ASUS F2A85MCSM User Manual

Motherboard
F2A85-M
ii
E8005 Third Edition
December 2012
Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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 MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”), under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data, you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download or (2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location
where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Legal Compliance Dept. 15 Li Te Rd., Beitou, Taipei 112 Taiwan
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iii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
F2A85-M specications summary ............................................................................ix
Package contents ...................................................................................................... xii
Product introduction
1.1 Special features ............................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights ...........................................................................
1-1
1.1.2 DIGI+VRM Digital Power Design ....................................................
1-2
1.1.3 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................................
1-2
1.2 Before you proceed ......................................................................................
1-5
1.3 Motherboard overview .................................................................................
1-6
1.3.1 Placement direction ........................................................................
1-6
1.3.2 Screw holes ....................................................................................
1-6
1.3.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................................
1-7
1.3.4 Layout contents ...............................................................................
1-8
1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) ............................................................
1-8
1.4.1 Installing the APU ............................................................................
1-9
1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation .................................
1-10
1.5 System memory ..........................................................................................
1-12
1.5.1 Overview .......................................................................................
1-12
1.5.2 Memory congurations ..................................................................
1-13
1.5.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................................
1-20
1.5.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................................
1-20
1.6 Expansion slots ..........................................................................................
1-21
1.6.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................................
1-21
1.6.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................................
1-21
1.6.3 PCI slot .........................................................................................
1-21
1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................................
1-21
1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slots ...................................................................
1-22
1.7 Jumpers
.......................................................................................................1-23
1.8 Connectors ..................................................................................................
1-24
1.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................................
1-24
1.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................................
1-26
1.9 Onboard switches ......................................................................................
1-32
1.10 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................................
1-33
1.11 Software support ........................................................................................
1-35
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................................
1-35
1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................................
1-35
iv
BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .............................................................2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................................
2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................................
2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................................
2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .......................................................................
2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program .....................................................................................
2-6
2.3 Main menu ...................................................................................................
2-10
2.3.1 System Language [English] ..........................................................
2-10
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .......................................................
2-10
2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] .................................................................
2-10
2.3.4 Security .........................................................................................
2-10
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................
2-12
2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................................
2-14
2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................................
2-14
2.4.3 APU Multiplier [Auto] .....................................................................
2-14
2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto] .....................................................................
2-14
2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................................
2-14
2.4.6 GPU Boost [Auto] ..........................................................................
2-15
2.4.7 OC Tuner ......................................................................................
2-15
2.4.8 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................................
2-15
2.4.9 CPU Voltage [Offset Mode] ...........................................................
2-15
2.4.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ....................................................................
2-16
2.4.11 SB 1.1V Voltage [Auto] .................................................................
2-16
2.4.12 1.1VSB Voltage [Auto] ..................................................................
2-16
2.4.13 APU1.2V Voltage [Auto] ................................................................
2-16
2.4.14 VDDA Voltage [Auto] .....................................................................
2-16
2.4.15 DIGI+ VRM ....................................................................................
2-16
2.5 Advanced menu ..........................................................................................
2-18
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................................
2-18
2.5.2 SATA Conguration .......................................................................
2-19
2.5.3 USB Conguration ........................................................................
2-20
2.5.4 NB Conguration ...........................................................................
2-20
2.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................................
2-20
2.5.6 APM ..............................................................................................
2-21
2.5.7 Network Stack ...............................................................................
2-22
2.6 Monitor menu ..............................................................................................
2-23
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature
[xxxºC/xxxºF]...................... 2-23
2.6.2 CPU / PWR / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] .
2-23
v
2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................................2-24
2.6.4 CHA_FAN Q-Fan Control [Enabled] .............................................
2-24
2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage ..................
2-25
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................................
2-25
2.7 Boot menu ...................................................................................................
2-26
2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] .........................................................
2-26
2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ...........................................................
2-27
2.7.3 Fast Boot [Enabled] ......................................................................
2-27
2.7.4 Post Logo Delay Time [3 sec] .......................................................
2-27
2.7.5 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] .......................................................
2-27
2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ...........................................
2-27
2.7.7 Next boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot] ..............................
2-28
2.7.8 CSM Parameters ..........................................................................
2-28
2.7.9 Security Boot parameters .............................................................
2-28
2.7.10 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................................
2-29
2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................................
2-29
2.7.12 Boot Override ................................................................................
2-29
2.8 Tools menu ..................................................................................................
2-30
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................................
2-30
2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information .................................................................
2-30
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................................
2-30
2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................................
2-31
Appendices
Notices ..................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-4
vi

Safety information

Electrical safety
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.
Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
viii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. .
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
ix
(continued on the next page)
F2A85-M specications summary
APU AMD® socket FM2 for A- series /AthlonTM Series Processors, supports CPU
up to 4 cores
Supports AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0
• The AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support depends on the APU types.
• Refer to
www.asus.com for AMD APU support list.
Chipset AMD® A85X FCH (Hudson D4)
Memory 4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 64GB unbuffered non-ECC
DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2250(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866/
1600/1333/1066MHz memory modules
Dual-channel memory architecture
* The maximum 64GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above
DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the market.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows
®
32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system.
Graphics Integrated AMD Radeon™ HD 7000 Series Graphics in A-series 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
®
DirectX 11
- Maximum shared memory of 2G
- Supports AMD
®
Dual Graphics technology
* Refer to
http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/dual-graphics/ Pages/dual-graphics.aspx#3 for the discrete GPUs which support 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
Multi-GPU support
Supports AMD CrossFireX™ Technology (x16 & x4)
Storage / RAID
AMD® A85X FCH:
- 7x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors(gray) with RAID 0, RAID 1,RAID
5,RAID 10 and JBOD support
- 1x eSerial ATA 6Gb/s at the back I/O
LAN
Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller
Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Support 192khz/24bit BD lossless sound
- BD Audio Layer Content Protection
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
USB
AMD® A85X FCH :
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at back panel, [blue], 2 ports at mid-
board)
- 10 x USB2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at back panel, [black], 6 ports at mid-
board)
x
F2A85-M specications summary
ASUS unique features
ASUS Digital Power Design:
- Industry leading digital 4+2 phase power design
- CPU Power Utility
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- ASUS Network iControl*
- ASUS Remote GO!
- ASUS AI Charger
- ASUS GPU Boost
- ASUS TurboV
- ASUS 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
* The ASUS Network iControl feature does not support Windows
®
XP/Vista operating systems.
ASUS Exclusive overclocking features
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)
xi
F2A85-M specications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice.
Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
1 x eSATA port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
8-Channel audio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors/buttons/ switches
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports (19­pin)
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
7 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)
1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin)
1 x Chassis fan connector (4-pin)
1 x power Fan connector (3-pin)
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x COM connector
1 x GPU Boost switch
1 x MemOK! button
1 x TPM header
1 x System panel connector (20-8pin)
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V poweer connector
BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor
uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
xii

Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS F2A85-M motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
User Manual
1 x I/O Shield User Guide Support DVD
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.
F2A85-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
®
A85X
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)
ESATA6G _USB3 _12
LAN _USB12
SATA6G_6
SATA6G_5
SATA6G_7
SATA6G_4
SATA6G_3
SATA6G_2
SATA6G_1
SPDIFO _HDMI
MemOK!
DRAM_LED
DVI_VGA
SOCKET FM2
EATXPWR
USB3_34
GPU_LED
GPU Boost
ATX12V
DIGI+ VRM
ASUS F2A85-M
1-1

Product introduction

1

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

AMD® A-series and AthlonTM Series Processors
This motherboard supports AMD® A- series and AthlonTM Series Processors. This revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines processing power and advanced
DirectX 11 graphics in one small, energy-efcient design to enable accelerated performance
and an industry-leading visual experience. It features Dual-channel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5GT/s.
AMD® A85X FCH (Hudson D4) Chipset
AMD® A85X FCH (Hudson D4) is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and AMD CrossFireXTM. It supports 8 x SATA 6.0Gb/s ports and 4 x USB 3.0 ports.
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.
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.) /1866/1600/1333/1066 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.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support
With AMD® A85X FCH natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an
ACPI management function to provide efcient power management for advanced operating
systems.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
1.1.2 DIGI+VRM Digital Power Design
DIGI+ POWER CONTROL: Digital Power Design for the APU*
ASUS motherboards using the AMD® A85X 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 A85X 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.
ASUS EPU
EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s rst real-time system power-saving chip,
automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.
It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the component’s lifespan.
1.1.3 Innovative ASUS features
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 F2A85-M
1-3
Remote GO!
Remote GO! links PCs, tablets, smartphones and TVs wirelessly together through an existing LAN cable and router setup. It allows users to stream multimedia content from PC to DLNA devices, access their computer anywhere using their mobile device at home, while also
allowing easy le transfers between your computer and mobile device. It provides seamless
environment for a futuristic connected lifestyle with three useful functions: DLNA Media Hub, Remote Desktop and File Transfer.
DLNA Media Hub: Enjoy HD video, music and photos stored in the PC streaming to your DLNA devices via Wi-Fi connectivity. You can even control the PC to play multimedia on a TV
with a tablet. It’s the perfect match for creating your own home theater!
Remote Desktop: Operate and control your PC in real-time from a smartphone or tablet for complete comfort. This function brings notebook-like convenience, by creating a virtual remote desktop, offering portable access to your data in desktop with a smartphone or tablet.
File Transfer: Send and share les between your PC and smart devices* with only a right
click on the mouse.
* iPad/iPhone can send, but not receive les from the PC.
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.
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.
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).
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.
USB 3.0 Boost
Accelerated USB 3.0 Data Transfer Rates with ASUS USB 3.0 Boost Technology
With USB 3.0 Boost technology, USB transfer speeds are signicantly increased up to
132%, enhancing an already impressive USB 3.0 transfer rate. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any further
user conguration.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
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.
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.
ErP ready
The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP
requires products to meet certain energy efciency requirements in regards to energy
consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-
efcient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the
product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
ASUS F2A85-M
1-5

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.
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
F2A85-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 F2A85-M
1-7
1.3.3 Motherboard layout
F2A85-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
®
A85X
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)
ESATA6G _USB3 _12
LAN _USB12
SATA6G_6
SATA6G_5
SATA6G_7
SATA6G_4
SATA6G_3
SATA6G_2
SATA6G_1
SPDIFO _HDMI
MemOK!
DRAM_LED
DVI_VGA
SOCKET FM2
EATXPWR
USB3_34
GPU_LED
GPU Boost
ATX12V
DIGI+ VRM
1 2
5
2 43
9
10
1617 15
13
12
11
14
8
6
7
1
9
18
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-27
2. CPU, power fan and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN and 3-pin PWR_FAN)
1-28
3. GPU Boost switch 1-33
4. GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED) 1-34
5. AMD® FM2 Socket 1-8
6. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-12
7. MemOK! switch 1-32
8. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 1-33
9. SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~7) 1-30
10. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-33
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-31
12. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM) 1-27
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-23
14. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-29
15. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 1-29
16. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 1-28
17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-26
18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-26

1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)

This motherboard comes with an FM2 socket designed for AMD® A- series and AthlonTM processors.
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!
F2A85-M
F2A85-M CPU socket FM2
ASUS F2A85-M
1-9

1.4.1 Installing the APU

1
43
2
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1
2
53 4
1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly
ASUS F2A85-M
1-11
To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly
5
3
1
4
2
1-12
Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5 System memory

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
F2A85-M
F2A85-M 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
ASUS F2A85-M
1-13
1.5.2 Memory congurations
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded XMP Prole is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU’s capabilities and other
installed devices.
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better overclocking capability.
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows
®
OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:
- Install a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows® OS.
- Use a 64-bit Windows
®
OS if you want to install 4GB or more memory on the
motherboard.
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.
The maximum 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.
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP) 4GB(2x 2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V • Kingmax FLLE88F-C8KKAA HAIS(XMP) 2GB SS - - 10-11-10-30 1.8V
Team TXD34096M2400HC9N-L 4GB DS
SEC 128 HCH9
K4B2G0846D 9-11-11-28 1.65V
Team TXD34096M2400HC9N-L 4GB DS
SEC 128 HCH9
K4B2G0846D 9-11-11-28 1.65V
F2A85-M Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability
1-14
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3-2000 (O.C.) MHz capability
DDR3-2200 (O.C.) MHz capability
DDR3-2250 (O.C.) MHz capability
DDR3-2133 (O.C.) MHz capability
Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS
Chip Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
Kingston KHX2250C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/ DS
Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
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
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
A-DATA AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2(XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-11-9-27
1.55~
1.75V
Corsair CMT16GX3M4X2133C9(XMP 1.3) 16GB(4GB x 4) 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(4GB x 2) 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
SEC 128 HCH9
K4B2G 0846D
9-11-11-28 1.65V
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 DS
SEC 128 HCH9
K4B2G 0846D
9-11-11-28 1.65V
Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS
Chip Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V
Corsair CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - -
10-10­10-27
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(3 x 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(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • Kingston KHX2000C9AD3W1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • Kingston KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • Kingston KHX2000C9AD3W1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • Kingston KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V
Asint SLA302G08-ML2HB(XMP) 4GB DS HYNIX
H5TQ2G8 3BFR H9C
- -
ASUS F2A85-M
1-15
DDR3-1866 MHz capability
DDR3-1600 MHz capability
(continued on the next page)
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip NO.
Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
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 x 4) DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.5V • G.SKILL F3-14900CL10Q2-64GBZLD(XMP1.3) 64GB(8GB x 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(2GB x 4) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6V • Kingston KHX1866C9D3K4/16GX(XMP) 16GB(4GB x 4) 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(4GB x 2) DS - - - 1.65V
AMD AP38G1869U2K 8GB(4GB x 2) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5V
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
A-DATA AM2U16BC2P1 2GB SS A-DATA
3CCD-1509A EL1126T
- -
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
3CCD-1509A EL1126T
- -
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) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • Corsair CMD12GX3M6A1600C8(XMP) 12GB(6 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V
Corsair CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10(XMP) 32GB(8GB x 4) DS - -
10-10­10-27
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
H5TQ2G83 CFR PBC
- -
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
Kingston
KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/12GX (XMP)
12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V
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
D1288JPN DPLD9U
11-11­11-28
1.35V-1.5V
1-16
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3-1600 MHz capability
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
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 • Kingston KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • 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
Talent
WA160UX6G9 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 -
Transcend JM1600KLN-8GK 8GB(4GB x 2) DS Transcend TK483PCW3 - -
SanMax SMD-4G68HP-16KZ 4GB DS HYNIX
H5TQ2G83B FR PBC
- -
AMD AE32G1609U1-U 2GB SS -
23EY4587M B6H11503M
9-9-9-24 1.5V
AMD AE34G1609U2-U 4GB DS AMD
23EY4587M B6H11503M
9-9-9-24 1.5V
ASint SLZ302G08-EGN1C 2GB SS Asint
SLZ302G0 8-GN1C
- -
Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP) 2GB DS Asint
3128M 8-GJ1D
9-9-9-24 1.6V
Asint SLA302G08-EGG1C(XMP) 4GB DS Asint
302G0 8-GG1C
- -
Asint SLA302G08-EGJ1C(XMP) 4GB DS Asint
302G0 8-GJ1C
- -
ASint SLA302G08-EGN1C 4GB DS Asint
SLA302G 08-GN1C
- -
ASint SLB304G08-EGN1B 8GB DS Asint
SLB304G 08-GN1B
- -
Elixir M2P2G64CB8HC9N-DG(XMP) 2GB DS - - - -
Elixir M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG(XMP) 8GB DS Elixir 1213
N2CB4G8 BOBN-DG
- -
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
Power
SP002GBLTU160V02(XMP) 2GB SS S-POWER
20YT5N G-1201
- -
Silicon Power
SP004GBLTU160V02(XMP) 4GB DS S-POWER
20YT5N G-1201
- -
Apacer 78.B1GE3.9L10C 4GB DS
Apacer KZZC
AM5D590 8DEQSCK
- -
Kingston KHX16C9K2/16 16GB(8GB x 2) DS - - - 1.5V
Elixir M2X8G64CB8HB5N-DG(XMP) 8GB DS Elixir 1213
N2CB4G8 BOBN-DG
- -
ASUS F2A85-M
1-17
(continued on the next page)
DDR3-1333 MHz capability
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
A-DATA AD31333001GOU 1GB SS A-Data
AD30908C8D-151C E0906
- -
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
A-DATA AXDU1333GC2G9-2G(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24
1.25V-
1.35V(low voltage)
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(3 x 2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • Corsair CMD24GX3M6A1333C9(XMP) 24GB(6x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.60V • Corsair TW3X4G1333C9D G 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V
Corsair CM3X4GA1333C9N2 4GB DS Corsair
256MBDCJGELC04 01136
9-9-9-24 -
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 - • Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 - • 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 -
1.35V(low voltage)
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -
1.35V(low voltage)
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
G.SKILL
F3-10666CL8D­4GBECO(XMP)
4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 XMP 1.35V
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
1.3V(low voltage)
GEIL GV34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • GEIL GVP34GB1333C7DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5V
Hynix HMT112U6TFR8A-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TC1G83TFRH9A -
1.35V(low voltage)
Hynix HMT325U6BFR8C-H9 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C - -
Hynix HMT125U6TFR8A-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TC1G83TFRH9A -
1.35V(low voltage)
Hynix HMT351U6BFR8C-H9 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83BFRH9C - - • Kingmax FLFD45F-B8KL9 NAES 1GB SS Kingmax KKB8FNWBFGNX-27A - - • Kingmax FLFE85F-C8KF9 CAES 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FMFXF-DXX-15A - - • Kingmax FLFE85F-C8KL9 NAES 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • Kingmax FLFE85F-C8KM9 NAES 2GB SS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • Kingmax FLFE85F-B8KL9 NEES 2GB DS Kingmax KKB8FNWBFGNX-26A - - • Kingmax FLFF65F-C8KL9 NEES 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNLXF-DXX-15A - - • Kingmax FLFF65F-C8KM9 NEES 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A - - • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/1G(low prole) 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G(low prole) 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFRH9C 9 - • Kingston KVR1333D3S8N9/2G 2GB SS Micron IID77 D9LGK - 1.5V
Kingston
KVR1333D3S8N9/2G-SP(low
prole)
2GB SS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - 1.5V
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G(low prole) 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BFBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS KTC D1288JPNDPLD9U 9 1.5V • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V
Kingston
KVR1333D3N9/2G-SP(low
prole)
2GB DS KTC D1288JEMFNGD9U - 1.5V
Kingston
KVR1333D3N9/2G-SP(low
prole)
2GB DS Kingston D1288JPSFPGD9U - 1.5V
Kingston KHX1333C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7 1.65V • Kingston KHX1333C9D3UK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 XMP 1.25V • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G(low prole) 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G(low prole) 4GB DS ELPIDA J2108BCSE-DJ-F - 1.5V
1-18
Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR3-1333 MHz capability
Vendors Part No. Size
SS/ DS
Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS KTC D2568JENCNGD9U - 1.5V • Kingston KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - -
Kingston
KVR1333D3N9/4G-SP(low
prole)
4GB DS Kingston D2568JENCPGD9U - 1.5V
Micron MT4JTF12864AZ-1G4D1 1GB SS Micron OJD12D9LGQ - - • Micron MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • Micron MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB SS Micron OJD12D9LGK - - • Micron MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4M1 2GB SS MICRON IJM22 D9PFJ - - • 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 1GB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83TFR 9 -
Super Talent W1333UX2G8(XMP)
2GB(2 x 1GB)
SS - - 8 -
Super Talent W1333UB2GS 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846F 9 - • Super Talent W1333UB4GS 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C - -
Super Talent W1333UX6GM
6GB(3 x 2GB)
DS Micron 0BF27D9KPT 9-9-9-24 1.5V
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
SEC 904 HCH9 K4B1G0846D
- -
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
SP002GBLTU133S02 2GB DS Elixir N2CB1680AN-C6 9 -
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 - -
ASUS F2A85-M
1-19
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 A2 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 A2 and B2 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.
DDR3-1066 MHz capability
Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS
Chip Brand
Chip NO. Timing Voltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs
Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 -
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -
1.35V(low voltage)
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F -
1.35V(low voltage)
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
1-20
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.
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.
Locked Retaining Clip
3
1.5.4 Removing a DIMM
To remove a DIMM:
1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
Support the DIMM lightly with
your ngers when pressing the
retaining clips. The DIMM might
get damaged when it ips out
with extra force.
DIMM notch
1
1
2
Unlocked retaining clip
1
DIMM notch
2
1
DIMM slot key
ASUS F2A85-M
1-21

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.
1-22
Chapter 1: Product introduction
In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performance.
We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running CrossFireX™ mode.
See page 1-27 for details.
Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
VGA conguration
PCI Express operating mode
PCIe x16_1 PCIe x16_2
Single VGA/PCIe card x16 (Recommended for single VGA card) N/A
Dual VGA/PCIe card x16 x4
1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slots
This motherboard supports two PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI
Express specications.
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 1 - - - - shared - - -
Realtek 8111F (LAN) - shared - - - - - -
On Chip SATA - - - shared - - - -
On Chip USB OHCI 1/2/3/4 - - shared - - - - -
On Chip USB EHCI 1/2/3 - -shared - - - - - -
On Chip USB XHCI 1 - - shared - - - - -
On Chip USB XHCI 2 - shared - - - - - ­HD Audio shared - - - - - - -
ASUS F2A85-M
1-23

1.7 Jumpers

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 <
Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-
enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
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.
F2A85-M
F2A85-M Clear RTC RAM
1 2 2 3
Normal
(Default)
Clear RTC
CLRTC
1-24
Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8 Connectors

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.
This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other
VGA-compatible devices.
4. eSATA 6.0Gb/s port.
This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk drive.
5. LAN (RJ-45) port.
This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
LAN port LED indications
LAN port
Speed
LED
Activity Link
LED
6. Center / Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer
speakers.
7. Rear Speaker Out port (black)
. This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel,
6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.
8. Line In port (light blue)
. This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio
sources.
9. Line Out port (lime)
. This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-
channel, and 8-channel congurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker
Out.
10. Microphone port (pink)
. This port connects a microphone.
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
13
6 7 8 9
1011
5
12
3
1415
41 2
16
ASUS F2A85-M
1-25
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration
11. 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.
Port
Headset
2-channel
4-channel 6-channel 8-channel
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
12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB
2.0/1.1 devices.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4
. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB
2.0/1.1 devices.
1-26
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 2.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration for details.
F2A85-M
F2A85-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
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.
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
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.
SPDIF_OUT
+5V
SPDIFOUT
GND
F2A85-M
F2A85-M Digital audio connector
ASUS F2A85-M
1-27
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.
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
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.
F2A85-M
F2A85-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
+12V DC
+12V DC
GND
GND
PIN 1
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.
F2A85-M
F2A85-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
1-28
Chapter 1: Product introduction
The COM module is purchased separately.
5. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
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.
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 and CHA FAN can support ASUS FanXpert feature.
F2A85-M
F2A85-M Serial port (COM) connector
PIN 1
COM
DCD
TXD
GND
RTS
RI
RXD
DTR
DSR
CTS
F2A85-M
F2A85-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
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.
ASUS F2A85-M
1-29
7. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)
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.
F2A85-M
F2A85-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
8. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports. Connect the USB 3.0 bracket cable to this connector, then install the USB 3.0 bracket to the rear side of the chassis. If your
chassis support customized front panel installation, with ASUS USB 3.0 header, you
can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution.
The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately.
F2A85-M
F2A85-M USB3.0 Front panel connector
USB3_34
1-30
Chapter 1: Product introduction
9. Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G 1~7)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you
can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or JBOD conguration through the
onboard controller.
These connectors are set to AHCI mode by default. In AHCI mode, you can connect
Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to [RAID]. See section 2.5.2 SATA Conguration for details.
You must install Windows
®
XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows® XP SP3 or later version.
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to
[AHCI]. See section 2.5.2 SATA Conguration for details.
SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2
GND
RSATA_RXP1
RSATA_RXN1
GND
RSATA_TXN1
RSATA_TXP1
GND
GND
RSATA_RXP2
RSATA_RXN2
GND
RSATA_TXN2
RSATA_TXP2
GND
SATA6G_3 SATA6G_4
GND
RSATA_RXP3
RSATA_RXN3
GND
RSATA_TXN3
RSATA_TXP3
GND
GND
RSATA_RXP4
RSATA_RXN4
GND
RSATA_TXN4
RSATA_TXP4
GND
SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6
GND
RSATA_RXP5
RSATA_RXN5
GND
RSATA_TXN5
RSATA_TXP5
GND
SATA6G_7
GND RSATA_TXP7 RSATA_TXN7
GND RSATA_RXN7 RSATA_RXP7
GND
GND
RSATA_RXP6
RSATA_RXN6
GND
RSATA_TXN6
RSATA_TXP6
GND
F2A85-M
F2A85-M SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors
ASUS F2A85-M
1-31
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
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 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.
F2A85-M
F2A85-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
1-32
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
F2A85-M
F2A85-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.
ASUS F2A85-M
1-33
2. GPU Boost switch
This switch allows you to enable or disable the GPU Boost function.
F2A85-M
F2A85-M GPU Boost switch
GPU

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.
F2A85-M
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
F2A85-M Onboard LED
F2A85-M
F2A85-M DRAM LED
DRAM LED
1-34
Chapter 1: Product introduction
3. GPU Boost LED
The GPU Boost LED lights when the GPU Boost switch is turned to
Enable
.
F2A85-M
F2A85-M GPU Boost LED
GPU_LED
ASUS F2A85-M
1-35

1.11 Software support

1.11.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 / 8 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
®
XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / 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.
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.
The following screen is for reference only.
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.
Click an item to install
Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information
1-36
Chapter 1: Product introduction
ASUS F2A85-M
2-1

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
Specials menu appears.
2. Click the
Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
Updating the BIOS
To update the BIOS:
1. From the Windows
®
desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > AI Suite II > AI Suite
II X.XX.XX to launch the AI Suite II utility. The AI Suite II Quick Bar appears.
2. Click
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:

BIOS information

2
2-2
Chapter 2: Getting started
Updating from the Internet
a. Select
Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next.
b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, then click
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
Update BIOS from le, then click Next.
b. Locate the BIOS le from the
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
Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.
3. Press <Tab> to switch to the
Drive eld.
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
Folder Info eld.
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.
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!
ASUS F2A85-M
2-3
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
F2A85M.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!
2-4
Chapter 2: Getting started
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
BIOS
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the
optical drive as the boot device.
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).
ASUS F2A85-M
2-5
Updating the BIOS le
To update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater:
1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type
bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
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.
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.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30
BOARD:
F2A85-M
VER: 5011 DATE: 08/07/2011
F2A85M.CAP 4194304 2012-08-07 17:30:48
2-6
Chapter 2: Getting started

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
www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this
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.
ASUS F2A85-M
2-7
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.
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.
Exits the BIOS setup program without saving the changes, saves the changes and resets the system, or enters the Advanced Mode
Selects the display language of the BIOS setup program
Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output, CPU/chassis fan speed
Power Saving mode
Normal mode
ASUS Optimal mode
Loads optimized default
Selects the boot device priority
Selects the boot device priority
Displays the system properties of the selected mode on the right hand side
Selects the Advanced mode functions
Displays the Advanced mode menus
2-8
Chapter 2: Getting started
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.
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
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
Navigation keys
General help
Menu bar
Submenu item
Conguration elds
Menu items
Pop-up window
Back button
ASUS F2A85-M
2-9
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.
2-10
Chapter 2: Getting started

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.
ASUS F2A85-M
2-11
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
Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the
Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
3. Conrm the password when prompted.
To change an administrator password:
1. Select the
Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the
Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3. From the
Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
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.
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
User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the
Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
3. Conrm the password when prompted.
To change a user password:
1. Select the
User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the
Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3. From the
Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4. Conrm the password when prompted.
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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Chapter 2: Getting started

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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Scroll down to display the following items:
Scroll down to display the following items:
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Chapter 2: Getting started
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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2.4.6 GPU Boost [Auto]
Allows you to congure the GPU Boost settings.
[Auto] GPU is set to its optimized settings.
[Turbo Mode] Select to achieve better 3D performance.
[Extreme Mode] Select to get an excellent visual performance.
[Manual Mode] 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 [+]
[+] 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 [+]
[+] 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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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 [300Khz]
Allows you to set the CPU Voltage Frequency. The values range from 200Khz to 350Khz with 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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Chapter 2: Getting started

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]
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CPB Mode [Auto]
Allows you to disable CPB mode function. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
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
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the SATA
hard disk drives.
[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI
(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.
SATA Port 5, 6, 7, ESATA [AHCI] or [RAID]
This item only appears when the previous item is set to [AHCI] or [RAID]. If Port 5, 6, 7,
ESATA 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,
7 and ESATA 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].
OnChip SATA MAX Speed [SATA 6.0Gb/s]
Sets the maximum onboard SATA port speed. Conguration options: [SATA 3.0Gb/s] [SATA
6.0Gb/s]
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]
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Chapter 2: Getting started
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
(OS).
[Disabled] Disables the function.
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]
[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.
[Disabled] Disables the function.
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] ~ [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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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]
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.
[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.
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Chapter 2: Getting started
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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2.6 Monitor menu

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

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.
Scroll down to display the following items:
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Chapter 2: Getting started
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
depending on the CPU temperature.
[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].
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 20ºC, 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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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
depending on the chassis temperature.
[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan
operation.
[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].
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 20ºC, 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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Chapter 2: Getting started

2.7 Boot menu

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

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].
Scroll down to display the following items:
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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
system (OS).
[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.
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
sequence.
[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.
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Chapter 2: Getting started
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]
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
Conguration options: [Yes] [No]
Set KEK from File
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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
program.
[EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup 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.
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Chapter 2: Getting started

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.
ASUS F2A85-M
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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.
2-32
Chapter 2: Getting started
F2A85-M
A-1

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.
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-2
Appendices
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
F2A85-M
A-3
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.
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Appendices

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail info@asus.com.tw Web site www.asus.com.tw
Technical Support
Telephone +86-21-38429911 Online support support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA Telephone +1-812-282-3777 Fax +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany Fax +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone +49-1805-010923* Support Fax +49-2102-9599-11 Online support support.asus.com
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German xed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.
F2A85-M
A-5
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: (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555
hereby declares that the product
Product Name : Motherboard
Model Number : F2A85-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 : Jul. 01, 2012
Ver. 120601
EC Declaration of Conformity
We, the undersigned,
Manufacturer:
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address, City:
4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN
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 : F2A85-M
conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:
2004/108/EC-EMC Directive
EN 55022:2010
EN 61000-3-2:2006+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 V5.2.1(2011-05)
EN 301 908-2 V5.2.1(2011-07)
EN 301 893 V1.6.1(2011-11)
EN 302 544-2 V1.1.1(2009-01)
EN 302 623 V1.1.1(2009-01)
EN 300 330-1 V1.7.1(2010-02)
EN 300 330-2 V1.5.1(2010-02)
EN 50360:2001
EN 62479:2010
EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2(2011-09)
EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)
EN 301 489-4 V1.4.1(2009-05)
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 V1.4.1(2008-11)
EN 50385:2002
EN 62311:2008
2006/95/EC-LVD Directive
EN 60950-1 / A11:2009
EN 60950-1 / A12:2011
EN 60065:2002 / A2:2010
EN 60065:2002 / A12:2011
2009/125/EC-ErP Directive
Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008
Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009
Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009
2011/65/EU-RoHS Directive Ver. 121001
CE marking
Declaration Date: Dec. 10, 2012
Year to begin affixing CE marking:2012
Position : CEO
Name : Jerry Shen
Signature : __________
(EC conformity marking)
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Appendices
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