Asus A88XPRO manual

Motherboard A88X-PRO[...]

ii E8702 First Edition V2 September 2013 Copyright © 2013 ASUST eK 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 p[...]

iii Contents Safety information ...................................................................................... vi About this guide ........................................................................................ vii A88X-PRO specications summary .......................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product intr[...]

iv Contents 2.4 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-52 2.5 T urning off the computer ........................................................... 2-52 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS .............................................................................. 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program ..[...]

v Contents 4.3.4 EZ Update ....................................................................... 4-7 4.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost ................................................................ 4-8 4.3.6 Network iControl ............................................................. 4-9 4.3.7 USB Charger+ ..................................................[...]

vi Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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[...]

vii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: Hardware informati[...]

viii Conventions used in this guide T o ensure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography 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 pres[...]

ix A88X-PRO specications summary APU AMD ® FM2+ socket for AMD ® A-series/ Athlon™ Series processors Supports CPU up to 4 CPU cores AMD ® T urbo Core T echnology 3.0 support * The AMD ® T urbo Core T echnology 3.0 support depends on the APU types. ** Refer to www .asus.com for the AMD ® CPU support list. Chipset AMD ® A88X FCH (Bolton-D4[...]

x (continued on the next page) A88X-PRO specications summary Storage / RAID AMD ® A88X FCH: - 6 x Serial A T A 6.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD congurations - 2 x eSerial A T A 6.0Gb/s at the rear I/O LAN Realtek ® 81 1 1GR Gigabit LAN controller Audio ALC1 150 supports 8-channel High Denition Audio - O[...]

xi A88X-PRO specications summary ASUS unique features ASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - ASUS Remote GO! - ASUS Network iControl* - ASUS USB Charger+* - ASUS AI Charger+ - ASUS Disk Unlocker - ASUS MemOK! - ASUS AI Suite 3 - ASUS Anti Surge ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatpipe & MOS Heatsink Solutio[...]

xii *Specications are subject to change without notice. Internal connectors / switches / buttons 1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SA T A 6.0Gb/s connectors 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x COM connector 1 x EPU s[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® A88X-PRO 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 p[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights AMD ® A-series accelerated processors with AMD ® Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 series graphics This motherboard supports AMD ® A-series accelerated processor with AMD ® Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 series graphics. This revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit)[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-3 Chapter 1 1.3.2 5X Protection 5X PROTECTION ASUS motherboards guard your PC with 5X PROTECTION. We use quality components like ESD units tested to strict standards that eliminate electrostatic interference, polyswitches (resettable fuses) around DRAM slots to prevent overcurrent and short-circuit damage, and a corrosion-resistant [...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features USB 3.0 Boost Faster USB 3.0 T ransmission with UASP New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology , a USB device’s transmission speed is signicantly increased up to 170%, adding[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-5 Chapter 1 ESD Protect your computer with ESD Guards. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) conditions can happen while plugging or unplugging any USB peripherals-causing damage to the computer . ASUS ESD Guards clamp the ESD voltage and shunt the majority of the ESD current away for a more reliable computing environment. 1.3.4 ASUS Quiet [...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 USB BIOS Flashback Easy , Worry-free USB BIOS Flashback A truly revolutionary hardware-based BIOS update solution. USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to update the BIOS! It allows users to update new UEFI BIOS versions even without hardware such as a CPU or a DRAM installed into the mothe[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-7 Chapter 1 ASUS Q-Code Detailed PC status display and diagnostics The Q-Code is designed to display POST status for precise troubleshooting. Users can refer to the table in the user guide to interpret provided Q-Code. ASUS Q-Connector Make Connection Quick and Accurate! The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chass[...]

1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-1 Chapter 2 2.1 Before you proceed T ake 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[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.2.8 Connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 2.2 Motherboard overview A88X-PRO PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 PCIEX16_3 PCIEX1_1 PCIEX1_2 ICS 477D PCI1 PCI2 USB910 USB78 USB56 USB34 AAFP EATXPWR CHA_FAN[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-3 Chapter 2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR, 8-pin EA TX12V) 2-31 2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 4-pin CHA_F AN1/2/3/4) 2-29 3. AMD FM2+ Socket 2-4 4. EPU switch (EPU) 2-17 5. EPU LED (EPU_LED) 2-26 6. DDR3 DIMM slots 2-5 7. MemOK! switch 2-16 8. DRAM LED (D[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.2 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) This motherboard comes with an FM2+ socket designed for AMD™ A-Series and Athlon Series Accelerated processors. Ensure that you use a APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-5 Chapter 2 2.2.3 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Recommended memory congurations 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. We recommend that you install the memory [...]

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • 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[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-7 Chapter 2 A88X-PRO Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs KINGMAX FLLE88F-C8KKAA HAIS (XMP) 2GB SS - - 10-1 1-10-30 1.8V . . . G.SKILL F3-2400C10D-8GTX(XMP) 8GB (2x4GB) SS - - 10-[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 (continued on the next page) DDR3 2133 MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs A-DA TA AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2 (XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-1 1-9-27 1.55~ 1.75V . . CORSAIR CMT16GX3M4X2133C9 (XMP1.3) 16GB (4GBx4 ) DS - - 9-1 1-[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-9 Chapter 2 DDR3 2000 MHz capability DDR3 1866 MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V . . CORSAIR CMZ4GX3M2A2000C10(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) SS - - 10-10-10-27 [...]

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DDR3 1600 MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. T iming V oltage DIMM socket support (optiona) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs A-DA TA AM2U16BC2P1 2GB SS A-DA TA 3CCD-1509A EL1 126T - - . . . A-DA TA AX3U1600XB2G79-2X (XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 7-9-7-21 1.55V - [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-1 1 Chapter 2 DDR3 1600 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMM KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3P1K2/4G 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - - 1.5V . . . KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX (XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.65V . . KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1BK3/12GX (XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - 9-[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DDR3 1600 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs Silicon Power SP002GBL TU160V02 (XMP) 2GB SS S-POWER 20YT5NG-1201 - - . . . Silicon Power SP004GBL TU160V02 (XMP) 4GB DS S-POWER 20YT5NG-1201 - - . . Apacer 78.B1[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-13 Chapter 2 DDR3 1333 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip No. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs A-DA TA AXDU1333GC2G9-2G (XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.25V -1.35V (low voltage) . . A-DA TA AD31333G002GMU 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V . A-DA TA AD63I1C1624EV 4GB DS A-Dat[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DDR3 1333 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G (Low Prole) 1GB SS ELPIDA J1 108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.5V . . . KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G (Low Prole) 2GB SS Hynix H5TQ2G83AFRH9C 9 - . . . KIN[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-15 Chapter 2 V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMM 4DIMMs Elixir M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80BN-CG - - . . . Elixir M2F2G64CB88D7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80DN-CG - - . . Elixir M2F2G64CB88G7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80GN-CG - - . . . Elixir M2F4G64CB8HB5[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support: • 1 DIMM: Su ppo rts one (1) mod ule ins erte d i nto any slo t as Sin gle -ch anne l m emor y conguration. We suggest that you install the module into A2 slot. • 2 DIMMs: Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the yellow slots or[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-17 Chapter 2 2.2.4 Expansion slots Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. A88X-PRO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Slot No. Slot Description 1 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot [yellow] 2 PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16_1 slot [yellow] (single at x16 or dual at x8[...]

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H PCIE x16_1 – – shared – – – – – PCIE x16_2 – – – shared – – – – PCIE x16_3 shared – – – – – – – PCIE x1_1 shared – – – – – – – PCIE x1_2 – – – shared – – – – PCI_1 – – – – [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-19 Chapter 2 2.2.5 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information [...]

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.6 Onboard switches/buttons Onbo ard sw itches allow you to ne-tu ne per form ance w hen wor king o n a bar e or o pen-cas e syst em. This is id eal fo r ov ercloc kers an d game rs who contin ually c hange setting s to e nhance syst em per formanc e. 1. MemOK! button Installing DIMMs that are in[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-21 Chapter 2 2. TPU (GPU Boost) switch T urning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable clock speeds. • T o ensure system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off. • When the TPU switch is set to Enable , it can be used as a GPU Boost switch. • The [...]

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 • The EPU LED near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned to Enable . • If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment, the EPU function will be activated after the next system bootup. • Y ou may change the EPU settings in the EPU application, change the BIOS[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-23 Chapter 2 5. BIOS-FLBK button The BIOS Flashback buttton offers the most convenient way to update the BIOS. It allows overclockers to update new BIOS versions without having to enter their existing BIOS or operating system. Just plug in a USB storage and press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds, and the BIOS is automatically[...]

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs 1. Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-of f mode. This is a remind er that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-25 Chapter 2 Q-Code table Code Description 00 Not used 01 Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard). 02 AP initialization before microcode loading 03 System Agent initialization before microcode loading 04 PCH initialization before microcode loading 06 Microcode loading 07 AP initialization after microcode loading 08 System Agent i[...]

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Code Description 5A Internal CPU error 5B Reset PPI is not available 5C – 5F Reserved for future AMI error codes E0 S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL) E1 S3 Boot Script execution E2 Video repost E3 OS S3 wake vector call E4 – E7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes E8 S3[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-27 Chapter 2 Code Description 70 PCH DXE initialization is started 71 PCH DXE SMM initialization is started 72 PCH devices initialization 73 – 77 PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specic) 78 ACPI module initialization 79 CSM initialization 7A – 7F Reserved for future AMI DXE codes 90 Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is star[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Code Description A9 Start of Setup AA Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) AB Setup Input W ait AC Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) AD Ready T o Boot event AE Legacy Boot event AF Exit Boot Services event B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin B1 Runtime Set Virt[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-29 Chapter 2 ACPI/ASL Checkpoints Code Description 01 System is entering S1 sleep state 02 System is entering S2 sleep state 03 System is entering S3 sleep state 04 System is entering S4 sleep state 05 System is entering S5 sleep state 10 System is waking up from the S1 sleep state 20 System is waking up from the S2 sleep state 30 S[...]

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 4. BIOS_FLBK LED The BIOS_FLBK LED lights up when the BIOS-FLBK function is enabled. 5. EPU LED The EPU LED lights up when the EPU switch is turned to Enable . 6. TPU LED The TPU LED lights up when the TPU switch is turned to Enable . A88X-PRO A88X-PRO EPU LED EPU_LED A88X-PRO A88X-PRO TPU LED TPU_LED [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-31 Chapter 2 2.2.8 Internal connectors 1. Serial A T A 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SA T A6G_1~6) These connectors connect to Serial A T A 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial A T A 6.0 Gb/s signal cables. If you installed Serial A T A hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 conguration through the onboard AMD ® A8[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB module cable is purchased separately . 3. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-33 Chapter 2 4. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately . 5. CPU and chas[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0 specicaton that supports up to 4.8Gbps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a fr[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-35 Chapter 2 8. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR; 8-pin EA TX12V) These connectors are for A TX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t. • For a fully congured system, we[...]

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector . The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power , and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) Th[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-37 Chapter 2 2.3 Building your computer system 2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system 1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit AMD FM2+/FM2 APU AMD FM2+/FM2 compatible CPU Fan DIMM SA T A hard disk drive SA T A optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) The tools and co[...]

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.2 APU installation Ensure that you use a APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the APU! 1 2 4 3[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-39 Chapter 2 1 2 5 3 4 2.3.3 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 . T o install the APU heatsink and fan assembly[...]

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 T o uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly 5 3 1 4 2[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-41 Chapter 2 1 2 3 T o remove a DIMM 2.3.4 DIMM installation B A A[...]

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.5 Motherboard installation 2 1 The diagrams in this section are for reference only . The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-43 Chapter 2 DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. A88X-PRO 3[...]

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.6 A TX Power connection 1 2 OR[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-45 Chapter 2 2.3.7 SA T A device connection OR 1 2[...]

2-46 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.8 Front I/O Connector USB 2.0 AAFP T o install USB 2.0 Connector T o install front panel audio connector USB 3.0 T o install USB 3.0 Connector IDE_LED POWER SW RESET SW IDE_LED- IDE_LED+ PWR Reset Ground Ground 1 2 T o install ASUS Q-Connector[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-47 Chapter 2 2.3.9 Expansion Card installation T o install PCIe x16 cards T o install PCIe x1 cards T o install PCI cards[...]

2-48 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.10 Rear panel connection 12 • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows ® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver is installed. • USB 3.0 devices can be used as data storage only . • The USB3_2 port supports USB Charger+ and USB BIOS Flashback. [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-49 Chapter 2 ** Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1-channel conguration Port Headset 2-channel 4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black ?[...]

2-50 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.1 1 Audio I/O connections Audio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and Mic Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-51 Chapter 2 Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers[...]

2-52 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.4 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge pr[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-1 Chapter 3 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.1 Knowing BIOS The ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls to enable more exible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily navigate the UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system. The term “BIOS”[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.2.1 EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority . T o access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-3 Chapter 3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed congurations. T o access the Advanced Mode, click Exit , then select Advanced Mode . Menu [...]

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Ai T weaker, Advanced, Monitor , Boot, T ool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. Back button This button appears when enterin[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-5 Chapter 3 3.3 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system secur[...]

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected elds in the BIOS setup program. T o set an administrator password: 1. Select the Administrator Password [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-7 Chapter 3 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai T weaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai T weaker menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. The conguration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you ins[...]

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Ai Overclock T uner [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency . Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system. [Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. The follow[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-9 Chapter 3 GPU Boost [Auto] [Auto] Automatic conguration. [T urbo Mode] Set to [Trubo Mode] to achieve better 3D performance. [Extreme Mode] Set to [Extreme Mode] for the excellent visual experience. [Manual Mode] Set to [Manual Mode] if you want to manually select the desired GPU Engine frequency . OC T uner OC T uner automatic[...]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Power Phase Control [Optimized] Phase number is the number of working VRM phase. Increase the phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reduce the phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efciency . [Standard] Proceeds to phase control dep[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-1 1 Chapter 3 DRAM Fixed Frequency Mode [300] This item only appears when you set the DRAM Frequency Mode item to [Manual] , and allows you to set a xed DRAM frequency . Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300k Hz to 500k Hz with a 50k Hz interval. DRAM Power Phase Control [Auto] [Auto][...]

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 VDDNB Offset V oltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU V oltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the VDDNB Offset voltage. The values range from -0.500V to 0.500V with a 0.00625V interval. VDDNB Manual V oltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU V oltage item to [Manu[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-13 Chapter 3 Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. 3.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.[...]

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.5.1 CPU Conguration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed. AMD PowerNow function [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD PowerNow function. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Dis[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-15 Chapter 3 IOMMU [Disabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to show IOMMU Mode. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Bank Interleaving [Enabled] Enables or disables the bank memory interleaving. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Channel Interleaving [Enabled] Enables or disables the channel memory interleaving. Con?[...]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.5.3 USB Conguration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None . USB Device Enable [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable all USB ports. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Ena[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-17 Chapter 3 3.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration HD Audio Device [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller . The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Device item to [Enabled]. Front Panel T ype [HD] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AA[...]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller . [Disabled] Disables the controller . Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the ASmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Supp[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-19 Chapter 3 3.5.6 APM Deep S4 [Disabled] When enabled, the system in S4 state will further reduce power usage and will power off the USB and PS/2 devices. The system in deep S4 state can be woken up via the power button, devices in LAN, or other ways except via the USB and PS/2 devices. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [...]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.5.7 Network Stack Network Stack [Disable Link] Enables or disables the UEFI network stack. Conguration options: [Disable Link] [Enabled] Ipv4 PXE Support [Enabled] This item appears only when you set the Network Stack item to [Enabled]. When this item is disabled, the IPV4 PXE boot option will not be create[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-21 Chapter 3 3.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Scroll down to display the following items:[...]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU T emperature / MB T emperature [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. CPU_F AN Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] CHA_F AN1/2/3/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-23 Chapter 3 Q-Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle. Q-Fan Lower T emperature [20] Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperat[...]

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CHA_F AN1/2/3/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle. CHA_F AN1/2/3/4 Lower T emperature [40] [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-25 Chapter 3 3.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the following items:[...]

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Fast Boot [Enabled] Enable or disable boot with initialization of a minimal set of devices to launch active boot option. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following three items appear only when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled]. SA T A Support [All Devices] [All Devices] All devices connected to SA T[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-27 Chapter 3 Boot Logo Display [Auto] [Auto] Adjust automatically for Windows® requrement. [Full Screen] Maximize the boot logo size. [Disabled] Hide the logo during POST . POST Delay Time [3 sec] This item appears only when you set Boot Logo Display to [Auto] or [Full Screen]. This item allows you to select the desired additional [...]

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CSM (Compatibility Support Module) This option controls whether or not CSM will be launched. Launch CSM [Auto] Conguration option: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] The following four items appear only when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled]. Boot Device Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] Conguration option: [UEFI and[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-29 Chapter 3 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 rmware from any non-permissible changes. The system veries the PK before your system enters the OS. Delete PK[...]

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Load db from File Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device. Append db from le Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more images can be loaded securely . The DB le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. DBX Ma[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-31 Chapter 3 3.8 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. 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, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flas[...]

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 ASUS O.C. Prole This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure! • We r ecommen d that y ou upda te the BIOS le o[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-33 Chapter 3 3.9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Y ou can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. W[...]

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.10 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility . 3.10.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-35 Chapter 3 3.10.2 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 le from the ASUS website at www .asus.com. T o update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BI[...]

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Y ou can restore a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains the updated [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 3-37 Chapter 3 Updating the BIOS le T o update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater: 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>. 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below . Booting the system to a DOS environment 1. Insert the DOS-bootable USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to yo[...]

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3. Press <T ab> to switch between screen elds and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys to select the BIOS le and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS le and prompts you to conrm BIOS update. 4. Select Y es and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC&g[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-1 Chapter 4 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. 4.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® XP / Windows ® 7 / 64-bit Windows ® 7 / Windows ® 8 / 64-bit W[...]

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals. The software manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-3 Chapter 4 4.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software application for more information. 4.3.1 AI Suite 3 AI Suite 3 is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASU[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Click to launch AI Suite 3 menu bar Main screen AI Suite 3 main menu bar • The screenshots of AI Suite 3 in this user manual are for reference only . The actual screenshots vary with models. • Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www .asus.com for detailed softwar[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-5 Chapter 4 4.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 comes with these ve utilities in one interface: 4-W ay Optimization, TurboV Processing Unit (TPU), Energy Processing Unit (EPU), DIGI+ Power Control, and Fan Xpert 2. 4-W ay Optimization The 4-W ay Optimization utility allows you to automatically tweak [...]

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.3.3 Ai Charger+ Ai Charger+ allows you to fast-charge your portable BC 1.1* mobile devices on your computer’s USB port three times faster than the standard USB devices**. Launching Ai Charger+ T o la unch A i Ch arg er+ , click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click Ai Charger+ on the AI[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-7 Chapter 4 4.3.4 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that automatically updates your motherboard’s softwares, drivers and BIOS easily With this utility , you can also manually update the BIOS and select the boot logo that will display during POST . Launching EZ Update T o la unch EZ Upd ate , click or tap on the top-right corner of [...]

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and automatically speeds up the transfer rates of your USB storage devices. Launching USB 3.0 Boost T o launch USB 3.0 Boost, click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite 3 m[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-9 Chapter 4 4.3.6 Network iControl Network iControl is a one-stop setup network control center that allows you to manage your network bandwidth and set the bandwidth priority for your running programs. Launching Network iControl T o la unch Ne twor k i Con trol , click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click Network i[...]

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.3.7 USB Charger+ USB Charger+ allows you to quick-charge your portable USB devices even if your computer is off, in sleep mode or hibernate mode. Launching USB Charger+ T o la unch US B Ch arg er+ , click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click USB Charger+ on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-1 1 Chapter 4 4.3.8 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard USB BIOS Flashback Wizard allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB storage device. Use this utility to quickly check for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS download schedule. Scheduling the BIOS download 1. In the Download Setting eld, tick Schedule (days)[...]

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 2. After the utility detects a new BIOS, click from the Save to: eld, select the USB ash drive, then click Download . 3. After the download is complete, click OK . T o download the updated BIOS: 1. From the USB BIOS Flashback screen, click Check for New BIOS Update . W ait for the system to check the[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-13 Chapter 4 4.3.9 System Information This utility allows you to get detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings. Launching System Information T o la unch Sy stem In for mati on, click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click System Information on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar . Viewing the motherb[...]

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Viewing the SPD information From the System Information screen, click the SPD tab to view the memory’s information.[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-15 Chapter 4 4.3.10 Audio congurations The Realtek ® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer . The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support and interrupt capability . The CODEC also includes the Realtek ® proprietary UAJ ® (Universal Audio Jac[...]

4-16 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4 RAIDcongurations The motherboard comes with the AMD ® A88X chipset that allows you to congure Serial A T A hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID congurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. • Y ou must install Windows ® XP Service Pack 3 or [...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-17 Chapter 4 4.4.2 Installing Serial A T A hard disks The motherboard supports Serial A T A hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array . T o install the SA T A hard disks for a RAID conguration: 1. Install the SA T A hard disks into the drive bays.[...]

4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include: • View Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives. • LD View / LD Dene Menu: displays the existing RAID set information / creates a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 conguration. • Delete LD Men[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-19 Chapter 4 Creating a RAID volume T o create a RAID volume: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Dene Menu function. 2. Press <Ctrl> + <C>, and the following screen appears. 3. Move to the RAID Mode item and press <Space> to select a RAID mode to create. 4. Move to the Assignment item[...]

4-20 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Deleting a RAID conguration T ake caution when deleting a RAID volume. Y ou will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID volume. T o delete a RAID volume: 1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the Delete LD function. 2. Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <D[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 4-21 Chapter 4 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows ® operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. • The motherboard does not provide a oppy drive connector . Y ou have to use a USB oppy disk drive when creating a SA T A RAID driver [...]

4-22 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows ® OS installation T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® XP: 1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third- party SCSI or RAID driver . 2. Pr ess <F 6>, and th en inse rt the o ppy d isk wit h R AID dr[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 5-1 Chapter 5 5.1 AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology The motherboard supports the AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. 5.1.1 Requirements • In Dual CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-rea[...]

5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support Chapter 5 5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately . 6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card. 4. Align and rmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connecto[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 5-3 Chapter 5 5.1.4 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers. Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology . Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com). 5.1.5 Enabling the AMD ® [...]

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support Chapter 5 1 Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology 1. In the AMD VISION Engine Control Center window , click Performance > AMD CrossFireX TM . 2. Select Enable CrossFireX TM . 3. Select a GPU combination from the drop-down list. 4. Click Apply to save and activate the GPU settings made. 2 3 4[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO 5-5 Chapter 5 5.2 AMD ® Dual Graphics technology The motherboard supports the AMD ® Dual Graphics technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards. 5.2.1 System requirements Before using AMD Dual Graphics, ensure that your system meets the following basic requirements: • Operating System[...]

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support Chapter 5 5.2.4 Using the AMD ® VISION Engine Control Center Install a graphics card onto your motherboard. Refer to the User Guide that comes with your graphics card for details. The add-on graphics card is set to be the main monitor as default. If you are using both an add-on and the on-board graphi[...]

ASUS A88X-PRO A-1 Appendices Appendices 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. • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operat[...]

A-2 Appendices Appendices VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement VCCI Class B Statement KC: Korea W arning Statement 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 Communic[...]

ASUS contact information ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-T e Road, Peitou, T aipei, T aiwan 1 1259 T elephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail info@asus.com.tw Web site www .asus.com.tw T echnical Support T elephone +86-21-3842991 1 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER INTERNA TIONAL (America) Address 800 Corporate W ay , [...]

EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address, City: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN Country: TAIWAN Authorized representativ e in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN Country: GERMANY declare the following apparatus: Product name : Motherboar[...]