
that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

ASUS F2A55-M

1-31

2. GPU Boost switch

F2A55-M

F2A55-M GPU Boost switch

GPU Boost

F2A55-M

SB_PWR

ON

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

F2A55-M Onboard LED

F2A55-M

F2A55-M DRAM LED

DRAM LED

This switch allows you to enable or disable the GPU Boost function.

1.10 Onboard LEDs

1. 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.

2. DRAM LED

DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an
error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem
is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root
problem within a second.

1-32

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. GPU Boost LED

F2A55-M

F2A55-M GPU Boost LED

GPU_LED

The GPU Boost LED lights when the GPU Boost switch is turned to

Enable

.

ASUS F2A55-M

1-33

1.11 Software support

1.11.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP (32-bit) / Vista (64- and 32-bit)/ 7 (64- and 32­bit) / 8 (64- and 32-bit) Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and

corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for
detailed information.

• Ensure that you install Windows
Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better
compatibility and system stability.

1.11.2 Support DVD information

The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.

To run the Support DVD

Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the
DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which contains the unique features of ASUS
motherboard. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to display their
respective menus.

The following screen is for reference only.

®

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows®

Click an item to install

1-34

Click an icon to display
Support DVD/motherboard
information

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to

locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run

the DVD.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

BIOS information

2

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to

restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update
utility.

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment.

• ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).

• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The

2. Click the

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.

Specials menu appears.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS

To update the BIOS:

®

1. From the Windows

II X.XX.XX to launch the AI Suite II utility. The AI Suite II Quick Bar appears.

2. Click

ASUS F2A55-M

Update button from the Quick Bar, and then click ASUS Update from the popup

menu. The ASUS Update main screen appears. From the list, select either of the
following methods:

desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > AI Suite II > AI Suite

2-1

Updating from the Internet

a. Select

b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, then click

Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next.

Next.

c. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download then click

Next.

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update
the utility to avail all its features.

Updating from a BIOS file

a. Select

b. Locate the BIOS le from the

Update BIOS from le, then click Next.

Open window, then click Open.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process.

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based
utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at

www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Enter the

ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.

3. Press <Tab> to switch to the

4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS,

and then press <Enter>.

5. Press <Tab> to switch to the

6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to nd the BIOS le, and then press <Enter> to perform

the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.

Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select

Drive eld.

Folder Info eld.

2-2

• This function supports USB ash disks with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!

Chapter 2: Getting started

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le

when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS

le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains the updated BIOS
le.

• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS le in the removable device into

F2A55M.CAP.

• The BIOS le in the support DVD may not be the latest version. Download the latest
BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the USB ash drive that contains the
BIOS le to the USB port.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS le and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.

4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default
BIOS values.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!

ASUS F2A55-M

2-3

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater

The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also

allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or

gets corrupted during the updating process.

The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.

Before updating BIOS

1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB ash drive in FAT32/16 format and

single partition.

2. Download the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at

http://support.asus.com and save them on the USB ash drive.

NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS le and BIOS
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB ash drive in NTFS format.

3. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).

Booting the system in DOS environment

1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the USB port.

2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the

Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the
optical drive as the boot device.

BIOS

3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by
pressing the item number.

4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from Drive C

(optical drive) to Drive D (USB ash drive).

2-4

Chapter 2: Getting started

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater:

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type

2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30

F2A55-M

BOARD:
VER: 5010
DATE: 07/30/2012

F2A55M.CAP 4194304 2012-07-30 17:30:48

3. Press <Tab> to switch between screen elds and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys
to select the BIOS le and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS le
and prompts you to conrm BIOS update.

bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.

4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS
Updater. Restart your computer.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!

• For BIOS Updater version 1.30 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS
prompt after updating BIOS.

• Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.

Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9
Exit menu for details.

• Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS le if you have

disconnected them.

ASUS F2A55-M

2-5

2.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS

screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup
program.

Entering BIOS Setup at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup:

Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>,

•
POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

•

Press the reset button on the system chassis.

•

Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you

•

failed to enter BIOS Setup using the rst two options.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from
a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to
always shut down the system properly from the operating system.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website at
motherboard.

• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 2.9 Exit Menu for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.7 Jumpers for information
on how to erase the RTC RAM.

www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this

2-6

Chapter 2: Getting started

BIOS menu screen

The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the EZ
Mode/Advanced Mode screen.

EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the

Setup Mode item in section 2.7 Boot menu for details.

Selects the display language of the

Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output,
CPU/chassis/PWR fan speed

UEFI BIOS Utility - EZ Mode

F2A55-M

BIOS Version : 5010

Friday [10/08/2010]

Temperature Voltage Fan Speed

+113.0ºF/+45.0ºC CPU 1.248V 5V 5.160V CPU_FAN 3325RPM CHA_FAN N/A

CPU

MB +75.2ºF/+40.0ºC 3.3V 3.344V 12V 12.248V PWR_FAN N/A

System Performance

CPU Type : AMD A8-5600K with Radeon(tm) HD Graphics Speed : 3600 MHz

Total Memory : 1024 MB (DDR3 1333MHz)

Quiet

BIOS setup program

Exits the BIOS setup program without saving the
changes, saves the changes and resets the system,
or enters the Advanced Mode

Exit/Advanced Mode

English

Performance Energy Saving

Boot Priority

Use the mouse to drag or keyboard to navigate to decide the boot priority.

Advanced Mode(F7)Shortcut (F3)

Selects the
boot device
priority

Selects the
Advanced mode
functions

Dispalys the
Advanced
Mode menus

Displays the system properties
of the selected mode on the
right hand side

Normal

Power Saving mode

• The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.

• The

Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the

system.

ASUS F2A55-M

Boot Menu(F8)

Loads optimized default

Normal mode

Selects the boot device priority

Default(F5)

ASUS Optimal mode

2-7

Advanced Mode

The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the
BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed congurations.

To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.

Back button

Submenu item

Menu items

Menu bar

Pop-up window

Conguration elds

Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

General help

Navigation keys

Main For changing the basic system conguration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Monitor

For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the
fan settings

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tool For conguring options for special functions
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

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Chapter 2: Getting started

Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

Back button

This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click
this button to return to the previous menu screen.

Submenu items

A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t on

the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the
other items on the screen.

Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can
change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-congurable.

A congurable eld is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it and

press <Enter> to display a list of options.

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2.3 Main menu

The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.

2.3.1 System Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options. Conguration options:

[English] [Español] [Русский]

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.4 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.

• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.7 Jumpers for information on how to
erase the RTC RAM.

• The

Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default

Not Installed. After you set a password, these items show Installed.

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Chapter 2: Getting started

Administrator Password

If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only

selected elds in the BIOS setup program.

To set an administrator password:

1. Select the

2. From the

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change an administrator password:

1. Select the

2. From the
<Enter>.

3. From the

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator

password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear

the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.

Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.

Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

User Password

If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
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

2. From the

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

To change a user password:

1. Select the

2. From the
<Enter>.

3. From the

4. Conrm the password when prompted.

User Password item and press <Enter>.

Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.

User Password item and press <Enter>.

Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press

Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.

To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press

<Enter> when prompted to create/conrm the password. After you clear the password, the

User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.

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2.4 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

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Chapter 2: Getting started

Scroll down to display the following items:

Scroll down to display the following items:

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Target CPU Turbo-Mode Speed : xxxxMHz

Displays the CPU Turbo-Mode speed.

Target DRAM Speed : xxxxMHz

Displays the current DRAM speed.

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.

[Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

APU Frequency [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the AI Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and allows you
to adjust the APU frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> and <-> keys
to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The

values range from 90MHz to 300MHz.

2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. Conguration options: [DDR3­800MHz][DDR3-1066MHz][DDR3-1333MHz][DDR3-1600MHz][DDR3-1866MHz][DDR3­2133MHz][DDR3-2400MHz]

Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.

2.4.3 APU Multiplier [Auto]

Allows you to set the multiplier between the APU Core Clock and the APU Bus Frequency.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the
numeric keypad.

2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto]

Automatically adjusts the NB Frequency.

2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

EPU Setting [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode item to [Enabled] and

allows you to select the EPU power saving mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Light Power

Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode]

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Chapter 2: Getting started

2.4.6 GPU Boost [Auto]

Allows you to congure the GPU Boost settings.

[Auto] GPU is set to its optimized settings.

[Turbo] Select to achieve better 3D performance.

[Extreme] Select to get an excellent visual performance.

[Manual] Select to manually set your preferred value.

2.4.7 OC Tuner

OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for
enhancing the system performance. Press <Enter> and select OK to start automatic
overclocking.

2.4.8 DRAM Timing Control

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard
and press <Enter>.

Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.

2.4.9 CPU Voltage [Offset Mode]

[Offset Mode] To offset the voltage by a positive or negative value.

CPU Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to

0.50000V with a 0.00625V interval.

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage
may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system
unstable.

VDDNB Offset Mode Sign [+]

This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode].

[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.

[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.

VDDNB Offset Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the VDDNB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to

0.50000V with a 0.00625V interval.

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2.4.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.35V to 2.00V with a 0.005V
interval.

2.4.11 SB 1.1V Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Southbridge 1.1V voltage. The values range from 1.1V to 1.4V with a

0.01V interval.

2.4.12 1.1Vsb Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the 1.1Vsb voltage. The values range from 1.1000V to 1.4000V with a 0.1V
interval.

2.4.13 APU1.2V Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the APU (Accelerated Processor Unit) 1.2V voltage. The values range from

1.2000V to 1.8000V with a 0.01V interval.

2.4.14 VDDA Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.5000V to 2.8000V with a 0.1V
interval.

• The values of the CPU Offset Voltage, VDDNB Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage,
SB 1.1V Voltage, 1.1Vsb Voltage, APU1.2V Voltage, and VDDA Voltage items are
labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings.

• The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage
settings.

2.4.15 DIGI+ VRM

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Load-line Calibration is dened by AMD VRM specications and affects CPU voltage. The

CPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher load-line calibration
would get higher voltage and better overclocking performance, but increase the CPU and
VRM thermal. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following percentages
to boost the system performance: 0% (Regular), 60% (Medium), 80% (High), and 100%

(Extreme). Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Extreme]

The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specication.

CPU/NB Load Line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]

CPU Current Capability [100%]

This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a
wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.

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Chapter 2: Getting started

Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]

CPU/NB Current Capability [100%]

This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a
wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.

Conguration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]

CPU Power Phase Control [Standard]

Phase number is the number of working VRM phase. Increasing phase number under heavy
system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reducing phase

number under light system loading to increase VRM efciency.

[Standard] Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading.

[Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning prole.

[Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode.

[Manual Adjustment] Adjustment]Allows manual adjustment.

DO NOT remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual Mode. The
thermal conditions should be monitored.

CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU Voltage Frequency. The values range from 200Khz to 350Khz wtth
a 50Khz interval.

CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]

DIGI + VRM Duty control adjusts the current and thermal conditions of every component’s
phase. Conguration options:

[T. Probe] Select to maintain the VRM thermal balance.

[Extreme] Select to maintain the VRM current balance.

DO NOT remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+VRM related parameters.
The thermal conditions should be monitored.

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2.5 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

2.5.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.

The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed.

AMD PowerNow function [Enabled]

Enables or disables the AMD PowerNow function. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

NX Mode [Enabled]

Enables or disables the No-execute page protection function.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SVM [Enabled]

Enables or disables CPU virtualization. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPB Mode [Auto]

Allows you to disable CPB mode function. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

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Chapter 2: Getting started

C6 Mode [Enabled]

Enables or disables C6 mode function. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IOMMU [Enabled]

Enables or disables IOMMU support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.2 SATA Conguration

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The
SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA
port.

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

Enables or disables onboard channel SATA port. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].

The following three items appear only when you set the above item to [Enabled].

OnChip SATA Type [AHCI]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration.

[IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the SATA

[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI

SATA Port 5 - Port 6 [AHCI] or [RAID]

This item only appears when the previous item is set to [RAID] or [AHCI]. If Port 5-6

are congured as [AHCI] or [RAID], the ports can only be used under OS with driver

installed. Set to [IDE] instead of [AHCI] or [RAID] to access devices on Port 5-6 before

entering OS. Conguration options: [AHCI] [IDE] or [RAID] [IDE].

Board SATA RAID ROM [Legacy ROM]

This item only appears only when you set OnChip SATA Type to [RAID] and allows you

set the Board SATA RAID ROM. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Legacy ROM] [UEFI

DRIVER].

S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning

messages during the POST. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

hard disk drives.

(Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage
driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage
performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally

optimize the order of commands.

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2.5.3 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.

The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the
item shows None.

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Auto] or [Enabled].

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems

[Disabled] Disables the function.

(OS).

EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

[Disabled] Disables the function.

feature.

2.5.4 NB Conguration

IGFX Multi-Monitor [Disabled]

Enables or disables the Internal Graphics Device Multi-Monitor support for add-on VGA

devices. And the memory size of Internal Graphics Device will keep memory reserved.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Primary Video Device [PCIE / PCI Video]

Selects the primary display device. Conguration options: [IGFX Video] [PCIE / PCI Video]

Integrated Graphics [Auto]

Enables the integrated graphics controller. Conguration options: [Auto] [Force]

UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Force] and allows you to set the

UMA Frame Buffer Size. Conguration options: [Auto] [32M] [64M] [128M] [256M] ~ [2G]

2.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration

HD Audio Device [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

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Chapter 2: Getting started

The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Device item to [Enabled].

Front Panel Type [HD]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high­denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports.

[HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high denition audio.

[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97.

SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]

[SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.

[HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.

Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the Realtek LAN Controller item to [Enabled] and allows
you to enable or disable the Rom Help of the Realtek LAN controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard USB 3.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Enabled]

This item appears only when the Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller item is set to [Enabled].

[Enabled] Enables the Asmedia USB 3.0 battery charging function.

[Disabled] Disables this function

Serial Port Conguration

The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port conguration.

Serial Port [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Change Settings Auto]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to
select the Serial Port base address.

Conguration options: [Auto] [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4]
[IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]

2.5.6 APM

Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

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2-21

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

before the AC power loss.

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.

[Space Bar] Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.

[Ctrl-Esc] Sets the Ctrl+Esc key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.

[Power Key] Sets Power key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature

requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse.

[Enabled] Enables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse. This feature requires an ATX

power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Power On By PME [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up by PCI/PCIE devices.

[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE LAN or modem card.

This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead.

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables Ring to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] Enables Ring to generate a wake event.

Power On By RTC [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/

Minute/Second will become user-congurable with set values.

2.5.7 Network Stack

Network Stack [Disable Link]

This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguration options:

[Disable Link] [Enabled]

The following two items appear only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].

Ipv4 PXE Support [Enabled]

This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv4 PXE Boot support. Conguration options:

[Disable Link] [Enable]

Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled]

This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv6 PXE Boot support. Conguration options:

[Disable Link] [Enable]

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Chapter 2: Getting started

2.6 Monitor menu

The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.

Scroll down to display the following items:

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard
temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

2.6.2 CPU / PWR / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan

speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld

shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

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2-23

2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to

disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Conguration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300

RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

CPU Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Prole to [Manual].

depending on the CPU temperature.

CPU Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature.
The values range from 20ºC to 90ºC.

CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The
values range from 40% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the
upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

CPU Lower Temperature [20]

Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [40]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The
values range from 40% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under
40ºC, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

2.6.4 CHA_FAN Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

CHA_FAN Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]

This item appears only when you enable the CHA_FAN Q-Fan Control feature and allows you

to disable or set the CHA_FAN fan warning speed. Conguration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM]

[300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]

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Chapter 2: Getting started

CHA_FAN Fan Profile [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the CHA_FAN Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CHA_FAN fan.
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

The following four items appear only when you set CHA_FAN Fan Prole to [Manual].

depending on the chassis temperature.

operation.

CHA_FAN Upper Temperature [70]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the chassis
temperature. The values range from 20ºC to 90ºC.

CHA_FAN Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle.
The values range from 40% to 100%. When the chassis temperature
reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty
cycle.

CHA_FAN Lower Temperature [20]

Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature.

CHA_FAN Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [40]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle.
The values range from 40% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is
under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.

2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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2-25

2.7 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

Scroll down to display the following items:

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Chapter 2: Getting started

2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On]

[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Post Report [5 sec]

This item appears only when the Full Screen Logo item is set to [Disabled] and allows you to

set the waiting time for the system to display the post report. Conguration options: [1 sec] [2

sec] [3 sec] [4 sec] [5 sec] [6 sec] [7 sec] [8 sec] [9 sec] [10 sec] [Until Press ESC]

2.7.3 Fast Boot [Enabled]

Enables or disables the fast boot function. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following three items appear when Fast Boot is set to [Enabled].

USB Support [Partial In...]

[Disabled] All the USB devices will be available only afater entering the operating

[Full Initial] All the USB devices will be available during POST and in OS.

[Partial Initial] Specic USB device / port will be available before entering OS.

PS2 Devices Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PS2 devices support during POST.

[Enabled] Enables the PS/2 devices support during POST.

Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables network stack driver support during POST.

[Enabled] Enables network stack driver support during POST.

system (OS).

2.7.4 Post Logo Delay Time [3 sec]

Allows you to set the Post Logo Delay Time. Conguration options: [0 sec] [1 sec] ~ [10 sec].

2.7.5 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot

ASUS F2A55-M

sequence.

2-27

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

2.7.7 Next boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]

[Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot up process after AC Power Loss.

[Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot up speed after AC Power Loss.

2.7.8 CSM Parameters

This option allows you to control the CSM launch parmeters.

Launch CSM [Enabled]

Conguration option: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

The following four items appear when Launch CSM is set to [Enabled].

Boot Device Control [UEFI and L...]

Conguration option: [UEFI and Legacy OoROM] [Legacy OpROM only] [UEFI only]

Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpR...]

Conguration option: [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst] [Ignore]

Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpR...]

Conguration option: [Both, Legacy OpROM rst] [Both, UEFI rst] [Legacy OpROM
rst] [UEFI driver rst] [Ignore]

Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpR...]

Conguration option: [Legacy OpROM rst] [UEFI driver rst]

2.7.9 Security Boot parameters

This option allows you to congure the Security Boot parameters.

OS Type [Other Lega...]

Conguration option: [Windows 8 UEFI] [Other Legacy & UEFI]

Secure Boot Mode [Standard]

This item appears only when you set the OS Type to [Windows 8 UEFI]. Conguration
option: [Standard] [Custom]

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The following items appear when Secure Boot Mode is set to [Custom].

Key Management

Default Key Provisioning [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Install default Secure Boot Keys

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Set PK from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Get PK to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the PK

Chapter 2: Getting started

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Set KEK from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Get KEK to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the KEK

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Append an entry to KEK

Conguration options: [OK]

Set DB from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Get DB to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the DB

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Append an entry to DB

Conguration options: [OK]

Set DBX from File

Conguration options: [OK]

Get DBX to File

Conguration options: [OK]

Delete the DBX

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Append an entry to DBX

Conguration options: [OK]

2.7.10 Setup Mode [EZ Mode]

[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup

[EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.

program.

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices
installed in the system.

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo

appears.

• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

2.7.12 Boot Override

These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start
booting from the selected device.

ASUS F2A55-M

2-29

2.8 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen.

For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.

2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information

DIMM Slot # [DIMM A1]

Displays the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) information of the DIMM module installed on the

selected slot. Conguration options: [DIMM A1] [DIMM A2] [DIMM B1] [DIMM B2]

2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created.

Save to Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a prole. Key in a
prole number from one to eight, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

Load from Prole

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the prole

number that saved your CMOS settings, press <Enter>, and then select Yes.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/
CPU conguration and BIOS version.

2-30

Chapter 2: Getting started

2.9 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit
menu.

Load Optimized Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup

menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select Yes to load the default values.

Save Changes & Reset

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,

a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

Discard Changes & Exit

This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you

select this option or if you press <Esc>, a conrmation window appears. Select Yes to discard

changes and exit.

ASUS EZ Mode

This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.

Launch EFI Shell from lesystem device

This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.e) from one of
the available devices that have a lesystem.

ASUS F2A55-M

2-31

2-32

Chapter 2: Getting started

Appendices

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause

•
undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed

and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference

to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

•
connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

•

F2A55-M

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required

to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority

to operate this equipment.

A-1

IC: Canadian Compliance Statement

Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specications. This device complies with RSS

210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian
interference-causing equipment regulations.

This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Cut appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le

fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes :

(1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et

(2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer

un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement

VCCI Class B Statement

KC: Korea Warning Statement

A-2

Appendices

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling
information in different regions.

F2A55-M

A-3

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Web site www.asus.com.tw

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]
Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web site usa.asus.com

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]
Support fax [phone]
Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
Fax [phone]
Web site www.asus.de
Online contact www.asus.de/sales

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]*
Support Fax [phone]
Online support support.asus.com

* EUR 0.14/minute from a German xed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.

A-4

Appendices

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)

Responsible Party Name: Asus Computer International

Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont

, CA 94539.

Phone/Fax No: [phone]/[phone]

hereby declares that the product

Product Name : Motherboard

Model Number : F2A55-M

Conforms to the following specifications:

FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators

Supplementary Information:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Representative Person’s Name : Steve Chang / President

Signature :

Dat e : Jun. 01, 2012

Ver. 120601

EC Declaration of Conformity

We, the undersigned,

Manufacturer:

ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.

Address, City:

No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.O.C.

Country:

TAIWAN

Authorized representative in Europe:

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH

Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN

Country:

GERMANY

declare the following apparatus:

Product name : Motherboard

Model name : F2A55-M

conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:

2004/108/EC-EMC Directive

EN 55022:2010

EN 61000-3-2:2006+A1:2009+A2:2009

EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006

EN 55024:2010

EN 61000-3-3:2008

EN 55020:2007+A11:2011

1999/5/EC-R &TTE Directive

EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-10)

EN 300 440-1 V1.6.1(2010-08)

EN 300 440-2 V1.4.1(2010-08)

EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03)

EN 301 908-1 V4.2.1(2010-03)

EN 301 908-2 V3.2.1(2007-05)

EN 301 893 V1.4.1(2005-03)

EN 302 544-2 V1.1.1(2009-01)

EN 50360:2001

EN 50371:2002

EN 50385:2002

EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2(2011-09)

EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-4 V1.3.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)

EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)

EN 301 489-17 V2.1.1(2009-05)

EN 301 489-24 V1.5.1(2010-09)

EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)

EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)

EN 301 357-2 V1.3.1(2006-05)

EN 302 623 V1.1.1(2009-01)

2006/95/EC-LVD Directive

EN 60950-1 / A11:2009

EN 60950-1 / A12:2011

EN 60065:2002+A1:2006+A11:2008

EN 60065:2002 / A12:2011

2009/125/EC-ErP Directive

Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009

EN 62301:2005

Ver. 120601

CE marking

Declaration Date: Jun. 01, 2012

Year to begin affixing CE marking:2012

Position : CEO

Name : Jerry Shen

Signature : __________

EC conformit

y

markin

g)

F2A55-M

A-5

A-6

Appendices