A55M-A User's Manual
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... ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. Such software in this manual, including the products and software described in it from http://support.asus.com/download or (2) for backup purposes, without intent to anyone in receipt of the product is authorized in any form or by ASUS; No part of...
... ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. Such software in this manual, including the products and software described in it from http://support.asus.com/download or (2) for backup purposes, without intent to anyone in receipt of the product is authorized in any form or by ASUS; No part of...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... 1-7 1.4.1 APU installation 1-8 1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation 1-9 1.5 System memory 1-11 1.5.1 Overview 1-11 1.5.2 Memory configurations 1-12 1.5.3 Installing a DIMM 1-17 1.6 Expansion slots 1-18 1.6.1 Installing an expansion card 1-18 1.6.2 Configuring an expansion card 1-18 1.6.3 PCI slot 1-18 1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot 1-18 1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slot 1-18 1.7 Jumpers...1-20 1.8 Connectors 1-22 1.8.1 Rear panel ports 1-22 1.8.2 Internal connectors 1-23 1.9 Software support 1-29 1.9.1 Installing an operating system 1-29 1.9.2 Support DVD information 1-29...
... 1-7 1.4.1 APU installation 1-8 1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation 1-9 1.5 System memory 1-11 1.5.1 Overview 1-11 1.5.2 Memory configurations 1-12 1.5.3 Installing a DIMM 1-17 1.6 Expansion slots 1-18 1.6.1 Installing an expansion card 1-18 1.6.2 Configuring an expansion card 1-18 1.6.3 PCI slot 1-18 1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot 1-18 1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slot 1-18 1.7 Jumpers...1-20 1.8 Connectors 1-22 1.8.1 Rear panel ports 1-22 1.8.2 Internal connectors 1-23 1.9 Software support 1-29 1.9.1 Installing an operating system 1-29 1.9.2 Support DVD information 1-29...
A55M-A User's Manual
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...back panel) A55M-A AMD® A55 FCH: - 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports at the back panel) (continued on the next page) ix Expansion slots 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots 1 x PCI slot Storage / RAID AMD® A55 FCH: - 6 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and JBOD configurations LAN Realtek® 8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller Audio Realtek® ALC887-VD 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC • Use a chassis with a maximum resolution of 1920x1600@60Hz AMD® Dual Graphics technology support* Maximum...
...back panel) A55M-A AMD® A55 FCH: - 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports at the back panel) (continued on the next page) ix Expansion slots 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots 1 x PCI slot Storage / RAID AMD® A55 FCH: - 6 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and JBOD configurations LAN Realtek® 8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller Audio Realtek® ALC887-VD 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC • Use a chassis with a maximum resolution of 1920x1600@60Hz AMD® Dual Graphics technology support* Maximum...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... ports (A55M-A only) 8-channel audio I/O ports (3-jack) Internal I/O connectors / buttons / switches 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors 1 x System panel connector 1 x Internal Speaker connector 1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin) 1 x S/PDIF output connector 1 x Chassis fan connector (3-pin) 1 x High-definition front panel audio connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector BIOS 32 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS Support DVD Drivers ASUS Update...
... ports (A55M-A only) 8-channel audio I/O ports (3-jack) Internal I/O connectors / buttons / switches 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors 1 x System panel connector 1 x Internal Speaker connector 1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin) 1 x S/PDIF output connector 1 x Chassis fan connector (3-pin) 1 x High-definition front panel audio connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector BIOS 32 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS Support DVD Drivers ASUS Update...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... a specific time period to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for enhanced online convenience. Overall, it's an intuitive network bandwidth control center. 1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Network iControl With a single-click on different ambient temperatures, resulting in use helpful utilities. Within the profile, programs can prioritize your favorite software easily by power surges from switching power supply unit...
... a specific time period to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for enhanced online convenience. Overall, it's an intuitive network bandwidth control center. 1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS Network iControl With a single-click on different ambient temperatures, resulting in use helpful utilities. Within the profile, programs can prioritize your favorite software easily by power surges from switching power supply unit...
A55M-A User's Manual
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.... A55M-A/USB3 A55M-A/USB3 CPU socket FM2 ASUS A55M-A Series 1-7 CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) and Chassis fan connector (3-pin CHA_FAN) 5. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. Ensure that you use a APU designed for AMD® A-series accelerated processors with an FM2 socket designed for the FM2 socket. 1.3.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 9. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin...
.... A55M-A/USB3 A55M-A/USB3 CPU socket FM2 ASUS A55M-A Series 1-7 CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) and Chassis fan connector (3-pin CHA_FAN) 5. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. Ensure that you use a APU designed for AMD® A-series accelerated processors with an FM2 socket designed for the FM2 socket. 1.3.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 9. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... specifications. 1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics card that came with the PCI Express specifications. 1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction Failure to do not need to the card. 3. Turn on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that they support. Keep the screw for the card. 2. When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings...
... specifications. 1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics card that came with the PCI Express specifications. 1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction Failure to do not need to the card. 3. Turn on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that they support. Keep the screw for the card. 2. When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... a corresponding setting in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. 2. Set to +5VSB to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in sleep mode. 2. KB_USBPWB 12 23 A55M-A/USB3 +5V +5VSB (Default) A55M-A/USB3 Keyboard and USB device wake up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPFW) Set these jumpers to +5V to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up...
... a corresponding setting in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. 2. Set to +5VSB to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in sleep mode. 2. KB_USBPWB 12 23 A55M-A/USB3 +5V +5VSB (Default) A55M-A/USB3 Keyboard and USB device wake up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPFW) Set these jumpers to +5V to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are not jumpers! This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is for any DVI-D compatible device. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN A55M-A/USB3 A55M-A/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to CRT and isn't compatible with DVI-I 10. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND Rotation +12V GND ASUS A55M-A Series 1-23 DVI-D port. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple). CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin...
... black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are not jumpers! This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is for any DVI-D compatible device. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN A55M-A/USB3 A55M-A/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to CRT and isn't compatible with DVI-I 10. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND Rotation +12V GND ASUS A55M-A Series 1-23 DVI-D port. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple). CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... to change at www.asus.com for reference only. To run the DVD. Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to install If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. 1.9 Software support 1.9.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 Operating Systems (OS). ASUS A55M-A Series 1-29 Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to locate the file ASSETUP...
... to change at www.asus.com for reference only. To run the DVD. Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to install If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. 1.9 Software support 1.9.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 Operating Systems (OS). ASUS A55M-A Series 1-29 Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to locate the file ASSETUP...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... update the BIOS: 1. From the list, select either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the future. Follow the onscreen instructions to launch the AI Suite II utility. Click Update button from the Quick Bar, and then click ASUS Update from the popup menu. From the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS...
... update the BIOS: 1. From the list, select either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the future. Follow the onscreen instructions to launch the AI Suite II utility. Click Update button from the Quick Bar, and then click ASUS Update from the popup menu. From the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... update the BIOS using an OS‑based utility. Enter the Advanced Mode of updating itself through the Internet. The ASUS Update utility is done. • This function supports USB flash disks formatted using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from file, then click Next. Select Update BIOS from the Open window, then click Open. 3. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that contains the latest BIOS file to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS A55M-A Series Insert the USB flash disk that you start using...
... update the BIOS using an OS‑based utility. Enter the Advanced Mode of updating itself through the Internet. The ASUS Update utility is done. • This function supports USB flash disks formatted using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from file, then click Next. Select Update BIOS from the Open window, then click Open. 3. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that contains the latest BIOS file to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS A55M-A Series Insert the USB flash disk that you start using...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... to enter BIOS Setup to the USB port. 3. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that you press to load default BIOS values. Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-3 You can cause system boot failure! DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A55MA.CAP (for A55M-A) or A55MAUSB3.CAP (for the BIOS file. Insert the support DVD...
... to enter BIOS Setup to the USB port. 3. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that you press to load default BIOS values. Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-3 You can cause system boot failure! DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can restore a corrupted BIOS file using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A55MA.CAP (for A55M-A) or A55MAUSB3.CAP (for the BIOS file. Insert the support DVD...
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... USB flash drive. Please select boot device: SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Enter Setup ↑ and ↓ to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to the USB port. 2. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as the boot device. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using defaults 3. 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to a hard disk drive or USB...
... USB flash drive. Please select boot device: SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Enter Setup ↑ and ↓ to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to the USB port. 2. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as the boot device. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using defaults 3. 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to a hard disk drive or USB...
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... EPU Power Saving Mode is set power saving mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode] Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-13 You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. 2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] Allows you to set to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the Ai Overclock...
... EPU Power Saving Mode is set power saving mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode] Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-13 You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. 2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] Allows you to set to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the Ai Overclock...
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... disables onboard channel SATA port. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is installed to report warning messages during the POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-18 ASUS A55M-A Series Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnChip SATA Type [AHCI] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices. [RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the SATA hard disk drives. [AHCI] Set...
... disables onboard channel SATA port. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is installed to report warning messages during the POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-18 ASUS A55M-A Series Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnChip SATA Type [AHCI] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices. [RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the SATA hard disk drives. [AHCI] Set...
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...USB ports. 2.5.4 NB Configuration IGFX Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enables or disables the Internal Graphics Device Multi-Monitor support for USB 3.0 devices on VGA devices. If no USB device is enabled. Configuration options: [Auto] [Force] Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-19 Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the support for add-on legacy operating systems (OS). [Disabled] Disables the function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Primary Video Device [PCIE / PCI Video] Selects the primary display device. And the memory size...
...USB ports. 2.5.4 NB Configuration IGFX Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enables or disables the Internal Graphics Device Multi-Monitor support for USB 3.0 devices on VGA devices. If no USB device is enabled. Configuration options: [Auto] [Force] Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-19 Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the support for add-on legacy operating systems (OS). [Disabled] Disables the function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Primary Video Device [PCIE / PCI Video] Selects the primary display device. And the memory size...
A55M-A User's Manual
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... connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97. Front Panel Type [HD] Allows you to set to [Enabled]. Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output. [HDMI] Sets to enable or disable the Rom Help of the Realtek LAN controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the onboard USB...
... connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97. Front Panel Type [HD] Allows you to set to [Enabled]. Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output. [HDMI] Sets to enable or disable the Rom Help of the Realtek LAN controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the onboard USB...
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.... CPU_FAN Lower Temperature [20ºC] Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature. Duty Cycle(%) [100%] Use the and keys to [Manual]. The following four items appear only when you set the CPU fan warning speed. CPU_FAN Fan Max. Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. CPU_FAN Fan Min. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-24 ASUS A55M-A Series
.... CPU_FAN Lower Temperature [20ºC] Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature. Duty Cycle(%) [100%] Use the and keys to [Manual]. The following four items appear only when you set the CPU fan warning speed. CPU_FAN Fan Max. Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. CPU_FAN Fan Min. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-24 ASUS A55M-A Series
A55M-A User's Manual
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... the boot speed on the next boot after the PC enters the OS. Configuration options: [1 sec] [2 sec] [3 sec] [4 sec] [5 sec] [6 sec] [7 sec] [8 sec] [9 sec] [10 sec] [Until Press ESC] 2-26 ASUS A55M-A Series This process will extend POST time. [Partial Initialization] For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with initialization of devices to [Enabled]. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] If Disabled, the Network Stack Driver will be skipped. 2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] Enable or disable boot with keyboard...
... the boot speed on the next boot after the PC enters the OS. Configuration options: [1 sec] [2 sec] [3 sec] [4 sec] [5 sec] [6 sec] [7 sec] [8 sec] [9 sec] [10 sec] [Until Press ESC] 2-26 ASUS A55M-A Series This process will extend POST time. [Partial Initialization] For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with initialization of devices to [Enabled]. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] If Disabled, the Network Stack Driver will be skipped. 2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] Enable or disable boot with keyboard...