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Contents Safety information...vi About this guide...vii A55M-A Series specifications summary ix Package contents...xi Product introduction 1.1 Special features 1-1 1.1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM 1-1 1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features 1-2 1.2 Before you proceed 1-4 1.3 Motherboard overview 1-5 1.3.1 Placement direction 1-5 1.3.2 Screw holes 1-5 1.3.3 ...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 iii
Contents Safety information...vi About this guide...vii A55M-A Series specifications summary ix Package contents...xi Product introduction 1.1 Special features 1-1 1.1.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM 1-1 1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features 1-2 1.2 Before you proceed 1-4 1.3 Motherboard overview 1-5 1.3.1 Placement direction 1-5 1.3.2 Screw holes 1-5 1.3.3 ...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 iii
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... to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). • When you install a total memory of 3GB system memory if you are available in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. USB A55M-A/USB3 ASMedia 1042 - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at the ...back panel AMD® A55 FCH: - 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at the mid-board, 2 ports at the 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...
... to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). • When you install a total memory of 3GB system memory if you are available in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. USB A55M-A/USB3 ASMedia 1042 - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at the ...back panel AMD® A55 FCH: - 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at the mid-board, 2 ports at the 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...
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... ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink Solution ASUS ESD ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2™ 100% All high-quality conductive polymer Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x D-Sub output port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0 ports and 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (A55M-A/USB3 only) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (A55M-A only) 8-channel audio I/O ports...
... ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink Solution ASUS ESD ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2™ 100% All high-quality conductive polymer Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x D-Sub output port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0 ports and 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (A55M-A/USB3 only) 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (A55M-A only) 8-channel audio I/O ports...
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...This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. 1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM DIGI+POWER CONTROL: Digital Power Design for a diverse range of up to multimedia or office ...revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines processing power and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in FM2 socket compatible CPUs ASUS A55M-A Series 1-1 Boosted by using the AMD® A55 chipset employ precise digital voltage regulation for reliable performance... gaming to 5GT/s interface speed and 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s ports.
...This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity. 1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM DIGI+POWER CONTROL: Digital Power Design for a diverse range of up to multimedia or office ...revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines processing power and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in FM2 socket compatible CPUs ASUS A55M-A Series 1-1 Boosted by using the AMD® A55 chipset employ precise digital voltage regulation for reliable performance... gaming to 5GT/s interface speed and 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s ports.
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A55M-A/USB3 ASUS A55M-A Series 1-5 The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.3 Motherboard overview 1.3.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.3.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. DO NOT overtighten the screws!
A55M-A/USB3 ASUS A55M-A Series 1-5 The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.3 Motherboard overview 1.3.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.3.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. DO NOT overtighten the screws!
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...power mode). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the keyboard. 2. otherwise, the system would not power up ASUS A55M-A Series 1-21 Set to +5VSB to wake up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS. USB device ... set this jumper to wake up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; A55M-A/USB3 USBPWF 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) A55M-A/USB3 USB device wake up • The USB device wake-up the computer from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to enable...
...power mode). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the keyboard. 2. otherwise, the system would not power up ASUS A55M-A Series 1-21 Set to +5VSB to wake up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS. USB device ... set this jumper to wake up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; A55M-A/USB3 USBPWF 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) A55M-A/USB3 USB device wake up • The USB device wake-up the computer from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to enable...
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...(LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status Description OFF 10Mbps connection ORANGE... 100Mbps connection GREEN 1Gbps connection ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port 4. This port connects to support an 8-channel audio output. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function...
...(LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status Description OFF 10Mbps connection ORANGE... 100Mbps connection GREEN 1Gbps connection ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port 4. This port connects to support an 8-channel audio output. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function...
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... connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power. • Only the CPU_FAN connector support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of the connector. DO NOT...GND Rotation +12V GND ASUS A55M-A Series 1-23 USB 3.0 ports 11 and 12 (A55M-A/USB3 only). 7. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN A55M-A/USB3 A55M-A/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT...
... connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power. • Only the CPU_FAN connector support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of the connector. DO NOT...GND Rotation +12V GND ASUS A55M-A Series 1-23 USB 3.0 ports 11 and 12 (A55M-A/USB3 only). 7. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN A55M-A/USB3 A55M-A/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT...
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See section 2.5.5 Onboard Devices Configuration for details. • The front panel audio I/O module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND A55M-A/USB3 SPDIF_OUT A55M-A/USB3 Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 7. Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you connect a high-definition... connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to this connector. ASUS A55M-A Series 1-27
See section 2.5.5 Onboard Devices Configuration for details. • The front panel audio I/O module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND A55M-A/USB3 SPDIF_OUT A55M-A/USB3 Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 7. Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you connect a high-definition... connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to this connector. ASUS A55M-A Series 1-27
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... USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P4USB_P4+ GND NC A55M-A/USB3 PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB+5V USB_P3USB_P3+ GND A55M-A/USB3 USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to 480Mbps connection speed. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB34) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports...
... USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P4USB_P4+ GND NC A55M-A/USB3 PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB+5V USB_P3USB_P3+ GND A55M-A/USB3 USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to 480Mbps connection speed. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB34) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports...
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...update the utility to download then click Next. Locate the BIOS file from a BIOS file a. Press to switch to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS A55M-A Series Reboot the system when the update process is capable of the BIOS setup program. c. Updating from the Open window, then click Open. ...latest BIOS, and then press . 5. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press to avoid network traffic, then click Next. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to the USB port. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet a. Updating from file, then click...
...update the utility to download then click Next. Locate the BIOS file from a BIOS file a. Press to switch to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS A55M-A Series Reboot the system when the update process is capable of the BIOS setup program. c. Updating from the Open window, then click Open. ...latest BIOS, and then press . 5. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press to avoid network traffic, then click Next. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to the USB port. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet a. Updating from file, then click...
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... Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A55MA.CAP (for A55M-A) or A55MAUSB3.CAP (for the BIOS file. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. Turn on the system. 2. You can cause system boot ...failure! Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to the USB port. 3. The utility automatically checks the devices for A55M-A USB3). • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the...
... Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A55MA.CAP (for A55M-A) or A55MAUSB3.CAP (for the BIOS file. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. Turn on the system. 2. You can cause system boot ...failure! Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to the USB port. 3. The utility automatically checks the devices for A55M-A USB3). • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the...
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...C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive). NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. C:\>d: D:\> 2-4 ASUS A55M-A Series Before updating BIOS 1. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to the USB port. 2. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to show the BIOS Boot Device...prompt item by pressing the item number. 4. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as the boot device. 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. This utility ...
...C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive). NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. C:\>d: D:\> 2-4 ASUS A55M-A Series Before updating BIOS 1. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to the USB port. 2. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to show the BIOS Boot Device...prompt item by pressing the item number. 4. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as the boot device. 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. This utility ...
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... drives. [AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). S.M.A.R.T. 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 ...the order of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST. The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is a monitor system. When read/write of commands. OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] ...
... drives. [AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). S.M.A.R.T. 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 ...the order of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST. The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is a monitor system. When read/write of commands. OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] ...
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... [Disabled] Disables available USB devices. EHCI Hand-off feature. [Disabled] Disables the function. Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand‑off [Disabled]... [Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on VGA devices. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. 2.5.3 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to enable/disable individual USB ports...
... [Disabled] Disables available USB devices. EHCI Hand-off feature. [Disabled] Disables the function. Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand‑off [Disabled]... [Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on VGA devices. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. 2.5.3 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to enable/disable individual USB ports...
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...ports with initialization of a minimal set of devices to display the post report. To enable this item to [Enabled] to boot from the Network Stack Driver. Disables the full screen logo display feature. 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...Set this feature, enable the Network Stack item in the Advanced menu. [Enabled] Allows the BIOS to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] If Disabled, the Network Stack Driver will be ...
...ports with initialization of a minimal set of devices to display the post report. To enable this item to [Enabled] to boot from the Network Stack Driver. Disables the full screen logo display feature. 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...Set this feature, enable the Network Stack item in the Advanced menu. [Enabled] Allows the BIOS to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] If Disabled, the Network Stack Driver will be ...