Asus M5A87 User Manual

M5A87

Motherboard

E6526

First Edition (V1)

March 2011

Copyright © 2011 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
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product 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 dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,

and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machine­readable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product

including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either

(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download;

or

(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location

where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
15 Li Te Rd.,
Beitou, Taipei 112
Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source
Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code

we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address [e-mail], 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 ....................................................................................... viii

M5A87 specications summary ................................................................ ix

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................

1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................

1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

1.5.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

1.5.4 Layout contents ...............................................................

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ......................................

1.7 System memory .........................................................................

1.7.1 Overview ........................................................................

1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................

1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................

1.10 Connectors .................................................................................

1.10.1 Rear panel ports ...........................................................

1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

1-1

1-1

1-1

1-3

1-5

1-6

1-6

1-6

1-7

1-7

1-8

1-8

1-10

1-11

1-11

1-12

1-17

1-17

1-18

1-18

1-18

1-18

1-18

1-18

1-19

1-20

1-20

1-21

iii

Contents

1.11 Onboard switch .......................................................................... 1-27

1.12 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................

1.13 Software support ........................................................................

1.13.1 Installing an operating system ......................................

1.13.2 Support DVD information ..............................................

Chapter 2: BIOS information

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

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

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

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

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

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ..........................................................

2.2.2 Menu bar .........................................................................

2.2.3 Navigation keys ...............................................................

2.2.4 Menu items .....................................................................

2.2.5 Submenu items ...............................................................

2.2.6 Conguration elds .........................................................

2.2.7 Pop-up window ...............................................................

2.2.8 Scroll bar .........................................................................

2.2.9 General help ...................................................................

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

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ...................................................

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

2.3.3 SATA6G_1/2/3/4/5/6 .......................................................

2.3.4 SATA Conguration .........................................................

2.3.5 System Information .........................................................

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

2.4.1 CPU Level UP [Auto]

2.4.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto] ..............................................

2.4.3 CPU Ratio [Auto] ...........................................................

2.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ...............................................

2.4.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] ............................................

2.4.6 HT Link Speed [Auto] ....................................................

2.4.7 DRAM Timing Conguration .........................................

..................................................... 2-10

1-29

1-30

1-30

1-30

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-5

2-5

2-6

2-6

2-6

2-6

2-6

2-6

2-7

2-7

2-7

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-10

2-11

2-12

2-12

2-12

2-12

2-13

iv

Contents

2.4.8 DRAM Driving Conguration ......................................... 2-14

2.4.9 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]

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

2.4.11 HT Voltage [Auto] ..........................................................

2.4.12 NB Voltage [Auto] ..........................................................

2.4.13 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto] .................................

2.4.14 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto] ...........................

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

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

2.5.2 Chipset ..........................................................................

2.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................

2.5.4 PCIPnP .........................................................................

2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................

2.6 Power menu ................................................................................

2.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ...................................................

2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] ..........................................

2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] .......................................

2.6.4 APM Conguration ........................................................

2.6.5 HW Monitor Conguration .............................................

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

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

2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

2.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................

2.7.3 Security .........................................................................

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

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

2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

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

.................................. 2-14

2-15

2-15

2-15

2-15

2-15

2-15

2-15

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-18

2-20

2-20

2-20

2-20

2-20

2-21

2-21

2-22

2-22

2-22

2-23

2-25

2-25

2-25

2-26

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.

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling
information in different regions.

vi

REACH

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

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

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

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 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 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 qualied service

technician or your retailer.

vii

About this guide

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

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

supports.

• Chapter 2: BIOS information

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.

Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

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

M5A87 specications summary

CPU AMD

®

Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II /

Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors

®

AMD

140W CPU support

AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

* 32nm AM3+ CPU is supported by BIOS version 0401 and later.

** Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list

Chipset AMD® 870 / SB850

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

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered
ECC and non-ECC DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) /
1600(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066MHz memory modules

* AMD® FX™ Series CPU on this motherboard supports up to
DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency.
** Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support

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

*** When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not

support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs.

**** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied
Vendors List).

***** Use a 64-bit Windows

®

OS if you want to install 4GB or more

memory on the motherboard.

Expansion slots 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot

2 x PCIe x1 slots
3 x PCI slots

Storage / RAID AMD® SB850 southbridge:

6 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD congurations

LAN Realtek® RTL8111E PCIe Gigabit LAN controller

Audio ALC887 supports 8-channel* High Denition Audio

- Supports Multi-recording, Anti-pop Function, and Front Panel
Retasking (HD mode only)

- Support S/PDIF out interface
* Use the chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to

support 8-channel audio output.

USB AMD® SB850 southbridge:

- 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports

at the back panel)

Asmedia USB3.0 controller:

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)

(continued on the next page)

ix

M5A87 specications summary

ASUS unique features ASUS Hybrid Switch

- Core Unlocker

- MemOK!
ASUS Power Solutions

- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

- ASUS EPU

ASUS Exclusive Features

- TurboV
ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS AI Suite II

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2™
100% All high quality conductive polymer capacitors

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port

Precision Tweaker 2

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V increment

- vChipset (VDDNB): Adjustable chipset voltage at

0.003125V increment

- vDIMM: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.010V increment

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- Turbo Key

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- HT frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 550MHz at
1MHz increment

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

Overclocking Protection:

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

1 x COM port
1 x LPT port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports

3 x Audio jacks

(continued on the next page)

x

M5A87 specications summary

Internal I/O connectors /
buttons / switches

BIOS 16Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,

Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12.0 in x 8.4 in (30.5 cm x 21.3 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB

2.0/1.1 ports

6 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF output connector
1 x System panel connector

1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

1 x MemOK! button
1 x Core Unlocker switch

ACPI2.0a, SM BIOS 2.6

1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD

ASUS Update
ASUS utilities
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)

xi

xii

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A87 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 M5A87 motherboard

Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables

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® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series

ASUS M5A87 1-1

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 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 32nm manufacturing process.

AMD® 870 Chipset

The 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 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 efciency 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.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2000(O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer

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

bandwidth requirements of the latest operating system, 3D graphics,
multimedia, and Internet applications.

USB 3.0 support

Experience ultra-fast data transfer 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.

Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s technology

The AMD® SB850 chipset natively supports the next generation SATA

6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate, enhances scalability, provides faster data

retrieval, and doubles the bandwidth of the current bus systems.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is

enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power

management for advanced operating systems.

8-channel high denition audio

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously
codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio

jack-sensing feature, retasking functions, and multi-streaming technology.

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for
durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

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.

ASUS TurboV

Feel the adrenaline 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 overclock with just
a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC proles 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.

MemOK!

MemOK! guickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable
memory rescue tool requires a mere push of the button to patch memory
issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves
your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard
from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply unit
(PSU).

ASUS EPU

ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current
system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.

AI Suite II

With its fast user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the
exclusive ASUS features into one simple to use software package. It
allows you to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speed
control, and voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers
diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth
between different utilities.

ASUS M5A87 1-3

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the
BIOS without using a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your

system.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to

restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD or a USB
ash disk that contains the BIOS le.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings
when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the
need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut
down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the
CPU parameters to their default settings.

ErP ready

The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP)

ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efciency

requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with

ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient

products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon
footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4

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.

ASUS M5A87 1-5

M5A87

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 screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

M5A87

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCI2

PCI3

PCI1

USB78 USB910 USB1112 USB1314

SPDIF_OUT

AAFP

ATX12V

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

PWR_FAN

CHA_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

ALC887

Realtek

RTL8111E

ICS

9LPRS483

KB_USB56

16Mb
BIOS

SB_PWR

PANEL

CLRTC

21.3cm(8.4in)

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM3+

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA6G_1

SATA6G_2

SATA6G_3

SATA6G_2

SATA6G_5

SATA6G_6

AUDIO

LPT

COM1

LAN1_USB12

USB3_12

30.5cm(12.0in)

AMD

®

SB850

AMD

®

870

CORE_UNLOCKER

DRAM_LED

02LED1

MemOK!

2 3 4 1 1 61

2

5

911 10

12

1314

7

8

asmedia

ASM1042

1.5.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. Power, CPU and chassis fan connectors

(3-pin PWR_FAN, 4-pin CPU_FAN and 3-pin
CHA_FAN)

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

3. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER)

4. Core Unlocker LED (02LED1)

5. DDR3 DIMM slots

6. MemOK! switch

7. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)

ASUS M5A87 1-7

1-21 8. SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G1~6) 1-23

1-22 9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-24

1-27 10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-19

1-29 11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,

1-11 12. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-29

1-28 13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-25

1-29 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-25

USB1112, USB1314)

1-26

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

M5A87 CPU socket AM3+

M5A87

This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /

Sempron™ 100 series processors.

The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a
CPU designed for the AM3+ socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT

force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

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.

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.

Socket lever

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t

in completely.

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!

Small triangle

Gold triangle

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket

M5A87 CPU fan connector

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

M5A87

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 comes with the heatsink package.
You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing
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.

ASUS M5A87 1-9

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

1

3

4

5

2

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, ensuring 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

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for
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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-10

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking

M5A87 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B2

M5A87

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

This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules

(DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but
is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are
developed for better performance with less power consumption. The gure illustrates the

location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

ASUS M5A87 1-11

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.

®

• AMD

FX™ Series CPU on this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its

standard memory frequency.

• Due to CPU spec., AMD

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

• When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or

higher frequency DIMMs.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows

or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

- Install a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows

OS.

- Use a 64-bit Windows
motherboard.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 256 megabits (Mb) chips or less.

®

100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With

®

OS, when you install 4GB

®

®

OS if you want to install 4GB or more memory on the

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a
higher frequency, refer to section 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency
adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

M5A87 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3-2000(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip
NO.

CL Voltage

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-12

DIMM support

A* B* C*

DDR3-1866(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip

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

Kingston KHX1866C9D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.65V • •

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

OCZ OCZ3G1866LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 10-10-10-27 1.65V • •

OCZ OCZ3P1866LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • •

Brand

Chip

CL Voltage DIMM support

NO.

A* B* C*

DDR3-1800(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip

OCZ OCZ3P18004GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-27 1.9V • •

Brand

Chip

NO.

CL Voltage DIMM support

A* B* C*

DDR3-1600(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DSChip

A-Data AD31600E001GM(O)U3K 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V-1.85V • • •

CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR CMP4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A1600C6(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 6-6-6-20 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • •
CORSAIR CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C9 G(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1600C9(XMP) 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •
Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - - - • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 7-7-7-24 1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-8-24 XMP 1.35V • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-8-7-24 1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.60V • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V • • •
GEIL GET316GB1600C9QC(XMP) 16GB(4 x 4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.6V • • •
GEIL GV34GB1600C8DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-28 1.6V • •
Kingmax FLGD45F-B8KG9(XMP) 1GB SS Kingmax KFB8FNGXF-

Kingmax FLGE85F-B8KG9(XMP) 2GB DS Kingmax KFB8FNGXF-

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB ( 2x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • • •
Kingston KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65V • • •
Kingston KHX1600C8D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8 1.65V • • •
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - - - 1.65V • • •
Kingston KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • •

OCZ OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3BE1600LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3G16004GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.7V • • •
OCZ OCZ3OB1600LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600EB4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-6-24 1.8V • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65V • •
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •

Super Talent WA160UX6G9 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EGJ1D(XMP) 2GB DS Asint 3128M8-

Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-DG(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •
Kingtiger KTG2G1600PG3 2GB DS - - - - • •
Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 - • •
Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • •
PATRIOT PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.7V • • •

Brand

Chip

NO.

ANX-12A

ANX-12A

GJ1D

CL Voltage DIMM support

- - • • •

- - • • •

9-9-9-24 1.6V • • •

A* B* C*

ASUS M5A87 1-13

DDR3-1333MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DSChip

A-Data AD31333001GOU 1GB SS A-Data AD30908C8D-151C

A-Data AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V • • •
A-Data AD31333002GOU 2GB DS A-Data AD30908C8D-151C

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS APACER AM5D5808DEWSBG - - • • •
Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 - • • •
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9DHX 1GB SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.60V • •
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9 1GB SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.60V • • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 G 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 G 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9DHX 1GB DS Corsair - - - • •
CORSAIR CM3X2048-1333C9DHX 2GB DS - - - - • •
CORSAIR TW3X4G1333C9 G 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •
CORSAIR CMX8GX3M4A1333C9 8GB(4 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.50V • • •
Crucial CT12864BA1339.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • • •

Crucial CT12872BA1339.9FF 1GB SS Micron 91F22D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 - • • •
Crucial CT25672BA1339.18FF 2GB DS Micron 91F22D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •
Crucial BL25664BN1337.16FF (XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.65V • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - 1.35V(low

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - 1.35V(low

G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK(XMP) 1GB SS G.SKILL - - - • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7T-3GBPK(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-3GBNQ 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-

4GBECO(XMP)
GEIL GV32GB1333C9DC 2GB(2 x 1GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • •
GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5V • •
GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3V(low

GEIL GV34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •
Hynix HMT125U6TFR8A-H9 2GB DS HYNIX H5TC1G83TFRH9A - 1.35V(low

KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8KL9 1GB SS KINGMAX KKB8FNWBFGNX-27A - - • • •
KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KL9 2GB DS KINGMAX KKB8FNWBFGNX-26A - - • • •
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/1G 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G(low prole) 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS KTC D1288JPNDPLD9U 9 1.5V • • •
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F 9 1.5V • • •
Kingston KHX1333C7D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7 1.65V • • •
Kingston KHX1333C9D3UK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 XMP 1.25V • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G(low prole) 4GB DS HYNIX H5TQ2G83AFRH9C 9 1.5V • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR - - • • •
MICRON MT4JTF12864AZ-1G4D1 1GB SS MICRON D9LGQ - - • • •
Micron MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 - • • •
Micron MT9JSF12872AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS Micron 91F22D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •
MICRON MT8JTF25664AZ-1G4D1 2GB SS MICRON D9LGK - - • • •
Micron MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 - • • •
Micron MT18JSF25672AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS Micron 91F22D9KPT(ECC) 9 - • • •
MICRON MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4D1 4GB DS MICRON D9LGK - - • • •

OCZ OCZ3G1333LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) DS - - 9-9-9-20 1.65V • •
OCZ OCZ3F13334GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-20 1.7V • • •
OCZ OCZ3G13334GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-20 1.7V • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-20 1.65V • •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 6-5-5-20 1.85V • • •
OCZ OCZ3X13334GK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.75V • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • •

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

Brand

E0906

E0903

Chip

NO.

CL Voltage DIMM

- - • • •

- - • • •

voltage)

voltage)

XMP 1.35V • • •

8-24

voltage)

voltage)

support

A* B* C*

• • •

• •

• •

• • •

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-14

DDR3-1333MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DSChip

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3X1333LV6GK(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-20 1.60V • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV8GK 8GB ( 2x 4GB ) DS - - 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • •

PSC AL7F8G73D-DG1 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3DGF928M9B05 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • •
PSC AL8F8G73D-DG1 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3DGF928M9B05 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1GB SS Samsung SEC 846 HCH9

SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1GB SS Samsung SEC 913 HCH9

SAMSUNG M378B2873FHS-CH9 1GB SS Samsung K4B1G0846F - - • • •
SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9 1GB SS Samsung K4B1G0846D-

SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 - - • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9 2GB DS Samsung SEC 913 HCH9

SAMSUNG M378B5673FH0-CH9 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846F - - • • •
SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846D-

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

W1333UA1GH 1GB SS HYNIX H5TQ1G83TFR 9 - • • •

Talent
Super

W1333X2GB8(XMP) 1GB SS - - - - • • •

Talent
Super

W1333UB2GS 2GB DS Samsung K4B1G0846F 9 - • • •

Talent
Super

W1333UB4GS 4GB DS Samsung K4B2G0846C - - • • •

Talent
Super

W1333UX6GM 6GB(3x 2GB) DS Micron 0BF27D9KPT 9-9-9-24 1.5V • • •

Talent
Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2GB DS Micron 9GF27D9KPT - - • • •
Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2GB DS Elpida J1108BDBG-DJ-F 9 - • • •
Century PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 9-9-9 1GB SS Micron 8FD22D9JNM - - • •
Elixir M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG 2GB DS Elixir N2CB2G808N-CG - - • • •
Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HC9N-CG 2GB DS Elixir - - - • • •
Elixir M2F4G64CB8HB5N-CG 4GB DS Elixir N2CB2G808N-CG - - • • •
Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-10666 2GB DS Samsung SEC 904 HCH9

Kingtiger KTG2G1333PG3 2GB DS - - - - • • •
PATRIOT PSD31G13332H 1GB DS - - 9 - • • •
PATRIOT PSD31G13332 1GB DS Patriot PM64M8D38U-15 - - • • •
SILICON

SP001GBLTU133S01 1GB SS NANYA NT5CB128M8AN-CG 9 - • • •

POWER
SILICON

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

POWER
TAKEMS TMS1GB364D081-107EY 1GB SS - - 7-7-7-20 1.5V • • •
TAKEMS TMS1GB364D081-138EY 1GB SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • •
TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-107EY 2GB DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.5V • • •
TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-138EY 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • •
TAKEMS TMS2GB364D082-138EW 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • •
UMAX E41302GP0-73BDB 2GB DS UMAX U2S24D30TP-13 - - • • •
V-Color TD2G16C9-Z8 2GB DS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFP - - • • •

Brand

Chip

NO.

K4B1G08460

K4B1G0846E

HCH9(ECC)

K4B1G0846E

HCH9(ECC)

K4B1G0846D

CL Voltage DIMM

- - • • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

- - • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

support

A* B* C*

ASUS M5A87 1-15

DDR3-1066MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DSChip

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • • •
Crucial CT12872BA1067.9FF 1GB SS Micron 9HF22D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 - • • •
Crucial CT25672BA1067.18FF 2GB DS Micron 9GF22D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - 1.35V(low

ELPIDA EBJ11UD8BAFA-AE-E 1GB DS Elpida J5308BASE-AC-E - - • • •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - 1.35V(low

KINGSTON KVR1066D3E7/1G 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDBG-DJ-

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/1G 1GB SS KTC D1288JPNDPLD9U 7 1.5V • • •

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

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/4G 4GB DS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFR 7 1.5V • • •
Micron MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • • •
Micron MT9JSF12872AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS Micron 9HF22D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •
Micron MT16JTF25664AZ-1G1F1 2GB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 - • • •
Micron MT18JSF25672AZ-1G1F1 2GB DS Micron 9GF22D9KPT(ECC) 7 - • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1066LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS Micron 9BF27D9KPV 7-7-7-20 1.65V • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CF8 1GB SS Samsung SEC 901 HCF8

SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8 4GB DS SAMSUNG 846 K4B2G0846B-

• AMD® FX™ Series CPU on this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its
standard memory frequency.

• Due to CPU spec., AMD

®

100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With

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

• When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or

higher frequency DIMMs.

SS: Single-sided / DS: Double-sided
DIMM support:

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

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots

as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports two pairs of modules inserted into both the blue slots and the black slots

as two pairs of dual-channel memory conguration.

Brand

Chip
NO.

F(ECC)

K4B1G0846E

HCF8

CL Voltage DIMM support

7 1.5V • • •

- - • • •

- - • • •

voltage)

voltage)

A* B* C*

• • •

• • •

When using a DDR3 2000MHz memory module, ensure to install it on the A1 slot for better

overclocking capability.

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-16

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

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

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

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that

the notch on the DIMM matches the
DIMM slot key on the socket.

1

Unlocked retaining clip

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

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

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

Locked Retaining Clip

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

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

Support the DIMM lightly with your

ngers when pressing the retaining

clips. The DIMM might get damaged

when it ips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

2

DIMM notch

1

DIMM slot key

3

2

1

1

DIMM notch

ASUS M5A87 1-17

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.

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 x1 slots

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

comply with the PCI Express specications.

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

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

Express specications.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-18

1.9 Jumpers

M5A87

M5A87 Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

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
data.

<Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter

ASUS M5A87 1-19

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

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

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

1.10 Connectors

2

9

1

10

4 53

68 7

1.10.1 Rear panel ports

1. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple/green). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard

or PS/2 mouse.

2. Parallel port.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port.

through a network hub.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection

This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices.

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

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

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

audio sources.

5. Line Out port (lime).

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

6. Microphone port (pink).

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

This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4, 6, and

This port connects to a microphone.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-20

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

M5A87 Fan connectors

Rotation

+12V

GND

PWR_FAN

GND
+12V
Rotation

CHA_FAN

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

M5A87

Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Light Blue (Rear panel) Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center

Lime (Front panel) – – – Side Speaker Out

To congure an 8-channel audio output:

Use the chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support 8-channel audio output.

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

USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

8. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2

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

3.0 devices.

9. Serial port.

10. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4.

This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices.

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

USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

1.10.2 Internal connectors

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

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

ASUS M5A87 1-21

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.

Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature.

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

M5A87 ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts

-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND

-12 Volts
+3 Volts

+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

+12V DC

GND

GND

M5A87

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.

•

We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specication 2.0-compliant power supply unit
(PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power

plugs.

•

If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that the 20-pin
power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that the PSU has a minimum power
rating of 300W. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is

inadequate.

•

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

not boot up.

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

system with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional
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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-22

3. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G 1~6)

SATA6G_1

SATA6G_2

SATA6G_3

SATA6G_4

SATA6G_5

SATA6G_6

GND

RSATA_RXN2

RSATA_RXP2

GND

RSATA_TXN2

RSATA_TXP2

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

GND

RSATA_RXN4

RSATA_RXP4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

GND

RSATA_RXN6

RSATA_RXP6

GND

RSATA_TXN6

RSATA_TXP6

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP5

RSATA_TXN5

GND

RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_RXN5

GND

M5A87 SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors

M5A87

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 type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to
[RAID]. See section 2.3.4 SATA Conguration for details.

• You must install Windows
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later version.

• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to
[AHCI]. See section 2.3.4 SATA Conguration for details.

®

XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial

ASUS M5A87 1-23

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

M5A87

M5A87 System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

IDE_LED PWRSW RESET

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED

cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system
power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

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

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable
to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

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

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

This connector is for the system power button.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without

turning off the system power.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-24

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

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

M5A87 Digital audio connector

M5A87

M5A87

M5A87 Front panel audio connector

AAFP

PIN 1

SENSE2_RETUR

SENSE1_RETUR

PRESENCE#

GND

PORT2 L
SENSE_SEND
PORT2 R
PORT1 R
PORT1 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

NC

NC
NC

AGND

Line out_L
NC
Line out_R
MICPWR
MIC2

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port.

Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Denition Audio (the

name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and
Audio Devices > Sound Playback to congure the setting.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

6. 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, set

the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio]. See section 2.5.3 Onboard
Devices Conguration for details.

• The front panel audio I/O module is purchased separately.

ASUS M5A87 1-25

7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112, USB1314)

M5A87

M5A87 USB2.0 connectors

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

USB1112

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P14-

USB_P14+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P13-

USB_P13+

GND

USB1314

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB78

PIN 1

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of

these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to
480Mbps 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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-26

1.11 Onboard switch

M5A87 Core Unlocker switch

M5A87

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. Core Unlocker switch

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

To ensure system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is
powered off.

• The O2LED1 LED near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting is turned

to Enable. Refer to section 1.12 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the O2LED1
LED.

• You may also press <4> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) or enable the

Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to activate the Core Unlocker function.

• The system will use the last setting you have made.

• If you load the BIOS setup defaults, the
follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.

• If you clear the CMOS, the Core Unlocker feature will be disabled regardless of the
current settings of the BIOS setup and the Core Unlocker switch.

ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu

ASUS

ASUS M5A87 1-27

2. MemOK! switch

M5A87 MemOK! switch

M5A87

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 1.12 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system

and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

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

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes

about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails,

the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the

DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

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

DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at

www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off

the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

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

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

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-28

1.12 Onboard LEDs

M5A87 DRAM LED

DRAM LED

M5A87

SB_PWR

ON

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

M5A87 Onboard LED

M5A87

M5A87 Core Unlocker LED

O2LED1

M5A87

1. Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the
system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should
shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any
motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

2. DRAM LED

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

3. Core Unlocker LED

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

ASUS M5A87 1-29

The Core Unlocker LED keeps on
lighting even though the ASUS Core
Unlocker item in the BIOS menu is set

to [Disabled].

1.13 Software support

1.13.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 Operating Systems (OS). Always install

the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.

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

• Ensure that you install Windows
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.

To run the Support DVD

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

The following screen is for reference only.

®

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled on 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.

Click an icon to
display Support DVD/
motherboard information

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-30

Chapter 2

BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

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

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

2.1.1 ASUS Update

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

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

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

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

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

2. Click the

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.

Drivers menu appears.

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

Updating the BIOS

To update the BIOS:

1. From the Windows

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

2. Click

a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next.

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

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

ASUS M5A87 2-1

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

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

Updating from the Internet

Next.

®

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

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, then click Next.

b. Locate the BIOS le from the

Open window, then click Open.

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

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2

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

utility.

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

www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port, then launch
EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways:

• Press

• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the
press <Enter> to enable it.

Press

<Alt> + <F2> during POST.

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and

<Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14

Current ROM

BOARD: M5A87
VER: 0302 (H:00 B:01)
DATE: 03/08/2011

PATH: C:\

C:

Note

[ Ent er] Se lec t o r L oad [T ab] Sw itc h [V] D riv e I nfo
[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.

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS information

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

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

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

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

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

• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS le in the USB ash drive into

M5A87.ROM.

• Download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the removable device that contains the
BIOS le to the USB port or to the oppy disk drive, if supported.

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 turn on again.

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

ASUS M5A87 2-3

2.2 BIOS setup program

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

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

Entering BIOS Setup at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup:

• Press

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

• Press

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

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

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

POST continues with its routines.

<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.

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

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

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply to 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 Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 2.9 Exit Menu.

• The BIOS setup screens in this chapter are for reference only. They may not exactly
match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website at
motherboard.

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

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [16:34:30]

System Date [Tue 01/11/2011]

SATA6G_1 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_2 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_3 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_4 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_5 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_6 :[Not Detected]

SATA Conguration

System Information

Submenu items

Menu bar

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

Conguration elds

M5A87 BIOS Setup

General help

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

Navigation keys

Version 0302

2.2.2 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 conguring options for special functions

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.

2.2.3 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.

ASUS M5A87 2-5

2.2.4 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.

2.2.5 Submenu items

A solid triangle before each item on a menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To
display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

2.2.6 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
user-con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 2.2.7 Pop-up

window.

2.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press
<Enter> to display a pop-up window

with the conguration options for

that item.

2.2.8 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

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Power Settings

Suspend Mode [Auto]

ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
HW Monitor Conguration

Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American, American Megatrends, Inc.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

Options
S1 (POS) only
S3 only

Auto

Pop-up window

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

a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

Time.

Scroll bar

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

2.2.9 General help

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

Version 0302

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.3 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 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and
how to navigate through them.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [16:34:30]

System Date [Tue 01/11/2011]

SATA6G_1 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_2 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_3 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_4 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_5 :[Not Detected]
SATA6G_6 :[Not Detected]

SATA Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

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

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

Time.

Select Item

+-

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Version 0302

Select Screen

Change Field

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 SATA6G_1/2/3/4/5/6

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 then 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 Not Detected if no IDE/SATA device is

installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of SATA drive. Setting this item to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the
appropriate SATA device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a CD-ROM
drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a ZIP, LS-120,

or MO drive. Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

This item only appears in the SATA6G_5/6 menus.

ASUS M5A87 2-7

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode

disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When this item is set to [Auto], the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi­sector transfer feature. When this item is set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the

device occurs one sector at a time. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

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

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.3.4 SATA Conguration

The SATA 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]

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

The following two items only appear when you set OnChip SATA Channel to [Enabled].

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.

• When this item is set to [AHCI], the information of the SATA connectors 1–6 can be seen

only under the OS environment or during POST.

• For Windows

SATA connectors 1–6 in AHCI mode under the OS environment.

®

XP OS, you have to install the AHCI driver, so that you could use the

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information

SATA Port5 - Port6 [IDE]

Setting this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the optical

dirves connected to the SATA connectors 5 or 6 when installing OS.

If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that

you install the optical dirve to the SATA connectors 5/6 and set them to [IDE] mode.

2.3.5 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

BIOS information

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

ASUS M5A87 2-9

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu

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

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

values can cause the system to malfunction.

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

installed on the motherboard.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Performance Settings

Target CPU Frequency : 3000MHz
Target DRAM Frequency: 1333MHz

CPU Level UP [Auto]

-------------------------------------------------

CPU OverClocking [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 1.350 [Auto]
CPU/NB Offset Voltage 1.100 [Auto]
DRAM Voltage 1.500 [Auto]
HT Voltage 1.200 [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

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

Version 0302

Scroll down to display the following items:

NB Voltage 1.100 [Auto]

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

CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

2.4.1 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 CPU Overclocking 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.

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.4.2 CPU OverClocking [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

Overclock Prole Allows you to select an overclocking prole.

TestMode Allows you to set the overclocking parameter to 5%.

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 CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and allows you
to select a CPU level. The related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to the
selected CPU level.

CPU/HT Reference Clcok (MHz) [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and displays
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 100MHz to 550MHz.

PCIE Frequency [XXX]

This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and allows 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

100MHz to 150MHz.

DRAM O.C. Prole [DDR3-1600MHz]

This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking 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]

Prole Info : xxxxMHz–x-x-x-xx

This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking 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.

Overclock Options [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Overclock Prole] and
allows you to select an overclocking prole. Conguration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%]
[Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]

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.

ASUS M5A87 2-11

2.4.3 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.

The following two items only appear when you install a 6-core CPU.

AMD Turbo CORE technology [Enabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Turbo Core technology. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Turbo CORE Ratio [Auto]

Sets the Turbo Core ratio. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges

vary depending on your CPU model. Conguration options: [Auto]

2.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [800MHz]
[1067MHz] [1333MHz] [1600MHz]

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

2.4.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the NB Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency. Conguration
options: [Auto] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

2.4.6 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]

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.4.7 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]

DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]

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

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

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

DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [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]

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

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

DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto]

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

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]

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

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SD) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [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]

DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]

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

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

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

ASUS M5A87 2-13

2.4.8 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.

2.4.9 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]

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 0.500000V
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

0.500000V 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.

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.4.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.35000V to 2.30000V with a

0.01000V interval.

2.4.11 HT Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.38000V
with a 0.01000V interval.

2.4.12 NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.60000V with
a 0.01000V interval.

2.4.13 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode.

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

2.4.14 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

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

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

2.5 Advanced menu

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

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

M5A87 BIOS Setup
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Advanced Settings

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

Congure CPU.

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

Version 0302

Select Screen

2.5.1 CPU Conguration

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

ASUS M5A87 2-15

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may

enable it for testing purpose. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

Enables or disables Microcode Updation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM) Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]

Enables or disables the building of ACPI SRAT table. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

C1E Support [Disabled]

Enables or disables the CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function, a CPU power-saving function
in system halt state. When this item is enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be
reduced during the system halt state to decrease power consumption.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled]

Enables the ASUS Core Unlocker to get the full computing power of the processor. Select

[Disabled] to disable this function. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU Core Activation [Auto]

Allows you to set the active CPU cores. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following items appear only when you set CPU Core Activation to
[Manual].

2nd Core [On]

Enables or disables the second CPU core. Conguration options: [On] [Off]

3rd Core [On]

Enables or disables the third CPU core. Conguration options: [On] [Off]

4th Core [On]

Enables or disables the fourth CPU core. Conguration options: [On] [Off]

2.5.2 Chipset

NorthBridge Conguration

DRAM Controller Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS information

Channel Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.

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

Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]

Enables unused Clocks to DIMMs even though memory slots are not populated. Conguraiton
options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Always]

Allows you to select the unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width).

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors

automatically. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User]

Internal Graphics

Primary Display Adapter [GFX-GPP-PCI]

Selects the primary display adapter. Conguration options: [GFX-GPP-PCI] [GPP-GFX-PCI]
[PCI-GFX-GPP]

GFX: primary video controller on a PCIe x16 slot
GPP: primary video controller on a PCIe x1 slot
PCI: primary video controller on a PCI slot

2.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

Parallel Port Address [378]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Conguration options: [Disabled] [378]
[278] [3BC]

Parallel Port Mode [Normal]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Conguration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP]
[EPP+ECP]

ASUS M5A87 2-17

Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]

HDAudio Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the high denition audio controller. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB3.0 Controller [Enabled]

Enables and disables the USB 3.0 controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.4 PCIPnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.
The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA

devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

Plug and Play O/S [No]

When this item is set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When this item
is set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

2.5.5 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no
USB device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB ash

drives and USB hard drives. Setting to Auto allows the system to detect the presence of USB
devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device

is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
[Auto]

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to congure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480Mbps) or Full Speed
(12Mbps). Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

The following items only appear when a USB storage device is plugged in.

USB Mass Storage Device Conguration

USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec]

Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize.
Conguration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec]

Emulation Type [Auto]

Allows you to set the emulation type. Conguration options: [Auto] [Floppy]
[Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM]

ASUS M5A87 2-19

2.6 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

Power Settings

Suspend Mode [Auto]

ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
HW Monitor Conguration

Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

2.6.1 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]

2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0
support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI)

support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When set to Enabled, the

ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

2.6.4 APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When this item is set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When this item is set to [Power On], the system goes on after an AC power loss. When this
item set to [Last State], the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system

state was before the AC power loss. Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last
State]

Power on From S5 By PME# [Disabled]

Enables or disables PME wake from sleep states. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled]

Enables or disables ring to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Version 0302

Select Screen

Select Item

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information

Power on By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Power Key] [Ctrl-Esc]

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the

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

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

Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

2.6.5 HW Monitor Conguration

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored]
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored]

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.

CPU / Chassis / Power Fan Speed [N/A], [xxxxRPM], or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU / Chassis / Power
fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the

eld shows N/A. Select [gnored] if you do not want the detected speed to be displayed.

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage [xx.xxxV] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators.

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

Enables or disables the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds for

more efcient system operation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM]

Allows you to manually set a lower limit for the CPU fan speed. If the CPU fan speed is below the

specied limit, the system sends out warning beeps. Conguration options: [500 RPM] [400 RPM]
[300 RPM] [200 RPM] [100 RPM] [Ignored]

CPU Q-Fan Mode [Standard]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on the

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.
[Turbo] Set to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.
[Manual] Allows you to individually set the CPU fan parameters.

CPU temperature.

2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Anti-Surge protection feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M5A87 2-21

2.7 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 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

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

2.7.1 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: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive]
[ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

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

• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:

• Press <F5> when ASUS logo appears.

• Press <F8> after POST.

Version 0302

Select Screen

2.7.2 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 this item is set to [Disabled], BIOS

performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

Enables or disables the full screen logo display feature. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS information

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Conguration options: [Off] [On]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

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

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

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When this item is set to [Enabled], the system displays the message Press DEL to run
Setup during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.7.3 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

2. On the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters, or numbers, or

both, 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> twice. The message Password uninstalled appears.

Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

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.

ASUS M5A87 2-23

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

2. On the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters, or numbers, or

both, 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.

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

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]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.8 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Tools Settings

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS O.C. Prole

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

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)

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

Version 0302

Select Screen

Select Item

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message

appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to
conrm your choice. See section 2.1.2 for details.

2.8.2 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, key in
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.

Load CMOS Proles.

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

load the le.

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 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 CMO le can be loaded.

ASUS M5A87 2-25

2.9 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 Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this
menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

M5A87 BIOS Setup

Exit system setup
after saving the
cahnges.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

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.

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.

Version 0302

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information

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 (Component) [phone]
Telephone (System/Notebook/Eee/LCD) [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 : MotherBoard

Model name : M5A87

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 61000-3-3:2008

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 302 544-2 V1.1.1(2009-01)

EN 50360:2001

EN 50371:2002

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 V2.1.1(2009-05)

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)

EN 302 623 V1.1.1(2009-01)

2006/95/EC-LVD Directive

EN 60950-1:2006

EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009

EN 60065:2002+A1:2006+A11:2008

2009/125/EC-ErP Directive

Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009

EN 62301:2005

Ver. 110101

CE marking

Declaration Date: Mar. 15, 2011

Year to begin affixing CE marking:2011

Position : CEO

Name : Jerry Shen

Signature : __________

EC conformit

y

markin

g)

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)

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. 15, 2011

Ver. 110101