ASUS M4A87TD USB3 User Manual

M4A87TD

Motherboard

E5359

First Edition V1
March 2010

Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”)
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In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
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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 specications summary ........................................................... ix

Chapter 1 Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-1

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1

1.3.2 ASUS Xtreme Design ..................................................... 1-2

1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-4

1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-4

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-4

1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-4

1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-5

1.5.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 1-5

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-6

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-6

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 1-7

1.7 System memory ........................................................................... 1-8

1.7.1 Overview ......................................................................... 1-8

1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................... 1-9

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-14

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-14

1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-15

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-15

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-15

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-15

1.8.4 PCI Express 2.0 x4 / x1 slots ........................................ 1-15

1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 1-15

1.9 Jumper ........................................................................................ 1-16

1.10 Onboard switch .......................................................................... 1-17

1.11 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................ 1-18

1.12 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-20

1.12.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-20

iii

Contents

1.12.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-21

1.13 Software support ........................................................................ 1-28

1.13.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-28

1.13.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-28

Chapter 2 BIOS information

2.1 Knowing BIOS .............................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Updating BIOS .............................................................................. 2-1

2.2.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 2-3

2.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-4

2.3 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-8

2.3.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 2-9

2.3.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 2-9

2.3.3 Navigation keys ............................................................. 2-10

2.3.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-10

2.3.5 Submenu items ............................................................. 2-10

2.3.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 2-10

2.3.7 General help ................................................................. 2-10

2.3.8 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-10

2.3.9 Scroll bar ....................................................................... 2-10

2.4 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-11

2.4.1 SATA 1–6 .......................................................................2-11

2.4.2 Storage Conguration ................................................... 2-12

2.4.3 System Information ....................................................... 2-13

2.5 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 2-14

2.5.1 CPU Level UP .............................................................. 2-14

2.5.2 OC Tuner Utility ............................................................. 2-14

2.5.3 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 2-15

2.5.4 CPU Ratio .................................................................... 2-15

2.5.5 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 2-15

2.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency ..................................................... 2-16

2.5.7 HT Link Speed ............................................................. 2-16

2.5.8 DRAM Timing Conguration ......................................... 2-16

2.5.9 DRAM Driving Conguration ......................................... 2-17

2.5.10 CPU & NB Voltage Mode .............................................. 2-17

iv

Contents

2.5.11 DRAM Voltage ............................................................. 2-18

2.5.12 HT Voltage ................................................................... 2-18

2.5.13 NB Voltage ................................................................... 2-18

2.5.14 CPU Load-Line Calibration .......................................... 2-18

2.5.15 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration .................................... 2-18

2.5.16 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 2-18

2.5.17 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 2-18

2.6 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-19

2.6.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-19

2.6.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-20

2.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 2-20

2.6.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-21

2.6.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-22

2.7 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-23

2.7.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 2-23

2.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 2-23

2.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 2-23

2.7.4 ACPI APIC support ....................................................... 2-23

2.7.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-24

2.7.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-24

2.8 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-26

2.8.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-26

2.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-26

2.8.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-27

2.9 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-28

2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-28

2.9.2 Express Gate ............................................................... 2-28

2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-29

2.9.4 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-29

2.10 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-30

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 modications 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 qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.

• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it

supports.

• Chapter 2: BIOS 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 specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /

Chipset

System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface

Memory

Expansion slots

Storage SB850 chipet:

LAN

Audio

USB NEC USB3 controller: (only for USB3 Edition)

Sempron™ 100 Series ProcessorsSempron™ 100 Series Processors
AMD® 140W CPU Support

AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology (by CPU type)
Supports 45nm CPU

AMD® 870 / SB850

4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.)/ 1600 / 1333 /
1066 MHz ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
DDR3 Memory Ultra Low Voltage support
* Due to the CPU spec., AMD AM3 100 and 200 series

CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design,
this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.

** Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB

capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may

only recognize less than 3 GB. Install a 64-bit Windows®

OS when you want to install 4GB or more memory on the
motherboard.

*** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the

Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot
1 x PCIe 2.0 x4 slot

1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
3 x PCI slots

- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
JMicron® JMB368 SATA & PATA controllers:

- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 PATA devices

RTL8111E PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

VIA® VT1818 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Blu-ray disc audio layer Content Protection

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking

- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filter

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue at back panel)
SB850 chipset:

- 14(12) x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard; 8(6) ports at
back panel) (12 ports for USB3 Edition)

(continued on the next page)

ix

M4A87TD specications summary

ASUS Unique Features ASUS Xtreme Design

ASUS Hybrid Processor—TurboV EVO

- Auto Tuning, TurboV, Turbo Key, CPU Level UP
ASUS Hybrid Switch

- Core Unlocker
ASUS Hybrid OS—Express Gate
ASUS Exclusive Feature

- MemOK!

- ASUS EPU
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: heat sink solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2™

- Multi-language BIOS

ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features

Precision Tweaker 2

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V

increment

- vDDNB: Adjustable CPU NB voltage at 0.003125V
increment

- vNB: Adjustable North Bridge voltage at 0.00625V
increment

- vHT bus: Adjustable PCH voltage at 0.00625V
increment

- vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.00625V
increment

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- Internal Base Clock tuning from 100MHz up to
600MHz at 1MHz increment

- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz to 150MHz
at 1MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

x

M4A87TD specications summary

Internal I/O connectors

Rear panel I/O ports

BIOS features

Manageability

Support DVD contents

Form factor

3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x IDE connector
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x chassis fan connector (3-pin)
1 x power fan connector
1 x COM connector
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x system panel connector
1 x high denition front panel audio connectorfront panel audio connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x Core Unlocker switch
1 x MemOK! button

1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
(USB 3.0 only for USB3 Edition)
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports for USB3 Edition)
8-channel audio I/O ports

8 Mb Flash ROM, SPI, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ
Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.4 in (30.5 cm x 21.3 cm)

* Specications are subject to change without notice.

xi

xii

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A87TD 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 motherboard
Cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cable
1 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cable
1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector

Accessories 1 x IO 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 introduction 1-1

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.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support

This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features faster data

transfer rates of 2000(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher

bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth
of your system memory to boost system performance.

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 (Only for USB3 Edition)

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 Xtreme Design

Hybrid Switch

Core Unlocker

ASUS Core Unlocker simplies 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!

1-2

ASUS M4A87TD

ASUS Power Solutions

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

Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate
conditions in different geographic regions and your PC’s loading.

The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan speed to

achieve a quiet and cool environment.

ASUS Intelligent Overclocking Tools

TurboV EVO

Whether novice or enthusiast, TurboV EVO satises 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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-3

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.

1-4

Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.

ASUS M4A87TD

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

1.5.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-22

2. CPU socket AM3 1-6

3. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1,
3-pin PWR_FAN)

4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-9

5. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER) 1-18

6. MemOK! switch 1-17

7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-21

8. Serial ATA 6G/b connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 1-23

9. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-18

10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-25

11. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) 1-16

12. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 1-26

13. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-27

14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-26

15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-27

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-5

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!

1-6

Small triangle

Gold triangle

ASUS M4A87TD

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-certied 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 introduction 1-7

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.

1.7 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:

1-8

ASUS M4A87TD

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1

Channel B DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs
into the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better
overclocking capability.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to the CPU spec., AMD AM3 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.

• 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.

• 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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-9

M4A87TD Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3-1866(O.C.) MHz capability

Chip

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS

CORSAIR TR3X6G1866C9DVer4.1(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

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

DDR3-1800(O.C.) MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendor Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-14400CL9D-4GBRL(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.6 •
KINGSTON KHX1800C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65 • •

OCZ OCZ3P18004GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.9 •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

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

DDR3-1600MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA AD31600G001GMU 1GB SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 •
A-DATA AX3U1600GB1G9-AG 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 •
A-DATA AX3U1600PB1G8-2P 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AD31600E001GMU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1600GB1G9-3G 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 •
A-DATA AX3U1600PB1G8-3P 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1600GB2G9-AG(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1600XB2G7-EF(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AD31600F002GMU(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1600GB2G9-3G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1600GB2G9-3G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1600GB2G9-3G 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65~1.85 • •
A-DATA AX3U1600XB2G7-FF(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8DVer2.1(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C9Ver1.1(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 •
CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C7(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65 •
CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8DVer2.1(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR CMD8GX3M4A1600C8(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.6 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.6 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 - • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.35 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.6~1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5-1.6 • • •
KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8MF7(XMP) 1GB SS - - - • • •
KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8MF7(XMP) 2GB DS - - - • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - 9 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/4G 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.7~1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600EB4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-6 1.8 •
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3X16004GK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7 1.9 • • •
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV4GK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3FXE1600C7LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip
NO.

Timing
Dimm (Bios)

Voltage

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B* C*

1-10

ASUS M4A87TD

DDR3-1600MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendor Part No. Size

Super Talent WB160UX6G8(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - - •
Super Talent WB160UX6G8(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8 - •
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I16(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •
Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-DG(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •
Mushkin 996657 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 - • •
Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5-1.6 • • •
Patriot PVT33G1600ELK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •
PATRIOT PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 •
Patriot PVS34G1600ELK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.8 •
Patriot PVS34G1600LLK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.9 •
Patriot PVS34G1600LLKN 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 2.0 •
Patriot PVT36G1600ELK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVT36G1600ELK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

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

DDR3-1333MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA AD3133301GOU 1GB SS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG - - •
A-DATA AD31333002GOU 2GB DS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG - - • •
A-DATA AD3U1333B2G9-2 2GB DS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG - - • •
A-DATA AX3U1333PB2G7-2P 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AD3U1333C4G9-B 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFRH9C 1333-9-9-9-24 - • • •
A-DATA AD31333E002G0U 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AX3U1333PB2G7-3P 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •
Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808DEWSBG 9 - • • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 (Ver2.1) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9DHX 1GB DS - - - 1.1 • •

BoxP/N:T WIN3X2048-133 3C9

CORSAIR

(CM3X1024-1333C9)Ver1.1

CORSAIR CM3X2G1333C9 2GB DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

BoxP/N:

CORSAIR

TW3X4G1333C9DHX

(CM3X2048-1333C9DHX)Ver3.2
CORSAIR TR3X6G1333C9 (Ver2.1) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1333C9 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •
Crucial CT12864BA1339.8FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •

Crucial CT12864BA1339.8SFD 1GB SS MICRON

Crucial CT12872BA1339.9FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •
Crucial BL25664BN1337.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65 • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1339.16SFD 2GB DS MICRON D9JNM - - • • •
Crucial CT25672BA1339.18FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • •
Crucial BL25664BA1336.16SFB1 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS NA - 6-6-6-20 1.8 • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BAW0-DJ-E 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 9 - • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAW0-DJ-E 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 9 - • •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • • •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK(XMP) 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-18 1.5-1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7D-4GBPI(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-21 1.5 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-21 1.5 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.35 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

2GB(2 x 1GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.70 • • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.70 • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

M T 8J F 1 28 6 4 AY ­1G4D1

- - • • •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-11

DDR3-1333MHz capability

DIMM socket support

Vendor Part No. Size

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3 • •
GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5 • •
Hynix HMT112U6BFR8C-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFR 9 - • • •
Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C-H9
Hynix

HMT125U6BFR8C-H9 2GB
KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8KG9 1GB SS KingMax KFB8FNGBF-ANX-15A - • • •
KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KG9 2GB DS KingMax KFB8FNGBF-ANX-15A - • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G 1G SS Kingston D1288JELDPGD9U - 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H 9 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3E9S/4G 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 - 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 9 1.5 • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9 - • • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •
MICRON MT9JSF12872AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •
MICRON MT16JF25664AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT 9 - • • •
MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9 - • • •
MICRON MT18JSF25672AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3G1333ULV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9 1.65 •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7 1.65 •
OCZ OCZX1333LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS NA - 8-8-8 1.6 • • •
PSC AL7F8G73D-DG1 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •
PSC AL8F8G73D-DG1 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D 9 - • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • • •
SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC) 9 - • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D 9 - • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • • •
SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC) 9 - • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CH9 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 9 - • • •
Super

W1333UX2G8(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 8 1.8 • • •
Talent

Asint SLY3128M8-EDJ 1GB SS Asint DDRIII1208-DJ - - • • •
Asint SLY3128M8-EDJE 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BASE-DJ-E - - • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EDJ 2GB DS Asint DDRIII1208-DJ - - • • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EDJE 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BASE-DJ-E - - • • •
ASUS N/A 1GB DS - - - - • •
ATP AQ28M64A8BJH9S 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • • •
ATP AQ28M72D8BJH9S 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC) - - • • •
ATP AQ56M64B8BJH9S 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D - - • • •
ATP AQ56M72E8BJH9S 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC) - - • •
BUFFALO FSH1333D3G-T3G(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7-20 - • • •
EK Memory EKM324L28BP8-I13 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • •
Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-CG 2GB DS - - - - • •
Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HC9N-CG 2GB DS - - - - • •
Patriot PVT33G1333ELK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1333LLK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7 • •
Patriot PVT36G1333ELK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65 • •
Silicon

SP001GBLTU1333S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG - - • •
Power

Silicon

SP001GBLTU133S02 1GB SS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9 - •
Power

Silicon

SP002GBLTU133S02 2GB DS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9 - • • •
Power

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

2GB

SS/DSChip

DS Hynix
DS

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

H5TQ1G83BFR 9

Hynix H5TQ1G83BFRH9C

9 -

(Optional)
1

2 DIMM 4 DIMM

DIMM

-

• •

•

• •

•

1-12

ASUS M4A87TD

DDR3-1066MHz capability

DIMM socket support

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Crucial CT25672BA1067.18FF 2GB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7 - •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - •
ELPIDA EBJ11UD8BAFA-AG-E 1GB DS ELPIDA J5308BASE-AC-E 8 - •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAW0-AE-E 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 - •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - •
Hynix HMT112U6AFP8C-G7N0 1GB SS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - •
Hynix HYMT112U64ZNF8-G7 1GB SS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 - • •
Hynix

HMT125U6AFP8C-G7N0

2GB DS

HYNIX

H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into A1 slot as Single-channel memory conguration.

• B*: Supports two modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one

pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the blue slots and the black slots as two

pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

(Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

-

•

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-13

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

3

2

DIMM slot key

Locked Retaining Clip

1

Unlocked retaining clip

3

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

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM
might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

1-14

2

1

1

ASUS M4A87TD

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 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for
information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that

the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI

groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Refer to the table on the next
page for details.

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 specications.

1.8.4 PCI Express 2.0 x4 / x1 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x4/ x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards

that comply with the PCI Express specications.

1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard supports one PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics card that complies with the

PCI Express specications.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-15

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!

1-16

• 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.

ASUS M4A87TD

1.10 Onboard switch

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 (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at

www.asus.com.

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

• If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot
and load BIOS default settings. A 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 introduction 1-17

2. Core Unlocker switch

This switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of your CPU.

• The UNCLOCKER_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
UNLOCKER_LED.

• You may also press <4> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) 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 setting defaults, the ASUS Core Unlocker item
in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.

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.

1-18

ASUS M4A87TD

2. Core Unlocker LED

The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is turned to Enable.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-19

1.12 Connectors

1.12.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)

through a network hub.

Status Left LED Right LED

OFF OFF OFF

10 Mbps connection

100 Mbps connection OFF

1 Gbps connection OFF

Green (blinking during
data activity)

OFF

Green (blinking during
data activity)

Green (blinking during
data activity)

Left
LED

LAN port

Right

LED

3. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio

sources. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Rear Speaker Out.

4. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel,

6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front

Speaker Out.

5. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

6. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for

connecting USB 2.0 devices.

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

optical S/PDIF cable.

8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for

connecting USB 2.0 devices.

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

connecting USB 2.0 devices.

10. USB 2.0 (3.0) ports 1 and 2 (blue). These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

available for connecting USB 2.0 (3.0) devices. (USB 3.0 only for USB3 Edition)

11. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

1-20

ASUS M4A87TD

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

Audio 2, 4, 6, 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

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

Pink Mic In Mic In Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

*When setting up to the 8-channel conguration, use either one of the front panel audio connectors as Side Speaker

Out.

Headset
2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel*

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 congure your devices:

Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Master Black

Slave Gray

Black or gray

Two devices

Cable-Select

Master Master

Slave Slave

• 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.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the
same setting.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-21

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

power of 600 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not

boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when conguring a system

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

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

1-22

ASUS M4A87TD

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 conguration 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 Port1-Port4 or SATA Port5-Port6 item
in the BIOS to [RAID]. See section 2.4.2 Storage Conguration 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 Port1-Port4 in the BIOS to [AHCI]. See
section 2.4.2 Storage Conguration for details.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-23

4. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-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. Insufcient air ow inside the

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

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

• Only the CPU_FAN connector 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.

1-24

ASUS M4A87TD

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 introduction 1-25

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 specication that supports up to

480 Mbps connection speed.

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

The USB 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.

1-26

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

ASUS M4A87TD

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 Denition 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-denition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition 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 [AC 97].
See page 2-21 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 introduction 1-27

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 1 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.

1-28

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.

ASUS M4A87TD

Chapter 2

BIOS setup

2.1 Knowing BIOS

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device
conguration 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.

4. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the

motherboard support DVD and a USB ash disk drive.

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 setup 2-1

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 trafc, 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.

2-2

ASUS M4A87TD

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
VER: 0207
DATE: 02/10/2010

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 2.9 Exit Menu for
details.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-3

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 ofcial 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!

2-4

ASUS M4A87TD

2.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater

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

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

gets corrupted during the updating process.

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

Before updating BIOS

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

single partition.

2. Download the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http://
support.asus.com and save them on the USB ash drive.

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

• Do not save the BIOS le to a oppy disk due to low disk capacity.

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

Booting the system in DOS environment

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

2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the

optical drive as the boot device.

Please select boot device:

SATA:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CDROM:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

USB:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Network:XXXXXXXXXXXXX

↑ and ↓ to move selection

ENTER to select boot device

ESC to boot using defaults

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

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

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

Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!

C:\>d:

D:\>

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-5

Backing up the current BIOS

To backup the current BIOS le using the BIOS Updater

Ensure that the USB ash drive is not write-protected and has enough free space to save
the le.

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[lename] and press <Enter>.

D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Filename Extension

The [lename] is any user-assigned lename with no more than eight alphanumeric

characters for the lename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.

2. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When
BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.00b [09/06/22]

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A

Current ROM

BOARD: M4A87TD
VER: 0206
DATE: 02/09/2010

PATH: A:\

BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.

Note

Saving BIOS:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

2-6

ASUS M4A87TD

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.

D:\>bupdater /pc /g

2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.00b [09/06/22]

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A

Current ROM

BOARD: M4A87TD
VER: 0206
DATE: 02/09/2010

PATH: A:\

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

M4A89GTD.ROM 2097152 2010-01-11 17:30:48

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

Are you sure to update BIOS?

Yes No

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

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

Updater. Restart your computer.

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

• For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS
prompt after updating BIOS.

• Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3 of
your motherboard user manual for details.

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

disconnected them.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-7

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, reconguring your
system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to congure your system

using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the conguration 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 recongure 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.

2-8

• 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.

ASUS M4A87TD

2.3.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items Menu bar Conguration elds General help

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [13:51:25]
System Date [Mon 02/24/2010]
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 Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Time.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Submenu items Navigation 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 conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For changing the system tools conguration

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.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-9

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 specic 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 Conguration elds

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

A congurable 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 2.2.8 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

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to

display a pop-up window with the conguration

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>

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

2-10

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, 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

ASUS M4A87TD

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 Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure 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-congurable. 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 specically conguring 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.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-11

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

efcient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the

transfer of a particular amount of data.

2.4.2 Storage Conguration

The Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure 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].

2-12

ASUS M4A87TD

SATA Port1–Port4 [IDE]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration.

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

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

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

hard disk drives.

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

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

optimize the order of commands.

SATA 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.

• The default setting and the conguration options of the SATA Port5-Port6 item vary with

the selected setting of the SATA Port1-Port4 item.

2.4.3 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically
detects the BIOS information, CPU specication, and system memory in this menu.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-13

2.5 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure 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

Congure System Performance Settings

Target CPU Frequency : 2700MHz
Target DRAM Frequency : 1333MHz

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 Conguration
DRAM Driving Conguration

******* Please key in numbers directly! *******

CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]
CPU Offset Voltage 1.296 [Auto]
CPU/NB Offset Voltage 1.150 [Auto][Auto]
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
HT Voltage [Auto]
NB Voltage [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, 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

Scroll down to display the following items:

***********************************************

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

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 congure the settings in detail,

set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-955] [Phenom II-3.4G] [Phenom II-3.6G]

• The conguration 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.

2-14

ASUS M4A87TD

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 conguration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

D.O.C.P

CPU Level UP

The conguration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the CPU/DIMMs

you install on the motherboard.

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. prole, which applies different settings to DRAM
frequency, DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. Conguration 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 prole information. The prole information varies according

to the DRAM O.C. Prole you’ve selected.

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.

Allows you to select a DRAM O.C. prole, and the related parameters will be

adjusted automatically.

Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be adjusted
automatically.

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.

2.5.5 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the CPU
Bus Frequency item settings.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-15

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

2.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU/NB frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

2.5.7 HT Link Speed [Auto]

Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz]
[1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

2.5.8 DRAM Timing Conguration

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs

you install on the motherboard.

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] – [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK][5 CLK] – [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK][5 CLK] – [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [15 CLK] – [30 CLK][15 CLK] – [30 CLK]

DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK][4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]

DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] – [41 CLK]

DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK][5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK][4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]

DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [17 CLK][3 CLK] – [17 CLK]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [10 CLK][2 CLK] – [10 CLK]

2-16

ASUS M4A87TD

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SD) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]

DRAM WRITE to WRITE Timing [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [10 CLK]

DRAM READ to READ Timing [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [10 CLK]

DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]

DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]

2.5.9 DRAM Driving Conguration

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs

you install on the motherboard.

CKE drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Data drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DQS drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Processor ODT [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]

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. Conguration options: [Offset] [Manual]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-17

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.

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 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 2.20000V with a

0.00625V interval.

2.5.12 HT Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.40000V
with a 0.00625V interval.

2.5.13 NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.25000V with
a 0.00625V interval.

2.5.14 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode.

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

2.5.15 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

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

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

2.5.16 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

2.5.17 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]

[Auto] Automatic conguration.

[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

2-18

ASUS M4A87TD

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 Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration

PCIPnP

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

2.6.1 CPU Conguration

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.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-19

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.

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

DRAM Controller configuration

Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12]
[XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]]

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Always]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power Down Mode [Channel]

This item appears only when you enable the previous item and allows you to set the DDR power

down mode. Conguration options: [Channel] [Chip Select]

ECC Configuration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory
errors.

[Disabled] Disables the DRAM ECC mode.
[Basic] Set to [Basic] to adjust ECC mode automatically.
[Good] Set to [Good] to adjust ECC mode automatically.
[Super] Set to [Super] to adjust the DRAM BG Scrub sub-item manually.
[Max] Set to [Max] to adjust ECC mode automatically.
[User] Set to [User] to adjust all the subitems manually.

Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]

Allows you to select the graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

Conguration options: [PCI-E] [PCI]

2.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration

HD Audio Azalia Device [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the HD Audio controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-20

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

ASUS M4A87TD

Azalia Front Panel [HD]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or

high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio

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

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

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

Serial Port1 Mode [Normal]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 mode.

Conguration options: [Normal] [IrDA] [ASK IR]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

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 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] (only for USB3 Edition)

[Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

2.6.4 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and

press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

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

USB Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers.

[Disabled] Disables the controllers.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-21

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 congures all the devices in the system.

operating system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for

boot.

2-22

ASUS M4A87TD

2.7 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and
Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the conguration 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 Conguration

Hardware Monitor

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

2.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used
for system suspend. Conguration 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 Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0
specications. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.7.4 ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI)
support in the Application-Specic Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to [Enabled], the ACPI

APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-23

2.7.5 APM Conguration

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 Devices [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 System Time

will become user-congurable 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.

2-24

ASUS M4A87TD

CPU Fan / Power Fan / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]

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

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

shows N/A. Select [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 efcient system operation. Conguration 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.

Conguration options: [500RPM] [400RPM] [300RPM] [200RPM] [100RPM] [Ignored]

CPU Q-Fan Mode [Silent]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to
[Standard], 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 [Turbo]
to achieve the maximum CPU fan speed. Conguration options: [Turbo] [Standard]

[Silent] [Manual]

The following four items appear only when you set CPU Q-Fan Mode to [Manual].

CPU Upper Temperature [70˚C/158˚F]

Sets the upper limit of the CPU temperature.

Conguration options: [30˚C/86˚F] [40˚C/104˚F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F][30˚C/86˚F] [40˚C/104˚F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F][40˚C/104˚F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]˚C/104˚F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]C/104˚F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]˚F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]F] [50˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]˚C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]C/122˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]˚F] [60˚C/140˚F]F] [60˚C/140˚F]˚C/140˚F]C/140˚F]˚F]F]
[70˚C/158˚F] [80˚C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]˚C/158˚F] [80˚C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]C/158˚F] [80˚C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]˚F] [80˚C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]F] [80˚C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]˚C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]C/176˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]˚F] [90˚C/194˚F]F] [90˚C/194˚F]˚C/194˚F]C/194˚F]˚F]F]

CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle [100%]

Sets the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper
limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.

Conguration options: [20%] [30%] [40%] [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]

CPU Lower Temperature [20˚C/68˚F]

Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature.

CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle [20%]

Sets the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature is under 20˚C/68˚F,˚C/68˚F,C/68˚F,˚F,F,

the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.

Conguration options: [00%] [10%] [20%] [30%] [40%] [50%] [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%]
[100%]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-25

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 Conguration

Security

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, 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.

Conguration options: [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

2.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]

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

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species 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. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Conguration 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.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during

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

2-26

ASUS M4A87TD

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 conguration 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. Conrm 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 Jumpers 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.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

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. Conrm 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.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-27

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. Conguration 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. Prole

AI NET 2

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <OK>, a conrmation message
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <OK> to

conrm 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. Conguration 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. Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5

seconds] [10 seconds] [15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]

Reset User Data [No]

Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.

Conguration options: [No] [Reset]

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

2-28

ASUS M4A87TD

2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

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

Add Your CMOS Prole.

Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, type your
prole name and press <Enter>, and then choose a prole number to save your CMOS
settings in the Save To sub-item. You can save eight (8) CMOS proles.

Load CMOS Prole.

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter>, and

choose a prole to load.

Start O.C. Prole

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
conguration 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

(POST). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-29

2.10 Exit menu

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 1985-2009, 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 conrmation 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 conrmation 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 conrmation 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 conrmation 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.

2-30

ASUS M4A87TD

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Web site www.asus.com.tw

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]
Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web site usa.asus.com

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]
Support fax [phone]
Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
Fax [phone]
Web site www.asus.de
Online contact www.asus.de/sales

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]*
Support Fax [phone]*
Online support support.asus.com

*EUR 0.14/minute from a German xed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.

EC Declaration of Conformity

We, the undersigned,

Manufacturer:

ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.

Address, City:

No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.O.C.

Country:

TAIWAN

Authorized representative in Europe:

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH

Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN

Country:

GERMANY

declare the following apparatus:

Product name : Mother Board

Model name : M4A87TD/USB3, M4A87TD

conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:

2004/108/EC-EMC Directive

EN 55022:2006+A1:2007

EN 61000-3-2:2006

EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006

EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003

EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001+A2:2005

EN 55020:2007

1999/5/EC-R &TTE Directive

EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-05)

EN 300 440-1 V1.4.1(2008-05)

EN 300 440-2 V1.2.1(2008-03)

EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03)

EN 301 908-1 V3.2.1(2007-05)

EN 301 908-2 V3.2.1(2007-05)

EN 301 893 V1.4.1(2005-03)

EN 50360:2001

EN 50371:2002

EN 62311:2008

EN 50385:2002

EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1(2008-04)

EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-4 V1.3.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)

EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)

EN 301 489-17 V1.3.2(2008-04)

EN 301 489-24 V1.4.1(2007-09)

EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)

EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)

EN 301 357-2 V1.3.1(2006-05)

2006/95/EC-LVD Directive

EN 60950-1:2001+A11:2004

EN 60950-1:2006

EN60065:2002+A1:2006

2009/125/EC-ErP Directive

Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009

EN 62301:2005

CE marking

Declaration Date: Mar. 11 , 2010

Year to begin affixing CE marking:2010

Position : CEO

Name : Jerry Shen

Signature : __________

(

EC conformit

y

markin

g)

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)

Asus Computer International

Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont

, CA 94539.

hereby declares that the product

Product Name : Motherboard

Conforms to the following specifications:

FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators

FCC Part 15, Subpart C, Intentional Radiators

FCC Part 15, Subpart E, Intentional Radiators

Supplementary Information:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Signature :

Date : Mar. 11, 2010