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
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permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),
under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
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Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download
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ii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................................ vii
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary .......................................................... ix
Package contents ..................................................................................................... xiii
Installation tools and components ......................................................................... xiv
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Special features..........................................................................................1-1
ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-4
v
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.
vi
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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter 2: Basic Installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
• 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: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
• Chapter 6: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple AMD® CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.
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.
vii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. .
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold textIndicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
<Key>Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3>If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
viii
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Multi-GPU support
Storage
LAN
Audio
AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX Series CPU up to 8-core
Compatible with AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™II/Athlon™
II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors
AMD 140W CPU Support
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Supports AM3+ 32nm CPU
AMD® 990FX / SB950
Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0
4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2133(O.C)/1866/1600/1333/1066
MHz, ECC, Non-ECC, un-buffered Memory
Dual channel memory architecture
* Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 Series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz.
With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
** Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB capacity
or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is
recommended.
*** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the Memory QVL(Qualied
Vendors Lists) of AM3+/AM3 CPU.
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (Dual@x16/x16 speed)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (Black@x4 speed)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
1 x PCI slot
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
AMD® SB950 Chipset:
- 5 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10 support (gray)
- 1 x eSATA port
1 x ASMedia® PCIe SATA controller:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (navy blue)
Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller
Realtek® ALC 892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking
- Supports 192khz/ 24bit True BD Lossless Sound
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- DTS UltraPC II
- DTS Connect
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filter
(continued on the next page)
ix
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
USB
ASUS Unique Features
2 x ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)
AMD® SB950 chipset
- 14 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back
panel)
ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 3:
CPU Power
- Industry leading Digital 6+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS CPU Power Utility
DRAM Power
- Industry leading Digital 2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS DRAM Power Utility
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user
interface
- Remote GO!
- Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
- Network iControl
- USB 3.0 Boost
- MemOK!
- AI Suite II
- Ai Charger+
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- DirectKey
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
- Percision Tweaker 2
- Multi-language BIOS
- USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ
BIOS download scheduling
(continued on the next page)
x
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
ASUS overclocking
features
Back Panel I/O Ports
Internal I/O Ports
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDDNB: Adjustable CPU/NB voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vNB: Adjustable NB voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vNB HT bus: Adjustable HT voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.005V increment
- vSB: Adjustable SB voltage at 0.005V increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 100MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz
increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at
1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
1 x PS/2 keyboard
1 x PS/2 mouse
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
1 x eSATA port (red)
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (One can be switched to USB BIOS
Flashback)
8-channel Audio I/O
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports3.0/2.0 portsports
(19-pin)
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports2.0/1.1 portsports
7 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU Optional Fan connector (4-pin)
3 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
24-pin EATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x DirectKey Button
1 x DRCT header
1 x TPM header
1 x COM port
(continued on the next page)
xi
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
BIOS features
Manageability
Accessories
Support DVD contents
Form factor
Specications are subject to change without notice.
2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, F12
PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut Function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial
Presence Detect) memory information
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
2 in 1 Q-connector
1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector
I/O Shield
User’s manual
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
xii
Package contents
User Manual
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
motherboard
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit1 x ASUS I/O Shield
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
• 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 guideSupport DVD
xiii
Installation tools and components
1 bag of screwsPhilips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassisPower supply unit
AMD AM3+ CPUAMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan
DIMMSATA hard disk drive
xiv
SATA optical disc drive (optional)Graphics card (optional)
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
Product introduction
1
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
AMD® FX™-Series/Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors
(socket AM3+/AM3)
This motherboard supports AMD® AM3+/AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache
and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dualchannel DDR3 1866 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® 990FX Chipset
AMD® 990FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5.2GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)
interface speed and dual 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.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2133(O.C.)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 2133(O.C.)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz to boost the system’s performance,
and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications.
Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support
The motherboard’s powerful AMD® 990FX platform optimizes PCIe allocation in multipleGPU congurations of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. This allows you to enjoy a never before-
experienced brand new gaming style.
AMD® SB950 Chipset
The AMD® SB950 Southbridge natively supports the next generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s data
transfer rate and PCI Express 2.0 interface.
Complete USB 3.0 Integration
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel – 4 USB
3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times
faster than USB 2.0. The M5A99FX PRO R2.0 affords greater convenience to high speed
connectivity.
Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
ASUS provides standardized USB 3.0 front panel support which is compatible with any
chassis. Enjoy faster throughput of USB 3.0 without relegating cables or hard-to-reach rear
I/O.
Chapter 1
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
1-1
1.1.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with New DIGI+ Power
Control
The world’s rst Dual Intelligent Processors from ASUS pioneered twin onboard chips
- TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) and EPU (Energy Processing Unit). Third generation Dual
Intelligent Processors with New DIGI+ Power Control provides a total CPU, memory and
SMART DIGI+ Key prole tuning digital power solution, which includes two digital voltage
controllers allowing ultra-precise DRAM tuning in addition to ultra-precise CPU voltage
control - a rst on the AMD platform. It’s upgraded with one-click extreme performance
optimization with the user-friendly AI Suite II utility. This evolution of innovative and industryleading ASUS technology provides super-accurate voltage tuning for better efciency, stability
and performance.
New DIGI+ Power Control
All-New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM
The New DIGI+ Power Control design with two digital voltage controllers upgrades
motherboard power delivery to an overall solution on AMD AM3+ motherboards, including
all-new DRAM controllers that offers ultra-precise memory tuning in addition to ultra-precise
CPU voltage control. This evolution of innovative, industry-leading ASUS technology provides
the best in class control for better efciency, stability and performance.
TPU with the All-New SMART DIGI+ Key for a Blazing Performance Boost
Always at the forefront of power design, ASUS propels you into the future standard of
power management again by giving you a complete CPU, memory and new SMART DIGI+
Technology with prole tuning digital power solution, which works with the TPU to ramp up
performance to its maximum. Enable the all-new SMART DIGI+ Key prole with a single click
and adjust CPU ratios manually in the TPU to increase CPU frequency up to an incredible
100%!
Increased CPU and DRAM overclocking range
With programmable digital controllers onboard, users can adjust CPU and DRAM voltage
and VRM switching frequencies for various overclocking scenarios. New DRAM tuning
possibilities make the most of DDR3 memory for better performance with CPU/NB load line
calibration and 30% more DRAM current capacity. Thanks to a slew of power options teamed
with an extensive and intuitive UEFI BIOS, overclocking very large memory setups is no more
difcult than mainstream motherboards.
TPU
Chapter 1
TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring
mechanisms through the Auto Tuning and TurboV functions.
EPU
EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s rst real-time system power-saving chip,
automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.
It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the
component’s lifespan.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features
MemOK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.
AI Suite II
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features
into one simple to use software package. It allows users to supervise overclocking, energy
management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers
diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different
utilities.
USB 3.0 Boost
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest
USB 3.0 standard. Witht USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device’s transmission speed is
signicantly increased up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer
speed. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0
peripherals without the need for any user interaction.
Network iControl
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a
more convenient online experience.
1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The ASUS heat-pipe features 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC
environment. Its beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment and the heat-pipe design
lowers the temperature of the chipset and power phase area through high efcient heat-
exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS heat-pipe gives you an
extremely silent and cooling experience with its elegant appearance.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the
heat dissipation performance.
ASUS 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 M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Chapter 1
1-3
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,
providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for
hard drives larger than 2.2 TB.
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:
• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey
• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information
• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and
helping with difcult POST situations.
Direct Key
Designed for users requiring frequent BIOS access, you can easily enter the BIOS
automatically when the PC is on standby power with a press of a button. It saves you time
during boot-up from having to repeatedly press the DEL key. Convenience and ease at its
best!
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS F lashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.
Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback button for
about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot, and Q-DIMM design
speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables
to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system
panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.
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.
Chapter 1
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1.6 Other special features
External SATA
The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions.
Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents on external devices.
DTS Connect
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS
Connect combines two enabling technologies. DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.
Consumers can then connect their PC to a home theater system.DTS Interactive is capable
of performing multi-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to
deliver audio to an external decoder.
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 7.1 surround through the most popular PC audio setups
- your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, it upgrades
original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating the dynamic range of audio
les. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across different input
sources and Enhance boosts audio quality through high and low frequency equalization. With
these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires
products to meet certain energy efciency requirement 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.
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Chapter 1
1-5
1.2 Motherboard overview
1.2.1 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 groundedBefore 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.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 1
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2.2 Motherboard layout
Refer to 1.2.9 Internal connectors and 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for more information
about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Chapter 1
1-7
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/SlotsPage
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)1-35
2. AM3+/AM3 CPU Socket1-9
3. CPU, CPU optional, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;
CPU_OPT; CHA_FAN1/2/3)
4. DDR3 DIMM slots1-10
5. MemOK! button1-25
6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)1-30
7. AMD® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-5 [gray])1-28
8. ASMedia® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_E12 [navy
blue])
9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-26
10. Standby Power LED1-27
11. Direct header (2-pin DRCT)1-37
12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)1-36
13 Direct Key button (DirectKey)1-24
14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)1-34
15. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112, USB1314)1-31
The motherboard comes with a surface mount AM3+/AM3 socket designed for the AMD®
FX™-Series/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 940-pin socket designed for the AMD
Opteron processor. 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 connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Chapter 1
1-9
1.2.4 System memory
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) slots.
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
Recommended memory congurations
Chapter 1
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Memory congurations
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB 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.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we
recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C)
from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.
• Memory modules with memory frequency higher than 2133MHz and their
corresponding timing or the loaded XMP prole is not the JEDEC memory standard.
The stability and compatibility of the memory modules depend on the CPU’s
capabilities and other installed devices.
• Due to the CPU spec., AMD AM3 100 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 or higher
frequency DIMMs.
• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB
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:
a) Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.
b) Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on theInstall a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on thenstall a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
c) For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.
com/kb/929605/en-us.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or lesssupport DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence DetectThe 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 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.
• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a fullFor system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Chapter 1
1-11
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)