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... this information. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. The source code will not be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under various Free Open Source Software licenses. Product warranty or service will be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified...
... this information. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. The source code will not be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under various Free Open Source Software licenses. Product warranty or service will be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified...
A88X-PRO User's Manual
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... 4.3.4 EZ Update 4-7 4.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost 4-8 4.3.6 Network iControl 4-9 4.3.7 USB Charger 4-10 4.3.8 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard 4-11 4.3.9 System Information 4-13 4.3.10 Audio configurations 4-15 4.4 RAID configurations 4-16 4.4.1 RAID definitions 4-16 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-17 4.4.3 4.4.4 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-17 AMD® Option ROM Utility 4-18 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk 4-21 4.5.1 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-21 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows 4-21 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during...
... 4.3.4 EZ Update 4-7 4.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost 4-8 4.3.6 Network iControl 4-9 4.3.7 USB Charger 4-10 4.3.8 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard 4-11 4.3.9 System Information 4-13 4.3.10 Audio configurations 4-15 4.4 RAID configurations 4-16 4.4.1 RAID definitions 4-16 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-17 4.4.3 4.4.4 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-17 AMD® Option ROM Utility 4-18 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk 4-21 4.5.1 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-21 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows 4-21 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during...
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... fan speeds, and provides you with optimized fan settings based on the fans' specifications and positions. It offers you to navigate UEFI BIOS than 2.2 TB. ASUS A88X-PRO 1-5 Chapter 1 ESD Protect your modified settings • F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey • F3 Shortcut for most accessed information • ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and helping with difficult POST situations. Fan Xpert 2 ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for hard drives...
... fan speeds, and provides you with optimized fan settings based on the fans' specifications and positions. It offers you to navigate UEFI BIOS than 2.2 TB. ASUS A88X-PRO 1-5 Chapter 1 ESD Protect your modified settings • F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey • F3 Shortcut for most accessed information • ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and helping with difficult POST situations. Fan Xpert 2 ASUS Fan Xpert 2 provides customizable settings for hard drives...
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... key during bootup. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of Q-Slot, Q-Shield and Q-Connector design speed up and simplify the DIY process! It allows users to the BIOS Setup program with the power supply connected. With its new complementary Windows® application, users can enter the BIOS anytime without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS Q-Design ASUS Q-Design enhances your system and conveniently enter the BIOS during POST. ASUS Q-Slot ASUS Q-Slot is a user...
... key during bootup. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of Q-Slot, Q-Shield and Q-Connector design speed up and simplify the DIY process! It allows users to the BIOS Setup program with the power supply connected. With its new complementary Windows® application, users can enter the BIOS anytime without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS Q-Design ASUS Q-Design enhances your system and conveniently enter the BIOS during POST. ASUS Q-Slot ASUS Q-Slot is a user...
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... that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2/3/4 when using multiple graphics cards for this motherboard PCIE x16_1 PCIE x16_2 PCIE x16_3 PCIE x1_1 PCIE x1_2 PCI_1 PCI_2 LAN A B C D E F G H - - shared - - - - - - shared - - - - shared - - - - - - - - AMD FCH USB3.0 Controller_1 - - ASUS A88X-PRO 2-17 shared - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - AMD FCH SATA Controller - - - HD Audio shared - - - - - - - shared...
... that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2/3/4 when using multiple graphics cards for this motherboard PCIE x16_1 PCIE x16_2 PCIE x16_3 PCIE x1_1 PCIE x1_2 PCI_1 PCI_2 LAN A B C D E F G H - - shared - - - - - - shared - - - - shared - - - - - - - - AMD FCH USB3.0 Controller_1 - - ASUS A88X-PRO 2-17 shared - - - - - - shared - - - - - - - AMD FCH SATA Controller - - - HD Audio shared - - - - - - - shared...
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... the DIMM before using the MemOK! switch to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. function. switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to enhance system performance. 1. A88X-PRO Memok! The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. • Due to section 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of failsafe settings. ASUS A88X-PRO 2-19 button • Refer to memory tuning requirement, the...
... the DIMM before using the MemOK! switch to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. function. switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to enhance system performance. 1. A88X-PRO Memok! The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. • Due to section 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of failsafe settings. ASUS A88X-PRO 2-19 button • Refer to memory tuning requirement, the...
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... NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes CPU initialization error System Agent initialization error PCH initialization error Some of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are not available PCI resource allocation error. Out of the Architectural Protocols are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error) Flash update is failed Reset protocol is not available ASUS A88X-PRO...
... NVRAM settings) Reserved for future AMI codes CPU initialization error System Agent initialization error PCH initialization error Some of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are not available PCI resource allocation error. Out of the Architectural Protocols are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error) Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error) Flash update is failed Reset protocol is not available ASUS A88X-PRO...
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... default, this connector, set to [HD]; ASUS A88X-PRO 2-31 These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector is set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]. Connect one end of these connectors, then install the module to this connector. Refer to the USB connectors...
... default, this connector, set to [HD]; ASUS A88X-PRO 2-31 These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector is set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]. Connect one end of these connectors, then install the module to this connector. Refer to the USB connectors...
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... the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Chapter 3 Chapter 3: 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS setup The ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls to ensure optimum performance. Do this last option only if the first two failed. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this program. BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration...
... the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Chapter 3 Chapter 3: 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS setup The ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls to ensure optimum performance. Do this last option only if the first two failed. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this program. BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration...
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... Host Controller Interface). Configuration options: [Automatic mode] [One core per processor] [One Compute Unit] [One core per Compute Unit] 3.5.2 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of commands. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on SATA ports 5 and 6 before entering OS. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 ASUS A88X-PRO 3-15...
... Host Controller Interface). Configuration options: [Automatic mode] [One core per processor] [One Compute Unit] [One core per Compute Unit] 3.5.2 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of commands. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on SATA ports 5 and 6 before entering OS. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 ASUS A88X-PRO 3-15...
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...] Enables the support for USB devices on VGA devices. Configuration options: [IGFX Video] [PCIE / PCI Video] Integrated Graphics [Auto] Enables the integrated graphics controller. USB Device Enable [Enabled] Allows you to detect the presence of Internal Graphics Device will keep memory reserved. The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. Allows the system to enable/disable individual USB ports. 3.5.4 NB Configuration IGFX Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enables or disables the Internal Graphics Device Multi-Monitor support for the BIOS setup program. USB Single Port...
...] Enables the support for USB devices on VGA devices. Configuration options: [IGFX Video] [PCIE / PCI Video] Integrated Graphics [Auto] Enables the integrated graphics controller. USB Device Enable [Enabled] Allows you to detect the presence of Internal Graphics Device will keep memory reserved. The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. Allows the system to enable/disable individual USB ports. 3.5.4 NB Configuration IGFX Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enables or disables the Internal Graphics Device Multi-Monitor support for the BIOS setup program. USB Single Port...
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... Audio Device item to [SPDIF] for the PCIex16_1 slot. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 ASUS A88X-PRO 3-17 The following two items appear only when you set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output. Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] [HDMI] Sets to [Enabled]. Sets to high definition audio...
... Audio Device item to [SPDIF] for the PCIex16_1 slot. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Chapter 3 ASUS A88X-PRO 3-17 The following two items appear only when you set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output. Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC'97 SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF] [SPDIF] [HDMI] Sets to [Enabled]. Sets to high definition audio...
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... USB devices will be available during POST. Chapter 3 3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following three items appear only when you set of a minimal set Fast Boot to [Enabled]. Any hardware change will disable fast boot. [Boot Drive Only] Only boot drive connected to SATA ports will be detected during POST. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] The BIOS skips over the Network Stack Driver and tries to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss. [Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on...
... USB devices will be available during POST. Chapter 3 3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following three items appear only when you set of a minimal set Fast Boot to [Enabled]. Any hardware change will disable fast boot. [Boot Drive Only] Only boot drive connected to SATA ports will be detected during POST. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] The BIOS skips over the Network Stack Driver and tries to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss. [Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on...
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... 3: BIOS setup Click to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to automatically update your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. To launch EZ Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 3.10.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to select a boot logo EZ Update...
... 3: BIOS setup Click to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to automatically update your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. To launch EZ Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 3.10.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to select a boot logo EZ Update...
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... an auto recovery tool that you can cause system boot failure! 3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in a DOS environment. Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A88XPRO.CAP. • The BIOS file in NTFS format. 3. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility...
... an auto recovery tool that you can cause system boot failure! 3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in a DOS environment. Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A88XPRO.CAP. • The BIOS file in NTFS format. 3. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility...
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... install The Make Disk menu contains items to install. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for better compatibility and system stability. 4.2 Support DVD information The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you want to create the RAID/AHCI driver disk. Refer to display DVD/ motherboard information Chapter 4 If Autorun is enabled in your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu...
... install The Make Disk menu contains items to install. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for better compatibility and system stability. 4.2 Support DVD information The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you want to create the RAID/AHCI driver disk. Refer to display DVD/ motherboard information Chapter 4 If Autorun is enabled in your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu...
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... optimal performance, install identical drives of the SATA connectors to [RAID]. 4. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays. 2. Chapter 4 ASUS A88X-PRO 4-17 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. Connect a SATA power cable to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press . 3. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup. Go to the power connector on each drive. 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using SATA HDDs. To do...
... optimal performance, install identical drives of the SATA connectors to [RAID]. 4. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays. 2. Chapter 4 ASUS A88X-PRO 4-17 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. Connect a SATA power cable to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press . 3. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup. Go to the power connector on each drive. 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using SATA HDDs. To do...
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...the support DVD into the optical drive. 4. Start Windows®. 2. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click AMD AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to enter the BIOS setup utility. 3. Write-protect the floppy disk to create a RAID driver disk. 7. Chapter 4 ASUS A88X-PRO 4-21 When the Make Disk menu appears, press to avoid a computer virus infection. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To create a RAID driver disk in a RAID set. • The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. Select USB floppy...
...the support DVD into the optical drive. 4. Start Windows®. 2. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click AMD AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to enter the BIOS setup utility. 3. Write-protect the floppy disk to create a RAID driver disk. 7. Chapter 4 ASUS A88X-PRO 4-21 When the Make Disk menu appears, press to avoid a computer virus infection. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® To create a RAID driver disk in a RAID set. • The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. Select USB floppy...
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... 4: Software support Follow the succeeding screen instructions to the USB flash drive. Click the name of the device you have to use another computer to copy the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you 've inserted, go to select the installation media containing the RAID driver. 2. 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP: 1. Press , and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into the USB floppy disk drive. 3.
... 4: Software support Follow the succeeding screen instructions to the USB flash drive. Click the name of the device you have to use another computer to copy the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you 've inserted, go to select the installation media containing the RAID driver. 2. 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP: 1. Press , and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into the USB floppy disk drive. 3.
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... the changes and exit BIOS settings. Press to load automatically. Select OK to enter the BIOS Setup utility. 2. If Autorun is enabled on your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Press during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to confirm. 5.2.3 Installing AMD Graphics Driver To install the driver that supports Dual Graphics technology: 1. Restart your motherboard into the optical drive. ASUS A88X-PRO 5-5 Insert the Support DVD that comes with Dual Graphics support...
... the changes and exit BIOS settings. Press to load automatically. Select OK to enter the BIOS Setup utility. 2. If Autorun is enabled on your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Press during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to confirm. 5.2.3 Installing AMD Graphics Driver To install the driver that supports Dual Graphics technology: 1. Restart your motherboard into the optical drive. ASUS A88X-PRO 5-5 Insert the Support DVD that comes with Dual Graphics support...
