Asus M5A88-V EVO User Manual
M5A88-V EVO
Motherboard
E6530
First Edition (V1)
April 2011
Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”)
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You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,
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In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
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product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives
etc to this email address).
ii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................................vii
Safety information .................................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................................... ix
M5A88-V EVO specications 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 Switches* ...................................
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 congurations ..............................................................
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 Conguring an expansion card .................................................
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
2.5.4 PCI slots ....................................................................................
2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot .............................................................
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .........................................................
2.6 Jumper ......................................................................................................
2.7 Onboard switches ....................................................................................
2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................
....................................................................................... 1-1
.......................................................................................... 1-2
........................................................................ 1-2
................................................................. 1-3
..................................................................... 2-4
................................................................................. 2-4
........................................................................................ 2-13
...................................................... 2-13
................................................................ 2-14
1-2
1-3
2-2
2-2
2-3
2-5
2-5
2-7
2-10
2-10
2-11
2-12
2-12
2-13
2-15
2-15
2-15
2-17
2-18
2-21
2-21
iii
Contents
2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-24
2.8.3 Internal connectors
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 Conguration 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_1/2/3/5/6, ESATA6G ..................................................
3.4.2 SATA Conguration ...................................................................
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 Conguration
3.5.10 DRAM Driving Conguration .....................................................
3.5.11 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset] ..............................................
.................................................................... 2-26
..................................................................... 3-2
................................................... 3-5
................................................................................ 3-10
.......................................................................... 3-10
.............................................................................. 3-10
.......................................................... 3-16
...................................................... 3-18
2-34
2-35
2-37
2-37
3-1
3-4
3-6
3-9
3-9
3-9
3-10
3-10
3-10
3-10
3-11
3-11
3-13
3-14
3-15
3-16
3-17
3-17
3-17
3-18
3-18
3-18
3-19
3-20
iv
Contents
2.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] ........................................................3-20
2.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ................................................................
2.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................
2.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................
2.5.16 NB 1.1V Voltage [Auto] .............................................................
2.5.17 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto] .............................................................
2.5.18 SB Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................
2.5.19 SidePort Memory Voltage [Auto] ...............................................
2.5.20 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto] .............................................
2.5.21 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto] .......................................
2.5.22 PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled] ................................................
3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................
3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................
3.6.2 Chipset ......................................................................................
3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................
3.6.4 PCIPnP .....................................................................................
3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................
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 Conguration ....................................................................
3.7.5 HW Monitor Conguration .........................................................
3.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]
3.7.7 NB Thermal Protect [Enabled] ..................................................
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority
3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................
3.8.3 Security .....................................................................................
3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................
3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................
................................................................ 3-29
.................................................... 3-32
................................................................... 3-33
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-22
3-22
3-24
3-26
3-27
3-28
3-29
3-29
3-29
3-30
3-31
3-32
3-33
3-34
3-35
3-37
3-37
3-37
3-39
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
.................................................. 4-2
4-1
4-1
v
Contents
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................
4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite .............................................................................
4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert
4.3.4 ASUS EPU ..................................................................................
4.3.5 Audio congurations
4.3.6 ASUS GPU Boost .......................................................................
4.3.7 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 congurations ................................................................................
4.5.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................
4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................
4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................
4.5.4 AMD
®
Option ROM Utility .......................................................... 4-15
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 ...................................................
.......................................................................... 4-5
.................................................................... 4-7
..................................................................... 4-18
®
.................................. 4-18
®
OS installation ...... 4-18
4-3
4-4
4-6
4-8
4-9
4-10
4-10
4-11
4-12
4-12
4-13
4-13
4-14
4-14
4-18
4-19
Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support
5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology .................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................
5.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................
5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................
vi
5.1.4 Installing the device drivers .........................................................
5.1.5 Enabling the ATI
5.2 ATI
®
Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology ......................................................5-4
5.2.1 System requirements ..................................................................
5.2.2 Before you proceed .....................................................................
5.2.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver .....................................................
5.2.4 Using the ATI
®
CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-3
®
CATALYST® Control Center ................................5-5
5-1
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
5-4
5-4
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 modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
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://crs.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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: 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® CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics card
installation procedures.
®
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.
ix
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>
x
M5A88-V EVO specications summary
CPU AMD
®
Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 series processors
Supports 32nm AM3+ CPU
®
AMD
140W CPU support
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list
Chipset AMD® 880G / SB850
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered ECC and
non-ECC DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066MHz
memory modules
®
* AMD
FX™ Series CPU on this motherboard supports up to DDR3
1866MHz as its standard memory frequency.
** Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3
1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3
1333MHz.
*** When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3
1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs.
**** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors
List).
***** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows
®
operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend
a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32bit operating system.
Graphics Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU
Dual independent displays support:
• HDMI and D-Sub
• DVI and D-Sub
Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 (1080p)
Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to 2560x1600 @60Hz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536 @85Hz
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, and Shader Model 4.1,
Universal Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0
Hardware Decode Acceleration for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2
Maximum shared memory of 1GB
Supports CrossFireX™* and Hybrid CrossFireX™**
* Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid
CrossFireX™.
Integrated memory SidePort Memory - onboard 128MB DDR3 1333MHz memory
Expansion slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots with ATI® CrossFireX™ support
(blue @ x16 mode, black @ x4 mode)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
3 x PCI slots
Storage / RAID AMD® SB850 southbridge:
- 5 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5,
RAID 10 and JBOD congurations
- 1 x eSATA port (6.0Gb/s ready)
VIA® VT6330 controller:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 connector for up to 2 PATA devices
LAN Realtek® RTL8111E PCIe Gigabit LAN controller
32-bit
(continued on the next page)
xi
M5A88-V EVO specications summary
Audio ALC892 supports 8-channel High Denition Audio
IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6330 controller supports 2 IEEE 1394a ports
USB AMD® SB850 southbridge:
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
ASUS unique features ASUS Xtreme Design
Other features 100% All high quality conductive polymer capacitors
- BD Audio Layer Content Protection
- Supports 192khz/24bit BD Lossless Sound
- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking (HD mode only)
- ASUS Noise Filter
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
(1 at the mid-board, 1 at the back panel)
- 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports at the back
panel)
Asmedia USB3.0 controller:
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)
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 0.010V 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)
ASUS Hybrid Processor - TPU
- TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP, Turbo Unlocker,
and GPU Boost
ASUS Hybrid Switches
- TPU
- Core Unlocker
- MemOK!
ASUS Power Solutions
- EPU
- Anti-Surge Protection
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heat sink solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2™
(continued on the next page)
xii
M5A88-V EVO specications summary
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port
Internal connectors /
switches / buttons
BIOS features 16Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI2.0a,
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE
Support DVD contents Drivers
Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables
Form factor ATX form factor: 12.0 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x eSATA port (6.0Gb/s ready)
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
8-channel audio I/O ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
5 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF output connector
1 x IEEE 1394a connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Core Unlocker switch
1 x TPU switch
SM BIOS 2.5, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS Update
ASUS utilities
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
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
xiii
xiv
Chapter 1
User Manual
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A88-V EVO 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.
Chapter 1
ASUS M5A88-V EVO
motherboard
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 specications may
vary with different models.
User guide Support DVD
1 x ASUS I/O Shield
ASUS M5A88-V EVO 1-1
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.)/1333/1066 support
This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2000(O.
C.)/1866(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.
ATI® CrossFireX™ Technology
ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the
need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™ allows
higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display
congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a
real-time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.
®
AMD
The AMD® SB850 Southbridge natively supports the next generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s data
transfer rate and PCI Express 2.0 interface.
SB850 Chipset
USB 3.0 support
Experience ultra-fast data transfer at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0 - the latest connectivity standard.
Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers
data 10x faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices.
1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - TPU (TurboV Processing Unit)*
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 proles in TurboV
provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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!
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.
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 proles also provides rapid and stable system-level upgrades.
1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Switches*
TPU
Unleash your performance with ASUS’ simple onboard switch or 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.
Chapter 1
Core Unlocker
ASUS Core Unlocker simplies 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 conguration.
1.3.4 ASUS unique features
ASUS Power Solutions
ASUS Power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and
energy consumption.
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current system
loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
ASUS M5A88-V EVO 1-3
Anti-Surge Protection
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage
Chapter 1
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 efcient 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 both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
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
proles 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 voltage in 0.003125V steps, VChipset (VDDNB) voltage
in 0.01V steps, and DRAM voltage in 0.01V steps to achieve the most precise setting for the
ultimate overclocking conguration.
ErP ready
The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP
requires products to meet certain energy efciency requirements in regards to energy
consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-
efcient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the
product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
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-V EVO 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview
M5A88-V EVO
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX1_1
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
PRI_EIDE
AAFP
EATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
ALC892
asmedia
ASM1042
ICS
9LPRS483
KB_USB56
SPDIFO_
HDMI
16Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
24.4cm(9.6in)
AMD
®
880G
AMD
®
SB850
VIA
VT6330
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_6 SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1
SATA6G_5 SATA6G_3
AUDIO
LAN1_USB3_12
F_
ESATA6G_
USB34
CHA_FAN
PWR_FAN
PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
DVI_VGA
30.5cm(12.0in)
IE1394_1
CORE
_UNLOCKER
TPU
DRAM_LED
02LED2
02LED1
MemOK!
USB78
USB910
USB1112USB1314
COM1
RTL
8111E
2 3 11 4
151617181920
2
6
7
5
8
9
10
11
1
12
14
13
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, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN,
3-pin PWR_FAN)
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
3. AM3+ CPU Socket
4. DDR3 DIMM slots
5. Core Unlocker LED (02LED1)
6. TPU LED (02LED2)
7. TPU switch (TPU)
8. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER)
9. MemOK! switch
10. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)
11. AMD
SATA5, SATA6)
12. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
14. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)
15. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
16. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)
17. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112, USB1314)
18. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
19. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
20. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
®
SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3,
2-30
2-32
2-5
2-10
2-36
2-36
2-19
2-18
2-20
2-35
2-27
2-26
2-17
2-35
2-33
2-28
2-29
2-28
2-31
2-31
Chapter 2
ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-3
2.2.3 Placement direction
M5A88-V EVO
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 nine 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)
M5A88-V EVO
Right
M5A88-V EVO CPU socket AM3+
This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for 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-V EVO 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-certied 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
Retention bracket
ASUS M5A88-V EVO 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
CPU FAN PWM
CPU FAN IN
CPU FAN PWR
GND
M5A88-V EVO
M5A88-V EVO 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-V EVO 2-9
2.4 System memory
M5A88-V EVO
M5A88-V EVO 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 congurations
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 congurations
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 conguration. 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 efcient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.
ASUS M5A88-V EVO 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
1
2
1
Unlocked retaining clip
A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into
a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.
DIMM slot key
3
3
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.
1
2
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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