No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
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AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”)
and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this
product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,
and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machinereadable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product
including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download;
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location
where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
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In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.
The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.
This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source
Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code
we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the
product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives
etc to this email address).
ii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
M4A88T-M specications summary .......................................................... ix
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
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 yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
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
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
viii
M4A88T-M specications summary
CPUAMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
ChipsetAMD® 880G / SB710
System BusUp to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
MemoryDual-channel memory architecture
GraphicsIntegrated ATI Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU
Expansion slots1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot
Storage / RAIDAMD® SB710 southbridge:
AudioVIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
Sempron™ 100 series processors
Supports 45nm CPU
Supports CPU up to 140W
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered ECC
and non-ECC DDR3 1866(O.C.)/1333/1066MHz
memory modules
* Due to the CPU limitation, AMD 100 and 200 series CPUs
support up to DDR3 1066Mhz.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
*** Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you want to install 4GB or
more memory on the motherboard.
Supports Dual-link DVI with maximum resolution up to
2560 x1600 @60Hz
Supports HDMI™ with maximum resolution up to 1920 x 1080
Supports D-Sub with maximum resolution up to
2048x1536 @85Hz
Supports dual independent displays
D-Sub & HDMI
D-Sub & DVI-D
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, Shader Model 4.1,
Universal Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0, Hardware Decode
Acceleration for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2
Maximum shared memory up to 1GB
Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™
* Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support
Hybrid CrossFireX™.
2 x PCIe x1 slots
1 x PCI slot
– 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 connector
– 6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 10, and JBOD congurations
Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking technologies (HD mode only)
Optical S/PDIF_OUT port at the back panel
(continued on the next page)
ix
M4A88T-M specications summary
USB12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard, 6 ports at the back
LANRealtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
ASUS unique
features
ASUS overclocking
features
panel)
ASUS Hybrid OS
Express Gate
ASUS Exclusive Features
MemOK!
Core Unlocker
Anti-Surge Protection
ASUS EPU-4 Engine
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Fanless Design: Heatsink Solution
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS O.C. Prole
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
Intelligent overclocking tool:
– GPU NOS*
– TurboV
– Turbo Key
– Auto Tuning (Fast Mode only)
* GPU NOS does not work under Hybrid CrossreX mode.
Precision Tweaker 2– vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V increment
– vChipset (N.B.): Adjustable chipset at 0.01V increment
– vDIMM: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.015V increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
– HT frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 550MHz 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
M4A88T-M specications summary
Back panel I/O ports1 x PS/2 Combo port (Keyboard & Mouse)
Internal I/O connectors3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional
BIOS16Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
Accessories1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Support DVDDrivers
Form factorMicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio I/O ports
6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IDE connector
1 x COM connector
1 x LPT connector
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x High denition front panel audio connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x MemOK! button
SM BIOS 2.5,ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
CrashFree BIOS 3
2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
ASUS Utilities
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
xi
xii
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A88T-M 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 M4A88T-M motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD
Documentations User Manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD® AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series
ASUS M4A88T-M1-1
CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket 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
HyperTransport™ 3.0-based system bus. This motherboard also supports
AMD® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.
AMD® 880G Chipset
The AMD® 880G 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 multi-core CPUs to
provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth
than HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother and
faster computing environment.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
This motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology which
monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and
frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment.
DDR3 1866(O.C.) support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 1866 (O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth
requirements of the latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia,
and Internet applications.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed
and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home
theater audio systems via the S/PDIF_OUT (SONY-PHILIPS Digital
Interface) jacks. The S/PDIF transfers digital audio without converting it to
analog format and keeps the best signal quality.
Hybrid CrossFireX™ support
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance
with an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics GPU.
• Hybrid CrossFireX™ is supported by Windows® 7/Vista OS only.
• Refer to
www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid CrossFireX™.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)
3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced salability and doubling
the bus bandwidth for high-speed data saving and retrieval.
8-channel high denition audio
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously
codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio
output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identies
what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties
users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more
confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.
HDMI support
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video
standards that deliver multi-channel digital audio and uncompressed
digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. Supporting
HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.
HDMI/DVI/RGB support
This motherboard supports multiple digital and analog display output
interfaces - HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub. With such diversity of display outputs,
you are able to choose and upgrade display devices freely.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for
durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick
access to the Internet. Five seconds after powering on your computer,
you can instantly surf the Internet without entering the Windows® OS.
• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and ash
drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or
ash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the
computer.
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB
drives. It supports le downloading to USB drives only.
• ASUS Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. Refer to
for Express Gate source codes.
ASUS M4A88T-M1-3
support.asus.com
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
1 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to
restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD or a USB
ash disk that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB ash disk
before entering the OS.
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current
system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
ASUS Core Unlocker
ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU.
Enjoy an instant performance boosy by simply unlocking the extra cores,
without performing complicated BIOS changes.
The actual overclocking result depends on the system conguration.
ASUS TurboV
Feel the adrenalin rush of real-time OC --- now a reality with the ASUS
TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or
rebooting the OS, and its user-friendly interface makes overclocking easy
with just a few clicks away. The ASUS OC proles in TurboV provides the
best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
ASUS Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into
an overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts
performances without interrupting ongoing work or games, simply through
pressing the button.
ASUS Auto Tuning
ASUS Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to
achieve a total system level up.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard
from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply
(PSU).
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4
GPU NOS
ASUS GPU NOS technology intelligently detects graphics loading
and automatically boosts performance for the most demanding tasks.
It provides you with a faster reaction time for an excellent graphics
performance.
ASUS MyLogo 2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your
system.
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according
to system loading to ensure a quiet, cool, and efcient operation.
ASUS AI NET 2
ASUS AI NET 2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after
you turn on the system and any faulty cable connections are reported
back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings
when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the
need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut
down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the
CPU parameters to their default settings.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s
Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line
with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable
products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the
impact on the environment.
ASUS M4A88T-M1-5
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.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6
M4A88T-M
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 eight screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.