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Asus A88XM-A User Manual
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Asus A88XM-A User Manual

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  • Page 1 A88XM-A...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety information ..................iv About this guide ..................iv Package contents ..................vi A88XM-A specifications summary ............vi Product introduction Before you proceed ..............1-1 Motherboard overview ..............1-2 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) ........... 1-4 System memory ................1-8 Expansion slots ................

  • Page 4: Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 5: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 6: Package Contents

    Dual-channel memory architecture • The maximum 64GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the market. • Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).
  • Page 7 - ASUS AI Charger - ASUS Disk Unlocker - ASUS AI Suite 3 - ASUS Anti Surge - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Fan Xpert - Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution...
  • Page 8 BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFreen BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information...

  • Page 9: Product Introduction

    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. SB_PWR A88XM-A Standby Power Powered Off A88XM-A Onboard LED ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 10: Motherboard Overview

    Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A88XM-A Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 11: Motherboard Layout

    CPU_FAN KBMS DIGI ATX12V +VRM HDMI USB3_12 LAN_USB12 CHA_FAN AUDIO A88XM-A PCIEX16 8111G BATTERY PCIEX1_1 ® SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6 A88X Super 64Mb PCI1 BIOS SB_PWR SATA6G_3 SATA6G_4 CLRTC SPEAKER SPDIF_OUT USB3_34 SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 USB56 USB34 F_PANEL AAFP 15 14 ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 12: Accelerated Processing Unit (Apu)

    Ensure that you use an APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the APU! A88XM-A A88XM-A CPU socket FM2+ Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 13 1.3.1 APU installation ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 14: Apu Heatsink And Fan Assembly Installation

    1.3.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary. To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 15 To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 16: System Memory

    Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 A88XM-A Channel B DIMM_B1 A88XM-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered 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 configuration.

  • Page 17: Installing A Dimm

    • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 Installing a DIMM ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 18: Expansion Slots

    To remove a DIMM Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

  • Page 19: Pci Slot

    – – – OnChip XHCI controller2 – shared – – – – – – OnChip USB EHCI 1/2/3 – shared – – – – – – OnChip USB OHCI – – shared – – – – – ASUS A88XM-A 1-11...

  • Page 20: Jumpers

    A88XM-A Normal Clear RTC (Default) A88XM-A Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 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.

  • Page 21: Keyboard Wake-Up (3-Pin Kb_Usbpwb)

    A88XM-A +5VSB (Default) A88XM-A Keyboard and USB device wake up USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) Set this jumper to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices.

  • Page 22: Connectors

    Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 mouse port. This port is for a PS/2 mouse. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 23 RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. PS/2 keyboard port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. ASUS A88XM-A 1-15...

  • Page 24: Internal Connectors

    • The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • Only the 4-pin CPU_FAN and chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-16...

  • Page 25: Atx Power Connectors (24-Pin Eatxpwr, 4-Pin Atx12V)

    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. ASUS A88XM-A 1-17...
  • Page 26 SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 A88XM-A A88XM-A SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set to AHCI mode by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to [RAID].

  • Page 27: System Panel Connector

    PIN 1 A88XM-A +HDD_LED RESET A88XM-A System panel connector • 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.

  • Page 28: Digital Audio Connector (4-1 Pin Spdif_Out)

    A88XM-A HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition A88XM-A Front panel audio connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to [HD].

  • Page 29: Usb 2.0 Connectors (10-1 Pin Usb34, Usb56)

    USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. USB3_34 PIN 1 A88XM-A A88XM-A USB3.0 Front panel connector You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket to this connector to obtain the front panel USB 3.0 solution. ASUS A88XM-A 1-21...

  • Page 30: Serial Port Connector (10-1 Pin Com)

    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. PIN 1 A88XM-A A88XM-A Serial port connectors The COM module is purchased separately. Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-22...

  • Page 31: Software Support

    The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.
  • Page 32 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-24...

  • Page 33: Bios Information

    Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.

  • Page 34: Asus Ez Flash

    2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.

  • Page 35: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 36 Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device.
  • Page 37 Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.10 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 38: Bios Setup Program

    BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: •...

  • Page 39: Advanced Mode

    The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode or press F7. ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 40: Menu Bar

    Back button Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Last modified Navigation keys Pop-up window settings Quick Scroll bar note Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 41: My Favorites

    This button allows you to enter notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS. Last Modified button This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup. My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 42: Main Menu

    Adding items to My Favorites To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item. Press <F4> on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My Favorites page.

  • Page 43: Administrator Password

    To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed. ASUS A88XM-A 2-11...

  • Page 44: Ai Tweaker Menu

    Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard.
  • Page 45 This item appears only when The EPU Power Saving Mode is set to [Enabled] and allows you to set power saving mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode] ASUS A88XM-A 2-13...

  • Page 46: Dram Timing Control

    2.5.6 DRAM Timing Control The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press <Enter>. Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings.
  • Page 47 Reducing phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency. [Standard] Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading. [Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile. [Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode. [Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment.

  • Page 48: Advanced Menu

    CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe] [T.Probe] Maintains the VRM thermal balance. [Extreme] Maintains the VRM current balance. Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+VRM related parameters. The thermal conditions should be monitored. Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.

  • Page 49: Sata Configuration

    6 are configured as [AHCI], the ports can only be used under Windows OS with the ® requested drivers installed. Set to [IDE] instead of [AHCI] to access devices on SATA ports 5, 6 before entering OS. Configuration options: [AHCI] [IDE] ASUS A88XM-A 2-17...

  • Page 50: Usb Configuration

    SATA Port 5 - Port 6 [RAID] This item only appears when OnChip SATA Type is set to [RAID]. If SATA ports 5, 6 are configured as [RAID], the ports can only be used under Windows OS with the ® requested drivers installed.

  • Page 51: Onboard Devices Configuration

    Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97. SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output. [HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output. Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. ASUS A88XM-A 2-19...

  • Page 52: Serial Port Configuration

    Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the Realtek LAN Controller item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the Rom of the Realtek LAN controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Serial Port Configuration The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port configuration. Serial Port [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]...

  • Page 53: Monitor Menu

    Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv6 PXE Boot support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. ASUS A88XM-A 2-21...
  • Page 54 Scroll down to display the following items: 2.7.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. 2.7.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU / chassis fan...
  • Page 55 Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle. ASUS A88XM-A 2-23...

  • Page 56: Boot Menu

    2.7.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item. 2.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Auto] This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
  • Page 57 Display the boot logo during POST. [Disabled] Hide the logo during POST. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Boot Logo Size Control [Auto] This item appears only when you set Boot Logo Display to [Enabled] and allows you to adjust the boot logo size.

  • Page 58: Compatibility Support Module

    POST Delay Time [3 sec] This item appears only when you set Full Screen Logo to [Enabled]. This item allows you to select the desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS setup. You can only execute the POST delay time during Normal Boot. The values range from 0 to 10 seconds. This feature will only work under normal boot.

  • Page 59: Secure Boot

    This item appears only when you set Secure Boot Mode to [Custom]. It allows you to manage the Secure Boot keys. Clear Secure Boot keys This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This item allows you to clear all default Secure Boot keys. ASUS A88XM-A 2-27...
  • Page 60 Save Secure Boot keys This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This item allows you to save all default Secure Boot keys. PK Management The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any non-permissible changes.

  • Page 61: Boot Option Priorities

    • To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

  • Page 62: Tools Menu

    <Enter> to display the submenu. 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.9.2...

  • Page 63: Exit Menu

    This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit. ASUS EZ Mode This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen. Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one...
  • Page 64 2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS information...

  • Page 65: Appendices

    Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil. ASUS A88XM-A...

  • Page 66: Canadian Department Of Communications Statement

    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.

  • Page 67: Asus Contact Information

    +1-812-282-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone +49-1805-010923* Support Fax...
  • Page 68 Appendices...

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