A55M-A User's Manual
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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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... of 1920x1080@60Hz Supports Dual-link DVI with a maximum resolution of 2560x1600@60Hz Supports D-Sub with 16GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. Graphics Integrated AMD®...which support Dual Graphics technology. 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...
... of 1920x1080@60Hz Supports Dual-link DVI with a maximum resolution of 2560x1600@60Hz Supports D-Sub with 16GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. Graphics Integrated AMD®...which support Dual Graphics technology. 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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...High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors 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 reliable performance in every scenario. * DIGI+ VRM features are also available in... and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in FM2 socket compatible CPUs ASUS A55M-A Series 1-1 AMD® A55 FCH chipset AMD® A55 FCH is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s ports. Boosted by using the AMD® A55 chipset employ ...
...High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors 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 reliable performance in every scenario. * DIGI+ VRM features are also available in... and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in FM2 socket compatible CPUs ASUS A55M-A Series 1-1 AMD® A55 FCH chipset AMD® A55 FCH is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s ports. Boosted by using the AMD® A55 chipset employ ...
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Doing so can damage the motherboard. A55M-A/USB3 ASUS A55M-A Series 1-5 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. 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. DO NOT overtighten the screws! The edge with external ports goes to the chassis.
Doing so can damage the motherboard. A55M-A/USB3 ASUS A55M-A Series 1-5 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. 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. DO NOT overtighten the screws! The edge with external ports goes to the chassis.
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otherwise, the system would not power up ASUS A55M-A Series 1-21 2. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in sleep mode. 2. KB_USBPWB 12 23 A55M-A/USB3 +5V +5VSB (Default) A55M-A/USB3 Keyboard and USB device wake up . • The total current...), you set this jumper to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up the computer by pressing a key on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPFW) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to wake...
otherwise, the system would not power up ASUS A55M-A Series 1-21 2. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in sleep mode. 2. KB_USBPWB 12 23 A55M-A/USB3 +5V +5VSB (Default) A55M-A/USB3 Keyboard and USB device wake up . • The total current...), you set this jumper to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up the computer by pressing a key on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPFW) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to wake...
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... Out. 6. Refer to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port connects to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. 1.8 1.8.1 1 Connectors Rear panel ports 2 3 45 11 10 9 8 7 6 1. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED...
... Out. 6. Refer to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port connects to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. 1.8 1.8.1 1 Connectors Rear panel ports 2 3 45 11 10 9 8 7 6 1. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED...
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... 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 the fan connectors. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND Rotation +12V GND ASUS A55M-A Series 1-23 This port is for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 8. This port is for connecting USB 3.0 devices. These are...
... 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 the fan connectors. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND Rotation +12V GND ASUS A55M-A Series 1-23 This port is for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 8. This port is for connecting USB 3.0 devices. These are...
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... to connect a high definition front panel audio module 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. Digital audio...
... to connect a high definition front panel audio module 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. Digital audio...
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... connection speed. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB56 USB34 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 the USB connectors. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
... connection speed. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB56 USB34 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 the USB connectors. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
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... update the utility to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS A55M-A Series Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS, and then press . 5. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press to the USB port. 2. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to download ...itself through the Internet. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you start using EZ Flash 2: 1. Updating from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that ...
... update the utility to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS A55M-A Series Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS, and then press . 5. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press to the USB port. 2. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to download ...itself through the Internet. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you start using EZ Flash 2: 1. Updating from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that ...
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... drive or the USB flash drive that you press to load default BIOS values. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. DO NOT shut down or reset ... the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. You can cause system boot failure! The utility automatically checks the devices for A55M-A USB3). • The BIOS file in the removable device into A55MA.CAP (for A55M-A) or A55MAUSB3.CAP (for the BIOS file. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto...
... drive or the USB flash drive that you press to load default BIOS values. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. DO NOT shut down or reset ... the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. You can cause system boot failure! The utility automatically checks the devices for A55M-A USB3). • The BIOS file in the removable device into A55MA.CAP (for A55M-A) or A55MAUSB3.CAP (for the BIOS file. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto...
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...drive and select the optical drive as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. C:\>d: D:\> 2-4 ASUS A55M-A Series 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you can use as the boot device. The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. Download the latest BIOS...Setup ↑ and ↓ to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to Drive D (USB flash drive). Welcome to the USB port. 2. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format. 3. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press...
...drive and select the optical drive as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. C:\>d: D:\> 2-4 ASUS A55M-A Series 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you can use as the boot device. The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. Download the latest BIOS...Setup ↑ and ↓ to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to Drive D (USB flash drive). Welcome to the USB port. 2. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format. 3. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press...
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... [Enabled] Enables or disables onboard channel SATA port. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is installed to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). When read/write of commands. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-18 ASUS A55M-A Series S.M.A.R.T. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled...[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to the corresponding SATA port. 2.5.2 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA...
... [Enabled] Enables or disables onboard channel SATA port. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is installed to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). When read/write of commands. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-18 ASUS A55M-A Series S.M.A.R.T. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled...[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to the corresponding SATA port. 2.5.2 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA...
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...USB3.0 Support [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the support for add-on VGA devices. Configuration options: [IGFX Video] [PCIE / PCI Video] Integrated Graphics [Auto] Enables the integrated graphics controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [Force] Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-19 2.5.3 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to enable/disable individual USB ports.... If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. USB Single Port Control Allows you to detect the presence of Internal Graphics Device will keep memory reserved. ...
...USB3.0 Support [Enabled] (A55M-A/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the support for add-on VGA devices. Configuration options: [IGFX Video] [PCIE / PCI Video] Integrated Graphics [Auto] Enables the integrated graphics controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [Force] Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-19 2.5.3 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to enable/disable individual USB ports.... If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. USB Single Port Control Allows you to detect the presence of Internal Graphics Device will keep memory reserved. ...
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...Returns to launch active boot option. This process will extend POST time. [Partial Initialization] For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with initialization of devices to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss. [Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on 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 2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] Enable or disable boot with keyboard and mouse connections will be detected. Set this feature, enable the Network Stack item in...
...Returns to launch active boot option. This process will extend POST time. [Partial Initialization] For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with initialization of devices to normal boot on the next boot after an AC power loss. [Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on 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 2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] Enable or disable boot with keyboard and mouse connections will be detected. Set this feature, enable the Network Stack item in...