Asus M5A87 User Manual

M5A87

Motherboard

E6526

First Edition (V1)

March 2011

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.

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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”) and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as 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;

(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:

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

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

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

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

we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the

product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address).

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

1-3

1-5

1-6

1-7

1-8

1-10

1-11

1-12

1-17

1-18

1-19

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

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-6

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-10

2-11

2-12

2-13

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

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-20

2-21

2-22

2-23

2-25

2-26

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.

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)

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)

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)

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

911 10

1314

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)

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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

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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.

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