User Manual
Page 3
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M5A88-M EVO specifications summary ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-3 1.4 Before you proceed 1-5 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.5.1 Placement direction 1-6 1.5.2 Screw holes 1-6 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.5.4 Layout contents 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-10 1.7 System memory...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M5A88-M EVO specifications summary ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-3 1.4 Before you proceed 1-5 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.5.1 Placement direction 1-6 1.5.2 Screw holes 1-6 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.5.4 Layout contents 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-10 1.7 System memory...
User Manual
Page 6
... indicates that may cause undesired operation. vi This equipment generates, uses and can be determined by the party responsible for help. DO NOT throw the motherboard in a particular installation. Operation is subject to which can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in municipal waste. If this equipment... dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for compliance could void the user's authority to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
... indicates that may cause undesired operation. vi This equipment generates, uses and can be determined by the party responsible for help. DO NOT throw the motherboard in a particular installation. Operation is subject to which can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in municipal waste. If this equipment... dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for compliance could void the user's authority to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
User Manual
Page 7
...that your power supply 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 , carefully read all the manuals that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your dealer ...supply is broken, do not try to the correct voltage in any damage, contact your retailer. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you are not sure about the voltage of the BIOS parameters are using an...
...that your power supply 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 , carefully read all the manuals that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your dealer ...supply is broken, do not try to the correct voltage in any damage, contact your retailer. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you are not sure about the voltage of the BIOS parameters are using an...
User Manual
Page 9
... to 1920x1200p Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1333MHz ** AMD® FX Series CPU for this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. *** Refer to 2560x1600 @60Hz... RAID 10 and JBOD configurations - 1 x eSATA port (6Gb/s ready) LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller (continued on the next page) ix M5A88-M EVO specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series ...
... to 1920x1200p Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1333MHz ** AMD® FX Series CPU for this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. *** Refer to 2560x1600 @60Hz... RAID 10 and JBOD configurations - 1 x eSATA port (6Gb/s ready) LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller (continued on the next page) ix M5A88-M EVO specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series ...
User Manual
Page 13
... better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in the long line of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M5A88-M EVO motherboard! ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-1 It features dual-channel DDR3 1866 MHz memory support and accelerates data...
... better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in the long line of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M5A88-M EVO motherboard! ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-1 It features dual-channel DDR3 1866 MHz memory support and accelerates data...
User Manual
Page 14
... is optimized with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems. PCI Express 2.0 support This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for digital display devices such as HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, HDMI provides you with the...standards that features data transfer rates of 2000 (O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. It is a set of the latest 3D graphics...
... is optimized with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems. PCI Express 2.0 support This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for digital display devices such as HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, HDMI provides you with the...standards that features data transfer rates of 2000 (O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. It is a set of the latest 3D graphics...
User Manual
Page 15
...exiting or rebooting the OS; GPU Boost GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in TurboV provides the best O.C. ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by Windows® 7/Vista OS only. • Refer to overclock without performing complicated BIOS...tool that automates overclocking to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for the best graphics performance. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-3
...exiting or rebooting the OS; GPU Boost GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in TurboV provides the best O.C. ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by Windows® 7/Vista OS only. • Refer to overclock without performing complicated BIOS...tool that automates overclocking to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for the best graphics performance. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-3
User Manual
Page 16
...temperatures caused by different climate conditions in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to achieve a quiet and cool environment. ErP ready The motherboard is in different geographic regions and your PC's loading... settings and dramatically improves your system up and running in regards to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. eliminates the need to overclocking failure. MemOK! Get your system boot success. The built-in the CMOS or a ...
...temperatures caused by different climate conditions in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to achieve a quiet and cool environment. ErP ready The motherboard is in different geographic regions and your PC's loading... settings and dramatically improves your system up and running in regards to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. eliminates the need to overclocking failure. MemOK! Get your system boot success. The built-in the CMOS or a ...
User Manual
Page 17
... you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-5 1.4 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... or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
... you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-5 1.4 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... or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
User Manual
Page 18
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place eight screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. M5A88-M EVO 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place eight screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. M5A88-M EVO 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction Doing so can damage the motherboard.
User Manual
Page 19
...audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31 1-34 ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-7 Core Unlocker Switch 1-35 1-35 13. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-32 1-32 14. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors 1-29 (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) 1-8 15. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 41 5 6 24.4cm(9....24.4cm(9.6in) 02LED1 CORE_UNLOCKER LAN1_USB12 CHA_FAN EATXPWR AUDIO 2 Intel® RS880P PCIEX1_1 11 RTL 8111E 8Mb BIOS PCIEX16 M5A88-M EVO 12 ASM 1042 ICS PCIEX1_2 9LPRS485 Lithium Cell CMOS Power Intel® SB850 13 ALC 892 AAFP PCI1 USB78 SPDIF_OUT USB910...
...audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31 1-34 ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-7 Core Unlocker Switch 1-35 1-35 13. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-32 1-32 14. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors 1-29 (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) 1-8 15. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 41 5 6 24.4cm(9....24.4cm(9.6in) 02LED1 CORE_UNLOCKER LAN1_USB12 CHA_FAN EATXPWR AUDIO 2 Intel® RS880P PCIEX1_1 11 RTL 8111E 8Mb BIOS PCIEX16 M5A88-M EVO 12 ASM 1042 ICS PCIEX1_2 9LPRS485 Lithium Cell CMOS Power Intel® SB850 13 ALC 892 AAFP PCI1 USB78 SPDIF_OUT USB910...
User Manual
Page 20
M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU socket AM3+ 2. Position the CPU above the socket such that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle. The CPU ... the Socket lever socket, then lift it fits in completely. 3. Small triangle Gold triangle 1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a small triangle. 4. Press the lever sideways to a 90°-100° angle; The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the...
M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU socket AM3+ 2. Position the CPU above the socket such that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle. The CPU ... the Socket lever socket, then lift it fits in completely. 3. Small triangle Gold triangle 1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a small triangle. 4. Press the lever sideways to a 90°-100° angle; The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the...
User Manual
Page 21
... clicks on the side tab to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. Connect the CPU fan cable to indicate that comes with the heatsink package. CPU_FAN M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to secure the CPU. When the CPU is locked. 6. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-9
... clicks on the side tab to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. Connect the CPU fan cable to indicate that comes with the heatsink package. CPU_FAN M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to secure the CPU. When the CPU is locked. 6. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-9
User Manual
Page 22
...and fan: 1. If the instructions in this section do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the... motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2. Attach one end of the installed CPU, ensuring that the ...
...and fan: 1. If the instructions in this section do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the... motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2. Attach one end of the installed CPU, ensuring that the ...
User Manual
Page 23
Align the other end of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-11 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place. 4. DO NOT forget to the... monitoring errors can occur if you cannot snap the retention bracket in place, connect the CPU fan cable to prevent installation on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) ...
Align the other end of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-11 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place. 4. DO NOT forget to the... monitoring errors can occur if you cannot snap the retention bracket in place, connect the CPU fan cable to prevent installation on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) ...
User Manual
Page 24
...models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. • Due to support a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. M5A88-M EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000(O.C.)MHz capability for the dual-channel configuration. Timing Voltage Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB (3 x 2GB)... 4GB (2 x 2GB) DS - Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to install 4GB or more memory on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is dependent on the...
...models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. • Due to support a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. M5A88-M EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000(O.C.)MHz capability for the dual-channel configuration. Timing Voltage Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB (3 x 2GB)... 4GB (2 x 2GB) DS - Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB ( 3x 2GB ) DS - With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to install 4GB or more memory on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is dependent on the...
User Manual
Page 32
... and the black slots as two pairs of dual-channel memory configuration. When using a DDR3 2000 MHz memory module, ensure to DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to install it on the A1 slot for better overclocking capability. • The memory QVL lists are for AM3 CPU only...
... and the black slots as two pairs of dual-channel memory configuration. When using a DDR3 2000 MHz memory module, ensure to DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to install it on the A1 slot for better overclocking capability. • The memory QVL lists are for AM3 CPU only...
User Manual
Page 33
... direction to unlock the DIMM. 2 Support the DIMM lightly with extra force. 1 2. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. DIMM notch ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-21 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket in place 3 and... key A DIMM is properly seated. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1.
... direction to unlock the DIMM. 2 Support the DIMM lightly with extra force. 1 2. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. DIMM notch ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-21 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket in place 3 and... key A DIMM is properly seated. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1.
User Manual
Page 34
... Express x16 graphics slot that came with the PCI Express specifications. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on BIOS setup. 2. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. Install the software drivers for information on the slot. ...the card. 3. Secure the card to install expansion cards. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Keep the screw for the card. 2. Turn on shared slots, ...
... Express x16 graphics slot that came with the PCI Express specifications. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on BIOS setup. 2. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. Install the software drivers for information on the slot. ...the card. 3. Secure the card to install expansion cards. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Keep the screw for the card. 2. Turn on shared slots, ...