User Manual
Page 3
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M5A88-M EVO specifications summary ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-3 1.4 Before you proceed 1-5 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.5.1 Placement direction 1-6 1.5.2 Screw holes 1-6 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.5.4 Layout contents 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and ...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M5A88-M EVO specifications summary ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-3 1.4 Before you proceed 1-5 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.5.1 Placement direction 1-6 1.5.2 Screw holes 1-6 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.5.4 Layout contents 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and ...
User Manual
Page 9
... supports up to 1920x1200p Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. *** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ****When you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. Expansion slots 1... ready) LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller (continued on the next page) ix resolution up to 2560x1600 @60Hz Supports D-Sub with max. M5A88-M EVO specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ ...
... supports up to 1920x1200p Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. *** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ****When you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. Expansion slots 1... ready) LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller (continued on the next page) ix resolution up to 2560x1600 @60Hz Supports D-Sub with max. M5A88-M EVO specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ ...
User Manual
Page 10
... 2 - Turbo Unlocker, TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP, GPU Boost and TPU Switch ASUS Hybrid Switches - ASUS O.C. Auto Tuning Precision Tweaker 2 - vChipset (NB): Adjustable chipset voltage at 0.01V increment SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): - M5A88-M EVO specifications summary Audio USB ASUS unique features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Realtek® ALC892 8-channel* High Definition Audio CODEC - Supports 192khz...
... 2 - Turbo Unlocker, TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP, GPU Boost and TPU Switch ASUS Hybrid Switches - ASUS O.C. Auto Tuning Precision Tweaker 2 - vChipset (NB): Adjustable chipset voltage at 0.01V increment SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): - M5A88-M EVO specifications summary Audio USB ASUS unique features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Realtek® ALC892 8-channel* High Definition Audio CODEC - Supports 192khz...
User Manual
Page 11
...! xi M5A88-M EVO specifications summary Back panel I/O ports Internal connectors BIOS Manageability Accessories Support DVD Form factor 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x eSATA port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-Channel Audio I /O shield 1 x User Manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS OverDrive...
...! xi M5A88-M EVO specifications summary Back panel I/O ports Internal connectors BIOS Manageability Accessories Support DVD Form factor 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port 1 x Optical S/PDIF out port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x eSATA port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-Channel Audio I /O shield 1 x User Manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS OverDrive...
User Manual
Page 13
Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentations ASUS M5A88-M EVO motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of ASUS quality motherboards! This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in your package with the...a host of new features and latest technologies, making it , check the items in the new 32nm manufacturing process. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-1 It features dual-channel DDR3 1866 MHz memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™...
Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentations ASUS M5A88-M EVO motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of ASUS quality motherboards! This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in your package with the...a host of new features and latest technologies, making it , check the items in the new 32nm manufacturing process. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-1 It features dual-channel DDR3 1866 MHz memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™...
User Manual
Page 15
... to external home theater audio systems via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector at the back panel. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-3 Hybrid CrossFireX™ support ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance with an onboard GPU and a discrete ...GPU Boost GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid CrossFireX™. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of a latent AMD® CPU. User-friendly UI facilitates flexible frequency and voltage adjustments. ...
... to external home theater audio systems via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) out connector at the back panel. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-3 Hybrid CrossFireX™ support ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance with an onboard GPU and a discrete ...GPU Boost GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid CrossFireX™. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of a latent AMD® CPU. User-friendly UI facilitates flexible frequency and voltage adjustments. ...
User Manual
Page 17
... proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-5 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded...
... proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-5 Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded...
User Manual
Page 18
M5A88-M EVO 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 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. Doing so can damage the motherboard. DO NOT overtighten the screws! The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place eight screws into the chassis in the correct orientation.
M5A88-M EVO 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 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. Doing so can damage the motherboard. DO NOT overtighten the screws! The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place eight screws into the chassis in the correct orientation.
User Manual
Page 19
... 1-30 1-11 16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-29 1-33 19. MemOK! Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31 1-34 ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-7 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 41 5 6 24.4cm(9.6in) KB_USB56 SPDIFO_ HDMI ATX12V TPU EPU 02LED2 PWR_FAN CPU_FAN 7 COM1 Super I/O DDR3 DIMM_A1...24.4cm(9.6in) 02LED1 CORE_UNLOCKER LAN1_USB12 CHA_FAN EATXPWR AUDIO 2 Intel® RS880P PCIEX1_1 11 RTL 8111E 8Mb BIOS PCIEX16 M5A88-M EVO 12 ASM 1042 ICS PCIEX1_2 9LPRS485 Lithium Cell CMOS Power Intel® SB850 13 ALC 892 AAFP PCI1 USB78 SPDIF_OUT ...
... 1-30 1-11 16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-29 1-33 19. MemOK! Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31 1-34 ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-7 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 41 5 6 24.4cm(9.6in) KB_USB56 SPDIFO_ HDMI ATX12V TPU EPU 02LED2 PWR_FAN CPU_FAN 7 COM1 Super I/O DDR3 DIMM_A1...24.4cm(9.6in) 02LED1 CORE_UNLOCKER LAN1_USB12 CHA_FAN EATXPWR AUDIO 2 Intel® RS880P PCIEX1_1 11 RTL 8111E 8Mb BIOS PCIEX16 M5A88-M EVO 12 ASM 1042 ICS PCIEX1_2 9LPRS485 Lithium Cell CMOS Power Intel® SB850 13 ALC 892 AAFP PCI1 USB78 SPDIF_OUT ...
User Manual
Page 20
M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU socket AM3+ 2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the Socket lever socket, then lift it fits in only one correct orientation. Position the CPU ...
M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU socket AM3+ 2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the Socket lever socket, then lift it fits in only one correct orientation. Position the CPU ...
User Manual
Page 21
... cable to secure the CPU. Hardware monitoring errors can also refer to plug this connector. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-9 When the CPU is locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that it is in place, push down the socket ...side tab to connect the CPU fan connector! You can occur if you fail to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. CPU_FAN M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to indicate that comes with the heatsink package. 5. The lever clicks on the motherboard.
... cable to secure the CPU. Hardware monitoring errors can also refer to plug this connector. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-9 When the CPU is locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that it is in place, push down the socket ...side tab to connect the CPU fan connector! You can occur if you fail to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. CPU_FAN M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to indicate that comes with the heatsink package. 5. The lever clicks on the motherboard.
User Manual
Page 23
... on a DDR2 DIMM socket. Align the other end of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-11 A clicking sound denotes that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise...
... on a DDR2 DIMM socket. Align the other end of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 M5A88-M EVO 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-11 A clicking sound denotes that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise...
User Manual
Page 24
... the higher-sized channel is the standard way of the lower-sized channel for AMD AM3 socket Vendors Part No. With ASUS design, this motherboard can be about 3GB or less. M5A88-M EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000(O.C.)MHz capability for the dual-channel configuration. OCZ OCZ3XTEP2000C9LV4GK 4GB (2 x 2GB) DS - KINGSTON...
... the higher-sized channel is the standard way of the lower-sized channel for AMD AM3 socket Vendors Part No. With ASUS design, this motherboard can be about 3GB or less. M5A88-M EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000(O.C.)MHz capability for the dual-channel configuration. OCZ OCZ3XTEP2000C9LV4GK 4GB (2 x 2GB) DS - KINGSTON...
User Manual
Page 33
DIMM notch ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-21 Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket in the wrong direction to unlock the DIMM. 2 Support the DIMM lightly with a notch so that the notch ...
DIMM notch ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-21 Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket in the wrong direction to unlock the DIMM. 2 Support the DIMM lightly with a notch so that the notch ...
User Manual
Page 35
ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-23 CLRTC 12 23 M5A88-M EVO Normal (Default) Clear RTC M5A88-M EVO Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then ...
ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-23 CLRTC 12 23 M5A88-M EVO Normal (Default) Clear RTC M5A88-M EVO Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then ...
User Manual
Page 37
... - 256MB or higher File format Non-protected clips Blu-ray Best resolution Windows® Vista Windows® 7 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-25 Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to USB 3.0/2.0 devices. 13. Dual display output support • This table indicates that...
... - 256MB or higher File format Non-protected clips Blu-ray Best resolution Windows® Vista Windows® 7 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-25 Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to USB 3.0/2.0 devices. 13. Dual display output support • This table indicates that...
User Manual
Page 39
CPU_FAN PWR_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM GND +12V Rotation M5A88-M EVO CHA_FAN GND +12V Rotation M5A88-M EVO fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to a slot opening at the back of the connector. Insufficient air... the system may damage the motherboard components. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) The connector is purchased separately. COM1 PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO Serial port (COM1) connector ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-27 These are not jumpers! Connect the serial port module cable to the connector, then install the module to the fan connectors....
CPU_FAN PWR_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM GND +12V Rotation M5A88-M EVO CHA_FAN GND +12V Rotation M5A88-M EVO fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to a slot opening at the back of the connector. Insufficient air... the system may damage the motherboard components. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) The connector is purchased separately. COM1 PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO Serial port (COM1) connector ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-27 These are not jumpers! Connect the serial port module cable to the connector, then install the module to the fan connectors....
User Manual
Page 40
... unstable or may not boot up if the power is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. LPT M5A88-M EVO GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND SLIN# INIT# ERR# AFD SLCT PE BUSY ACK# PD7 PD6 PD5... PD4 PD3 PD2 PD1 PD0 STB# PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO Parallel Port Connector 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction ATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC M5A88-M EVO GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby PIN 1 Power OK GND +5 ... 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are designed to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
... unstable or may not boot up if the power is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. LPT M5A88-M EVO GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND SLIN# INIT# ERR# AFD SLCT PE BUSY ACK# PD7 PD6 PD5... PD4 PD3 PD2 PD1 PD0 STB# PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO Parallel Port Connector 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction ATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC M5A88-M EVO GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby PIN 1 Power OK GND +5 ... 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are designed to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.
User Manual
Page 41
... for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-29 See section 3.4.2 SATA Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND M5A88-M EVO SPDIF_OUT M5A88-M EVO Digital audio connector Ensure that the audio device of the SATA...Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). SATA6G_2 SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6 SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set using these connectors. Go to Start > Control Panel ...
... for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-29 See section 3.4.2 SATA Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND M5A88-M EVO SPDIF_OUT M5A88-M EVO Digital audio connector Ensure that the audio device of the SATA...Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). SATA6G_2 SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6 SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set using these connectors. Go to Start > Control Panel ...