User Manual
Page 4
... 2-35 2.9 Onboard LEDs 2-36 2.10 Starting up for the first time 2-38 2.11 Turning off the computer 2-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 Updating BIOS 3-1 3.2.1 ASUS Update utility 3-2 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-4 3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-5 3.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater 3-6 3.3 BIOS setup program 3-9 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen 3-9 3.3.2 Menu bar 3-9 3.3.3 Navigation keys 3-10 3.3.4 Menu items 3-10 3.3.5 Submenu items 3-10 3.3.6 Configuration fields 3-10 3.3.7 Pop-up...
... 2-35 2.9 Onboard LEDs 2-36 2.10 Starting up for the first time 2-38 2.11 Turning off the computer 2-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 Updating BIOS 3-1 3.2.1 ASUS Update utility 3-2 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-4 3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-5 3.2.4 ASUS BIOS Updater 3-6 3.3 BIOS setup program 3-9 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen 3-9 3.3.2 Menu bar 3-9 3.3.3 Navigation keys 3-10 3.3.4 Menu items 3-10 3.3.5 Submenu items 3-10 3.3.6 Configuration fields 3-10 3.3.7 Pop-up...
User Manual
Page 6
... 4-6 4.3.5 ASUS EPU 4-7 4.3.6 ASUS Express Gate 4-8 4.3.7 Audio configurations 4-9 4.3.8 ASUS GPU Boost 4-10 4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility-TurboV EVO 4-11 4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV 4-11 4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode 4-12 4.4.3 Using CPU Level UP 4-13 4.4.4 Using ASUS Turbo Key 4-13 4.5 RAID configurations 4-14 4.5.1 RAID definitions 4-14 4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-15 4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-15...
... 4-6 4.3.5 ASUS EPU 4-7 4.3.6 ASUS Express Gate 4-8 4.3.7 Audio configurations 4-9 4.3.8 ASUS GPU Boost 4-10 4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility-TurboV EVO 4-11 4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV 4-11 4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode 4-12 4.4.3 Using CPU Level UP 4-13 4.4.4 Using ASUS Turbo Key 4-13 4.5 RAID configurations 4-14 4.5.1 RAID definitions 4-14 4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks 4-15 4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4-15...
User Manual
Page 9
...software updates. 1. It includes description of the standard package. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such ...™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures. ix ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to the ASUS contact information. 2. How this guide This user guide contains the...
...software updates. 1. It includes description of the standard package. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such ...™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures. ix ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to the ASUS contact information. 2. How this guide This user guide contains the...
User Manual
Page 12
... - ASUS EPU ASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - TurboV EVO - Turbo Unlocker, TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP and GPU Boost ASUS Hybrid OS - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection - MemOK! ASUS EZ Flash 2 - M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary ASUS unique features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Other features Back panel I /O ports (continued on the next page) xii Express Gate ASUS Hybrid Switch - ASUS...
... - ASUS EPU ASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - TurboV EVO - Turbo Unlocker, TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP and GPU Boost ASUS Hybrid OS - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection - MemOK! ASUS EZ Flash 2 - M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary ASUS unique features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Other features Back panel I /O ports (continued on the next page) xii Express Gate ASUS Hybrid Switch - ASUS...
User Manual
Page 13
...Flash ROM, SPI, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE Drivers ASUS utilities Anti-virus software (...OEM version) 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x Q-Connector (retail version only) 1 x Q-Shield 1 x User Manual MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in . (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary Internal connectors / switches / buttons BIOS...
...Flash ROM, SPI, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE Drivers ASUS utilities Anti-virus software (...OEM version) 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x Q-Connector (retail version only) 1 x Q-Shield 1 x User Manual MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in . (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary Internal connectors / switches / buttons BIOS...
User Manual
Page 17
... no additional cost with just one touch; beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with just a simple switch. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 1-3 Enjoy an instant performance boost by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC components in...system power management by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes. * The actual overclocking result depends on the system configuration. 1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design-Hybrid OS ASUS Express Gate Express Gate is an intelligent tool that provides you with quick...
... no additional cost with just one touch; beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with just a simple switch. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 1-3 Enjoy an instant performance boost by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC components in...system power management by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes. * The actual overclocking result depends on the system configuration. 1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design-Hybrid OS ASUS Express Gate Express Gate is an intelligent tool that provides you with quick...
User Manual
Page 18
...speed according to buy a replacement ROM chip. Fan Xpert ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. This protection eliminates the need to different ambient temperatures ...share and distribute your system booting success. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you the freedom to patch memory issues and get your favorite settings. ASUS EZ-Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is able to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your system up and ...
...speed according to buy a replacement ROM chip. Fan Xpert ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. This protection eliminates the need to different ambient temperatures ...share and distribute your system booting success. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you the freedom to patch memory issues and get your favorite settings. ASUS EZ-Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is able to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your system up and ...
User Manual
Page 35
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you removed earlier. 6. Turn on BIOS setup. 2. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that came with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Align ...the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Keep the screw for information on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-17 Refer to the card. Refer to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Ensure to the tables on the...
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you removed earlier. 6. Turn on BIOS setup. 2. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that came with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Align ...the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Keep the screw for information on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-17 Refer to the card. Refer to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Ensure to the tables on the...
User Manual
Page 38
... due to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers... the RAM data in CMOS. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to pins 2-3. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery. • You do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the cap back to...
... due to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers... the RAM data in CMOS. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to pins 2-3. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery. • You do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the cap back to...
User Manual
Page 39
...Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for about 30 seconds for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. switch Installing DIMMs that you turn off the computer and... of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. • Due to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-21 Replace the DIMMs with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK!
...Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for about 30 seconds for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. switch Installing DIMMs that you turn off the computer and... of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes. • Due to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-21 Replace the DIMMs with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK!
User Manual
Page 40
... to activate the Core Unlocker function. • The system will use the last setting you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch. • You may also press during the Power-On-Self-Test... (POST) or enable the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to unlock the extra cores of your CPU. Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the O2LED1 LED. •...
... to activate the Core Unlocker function. • The system will use the last setting you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch. • You may also press during the Power-On-Self-Test... (POST) or enable the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to unlock the extra cores of your CPU. Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the O2LED1 LED. •...
User Manual
Page 42
CPU DIMM BIOS setup Playback software Suggested list AMD® Phenom II X4 805 DDR3 1333 2G x 2 Frame Buffer Size - 256MB or higher CyberLink® PowerDVD 9 File format ...
CPU DIMM BIOS setup Playback software Suggested list AMD® Phenom II X4 805 DDR3 1333 2G x 2 Frame Buffer Size - 256MB or higher CyberLink® PowerDVD 9 File format ...
User Manual
Page 47
2. Chapter 2 • These connectors are set to [RAID] in the BIOS. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller. ... disc drives. In IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to [AHCI] in the BIOS. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1~6) These connectors are using Windows® XP SP2 or later version. • When using Serial ATA hard disk drives. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-29
2. Chapter 2 • These connectors are set to [RAID] in the BIOS. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller. ... disc drives. In IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to [AHCI] in the BIOS. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1~6) These connectors are using Windows® XP SP2 or later version. • When using Serial ATA hard disk drives. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-29
User Manual
Page 49
..., set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS setup to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector. • We recommend that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Refer to 3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-31
..., set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS setup to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector. • We recommend that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Refer to 3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details. ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-31
User Manual
Page 55
Chapter 2 ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-37 Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is set to Enable. The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu is turned to [Disabled]. 3.
Chapter 2 ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 2-37 Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is set to Enable. The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu is turned to [Disabled]. 3.
User Manual
Page 56
... system LED lights up or change from the time you turned on the power, the system may light up when you do not see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on . Pressing the power switch for the first time 1. For systems with a surge protector. 5. Connect the...turns on the screen. If your retailer for less than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the system chassis. 4. BIOS Beep One short beep One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated) One continuous beep followed by three short beeps One ...
... system LED lights up or change from the time you turned on the power, the system may light up when you do not see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on . Pressing the power switch for the first time 1. For systems with a surge protector. 5. Connect the...turns on the screen. If your retailer for less than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the system chassis. 4. BIOS Beep One short beep One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated) One continuous beep followed by three short beeps One ...
User Manual
Page 57
... except in the system's failure to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. We strongly recommend that you to boot. However, BIOS updating is no problem using the ASUS Update utility. Refer to boot. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 3-1 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device...
... except in the system's failure to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. We strongly recommend that you to boot. However, BIOS updating is no problem using the ASUS Update utility. Refer to boot. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 3-1 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device...
User Manual
Page 58
... support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. The ASUS Update main window appears. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through the Internet: 1. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. From the Windows® desktop, click 2. Chapter 3 3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update utility allows you to manage, save, and update...
... support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. The ASUS Update main window appears. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through the Internet: 1. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. From the Windows® desktop, click 2. Chapter 3 3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update utility allows you to manage, save, and update...
User Manual
Page 59
Chapter 3 5. Always update the utility to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select Update BIOS from a file from the Open window, then click Open. 4. M4A88TDU.ROM ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 M4A88TDU Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to avail all its features. Click Next. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details. 3-3 From the FTP site, select the...
Chapter 3 5. Always update the utility to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select Update BIOS from a file from the Open window, then click Open. 4. M4A88TDU.ROM ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3 M4A88TDU Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to avail all its features. Click Next. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details. 3-3 From the FTP site, select the...
User Manual
Page 60
... 3.10 Exit Menu for details. Chapter 3 3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you start using EZ Flash 2: 1. To update the BIOS using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Press to switch between drives until the correct... settings to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14 Current ROM BOARD: M4A88TD-M/USB3 VER: 0205 (H:00 B:08) DATE: 03/31/2010 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select...
... 3.10 Exit Menu for details. Chapter 3 3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you start using EZ Flash 2: 1. To update the BIOS using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Press to switch between drives until the correct... settings to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14 Current ROM BOARD: M4A88TD-M/USB3 VER: 0205 (H:00 B:08) DATE: 03/31/2010 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select...