No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
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 identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”)
and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this
product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,
and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machinereadable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product
including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, 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
In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.
The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.
This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source
Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code
we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the
product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives
etc to this email address).
ii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
M4A87TD EVO specications summary ................................................... ix
2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-26
2.9.4 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-26
2.10 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-27
v
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, and
• 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 modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
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.
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://green.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.
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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
vii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourselfInformation to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the componentsInformation 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 aTips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
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.
Typography
Bol d te xt Indicates a menu or an item to select.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 (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
viii
M4A87TD EVO specications summary
CPUAMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 Series ProcessorsSempron™ 100 Series Processors
AMD® 140W CPU Support
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology (by CPU type)
Supports 45nm CPU
ChipsetAMD® 870 / SB850
System busUp to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
1066 MHz ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
DDR3 Memory Ultra Low Voltage support
* Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB
capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only
recognize less than 3GB. Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you
want to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard.
** Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to
DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can
support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
*** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory
Expansion slots2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (blue at x16 mode, black at x4 mode)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
StorageSB850 chipet:
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
JMicron® JMB361 SATA & PATA controllers:
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x External SATA 3Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)
LANRTL8111E PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
AudioVIA® VT1818 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
- Supports 192kHz/24bit BD Lossless Sound
- ASUS Noise Filter
IEEE 1394VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
USBNEC USB 3.0 controller:
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue at back panel)
SB850 chipset:
- 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)panel)
(continued on the next page)
ix
M4A87TD EVO specications summary
ASUS Unique FeaturesASUS Xtreme Design
ASUS Hybrid Processor—TurboV EVO
- TurboV, CPU Level UP, Turbo Key
ASUS Hybrid Switch
- Core Unlocker
ASUS Hybrid OS—Express Gate
ASUS Power Solutions
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Exclusive Feature
- MemOK!
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: heatsink solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2™
- Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
Rear panel I/O ports1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V increment
- vDDNB: CPU NB voltage at 0.003125V increment
- vNB: Adjustable North Bridge voltage at 0.00625V
increment
- vHT bus: Adjustable HT voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.00625V
increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- CPU CLK tuning from 100MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz increment
- Memory tuning from 1066MHz up to 2000MHz
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to
150MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
2 X USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 X ESATA port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio I/O ports
(continued on the next page)
x
M4A87TD EVO specications summary
Internal I/O connectors3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports
ManageabilityWfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Support DVD contentsDrivers
Form factorATX form factor: 12 in x 8.8 in (30.5 cm x 22.4 cm)
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
1 x IDE connector
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x chassis fan connector (4-pin)
1 x power fan connector (3-pin)
1 x COM port connector
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x system panel connector
1 x high denition front panel audio connectorfront panel audio connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x Core Unlocker switch
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x MemOK! button
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
xi
xii
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A87TD EVO motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in
your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M4A87TD EVO motherboard
Cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cable
2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cable
1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentations User manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD® Socket AM3; Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-1
Series Processors
This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 multi-core processors with unique
L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransort™ 3.0
based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in the
new 45nm manufacturing process.
AMD® 870 chipset
1 2
AMD® 870 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s
HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16
graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to
provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.
DDR3 2000(O.C.) support
This motherboard supports DDR3 2000(O.C,), which provides faster
data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer
rate and computing efciency. This enhances system performance in 3D
graphics and other memory demanding applications.
True SATA 6Gb/s Support
Supporting next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this
motherboard delivers up to 6.0Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get
enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current
bus systems.
True USB 3.0 Support
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0—the
latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next generation
components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is
also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.
1.3.2 ASUS Unique Features
ASUS Exclusive Features
Core Unlocker
ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—with
just a simple switch. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply
unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes.
MemOK!
MemOK! Quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable
memory rescue tool requires a mere push of a button to patch memory
issues. MemOK! Determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves
your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time!
ASUS Power Solutions
8+1 Phase Power Design
To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU’s potential, ASUS
M4A87TD EVO motherboard has adopted the brand-new 8-phase
VRM power design, which delivers high power efciency and supreme
overclocking ability. This series’ high quality power components effective
lowers system temperature to ensure longer component lifespan. ASUS
M4A87TD EVO also features an extra 1-phase power for integrated
memory/HT controller to provide independent power to vital components.
1-2ASUS M4A87TD EVO
ASUS EPU
The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power
management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating
power usage for critical PC components in real-time–helping save power
and money!
ASUS Hybrid OS
ASUS Express Gate
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access
to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows® OS.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The streamline-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers
users a noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautifully curved ns
upgrade the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special
thickened bottom design effectively cools down hot airows generated
by the north bridge chipset. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the
ASUS streamline-shaped heatsink will give users an extremely silent and
cooling experience with the elegant appearance!
ASUS Intelligent Overclocking Tools
TurboV EVO
Whether novice or enthusiast, TurboV EVO satises overclockers of any
level. Intelligently push systems to the fastest, stable clock speeds with
Auto-Tuning. Turbo Key boosts performance with a simple touch, while
TurboV offers additional advanced options for breaking those records!
CPU Level UP
Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your
CPU at no additional cost with CPU Level UP! Simply pick the processor
you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest! See the new CPU
speed and enjoy that performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy
as this.
Auto Tuning
Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve
a total system level up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C.
beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with Auto
Tuning!
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-3
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to
static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and
detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, or components.
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 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.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place six (6) 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.
1-4ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/SlotsPage
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)1-26
2. CPU socket AM31-6
3. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1,
3-pin PWR_FAN)
4. DDR3 DIMM slots1-9
5. MemOK! switch1-19
6. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER)1-20
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)1-25
8. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)1-21
9. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)1-31
10. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)1-18
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)1-29
12. Serial ATA 6G/b connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)1-27
13. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)1-30
14. IEEE 1394a connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)1-32
15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)1-31
16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)1-30
17. USB 3.0 connectors1-24
1-28
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-5
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.
The CPU socket is not compatible with AMD® Opteron™ processors. Do not install an
Opteron™ processor on this motherboard.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Press the lever sideways to unlock
the socket, then lift it up to a
90°–100° angle.
Socket lever
Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°–100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not t in
completely.
3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU
corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner
with a small triangle.
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place.
The CPU ts only in one correct
orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into
the socket to prevent bending the pins
and damaging the CPU!
1-6ASUS M4A87TD EVO
Small triangle
Gold triangle
5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket
lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side
tab to indicate that it is locked.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the
instructions that came with the heatsink package.
You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan for instructions.
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN
connector on the motherboard.
Do not forget to connect the CPU
fan connector! Hardware monitoring
errors can occur if you fail to plug this
connector.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
Ensure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink ts
properly on the retention module base.
• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.
• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or
installing other motherboard components.
• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the
heatsink and fan assembly.
CPU Fan
CPU Heatsink
Retention bracket
Retention Module Base
Retention bracket lock
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-7
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for
1
3
4
5
2
the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not
match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking
sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.
Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly ts the retention mechanism module
base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.
4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the
heatsink and fan to the module base.
5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the
connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.
1-8ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but
is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are
developed for better performance with less power consumption. The gure illustrates the
location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:
ChannelSockets
Channel ADIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1
Channel BDIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2
1.7.2 Memory congurations
You may install 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM
sockets.
• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.
• 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 install a 64-bit
Windows OS when having 4GB or more memory installed on the motherboard.
• Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With
ASUS Design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
• When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 or higher
frequency DIMMs.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a
higher frequency, refer to section 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency
adjustment.
• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-9
M4A87TD EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-2000MHz capability
VendorPart No.Size
CORSAIRTW3X4G2000C7GT ES ver2.14GB(2 x 2GB)DS--
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip
NO.
TimingVoltage
7-8-720
DDR3-1866MHz capability
DIMM socket support
(Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
2.1V•
VendorPart No.Size
G.SKILLF3-15000CL9D-4GBRH (XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-24 1.65•
G.SKILLF3-15000CL9D-4GBTD(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-24 1.65•
KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP)6GB(3 x 2GB)DS--91.65•
CrucialBL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP)1GBSS--9-9-9-282•
G.SKILLF3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP)6GB(3 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-241.65•
GEILGU34GB2000C9DC(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-28 2•
KINGSTON KHX2000C9D3T1FK3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS--9 1.65•
KINGSTON KHX2000C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP)6GB(3 x 2GB)DS--9 1.65•
OCZOCZ3B2000LV6GK6GB(3 x 2GB) DS--7-8-71.65•
G.SKILLF3-17066CL8D-4GBPS(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB) DS--8-8-8-241.65•
G.SKILLF3-17066CL9T-6GB-T6GB(3 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-241.65•
GEILGE34GB2133C9DC(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB)DS--9-9-9-28 1.65•
GEILGU34GB2133C9DC(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-28 1.65•
KINGSTON KHX2133C8D3T1K2/4GX(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB)DS--81.65•
KINGSTON KHX2133C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB)DS--91.65•
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip
NO.
TimingVoltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM2 DIMM4 DIMM
DDR3-1800MHz capability
VendorPart No.Size
KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP)6GB(3 x 2GB)DS---1.65•••
PatriotPVS32G1800LLKN(EPP)2GB(2 x 1GB)SS--8-8-8-20 1.9•
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip
NO.
TimingVoltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM2 DIMM4 DIMM
DDR3-1600MHz capability
VendorPart No.Size
A-DATAAX3U1600PB1G8-2P2GB(2 x 1GB) SS--8-8-8-241.65-1.85•••
A-DATAAD31600E001GMU3GB(3 x 1GB) SS--8-8-8-241.65-1.85•••
A-DATAAX3U1600PB1G8-3P3GB(3 x 1GB) SS--8-8-8-241.65-1.85•••
A-DATAAX3U1600XB2G7-EF(XMP)4GB(2 x 2GB) DS--7-7-7-201.75-1.85•••
A-DATAAD31600F002GMU(XMP)6GB(3 x 2GB) DS --7-7-7-201.75-1.85•••
A-DATAAX3U1600GB2G9-3G6GB(3 x 2GB) DS--9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 •••
A-DATAAX3U1600XB2G7-FF(XMP)6GB(3 x 2GB) DS--7-7-7-201.75-1.85•••
CORSAIRTR3X3G1600C8DVer2.1(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS--8-8-8-241.65••
SS/DSChip
Brand
Chip
NO.
TimingVoltage
DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM2 DIMM4 DIMM
1-10ASUS M4A87TD EVO
DDR3-1600MHz capability (continued)
VendorPart No.Size
CORSAIRTR3X3G1600C9Ver1.1(XMP)3GB(3 x 1GB) SS--9-9-9-241.65••
When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 or higher
frequency DIMMs.
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:
• A*: Supports one module inserted into slot A1 as Single-channel memory conguration.
• B*: Supports two modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one
pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.
• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the blue slots and the black slots as two
pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-15
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM
Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system
components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the
components.
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.
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. Hold the DIMM by both of its ends,
then insert the DIMM vertically into
the socket. Apply force to both ends
of the DIMM simultaneously until the
retaining clips snap back into place,
and the DIMM cannot be pushed in
any further to ensure proper sitting of
the DIMM.
Always insert the DIMM into the socket VERTICALLY to prevent DIMM notch damage.
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM
DIMM notch
1
DIMM slot key
3
1
2
Unlocked retaining clip
3
Locked Retaining Clip
1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
2
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
1
1
Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM
might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.
1-16ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.8 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.
1.8.1 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.
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for
information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that
the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI
groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.
1.8.3 PCI slots
The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that
comply with PCI specications.
1.8.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that
comply with the PCI Express specications.
1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
This motherboard supports two PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics cards that complt with the PCI
Express specications.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-17
1.9 Jumper
Clear RTC RAM (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 the CMOS clearance, 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 C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut
down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to
default values.
• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You
must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before
rebooting the system.
1-18ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.10 Onboard switches
Onboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-
case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to
enhance system performance.
1. MemOK! switch
Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
• Refer to section 1.11 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 (Qualied 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 messgae 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.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-19
2. Core Unlocker switch
This switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of your CPU.
For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system
is powered off.
• The Core Unlocker LED near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting
is turned to Enable. Refer to section 1.11 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the
Core Unlocker LED.
• You may also press <4> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) or enable the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to activate the Core Unlocker function.
• The system will use the last setting you have made.
• If you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the ASUS Core Unlocker item
in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.
1-20ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.11 Onboard LEDs
1. Standby Power LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED 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. Core Unlocker LED
The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is turned to Enable.
The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in
the BIOS menu is set to [Disabled].
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-21
3. DRAM LED
DRAM LED checks DRAM status during motherboard booting process. If an error is
found , the LED will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly
design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.
1-22ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.12 Connectors
1.12.1 Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.
2. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for
connecting USB 2.0 devices.
3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub.
LED
LAN port
SPEED
LED
Activity Link LEDSpeed LED
StatusDescriptionStatusDescription
OFFNo linkOFF10 Mbps connection
ORANGELinkedORANGE100 Mbps connection
BLINKINGData activityGREEN1 Gbps connection
ACT/LINK
4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers.
5. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel,
6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.
6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio
sources.
7. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel,
6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front
Speaker Out.
8. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
9. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for
connecting USB 2.0 devices.
10. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an
optical S/PDIF cable.
11. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for
audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices.
12. External SATA port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk drive.
DO NOT insert different connectors to the external SATA ports.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-23
13. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for
connecting USB 2.0 devices.
14. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 (blue). These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 3.0 devices.
15. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel
audio conguration.
16. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or
8-channel conguration.
Audio 2, 4, 6, 8-channel conguration
Port
Light BlueLine InLine InLine InLine In
LimeLine OutFront Speaker OutFront Speaker OutFront Speaker Out
PinkMic InMic InMic InMic In
Orange––Center/SubwooferCenter/Subwoofer
Black–Rear Speaker OutRear Speaker OuRear Speaker Out
Gray–––Side Speaker Out
Headset
2-channel
4-channel6-channel8-channel
1-24ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.12.2 Internal connectors
1. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three
connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the
following modes to congure your devices:
Drive jumper settingMode of device(s)Cable connector
Single deviceCable-Select or Master-Black
Cable-Select
Two devices
MasterMaster
SlaveSlave
• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA
cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.
• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.
MasterBlack
SlaveGray
Black or gray
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the
same setting.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-25
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are
designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down rmly until the connectors completely t.
• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU)
that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum
power of 600 W.
• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when conguring 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.
1-26ASUS M4A87TD EVO
3. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1-6)
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,
or RAID 10 conguration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller.
• These connectors are set to IDE mode by default. In IDE 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 SATA Port item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See
section 2.4.2 Storage Conguration for details.
• You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP2 or later version.
• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Port item in the BIOS to [AHCI]. See
section 2.4.2 Storage Conguration for details.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-27
4. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1,
3-pin PWR_FAN)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient 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 the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.
• Only the CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN1 connectors support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature.
• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to
the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 for better thermal environment.
1-28ASUS M4A87TD EVO
5. 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 PWRSR)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns
the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS
settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON
turns the system OFF.
• Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without
turning off the system power.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-29
6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)
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 specication 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 2.0 module is purchased separately.
7. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) ports.
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
1-30ASUS M4A87TD EVO
8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either High Denition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front
panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard high-denition audio capability.
• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector,
ensure that the Azalia Front Panel item in the BIOS is set to [HD]. If you want to
connect an AC’97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97].
See page 2-18 for details.
9. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The serial port bracket (COM1) is purchased separately.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-31
10. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis.
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.
1-32ASUS M4A87TD EVO
1.13 Software support
1.13.1 Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows® 7/Vista/XP 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. Use the setup procedures presented in
this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
• Ensure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing
the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.
1.13.2 Support DVD information
The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.
• The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit
the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.
• For detailed software instructions, see the Manual folder in the Support DVD or
download the latest software manual from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
To run the Support DVD
Place the Support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu
if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
The screen on this page is used for reference only.
Click an icon to
display Support DVD/
motherboard information
Click an item to install
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to
locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run
the DVD.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-33
1-34ASUS M4A87TD EVO
Chapter 2
BIOS setup
2.1 Knowing BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device
conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in
the following circumstances:
• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to
run the BIOS Setup.
• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
2.2 Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this
motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.
2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash disk.
3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support
DVD or a USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash drive in case you need
to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS
Update utility.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-1
2.2.1 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 Drivers menu appears.
2. Click the Utilities tab, and then click Install ASUS Update.
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 > ASUSUpdate >
ASUSUpdate to launch the ASUS Update utility.
2. From the dropdown list, select any of the updating process:
Updating from the Internet
a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, and then click Next.
b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto
Select, and then click Next.
c. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download, and 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 a le, and then click Next.
b. Locate the BIOS le from the Open window, and then click Open.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process.
2-2ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
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 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, and then
launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways:
• Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST.
• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and
press <Enter> to enable it.
Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found.
ASUSTeK EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14
Current ROM
BOARD: M4A87TD EVO
VER: 0209
DATE: 02/22/2010
PATH: A:\
A:
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
2. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process
and automatically reboots the system when done.
• Only a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support the ASUS
EZ Flash 2 utility.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.10 Exit Menu for
details.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-3
2.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 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 BIOS le.
The BIOS le in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS le published
on the ASUS ofcial website. If you want to use the newer BIOS le, download the le at
support.asus.com and save it to a USB ash drive.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS:
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB ash drive
containing 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 starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.
4. Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on
again.
5. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F2> to load default
BIOS values.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!
2-4ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.3 BIOS setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update using the
provided utility described in section 2.2 Updating BIOS.
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your
system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to congure your system
using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the conguration of
your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the security password feature or
change the power management settings. This requires you to recongure your system using
the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them
in the CMOS RAM of the rmware chip.
The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues
with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, reboot the system by doing any of the following
procedures:
• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.
• 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.
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 Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven
program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and make your selections from the
available options using the navigation keys.
• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure
optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS
settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the
Load Setups Default item under the Exit Menu. See section 2.10 Exit Menu.
• 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.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-5
2.3.1 BIOS menu screen
Menu itemsMenu barConguration eldsGeneral help
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
System Time [13:51:25]
System Date [Mon 01/29/2010]
Language [English]
SATA 1 [HDT722516DLA380]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [ATAPI DVD DH1]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]
Storage Conguration
System Information
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.
Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Submenu itemsNavigation keys
2.3.2 Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main For changing the basic system conguration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration
Boot For changing the system boot conguration
Tools For changing the system tools conguration
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the
desired item is highlighted.
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter 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 information.
2-6ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.3.3 Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.
Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.
2.3.4 Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their
respective menu items.
2.3.5 Submenu items
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To
display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.
2.3.6 Conguration elds
These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can
change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not usercongurable.
A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the
value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 2.3.8 Pop-up
window.
2.3.7 General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.
2.3.8 Pop-up window
Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to
display a pop-up window with the conguration
options for that item.
2.3.9 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>
Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC support [Enabled]
APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Scroll bar
Pop-up window
Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
+- Change Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys
to display the other items on the screen.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-7
2.4 Main menu
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an
overview of the basic system information.
Refer to section 2.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and
how to navigate through them.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
System Time [13:51:25]
System Date [Mon 01/29/2010]
Language [English]
SATA 1 [HDT722516DLA380]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [ATAPI DVD DH1]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]
SATA 5 [Not Detected]
SATA 6 [Not Detected]
Storage Conguration
System Information
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.
Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
2.4.1 SATA 1–6
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There
is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item and press <Enter> to
display the SATA device information.
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size,
LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART Monitoring). These
values are not user-congurable. These items show N/A if no SATA device is installed in the
system.
Type [Auto]
Allows you to select the type of device installed.
[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is installed.
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate device type.
[CDROM] Select this option if you are specically conguring a CD-ROM drive.
[ARMD] Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a
ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.
This item appears in SATA 5/SATA 6 only.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
[Auto] Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)
[Disabled] Disables this function.
2-8ASUS M4A87TD EVO
if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously
formatted with LBA mode disabled.
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]
[Auto] When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in
[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one
multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.
sector at a time.
PIO Mode [Auto]
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,
[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Sets the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
which correspond to different data transfer rates.
DMA Mode [Auto]
DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware
devices installed with much less CPU overhead.
The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA
(Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,
[Enabled] Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.
[Disabled] Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.
and Reporting Technology).
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]
[Enabled] Sets the controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into
[Disabled] Disables this function.
a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes more
efcient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the
transfer of a particular amount of data.
2.4.2 Storage Conguration
The Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the onboard channel SATA port.
[Disabled] Disables the onboard channel SATA port.
The following two items appear only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to
[Enabled].
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-9
SATA Port1–Port4 [IDE]
Allows you to set the SATA conguration.
[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 conguration 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 Port5–Port6 [IDE]
Setting this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the
optical drives connected to the SATA connectors 5 or 6 when installing OS.
• When the SATA Port1–Port 4 and the SATA Port5–Port 6 items are set to [AHCI], the
information of the SATA connectors 1–6 can be seen only under the OS environment or
during POST.
• For Windows® XP OS, you have to install the AHCI driver, so that you could use the
SATA connectors 1–6 in AHCI mode under the OS environment.
If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that
you install the optical drive to the SATA connectors 5/6 and set them to [IDE] mode.
2.4.3 System Information
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically
detects the BIOS information, CPU specication, and system memory in this menu.
2-10ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.5 Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld
values can cause the system to malfunction.
The default values of the following items vary depending on the CPU and memory modules
you install on the motherboard.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Congure System Performance Settings
Target CPU Frequency : 3100MHz
Target DRAM Frequency: 1067MHz
CPU Level UP [Auto]
-------------------------------------------------
OC Tuner Utility
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
CPU Ratio [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]
HT Link Speed [Auto]
DRAM Timing Conguration
DRAM Driving Conguration
******* Please key in numbers directly! *******
CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]
CPU Offset Voltage 1.296 [Auto]
CPU/NB Offset Voltage 1.150 [Auto][Auto]
CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
Scroll down to display the following items:
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
HT Voltage [Auto]
NB Voltage [Auto]
***********************************************
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Warning: this function
belongs to overclocking, and it may cause
instability.
Select a CPU level,
and the rest will be
auto-adjusted. If you
want to adjust more,
set Ai Overclock Tuner
to Manual after you
select a CPU level.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
2.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto]
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted
according to the selected CPU level. If you want to manually congure the settings in detail,
set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level.
• The conguration options vary depending on the CPU model you install on the
motherboard.
• The CPU Level UP function support depends on CPU types.
2.5.2 OC Tuner Utility
OC Tuner utility automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of the CPU and DRAM.
Press <Enter> to start auto tuning. It takes around ve minutes, and the system will reboot for
several times until auto tuning is completed.
2.5.3 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 conguration options:
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-11
ManualAllows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
AutoLoads the optimal settings for the system.
D.O.C.P
CPU Level UP
The conguration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the CPU/DIMMs
you install on the motherboard.
Allows you to select a DRAM O.C. prole, and the related parameters will be
adjusted automatically.
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be adjusted
automatically.
OC From CPU Level UP [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and allows
you to select a CPU level. The related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to
the selected CPU level.
DRAM O.C. Profile [DDR3-1600MHz]
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [D.O.C.P.] and
allows you to select a DRAM O.C. prole, which applies different settings to DRAM
frequency, DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. Conguration options: [DDR3-1600MHz]
[DDR3-1800MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2000MHz]
Profile Info : xxxxMHz–x-x-x-xx
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [D.O.C.P.] and
displays the current DRAM prole information. The prole information varies according
to the DRAM O.C. Prole you’ve selected.
2.5.4 CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Use the
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU
model.
CPU Bus Frequency [XXX]
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and displaysdisplays
the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the CPU Bus frequency. You can also key in the desired frequency using
the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 600.
PCIE Frequency [XXX]
This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and allowsallows
you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE
frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range
from 100 to 150.
2.5.5 DRAM Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the CPU
Bus Frequency item settings.
Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.
2.5.10 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]
Allows you to set the CPU & CPU/NB Voltage Mode. Different sub-items appear according to
the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item setting. Conguration options: [Offset] [Manual]
CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Offset]
and allows you to set the CPU Offset voltage. The values range from 0.003125V to
0.700000V with a 0.003125V interval.
2-14ASUS M4A87TD EVO
CPU/NB Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Offset]
and allows you to set the CPU/NB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.003125V to
0.700000V with a 0.003125V interval.
CPU Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual]
and allows you to set a xed CPU voltage.
CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual]
and allows you to set a xed CPU/NB voltage.
2.5.11 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.20000V to 2.90000V with
a 0.00625V interval.
2.5.12 DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 2.20000V with a
0.00625V interval.
2.5.13 HT Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.40000V
with a 0.00625V interval.
2.5.14 NB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.25000V with
a 0.00625V interval.
2.5.15 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.5.16 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line mode.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.5.17 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
[Auto] Automatic conguration.
[Disabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability.
[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.
2.5.18 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
[Auto] Automatic conguration.
[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.
[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-15
2.6 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.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration
PCIPnP
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Congure CPU.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
2.6.1 CPU Conguration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
Microcode Updation [Enabled]
[Enabled] Allows the system to update the Microcode automatically, enhancing
[Disabled] Disables this function.
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
Cool‘n’Quiet [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled]
[Enabled] Enables the ASUS Core Unlocker to get the full computing power of the
[Disabled] Disables this function.
C1E Support [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to
[Disabled] Disables this function.
system performance.
processor.
enable the Enhanced Halt Sate.
2-16ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.6.2 Chipset
The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the submenu.
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].
[Enabled] Enables the onboard Gigabit LAN Boot ROM.
[Disabled] Disables the LAN Boot ROM.
Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.
Onboard ATA Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the onboard ATA controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.
Onboard ATA Controller ROM [Enabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].
[Enabled] Enables the onboard ATA controller ROM.
[Disabled] Disables the onboard ATA controller ROM.
Onboard USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.
2.6.4 USB Conguration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and
press <Enter> to display the conguration options.
The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is
detected, the item shows None.
2-18ASUS M4A87TD EVO
USB Support [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers.
[Disabled] Disables the controllers.
The following items appear only when you set USB Support to [Enabled].
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
[Disabled] Disables the function.
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
[FullSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps).
[HiSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps).
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
[Disabled] Disables the function.
feature.
2.6.5 PCIPnP
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.
Plug And Play O/S [No]
[Yes] When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the
[No] When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system.
operating system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for
boot.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-19
2.7 Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and
Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the conguration options.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
2.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used
for system suspend. Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]
[S1(POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on Suspend) sleep state.
In S1 sleep state, the system appears suspended and stays in a low power
mode. The system can be resumed at any time.
[S3 Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep state (default).
In S3 sleep state, the system appears to be off and consumes less power than in
the S1 state. When signaled by a wake-up device or event, the system resumes
to its working state exactly where it was left off.
[Auto] - Detected by OS.
2.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.
[No] The system will not invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.
[Yes] The system invokes VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
2.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]
Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0
specications. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.7.4 ACPI APIC support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI)
support in the Application-Specic Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to [Enabled], the ACPI
APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2-20ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.7.5 APM Conguration
EuP Ready [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the Energy Using Products (EuP) Ready function.
[Enabled] Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 state to get system ready for
Restore On 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
Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE devices.
[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE LAN or modem card.
Power On By PS/2 Devoces [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 devices.
[Enabled] Enables the Power On by a PS/2 devices. This feature requires an ATX
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables to power up the computer when the external modem receives a
[Enabled] The computer could be powered up when the external modem receives a
the EuP requirement. When set to [Enabled], power for WOL, WO_USB,
audio and onboard LEDs will be switched off at S5 state.
before the AC power loss.
This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead.
power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully
running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst try. Turning an external modem
off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the
system power on.
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.
[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and RTC Alarm
Time (HH:MM:SS) will become user-congurable with set values.
2.7.6 Hardware Monitor
CPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU
temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-21
CPU Fan / Power Fan / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan, power fan
and chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the
motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected
speed.
VCORE / 3.3V / 5V / 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected voltage output.
CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds
for more efcient system operation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM]
A warning message will appear to remind you that the CPU fan speed is lower than the
selected value.
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to
[Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature. Set
this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation, or [Performance]
Allows you to enable or disable the chassis Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds
for more efcient system operation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2-22ASUS M4A87TD EVO
2.8 Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the submenu.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Boot Settings
Boot Device Priority
Boot Settings Conguration
Security
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
2.8.1 Boot Device Priority
1st–xxth Boot Device
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.
Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to
decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the
POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.
A virtual oppy disk
drive (Floppy Drive B:
) may appear when you
set the CD-ROM drive
as the rst boot
device.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Conguration options: [Off] [On]
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
When set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
When set to [Enabled], the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during
POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-23
2.8.3 Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.
Change Supervisor Password
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows
Installed.
To set a Supervisor Password
1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or
numbers, then press <Enter>.
3. Conrm the password when prompted.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your password.
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a supervisor
password.
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press
<Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.
If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock
(RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change
other security settings.
User Access Level [Full Access]
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.
No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.
Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.
Change User Password
Select this item to set or change the user password. 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 Change User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.
3. Conrm the password when prompted.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password successfully.
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
Clear User Password
Select this item to clear the user password.
2-24ASUS M4A87TD EVO
Password Check [Setup]
When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When
set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the
system. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]
2.9 Tools menu
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Express Gate [Auto]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]
ASUS O.C. Prole
AI NET 2
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <OK>, a conrmation message
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <OK> to
conrm your choice.
2.9.2 Express Gate [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate
feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser
and Skype. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst screen before
starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the rst screen of
Express Gate for user action. Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5
When setting this item to [Reset], make sure to save the setting to the BIOS so that the
user data will be cleared the next time you enter the Express Gate. User data includes the
Express Gate’s settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser
(bookmarks, cookies, browsing history, etc.). This is useful in the rare case where corrupt
settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.
The rst time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after
clearing its settings.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Press ENTER to run
the utility to select
and update BIOS.
This utility supports
1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)
2.NTFS (read only)
3.CD-DISC (read only)
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-25
2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Add Your CMOS Prole.
Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, type your
prole name and press <Enter>, and then choose a prole number to save your CMOS
settings in the Save To sub-item. You can save eight (8) CMOS proles.
Load CMOS Prole.
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter>, and
choose a prole to load.
Start O.C. Prole
Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.
• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk with FAT
32/16 format and single partition only.
• 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
conguration and BIOS version.
• Only the “xxx.CMO” le can be loaded.
2.9.4 AI NET 2
Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]
Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS
items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Exit Options
Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes
Load Setup Defaults
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this
menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.
F10 key can be used
for this operation.
←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Exit & Save Changes
Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to
ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery
sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this
option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit.
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts
you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter>
to save the changes while exiting.
Exit & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the
Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System Time, and
Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.
Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved
values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select OK to discard any changes
and load the previously saved values.
Load Setup 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 conrmation window appears.
Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes
before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.
Chapter 2: BIOS setup2-27
2-28ASUS M4A87TD EVO
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 (Component) +49-1805-010923*
Telephone (System/Note/Eee/LCD) +49-1805-010920*
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.