Asus M5A88-M User Manual

M5A88-M

Motherboard

E6562

First Edition (V1) April 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.

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 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........................................................................................................................vii

Safety information .................................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................................... ix

M5A88-M specications summary ........................................................................... xi

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 ASUS Hybrid Processor - TPU (TurboV Processing Unit)* .........

1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Switch*

1.3.4 ASUS unique features

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2.2.2 Layout contents ...........................................................................

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU .......................................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ............................................

2.4 System memory .......................................................................................

2.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..............................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ......................................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ....................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .................................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

2.5.4 PCI slot

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots ...........................................................

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ...........................................................

2.6 Jumper ......................................................................................................

2.7 Onboard switches ....................................................................................

2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

....................................................................................... 1-1

.......................................................................................... 1-2

........................................................................ 1-2

....................................... 1-3

................................................................. 1-4

..................................................................... 2-4

................................................................................. 2-4

........................................................................................ 2-13

...................................................... 2-13

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

...................................................................................... 2-15

1-3

2-2

2-3

2-5

2-7

2-10

2-11

2-12

2-13

2-15

2-16

2-17

2-19

2-22

iii

Contents

2.8.3 Internal connectors....................................................................2-24

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) ..........................................

2.9 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................................

2.10 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.11 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 Updating BIOS ............................................................................................

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...............................................................

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ...................................................................

3.3 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ......................................................................

3.3.2 Menu bar .....................................................................................

3.3.3 Navigation keys .........................................................................

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items .........................................................................

3.3.6 Conguration elds ...................................................................

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar ...................................................................................

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu ................................................................................................

3.4.1 SATA6G_1~6 ............................................................................

3.4.2 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.4.3 System Information ...................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................

3.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto] .................................................................

3.5.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto]

3.5.3 CPU Ratio [Auto] .......................................................................

3.5.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ...........................................................

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

3.5.6 HT Link Speed [Auto] ................................................................

3.5.7 GPU Booster [Enabled] .............................................................

3.5.8 OC Tuner Utility .........................................................................

3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration

3.5.10 DRAM Driving Conguration .....................................................

3.5.11 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset] ..............................................

3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] ........................................................

..................................................................... 3-2

................................................... 3-5

................................................................................ 3-10

.......................................................................... 3-10

.............................................................................. 3-10

.......................................................... 3-16

...................................................... 3-18

2-30

2-31

2-32

3-1

3-4

3-6

3-9

3-10

3-11

3-13

3-14

3-15

3-17

3-18

3-19

3-20

Contents

3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ................................................................3-20

3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................

3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................

3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto] .............................................................

3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................

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

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

3.5.20 PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled] ................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 Chipset ......................................................................................

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.4 PCIPnP .....................................................................................

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.7 Power menu ..............................................................................................

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

3.7.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] ......................................................

3.7.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ...................................................

3.7.4 APM Conguration ....................................................................

3.7.5 HW Monitor Conguration .........................................................

3.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

3.7.7 NB Thermal Protect [Enabled] .................................................. 3-31

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................

3.8.3 Security .....................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

................................................................ 3-28

.................................................... 3-31

................................................................... 3-32

3-20

3-21

3-23

3-25

3-26

3-27

3-28

3-29

3-30

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-36

3-38

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................

4.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .......................................................

4.3.3 ASUS AI Suite .............................................................................

.................................................. 4-2

4-1

4-3

4-4

4-5

Contents

4.3.4 ASUS Fan Xpert..........................................................................4-6

4.3.5 ASUS EPU ..................................................................................

4.3.6 Audio congurations

4.3.7 ASUS GPU Boost .......................................................................

4.3.8 Turbo Unlocker ..........................................................................

4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—TurboV EVO .................................

4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV ..................................................................

4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode ....................................

4.4.3 Using CPU Level UP .................................................................

4.4.4 Using ASUS Turbo Key .............................................................

4.5 RAID congurations ................................................................................

4.5.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................

4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................

4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................

4.5.4 AMD

Option ROM Utility .......................................................... 4-16

4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.6.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4.6.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

4.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

4.6.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................

Chapter 5: ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support

ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ ........................................................................................ 5-1

System requirements ................................................................................... 5-1

Before you proceed ...................................................................................... 5-1

Installing AMD Chipset Driver ...................................................................... 5-2

Using the ATI CATALYST® Control Center ................................................... 5-2

.................................................................... 4-8

..................................................................... 4-19

.................................. 4-19

OS installation ...... 4-19

4-7

4-9

4-10

4-11

4-12

4-13

4-14

4-15

4-19

4-20

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.

vii

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 electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet

before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

technician or your retailer.

viii

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: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

• Chapter 5: ATI

This chapter describes the ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.

Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support

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.

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.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italic

s 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> + <Del>

M5A88-M specications summary

CPU AMD

Chipset AMD® 880G / SB850

System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.)/

VGA output Integrated ATI® Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

Storage AMD® SB850 southbridge:

LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller

Audio ALC892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors AMD® 140W CPU Support AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Supports 32nm AM3+ CPU * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list

1333 / 1066 MHz, ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture * 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).

***** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows®

32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We

recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system.

Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 (1080p)

Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to 2560 x 1600 @60Hz Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1536 @85Hz

Dual independent displays support:

• D-Sub & DVI-D

• D-Sub & HDMI Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, and Shader Model 4.1 Hardware Decode Acceleration for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2 Maximum shared memory of 1GB Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ * Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs that support Hybrid

CrossFireX™.

2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots 1 x PCI slot

- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support

- Supports 192khz/24bit BD Lossless Sound

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking (HD mode only)

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

(continued on the next page)

M5A88-M specications summary

USB AMD® SB850 southbridge:

ASUS unique features ASUS Xtreme Design

ASUS exclusive overclocking features

Other features 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

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

- 12 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (8 ports at midboard, 4 ports at the back panel) Asmedia USB3.0 controller:

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

ASUS Hybrid Processor – TPU

- TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP, Turbo Unlocker, and GPU Boost ASUS Hybrid Switches:

- Core Unlocker

- MemOK! button ASUS Power Solutions

- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

- ASUS EPU

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2™

Intelligent overclocking tools

- TPU

- GPU Boost

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 0.015V increment 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 Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x HDMI Out port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x DVI-D Out port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue) 8-channel audio I/O ports

(continued on the next page)

xii

M5A88-M specications summary

Internal connectors / switches / buttons

BIOS features 16 Mb Flash ROM, SPI, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE

Support DVD contents Drivers

Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

Form factor MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 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 1 x COM connector 1 x LPT connector 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x S/PDIF Out header 1 x Core Unlocker switch 1 x MemOK! button 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector

SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

1 x 2-in-1 Q-Connector (retail version only) 1 x I/O Shield 1 x User Manual 1 x Support DVD

xiii

xiv

Chapter 1

User Manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A88-M motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS M5A88-M motherboard User guide Support DVD

Chapter 1

ASUS M5A88-M 1-1

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables with 6.0 Gb/s

label

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

1 x ASUS I/O Shield

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series 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® 880G Chipset

AMD® 880G Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)

interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s latest AM3+

and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 support

This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2000(O.

C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements

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

AMD® SB850 Chipset

The AMD® SB850 Southbridge natively supports the next generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate and PCI Express 2.0 interface.

True USB 3.0 Support

Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8 Gb/s 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.

Hybrid CrossFireX™ support*

ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance with an onboard GPU and a discrete GPU.

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.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - TPU (TurboV Processing Unit)*

TPU

Unleash your performance with ASUS’ TurboV utility. ASUS Auto tuning feature can

intelligently optimize the system for fast, yet stable clock speeds, and the TurboV gives you the freedom to adjust CPU frequencies and ratios to optimize performance under varied

system conditions.

Auto Tuning

Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C. beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with Auto Tuning!

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.

CPU Level Up

CPU Level Up allows you to upgrade your CPU at no additional cost. Simply pick the processor you want to overclock to, and your motherboard will do the rest. See the CPU speed and enjoy better performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy as this.

Turbo Unlocker

Turbo Unlocker is the next evolution of an exclusive ASUS performance boost feature. One click in the TurboV EVO interface and Turbo Unlocker automatically and dynamically adjusts AMD 6-CORE and Black Edition processor frequencies to speed up performance based on system load. Turbo Unlocker gets you in touch with more power when you need it.

Chapter 1

GPU Boost

GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best graphics

performance. User-friendly UI facilitates exible frequency and voltage adjustments. Its ability to deliver multiple overclocking proles also provides rapid and stable system-

level upgrades.

1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Switch*

Core Unlocker

ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—with just a simple

switch. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes.

MemOK!

MemOK! 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.

* The actual overclocking result depends on the system conguration.

ASUS M5A88-M 1-3

1.3.4 ASUS unique features

ASUS Power Solutions

ASUS Power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and

Chapter 1

energy consumption.

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC components in real-time–helping save power and money!

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 Quiet Thermal Solutions

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.

Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution

The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the heatsink design lowers the temperature of the chipset

and power phase area through high efcient heat-exchange. Combined with usability

and aesthetics, the ASUS stylish heatsink will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant appearance!

Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different

geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement

ROM chip.

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.

Precision Tweaker 2

Allows you to ne-tune the VCore / VDDNB voltage in 0.003125V steps and DRAM voltage in

0.015V steps to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking conguration.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 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, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Chapter 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

M5A88-M

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCI1

USB78 USB910 USB1112 USB1314

AAFP

ATX12V

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

ALC 892

RTL

8111E

ASM 1042

ICS

9LPRS483

KB_USB56

SPDIFO_ HDMI

16Mb BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

24.4cm(9.6in)

AMD

880G

AMD

SB850

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_2 SATA6G_4 SATA6G_6

SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 SATA6G_5

AUDIO

LAN1_USB12

USB3_12

CHA_FAN

PANEL

SPDIF_OUT

LPT

COM1

DVI_VGA

DRAM_LED

MemOK!

CORE_UNLOCKER

02LED1

EPU

51 32 4

13 111215 1417 16

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and internal

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

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

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

3. AM3+ CPU Socket

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

6. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)

7. MemOK! switch

8. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)

9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

10. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)

11. AMD

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

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

14. Core Unlocker LED (O2LED1)

15. Core Unlocker switch

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

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

SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 2-24

2-27

2-28

2-5

2-10

2-26

2-24

2-17

2-31

2-16

2-31

2-29

2-25

2-31

2-18

2-27

2-26

Chapter 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-3

M5A88-M

2.2.3 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.

2.2.4 Screw holes

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

Chapter 2

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

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

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Right

M5A88-M

M5A88-M CPU socket AM3+

This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

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!

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Chapter 2

2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90º angle.

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle. Otherwise, the CPU will

not t in completely.

ASUS M5A88-M 2-5

Socket lever

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.

Chapter 2

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin, wash it off immediately, and seek professional medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The AMD® AM3+ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

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

Chapter 2

Retention bracket

ASUS M5A88-M 2-7

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.

CPU heatsink

Retention module base

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

Chapter 2

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the retention

mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M5A88-M

M5A88-M CPU fan connector

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.

• This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.

Chapter 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-9

2.4 System memory

M5A88-M

M5A88-M 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B2

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

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

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Chapter 2

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

Install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.2 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

• Due to CPU spec., AMD

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

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less

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

standard memory frequency.

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

higher frequency DIMMs.

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:

- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard. For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.

(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

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

Chapter 2

• 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 frequency adjustment.

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

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

ASUS M5A88-M 2-11

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

for manual memory

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

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

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket.

Chapter 2

3. Hold the DIMM by both of its ends, then insert the DIMM vertically into the socket. Apply force to both ends of the DIMM simultaneously until the retaining clip snaps back into place, and the DIMM cannot be pushed in any further to ensure proper sitting of the DIMM.

DIMM notch

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.

DIMM slot key

Locked Retaining Clip

Always insert the DIMM into the socket VERTICALLY to prevent DIMM notch damage.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clip 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.

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

2.5.1 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.

2.5.2 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 3 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Chapter 2

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

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

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

ASUS M5A88-M 2-13

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 – Redirect to IRQ#9

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

6 14 Reserved

7 15 Reserved

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

Chapter 2

10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

12 7 Reserved

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCIE x16 – – shared – – – – – PCIE x1_1 – shared – – – – – – PCIE x1_2 – – shared – – – – – PCI1 – – – – shared – – – LAN – – shared – – – – – Onboard 880G Video

Controller

USB 3.0 controller – – – shared – – – –

Onchip SATA Controller – – – shared – – – – HD Audio shared – – – – – – –

1 System Timer

A B C D E F G H

– – shared – – – – –

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.4 PCI slot

The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

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

comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the

slots.

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics

cards complying with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location

of the slots.

Chapter 2

PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16 slot

PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot

PCI slot

ASUS M5A88-M 2-15

2.6 Jumper

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Clear RTC RAM

1 2

2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin 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.

Chapter 2

To erase the RTC RAM

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

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

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After 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 C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Onboard switches

M5A88-M

M5A88-M MemOK! switch

Onboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case

system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.

1. MemOK! switch

Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

• Refer to section

• 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

• 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.

2.9 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

OS environment.

Chapter 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-17

2. Core Unlocker switch

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Core Unlocker switch

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

Chapter 2

For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to powered off.

• The turned to

O2LED1

• If you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.

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

Core Unlocker

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

LED near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting is

O2LED1

. Refer to section

Enable

LED.

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

2.9 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the

when the system is

Enable

ASUS Core Unlocker

item

ASUS

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

Chapter 2

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple) 6. HDMI Out port***

2. Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. DVI-D Out pot

3. D-Sub Out port

4. LAN (RJ-45) port*

5. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 9. Audio I/O ports**

*and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port denitions.

***: Refer to the notes and troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling on the next pages.

ASUS M5A88-M 2-19

8. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 (blue), USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

* LAN port LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

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

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Chapter 2

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

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

SPEED

ACT/LINK

No link OFF

Headset

2-channel

Dual display table

This table indicates whether the dual display you want to use is supported or not.

Dual display output Supported Not supported

HDMI + D-Sub •

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

DVI + D-Sub •

DVI + HDMI •

10 Mbps connection

LED

LAN port

LED

Playback of Blu-ray Discs

For better playback quality, we suggest that you follow the system requirements in the suggested list below.

Suggested list

CPU

DIMM

BIOS setup

Playback software

File format

Non-protected clips 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p

Blu-ray 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

AMD® Phenom II X4 805

DDR3 1333 2G x 2

Frame Buffer Size – 256MB or higher

CyberLink® PowerDVD 9

Best resolution

Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7

1920 x 1080p

Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:

If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is not

lling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable, you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen.

To resize your HDTV desktop:

1. Install

2. Right-click the desktop and select

3. From the

4. Click

5. Move the

AMD Chipset Driver from the motherboard support DVD.

ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center.

Graphics Settings tree, expand DTV (HDMI™) 1.

Scaling Options.

Underscan/Overscan slider to adjust the overall size of the display on the

HDMI™ DTV. Using this slider increases or decreases any black borders that may be visible around the outside of the display.

6. To ensure that forcing a custom display mode through the ATI Displays Manager does

not create conicting resolutions, select the Use the scaling values instead of the customized settings when the desktop resolution does not match your DFP resolution check box.

The Scaling Options function of the DTV (HDMI™) 1 item in the ATI CATALYST Control Center is adjustable only when you are using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i.

Chapter 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-21

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

Chapter 2

Connect to Stereo / 2.1-channel Speakers

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

ASUS M5A88-M 2-23

2.8.3 Internal connectors

GND

RSATA_RXN3

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_TXN3

RSATA_TXP3

GND

SATA6G_3

GND

RSATA_RXN5

RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_TXN5

RSATA_TXP5

GND

SATA6G_5

SATA6G_6

GND

RSATA_TXP6

RSATA_TXN6

GND

RSATA_RXP6

RSATA_RXN6

GND

RSATA_RXN1

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_TXN1

RSATA_TXP1

GND

SATA6G_1

SATA6G_4

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA6G_2

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors

M5A88-M

M5A88-M LPT connector

LPT

PIN 1

SLCT PE BUSY ACK# PD7 PD6 PD5 PD4 PD3 PD2 PD1 PD0 STB#

GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND

SLIN#

INIT#

ERR#

AFD

1. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5,

or RAID 10 conguration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller.

Chapter 2

• These connectors are set to

mode by default. In

IDE

mode, you can connect

IDE

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 to

in the BIOS. See section

[RAID]

• You must install Windows

3.4.2 SATA Conguration

XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial

for details.

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 to BIOS. See section

3.4.2 SATA Conguration

for details.

2. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)

The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT is

standardized as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible

computers.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

[AHCI]

in the

3. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112; USB1314)

M5A88-M

M5A88-M USB2.0 connectors

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

USB1112

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P14-

USB_P14+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P13-

USB_P13+

GND

USB1314

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

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

480 Mbps connection speed.

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

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

The USB module cable is purchased separately.

Chapter 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-25

4. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Serial port (COM1) connector

PIN 1

COM1

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Front panel audio connector

AAFP

PIN 1

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT2 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

Chapter 2

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

The COM module is purchased separately.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s 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

an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to default, this connector is set to [HD]. Refer to for details.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

item in the BIOS setup to

[HD Audio]

; if you want to connect

[AC 97]

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration

. By

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

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Digital audio connector

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M5A88-M

M5A88-M fan connectors

Rotation

+12V

GND

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

7. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 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.

Chapter 2

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the

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

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

• Only the 4-pin CPU_FAN connector supports the ASUS Fan Xpert feature.

ASUS M5A88-M 2-27

8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V)

M5A88-M

M5A88-M 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

GND

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are

designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

Chapter 2

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

minimum power of 450 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not

boot.

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

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

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the

Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator

at http://support.

asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

IDE_LED PWRSW RESET

M5A88-M

M5A88-M System panel connector

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 2

ASUS M5A88-M 2-29

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

IDE_LED

POWER SW

RESET SW

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PWR

Reset

Ground

Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables.

To install the ASUS Q-Connector:

1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to

know the detailed pin denitions, and then

match them to their respective front panel cable labels.

Chapter 2

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system panel connector, ensuring the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard.

The labels on the front panel cables may vary depending on the chassis model.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector is properly

installed on the motherboard.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9 Onboard LEDs

SB_PWR

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Onboard LED

M5A88-M

M5A88-M DRAM LED

DRAM LED

M5A88-M

M5A88-M Core Unlocker LED

O2LED1

1. Standby Power LED

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

2. 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.

Chapter 2

3. Core Unlocker LED

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

The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the the BIOS menu is set to

ASUS M5A88-M 2-31

[Disabled]

Enable

ASUS Core Unlocker

item in

2.10 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green

Chapter 2

after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the

BIOS beeps (see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep

One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four short beeps

VGA detected Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.

2.11 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3.7 Power menu

in Chapter 3 for details.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

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

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal

circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup.

• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update.

Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service personnel.

3.2 Updating BIOS

The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this

motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support

DVD or a USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.

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

motherboard support DVD and a USB ash drive.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

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.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-1

Chapter 3

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

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

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet

• View the BIOS version information

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.

2. From the

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

Chapter 3

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. From the Windows® desktop, click

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

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

Main menu, click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

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

2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet from the drop-down menu, and then click Next.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or click

Auto Select. Click Next.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Fom the Windows® desktop, click

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select

Update BIOS from a le

from the dropdown menu, then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

M5A88M.ROM

Chapter 3

M5A88M

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-3

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port, and then

launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways:

• Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

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

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and

Chapter 3

2. Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and

automatically reboots the system when done.

Current ROM

BOARD: M5A88-M VER: 0303 (H:00 B:01) DATE: 03/29/2011

PATH: A:\

Note

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

• 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 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. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the

BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains the BIOS le.

• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS le in the USB ash drive into M5A88M.

ROM.

• The BIOS le in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS le published on the ASUS ofcial website. If you want to use the newer BIOS le, download the le at support.asus.com and save it to a USB ash drive.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB ash drive containing the BIOS le to the USB port.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on again.

5. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F2> to load default BIOS values.

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

ASUS M5A88-M 3-5

Chapter 3

3.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater

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

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

gets corrupted during the updating process.

Before updating BIOS

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

single partition.

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

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

Booting the system in DOS environment

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

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

Chapter 3

optical drive as the boot device.

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

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

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

BIOS

Please select boot device:

SATA:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CDROM:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

USB:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Network:XXXXXXXXXXXXX

↑ and ↓ to move selection

ENTER to select boot device

ESC to boot using defaults

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

pressing the item number.

4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type

d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from

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

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

C:\>d:

D:\>

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Backing up the current BIOS

To backup the current BIOS le using the BIOS Updater

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

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

D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Filename Extension

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

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

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

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [09/06/22]

Current ROM

BOARD: M5A88-M VER: 0303 (H:00 B:01) DATE: 03/29/2011

PATH: A:\

BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.

Note

Saving BIOS:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

Chapter 3

ASUS M5A88-M 3-7

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater

1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type

2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.

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

Chapter 3

bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.

D:\>bupdater /pc /g

ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [09/06/22]

Current ROM

BOARD: M5A88-M VER: 0303 (H:00 B:01) DATE: 03/29/2011

PATH: A:\

Note

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

M5A88M.ROM 2097152 2010-01-11 17:30:48

Are you sure to update BIOS?

Yes No

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

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

Updater. Restart your computer.

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

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

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

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

disconnected them.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3 BIOS setup program

A BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the

computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the

system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.6 Jumper for details.

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [13:51:25]

System Date [Mon 01/14/2002]

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

Conguration elds

M5A88-M 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 0303

Chapter 3

3.3.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

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

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

ASUS M5A88-M 3-9

3.3.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.

3.3.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.

3.3.5 Submenu items

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

3.3.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not 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 and press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 3.3.7 Pop-up

window.

Chapter 3

3.3.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item and press <Enter> to

display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

3.3.8 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

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

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Suspend Mode [Auto] ACPI Version Features [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

Anti Surge Support [Auto] NB Thermal Protect [Disabled]

Disabled

Enabled

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

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

3.3.9 General help

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

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Select an item and press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Refer to section 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [13:51:25]

System Date [Mon 01/14/2002]

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

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

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

Version 0303

3.4.1 SATA6G_1~6

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item and press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.

Main

SATA6G_1

Device : Not Detected

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] DMA Mode [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Disabled: Disables LBA Mode. Auto: Enables LBA Mode if the device supports it and the device is not already formatted with LBA Mode disabled.

Version 0303

Chapter 3

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

+- Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit

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 SATA device

is installed in the system.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-11

Type [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of device installed.

[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is installed.

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate device type.

[CDROM] Select this option if you are specically conguring a CD-ROM drive.

[ARMD] Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

[Auto] Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

[Auto] When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one

PIO Mode [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,

Chapter 3

[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Sets the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

This item appears in SATA6G_5/6 menus only.

if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled.

multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.

sector at a time.

which correspond to different data transfer rates.

DMA Mode [Auto]

DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware devices installed with much less CPU overhead.

The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA (Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,

[Enabled] Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

[Disabled] Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

and Reporting Technology).

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

[Enabled] Sets the controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into

[Disabled] Disables this function.

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes more

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

transfer of a particular amount of data.

3.4.2 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.

Main

SATA Conguration

OnChip SATA Speed [Auto]

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

SATA Port1 - Port4 [IDE] SATA Port5 - Port6 [IDE]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Disabled Enabled

OnChip SATA Speed [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the SATA speed.

[SATA 3.0Gb/s] Set the SB850 SATA speed to [SATA 3.0Gb/s] to support SATA 3.0Gb/s

HDDs with max. speed at 3.0Gb/s.

[SATA 6.0Gb/s] Set the SB850 SATA speed to [SATA 6.0Gb/s] to support SATA 6.0Gb/s

HDDs with max. speed at 6.0Gb/s.

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard channel SATA port.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard channel SATA port.

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

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

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

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

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

hard disk drives.

(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.

Version 0303

Options

Chapter 3

• 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

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.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-13

3.4.3 System Information

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

Main

BIOS Information

Version : 0303 Build Date: 03/29/11

Processor

Type : AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor Speed : 3000MHz

System Memory

Installed Size: 1024MB Usable Size : 768MB

Chapter 3

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Version 0303

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5 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] GPU Booster [Enabled] Enhanced iGPU SpeedStep [Auto] GPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] OC Tuner Utility

DRAM Timing Conguration DRAM Driving Conguration

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

CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]

M5A88-M 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 0303

Scroll down to display the following items:

CPU Offset Voltage 1.350 [Auto] CPU/NB Offset Voltage 1.100 [Auto] CPU VDDA Voltage 2.500 [Auto] DRAM Voltage 1.500 [Auto] HT Voltage 1.200 [Auto] NB Voltage 1.100 [Auto] NB 1.8V Voltage 1.800 [Auto] SB Voltage 1.100 [Auto]

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

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

PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled]

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

+- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit

3.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto]

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

according to the selected CPU level. If you want to manually congure the settings in detail,

set CPU Overclocking to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level.

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

Chapter 3

• 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.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-15

3.5.2 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

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

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

you install on the motherboard.

CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) [200]

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 [100]

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.

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

will be adjusted automatically.

Chapter 3

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 have 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%]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.3 CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the CPU Bus 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]

3.5.4 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.

3.5.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the NB (in CPU) Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency.

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

3.5.6 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]

3.5.7 GPU Booster [Enabled]

[Enabled] Select [Enabled] to automatically optimize the iGPU frequency.

[Disabled] Select [Disabled] to use a xed iGPU frequency.

Enhanced iGPU SpeedStep [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the GPU Booster item to [Enabled] and allows you to

set the iGPU clock speed for better 3D performance. Conguration options: [Auto] [Extreme]

[Turbo] [Manual]

GPU Engine Clock [700]

This item appears only when you set the GPU Booster item to [Disabled] or set the Enhanced iGPU SpeedStep item to [Manual]. Allows you to set the GPU Engine Clock. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired

value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200MHz to 2000MHz.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-17

Chapter 3

GPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the GPU Booster item to [Enabled].

[Enabled] Select [Enabled] to reduce the iGPU power consumption when the system

[Disabled] Disables this function.

3.5.8 OC Tuner Utility

OC Tuner utility automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of the CPU and DRAM.

Press <Enter> to start auto tuning. It takes around ve minutes, and the system will reboot for

several times until auto tuning is completed.

3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration

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]

Chapter 3

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]

is idle.

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

you install on the motherboard.

DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [12 CLK] – [42 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]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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] [2 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]

3.5.10 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.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-19

Chapter 3

3.5.11 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 -0.300000V 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 -0.300000V 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.

3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.50V to 2.80V with a 0.10V interval.

Chapter 3

3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 2.44000V with a

0.01000V interval.

3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.40000V with a 0.01000V interval.

3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.73000V with a 0.01000V interval.

3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Northbridge 1.8V voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 1.90V with a

0.10V interval.

3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Southbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V with a

0.10V interval.

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.18 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode.

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

3.5.19 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]

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

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

3.5.20 PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled]

Allows you to enable and disable clock for the PCI/PCIe slot.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6 Advanced menu

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

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Congure CPU.

Version 0303

3.6.1 CPU Conguration

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

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Module Version: OrochiPI 0.0.7.3-1

AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor Revision: C2 Cache L1: 512KB Cache L2: 2048KB Cache L3: 6MB Speed : 3000MHz, uCode Patch Level : 0x10000C6

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled]

Cool‘n’Quiet [Enabled] C1E Support [Auto] ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled] CPU Core Activation [Auto]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose.

Version 0303

Chapter 3

ASUS M5A88-M 3-21

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Cool‘n’Quiet [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

C1E Support [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of C1E support function.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the ASUS Core Unlocker to get the full computing power of the

[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU Core Activation [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic activation of cores.

[Manual] Manually turn off a specic core.

2nd Core [On]

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

Chapter 3

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]

processor.

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

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6.2 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Advanced

Chipset Conguration

NorthBridge Conguration

Internal Graphics

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Memory Options & Information

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

DRAM Controller Conguration

ECC Conguration

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

DRAM Controller Conguration

Advanced

DRAM Controller Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Node Interleaving [Disabled] Channel Interleaving [Auto] CS Sparing Enable [Disabled] Bank Swizzle Mode [Enabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Enable Bank Memory Interleaving

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

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

Version 0303

Node Interleaving [Disabled]

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

Channel Interleaving [Disabled]

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

[Auto]

CS Sparing Enable [Disabled]

Enables this item to reserve a spare memory rank in each node. Conguraiton options:

[Enabled] [Disabled]

Bank Swizzle Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the bank swizzle mode. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

ASUS M5A88-M 3-23

Chapter 3

ECC Conguration

Advanced

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]

ECC Mode [Disabled]

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

[Disabled] Disables the DRAM ECC mode.

[Basic] Set to [Basic] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[Good] Set to [Good] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[Super] Set to [Super] to adjust the

[Max] Set to [Max] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[User] Set to [User] to adjust all the subitems manually.

Internal Graphics

Advanced

Chapter 3

Internal Graphics

Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]

Internal Graphics Mode [UMA] UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]

Surround View [Auto]

Frame Buffer Location [Above 4G] AMD HDMI Audio [Enabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

DRAM BG Scrub sub-item manually.

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Version 0303

Set the level of ECC protection. Note: The ‘Super’ ECC mode dynamically sets the DRAM scrub rate so all of memory is scrubbed in 8 hours.

Version 0303

Options

GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI

Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]

Conguration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI]

Internal Graphics Mode [UMA]

Selects the internal graphics mode. Conguration options: [Disabled] [UMA]

UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Internal Graphics Mode item to [UMA].

Conguration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB] [1024MB]

• The [512MB] option only appears when you install 1GB or higher capacity DIMMs.

• The [1024MB] option only appears when you install 2GB or higher capacity DIMMs.

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Surround View [Auto]

If you set the PCI Express device as the primary display and enable this item, you may use the internal graphics as the secondary display. This item appears only when you set the

Internal Graphics Mode item to [UMA]. Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

When set to [Auto], only the primary display could be activated.

Frame Buffer Location [Above 4G]

Allows you to select the FB Location. Conguration options: [Below 4G] [Above 4G]

AMD HDMI Audio [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the AMD HDMI Audio.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Devices Conguration

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Allows BIOS to select Serial Port1 Base Addresses.

Version 0303

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

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

Parallel Port Address [378]

Selects the Parallel Port base addresses. Conguration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]

Parallel Port Mode [Normal]

Selects the Parallel Port mode. Conguration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP + ECP]

Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Allows BIOS to select the Parallel Port IRQ. Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]

HDAudio Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the HD Audio controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M5A88-M 3-25

Chapter 3

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

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

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

module supports.

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

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

Onboard LAN Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].

[Enabled] Enables the onboard Gigabit LAN Boot ROM.

[Disabled] Disables the LAN Boot ROM.

USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard USB 3.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

3.6.4 PCIPnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.

Advanced

Chapter 3

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Version 0303

NO: lets the BIOS

congure all the

devices in the system. YES: lets the operating system

congure Plug and

Plug And Play O/S [No]

[Yes] When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the

[No] When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

3.6.5 USB Conguration

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

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

Advanced

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.5-13.4

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Functions [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

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

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Disabled Enabled

USB Functions [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers.

[Disabled] Disables the controllers.

The following items appear only when you set USB Support to [Enabled].

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Disabled] Disables the function.

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

Version 0303

Options

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

[FullSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps).

[HiSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps).

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

USB Mass Storage Device Conguration

Advanced

USB Mass Storage Device Conguration

USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec]

Device #1 Kingston DataTraveler

Emulation Type [Auto]

ASUS M5A88-M 3-27

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Number of seconds POST waits for the USB mass storage device after start unit command.

Version 0303

Chapter 3

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]

3.7 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for 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] NB Thermal Protect [Enabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Version 0303

Chapter 3

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used

for system suspend.

[Auto] The system automatically congures the ACPI suspend mode.

[S1 (POS) only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S1/POS (Power On Suspend).

[S3 only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S3/STR (Suspend To RAM).

3.7.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] The system will not add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.

[Enabled] The system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.

3.7.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] The system disables the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

[Enabled] The ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC).

3.7.4 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Power On From S5 By PME# [Disabled] Power On From S5 By Ring [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Power Off Power On Last State

Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

before the AC power loss.

Power On From S5 By PME# [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE devices.

[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE LAN or modem card.

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

Power On From S5 By Ring [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables to power up the computer when the external modem receives a

[Enabled] The computer could be powered up when the external modem receives a

call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully

running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the

system power on.

Version 0303

Options

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to use specic keys on the keyboard 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] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]

Power On From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items

Time will become user-congurable with set values.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-29

RTC Alarm Date (Days) and System

Chapter 3

3.7.5 HW Monitor Conguration

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [35ºC/95ºF]

MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [3590RPM] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.040V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.008V] 5V Voltage [ 4.776V] 12V Voltage [11.648V]

CPU Q-Fan Function [Disabled] CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] CPU Q-Fan Mode [Standard]

CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

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

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

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

shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

Chapter 3

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item.

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

CPU Temperature

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Version 0303

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan feature.

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

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to

disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Conguration options: [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400

RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM] [Ignored]

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Q-Fan Mode [Standard]

[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

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

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.

[Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.

the CPU temperature.

3.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the Anti Surge support.

[Disabled] Disables the Anti Surge support.

3.7.7 NB Thermal Protect [Enabled]

When this item is enabled, the system will automatically shut down when the Northbridge

temperature is over 95ºC to avoid any damage to the Northbridge chipset. Conguration

options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M5A88-M 3-31

Chapter 3

3.8 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Species the Boot Device

Boot Priority sequence.

A virtual oppy disk

drive (Floppy Drive B: ) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the rst boot device.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [Removable Dev.]

2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive] 3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Species the boot

sequence from the available devices.

Version 0303

Chapter 3

1st – xxth Boot Device [Removable Dev.]

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.

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Quick Boot [Enabled]

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], BIOS skips some power on self tests (POST) while

booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

sequence.

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.

Version 0303

Chapter 3

ASUS M5A88-M 3-33

3.8.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item

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

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password

Change User Passward

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. From the password box, key in a password composed of up to six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press <Enter> twice. The message Password Uninstalled appears.

Chapter 3

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disable password.

Version 0303

Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

If you have forgotten your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Installed User Password : Installed

Change Supervisor Password

User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check [Setup]

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password.

Version 0303

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

[No Access] Prevents user access to the Setup utility.

[View Only] Allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

[Limited] Allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

[Full Access] Allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of up to six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

[Setup] BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility.

[Always]

BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system.

ASUS M5A88-M 3-35

Chapter 3

3.9 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Tools Settings

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS O.C. Prole

3.9.1 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.

Chapter 3

3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole

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

Tools

O.C. PROFILE Conguration

O.C. Prole 1 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 2 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 3 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 4 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 5 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 6 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 7 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 8 Status : Not Installed

Status:

Add Your CMOS Prole.

Name: [Default-Prole]

Save To: [Uninstalled]

Load CMOS Proles.

Load From: [Blank]

Start O.C. Prole

M5A88-M 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)

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

For more details, refer to section 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Typing your prole

name, [0-9][a-z][A-Z] are acceptable.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

Version 0303

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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.

ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility V2.14

Current CMOS

BOARD: M5A88-M VER: 0303 (H:00 B:08) DATE: 03/29/2011

PATH: A:\

Note

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

• 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.

Restore CMOS

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

Chapter 3

ASUS M5A88-M 3-37

3.10 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

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

Chapter 3

option, a conrmation window appears. Select Ok to save changes and exit.

M5A88-M BIOS Setup

Exit system setup after saving the changes.

F10 key can be used for this operation.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

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

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

Version 0303

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.

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / 64-bit XP/ Vista / 64-bit Vista / 7 / 64-bit 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. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

• Ensure that you install the Windows installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

4.2 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.

4.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Highlights menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.

The Drivers menu shows the available

device drivers if the system detects

installed devices. Install the necessary

menu shows the

applications and

other software that

the motherboard

drivers to use the devices.

The Utilities

supports.

Click an item

to install

The Make Disk menu contains items to create the RAID/AHCI driver disk.

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before

The Manual menu contains the list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.

Click the Highlights tab to display the software information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information.

Click an icon to display DVD/ motherboard information

Click to obtain the corresponding software manuals

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to

locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run

the DVD.

ASUS M5A88-M 4-1

Chapter 4

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals.

The software manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®

Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the les.

1. Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide from the manual list on the left.

2. The DVD appears. Double-click the folder of your selected software.

3. Some software manuals are provided in different languages. Double-click the language to show the software manual.

Chapter 4

Manual folder of the support

The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals containing in the support DVD vary by models.

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software

application for more information.

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II

PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.

Launching PC Probe II

1. Install PC Probe II from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Launch PC Probe II by clicking

Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears.

3. The PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows or restore the application.

PC Probe II main window

Start > All Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC

notication area. Click this icon to close

Button Function

Opens the Conguration window

Opens the Report window

Opens the Desktop Management Interface window

Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window

Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window

Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window

Shows/Hides the Preference section

Minimizes the application

Closes the application

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

ASUS M5A88-M 4-3

Chapter 4

4.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs.

Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

1. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the Power On Self-Tests (POST).

2. Go to

3. Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.

4. Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on your

Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software

1. Install Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Click

3. The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU

Advanced > CPU Conguration > Cool‘n’Quiet and set it to [Enabled]. See

section 3.6 Advanced menu.

operating system.

Start > All Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.

Frequency and CPU Voltage.

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website

at www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

Chapter 4

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3.3 ASUS AI Suite

ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.

Launching AI Suite

1. Install AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Launch AI Suite by clicking

xx. The AI Suite main window appears.

Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.

3. The AI Suite icon

appears in the Windows® notication area. If you minimize the

application main window, click this icon to restore the window.

Using AI Suite

Click each utility button to launch the utility, or click the Normal button to restore system default settings.

Click to open the monitor window that displays

system information such as CPU temperature,

CPU voltage, fan speed, and CPU/FSB frequency

Click to restore

default settings

Click to launch each utility

• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual utility buttons vary by models.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

ASUS M5A88-M 4-5

Chapter 4

4.3.4 ASUS Fan Xpert

Asus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed according to different ambient

temperature and your PC’s system loading. The various fan proles offer exible controls of

CPU fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool system environment.

Launching Fan Xpert

After installing AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD, launch Fan Xpert by doubleclicking the AI Suite tray icon and then clicking the Fan Xpert button on the AI Suite main window.

Using Fan Xpert

Fan proles

Chapter 4

• Disable: Select this mode to disable the Fan Xpert function.

•

Performance: This mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best

•

Optimal: This mode adjusts the CPU fan speed with the ambient temperature.

•

Silent: This mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.

•

Manual: This mode allows you to change the CPU fan prole under certain limitation.

Click to select a fan type

Displays the current CPU/MB temperature and the fan speeds

Click to select a fan prole

cooling effect

Click to cancel the settings and exit the Fan Xpert utility

Click to apply the settings

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3.5 ASUS EPU

ASUS EPU is an energy-efcient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving

solution. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently adjusts the power in real-time. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking.

ASUS EPU provides you with these modes to choose from:

•

Auto Mode

High Performance Mode

• Max. Power Saving Mode

When you select Auto Mode , the system shifts modes automatically according to the

current system status. You can also congure advanced settings for each mode.

Launching EPU

After installing EPU from the motherboard support DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to launch the program.

EPU main menu

GPU energy saving status GPU Boost is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the support DVD.

Displays the following message if no VGA power saving engine is detected.

• EPU supports GPU power saving solution when you install the GPU Boost driver from the support DVD and set EPU to Auto or Maximum Power Saving Mode.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website

at www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

ASUS M5A88-M 4-7

Chapter 4

4.3.6 Audio congurations

The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience.

Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD

that came with the motherboard package.

If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will nd

the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Doubleclick on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

A. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® Vista / 7

Set default device

button

Conguration

option tabs

Control settings window

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Minimize

button

Exit button

Device advanced settings

Connector settings

Analog and digital connector status

Information button

B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP

Conguration

options

Chapter 4

Control settings

window

Information button

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support

Exit button

Minimize button

4.3.7 ASUS GPU Boost

ASUS GPU Boost allows you to overclock the integrated GPU in WIndows takes effect in real-time without exiting and rebooting the OS.

Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting the integrated GPU voltage settings. Setting a high voltage may damage the integrated GPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.

• ASUS GPU Boost is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the motherboard support DVD.

• For system stability, all changes made in ASUS GPU Boost will not be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Prole function

to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the prole after

Windows starts.

• When GPU Boost is enabled, ASUS EPU will be set to automatically.

To launch ASUS GPU Boost

1. Install the ASUS TurboV EVO utility from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Install the ASUS GPU Boost driver from the motherboard support DVD.

3. Click

4. Click

start > All Programs > ASUS > TurboV EVO > TurboV EVO.

More Settings from the TurboV EVO main screen, and then click GPU Boost.

environment and

High Performance mode

Target values

Start-up values

Click to restore all start-up settings

You can adjust the GPU Engine Clock and GPU Voltage simultaneously in the TurboV Easy Mode.

ASUS M5A88-M 4-9

Applies all changes immediately

Adjustment

sliders

Undoes all changes without applying

Chapter 4

4.3.8 Turbo Unlocker

Specially-designed for AMD® Black Edition processors, the ASUS exclusive Turbo Unlocker allows dynamic and automatic CPU core adjustments based on system load. Follow the instructions below to enable Turbo Unlocker and unleash the full power of your system.

1. Install ASUS TurboV EVO from the support DVD that came with the motherboard package.

2. In the ASUS TurboV EVO window, click

More Settings, and then click CPU Ratio.

3. Turbo Unlocker is set to OFF by default, allowing to you adjust the ratio of individual CPU core. Click ON to enable Turbo Unlocker.

4. Read through the warning message and click Yes to continue.

5. Turbo Unlocker is now enabled and will dynamically and automatically adjust CPU core ratios based on system load.

6. The Turbo Unlocker monitor on the

Chapter 4

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support

bottom-right corner of the Windows desktop shows current CPU ratio in real-time. You can click Turbo Unlocker on the bottom of the monitor to enable or disable Turbo Unlocker at any time.

4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility— TurboV EVO

ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV, CPU Level UP and Turbo Key—three powerful tools that allow you to overclock your system effectively. Install ASUS TurboV EVO from the support DVD that came with the motherboard package.

If the TurboV EVO is correctly installed, you will nd the TurboV EVO icon on the Windows® notication area. Click on the icon to display the TurboV EVO control panel.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

• When TurboV EVO is enabled, ASUS EPU will be set to

automatically.

4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV

ASUS TurboV allow you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, CPU/NB voltage, DRAM voltage, and the integrated GPU voltage/frequency in Windows takes effect in real-time.

Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.

For system stability, all changes made in ASUS TurboV (except for Auto Tuning) will not be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save

Prole function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the prole after Windows starts.

High Performance mode

environment and

Easy Mode

Manual Mode

Load prole

Target values

Start-up values

Advanced GPU

settings

Advanced CPU and

chipset voltage settings

Click to show / hide

more settings

Click to restore all start-up settings

• GPU Boost is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the

motherboard support DVD.

• For advanced overclock ability, adjust rst the BIOS items, and then proceed more

detailed adjustments using TurboV.

ASUS M5A88-M 4-11

Applies all changes immediately

Auto Tuning Mode

Save the current settings as a

new prole

Adjustment

sliders

CPU ratio setting for each CPU core

Undoes all changes without applying

Chapter 4

4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode

The Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Follow the instructions below to let TurboV EVO detect and overclock your system.

1. Click the Auto Tuning tab and then click Start. You can also click More

Settings rst to congure more

overclocking parameters before starting auto-overclocking.

2. Read through the warning messages and click Yes to start auto-overclocking.

3. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU, saves BIOS settings and restarts the system. After re-entering Windows, a message appears indicating auto tuning success. Click OK to exit.

• After pressing Start, the system starts performance tuning and may reboot 2 to 3

times. An error message indicating incorrect system shut down may appear after system reboot. Please ignore the message and continue the tuning process. In addition, please do not operate or manually restart the computer during the tuning process.

• The auto-tuned system performance varies with the installed devices such as the CPU and DRAM.

Chapter 4

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support

• The auto-tuning function overclocks your system settings, including the frequency and voltage of the CPU and DRAM. Installation of advanced cooling systems is recommended.

• The auto-tuned settings will be stored in system BIOS and will take effect after the system automatically reboots.

Asus M5A88-M User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notices

Safety information

About this guide

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - TPU (TurboV Processing Unit)*

1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Switch*

1.3.4 ASUS unique features

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

2.2.2 Layout contents

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

2.5.4 PCI slot

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

2.6 Jumper

2.7 Onboard switches

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections

2.8.3 Internal connectors

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

2.9 Onboard LEDs

2.11 Turning off the computer

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

3.2 Updating BIOS

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater

3.3 BIOS setup program

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen

3.3.2 Menu bar

3.3.3 Navigation keys

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu

3.4.1 SATA6G_1~6

3.4.3 System Information

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

3.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto]

3.5.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto]

3.5.3 CPU Ratio [Auto]

3.5.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

3.5.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

3.5.6 HT Link Speed [Auto]

3.5.7 GPU Booster [Enabled]

3.5.8 OC Tuner Utility

3.5.11 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]

3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]

3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto]

3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto]

3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]

3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto]

3.5.18 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]