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Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi M5A97 PLUS specifications summary vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-2 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-10 1.6 Jumpers 1-12 1.7 Connectors 1-13 1.8 Software support 1-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and ... 2-10 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.5 Advanced menu 2-18 2.6 Monitor menu 2-24 2.7 Boot menu 2-27 2.8 Tool menu 2-33 2.9 Exit menu 2-34 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-3 iii
Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi M5A97 PLUS specifications summary vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-2 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-10 1.6 Jumpers 1-12 1.7 Connectors 1-13 1.8 Software support 1-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and ... 2-10 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.5 Advanced menu 2-18 2.6 Monitor menu 2-24 2.7 Boot menu 2-27 2.8 Tool menu 2-33 2.9 Exit menu 2-34 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-3 iii
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...connectors on a stable surface. • If you are using, contact your area. If you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are connected. Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the ...product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all power cables from the existing system before the signal cables are also provided. Contact ...
...connectors on a stable surface. • If you are using, contact your area. If you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are connected. Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the ...product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all power cables from the existing system before the signal cables are also provided. Contact ...
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... standard memory frequency. • AMD AM3 100 and 200 series CPU support up to DDR3 1066MHz. • Refer to www.asus.com for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M5A97 PLUS motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit...
... standard memory frequency. • AMD AM3 100 and 200 series CPU support up to DDR3 1066MHz. • Refer to www.asus.com for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M5A97 PLUS motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit...
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ASUS M5A97 PLUS 1-1 Failure to do so may cause severe damage 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 motherboard components or change any motherboard...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. Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install or remove any ...
ASUS M5A97 PLUS 1-1 Failure to do so may cause severe damage 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 motherboard components or change any motherboard...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. Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install or remove any ...
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... the image. 1.2.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. Do not overtighten the screws! Place this...the rear of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits. 1.2 Motherboard overview Before you physical injury and damage to the chassis. Doing so can cause you install the motherboard, study the configuration of the chassis M5A97 PLUS 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Unplug the power cord...
... the image. 1.2.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. Do not overtighten the screws! Place this...the rear of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits. 1.2 Motherboard overview Before you physical injury and damage to the chassis. Doing so can cause you install the motherboard, study the configuration of the chassis M5A97 PLUS 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Unplug the power cord...
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...) Page 1-15 1-16 1-4 1-8 1-17 1-18 1-12 1-19 1-17 1-19 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for the AM3+ socket. The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. M5A97 PLUS M5A97 PLUS CPU socket AM3+ 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 6. The CPU fits in...
...) Page 1-15 1-16 1-4 1-8 1-17 1-18 1-12 1-19 1-17 1-19 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for the AM3+ socket. The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. M5A97 PLUS M5A97 PLUS CPU socket AM3+ 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 6. The CPU fits in...
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... OS. - com/kb/929605/en-us. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A97 PLUS Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 & DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 & DIMM_B2 M5A97 PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB... - For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you do any of 3GB system memory if you want to prevent installation on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with less power consumption. Install a 64-bit ...
... OS. - com/kb/929605/en-us. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A97 PLUS Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 & DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 & DIMM_B2 M5A97 PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB... - For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you do any of 3GB system memory if you want to prevent installation on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with less power consumption. Install a 64-bit ...
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... groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that they support. Secure the card to install... BIOS settings, if any. To remove a DIMM B A A 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Keep the screw for the card. 2. The following sub‑sections describe...
... groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that they support. Secure the card to install... BIOS settings, if any. To remove a DIMM B A A 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Keep the screw for the card. 2. The following sub‑sections describe...
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... - - IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx1_1 PCIEx1_2 PCI1 slot PCI2 slot...motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. shared - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - ASUS M5A97 PLUS...
... - - IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx1_1 PCIEx1_2 PCI1 slot PCI2 slot...motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. shared - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - - ASUS M5A97 PLUS...
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...NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • Only the 4-pin CPU fan and 4-pin chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert+ feature. These are not jumpers! ASUS M5A97 PLUS 1-15 CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN +5V ...CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND M5A97 PLUS CHA_FAN1 GND CHA FAN PWR CHA FAN IN +5V M5A97 PLUS Fan connectors DO NOT forget...
...NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • Only the 4-pin CPU fan and 4-pin chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert+ feature. These are not jumpers! ASUS M5A97 PLUS 1-15 CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN +5V ...CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND M5A97 PLUS CHA_FAN1 GND CHA FAN PWR CHA FAN IN +5V M5A97 PLUS Fan connectors DO NOT forget...
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... pin definition compliant definition M5A97 PLUS Front panel audio connector • We recommend that you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability....module is purchased separately. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 1-19 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for details. • The front panel audio I /O...
... pin definition compliant definition M5A97 PLUS Front panel audio connector • We recommend that you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability....module is purchased separately. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 1-19 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for details. • The front panel audio I /O...
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...versions before installing the drivers for reference only. Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to avail all motherboard features. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to display their ...respective menus. 1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / Windows® 7 / Windows...
...versions before installing the drivers for reference only. Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to avail all motherboard features. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to display their ...respective menus. 1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / Windows® 7 / Windows...
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BIOS information 2 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. With this utlity, you need to restore the BIOS in case you can also ...original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-1
BIOS information 2 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. With this utlity, you need to restore the BIOS in case you can also ...original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-1
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...! NTFS is an auto recovery tool that contains the updated BIOS file. • Before using FAT32/16 on the system. 2. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-3 Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into M5A97P.CAP. ...8226; The BIOS file in NTFS format. 3. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is not supported under DOS environment. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that allows you to enter BIOS Setup ...
...! NTFS is an auto recovery tool that contains the updated BIOS file. • Before using FAT32/16 on the system. 2. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-3 Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into M5A97P.CAP. ...8226; The BIOS file in NTFS format. 3. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is not supported under DOS environment. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that allows you to enter BIOS Setup ...
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... to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. To access...BIOS Setup program. EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you do not press or , POST continues with its parameters. Do this motherboard apply for the advanced BIOS settings. 2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information See section 2.9 Exit Menu. • If the system fails to boot after POST...
... to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. To access...BIOS Setup program. EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you do not press or , POST continues with its parameters. Do this motherboard apply for the advanced BIOS settings. 2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information See section 2.9 Exit Menu. • If the system fails to boot after POST...
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2.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you installed on the CPU and DIMM model 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 display the following items: 2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information The configuration options for this section vary depending on the motherboard. Scroll down to malfunction.
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you installed on the CPU and DIMM model 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 display the following items: 2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information The configuration options for this section vary depending on the motherboard. Scroll down to malfunction.
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... Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the following sub-items vary depending on the motherboard. CPU Bus Frequency [XXX] This item appears only when you set the AI Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P.] and ... values range from 100.0MHz to enhance the system performance. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-13 profile, and the related parameters will be adjusted automatically. Target CPU Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the target CPU speed. PCIE ...
... Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the following sub-items vary depending on the motherboard. CPU Bus Frequency [XXX] This item appears only when you set the AI Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P.] and ... values range from 100.0MHz to enhance the system performance. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-13 profile, and the related parameters will be adjusted automatically. Target CPU Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the target CPU speed. PCIE ...
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...: [Auto] [1T] [2T] 2.4.12 DRAM Driving Control The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. DRAM READ to 10.
...: [Auto] [1T] [2T] 2.4.12 DRAM Driving Control The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. DRAM READ to 10.
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...75ºC. CPu Fan Max. Select Ignore if you set CPU Fan Profile to adjust the lower limit of the CPU temperature. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-25 The values range from 20ºC to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper ... to 75ºC. 2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. 2.6.2 VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage, VDDA2.5V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output...
...75ºC. CPu Fan Max. Select Ignore if you set CPU Fan Profile to adjust the lower limit of the CPU temperature. ASUS M5A97 PLUS 2-25 The values range from 20ºC to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper ... to 75ºC. 2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. 2.6.2 VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage, VDDA2.5V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output...