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... 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 fan 1-10 1.7 System memory 1-11 1.7.1 Overview 1-11...
... 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 fan 1-10 1.7 System memory 1-11 1.7.1 Overview 1-11...
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... utility 2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 2-3 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater 2-4 2.2 BIOS setup program 2-7 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen 2-8 2.2.2 Menu bar 2-8 2.2.3 Navigation keys 2-8 2.2.4 Menu items 2-9 2.2.5 Submenu items 2-9 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2-9 2.2.7 Pop-up window 2-9 2.2.8 Scroll bar 2-9 2.2.9 General help 2-9 2.3 Main menu 2-10 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx 2-10 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx 2-10 2.3.3 SATA6G 1~6 2-10 2.3.4 SATA Configuration 2-11 2.3.5 System Information 2-12...
... utility 2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 2-3 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater 2-4 2.2 BIOS setup program 2-7 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen 2-8 2.2.2 Menu bar 2-8 2.2.3 Navigation keys 2-8 2.2.4 Menu items 2-9 2.2.5 Submenu items 2-9 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2-9 2.2.7 Pop-up window 2-9 2.2.8 Scroll bar 2-9 2.2.9 General help 2-9 2.3 Main menu 2-10 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx 2-10 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx 2-10 2.3.3 SATA6G 1~6 2-10 2.3.4 SATA Configuration 2-11 2.3.5 System Information 2-12...
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M5A88-M EVO specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD...* Refer to 2048x1536 @85Hz Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, and Shader Model 4.1, Universal Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0 Hardware Decode Acceleration for Blu-ray Playback. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1333MHz ** ... PCI slot Storage / RAID AMD® SB850 southbridge: - 5 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD configurations - 1 x eSATA port (6Gb/s ready) LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller (continued on the next page) ix...
M5A88-M EVO specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD...* Refer to 2048x1536 @85Hz Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, and Shader Model 4.1, Universal Video Decoder (UVD) 2.0 Hardware Decode Acceleration for Blu-ray Playback. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1333MHz ** ... PCI slot Storage / RAID AMD® SB850 southbridge: - 5 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD configurations - 1 x eSATA port (6Gb/s ready) LAN Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller (continued on the next page) ix...
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... 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics. AMD® 880G Chipset The AMD® 880G Chipset is designed to support up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. It is optimized with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of Line-in total. DDR3 2000...of 2000 (O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of your system memory to boost system performance. Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for double speed and bandwidth which means there will be no more confusion of current bus systems. PCI...
... 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics. AMD® 880G Chipset The AMD® 880G Chipset is designed to support up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. It is optimized with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of Line-in total. DDR3 2000...of 2000 (O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of your system memory to boost system performance. Complete USB 3.0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for double speed and bandwidth which means there will be no more confusion of current bus systems. PCI...
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LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 9. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-30 1-11 16. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, 1-31 USB1112, USB1314) 1-28 18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31 1-34 ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-7 AM3+ CPU socket 6. switch Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-27 11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT...
LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 9. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-30 1-11 16. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, 1-31 USB1112, USB1314) 1-28 18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-31 1-34 ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-7 AM3+ CPU socket 6. switch Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-27 11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT...
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Place the heatsink on top of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 1 2 3 4 5 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Attach one end of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module ...
Place the heatsink on top of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 1 2 3 4 5 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction Attach one end of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module ...
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...(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/ 6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) OCZ OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) SS/DS DS DS DS DS Chip Brand - Timing - 8-8-8-24 - 9-9-9-24 - 9-9-9-24 - 9-10-9-28 Voltage 1.55V-1.75V 1.65V 1.65V 1.5V DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM • • • • • • • SS - -- 1.65V • •...
...(XMP) 3GB(3 x 1GB) KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/ 6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) OCZ OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK 6GB(3 x 2GB) SS/DS DS DS DS DS Chip Brand - Timing - 8-8-8-24 - 9-9-9-24 - 9-9-9-24 - 9-10-9-28 Voltage 1.55V-1.75V 1.65V 1.65V 1.5V DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM • • • • • • • SS - -- 1.65V • •...
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... 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. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-23 The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Except when clearing the... RTC RAM, never remove the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the jumper again to pins 1-2. 3. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! • If the steps above do not need to...
... 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. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-23 The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Except when clearing the... RTC RAM, never remove the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the jumper again to pins 1-2. 3. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! • If the steps above do not need to...
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..., CD, DVD player, or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. This port is for the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 10. This port allows Gigabit connection to an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. This port connects the rear speakers...6, or 8-channel configuration. 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. 1.10 1.10.1 Connectors Rear panel ports 1 2 3 4 5 67 89 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 1. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. Line Out port (lime). In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function of...
..., CD, DVD player, or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. This port is for the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 10. This port allows Gigabit connection to an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. This port connects the rear speakers...6, or 8-channel configuration. 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. 1.10 1.10.1 Connectors Rear panel ports 1 2 3 4 5 67 89 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 1. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. Line Out port (lime). In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function of...
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... connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN; 3-pin PWR_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. 2. COM1 PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO Serial port (COM1) connector ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-27 Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) The connector is purchased separately. The serial port module is for a serial (COM) port. CPU_FAN PWR_FAN GND CPU FAN...
... connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN; 3-pin PWR_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. 2. COM1 PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO Serial port (COM1) connector ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-27 Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) The connector is purchased separately. The serial port module is for a serial (COM) port. CPU_FAN PWR_FAN GND CPU FAN...
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...RAID feature is purchased separately. The S/PDIF module is available only if you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to IDE mode by default... 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 connectors to configure the setting. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-29 In IDE mode, you are set the type of Sound playback is Realtek...
...RAID feature is purchased separately. The S/PDIF module is available only if you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to IDE mode by default... 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 connectors to configure the setting. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-29 In IDE mode, you are set the type of Sound playback is Realtek...
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...+ GND USB+5V USB_P13USB_P13+ GND M5A88-M EVO PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to this connector. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-31 Connect the USB module cable... to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to 480Mbps connection speed. Front panel audio connector (10...
...+ GND USB+5V USB_P13USB_P13+ GND M5A88-M EVO PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 M5A88-M EVO USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to this connector. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 1-31 Connect the USB module cable... to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to 480Mbps connection speed. Front panel audio connector (10...
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...takes about 30 seconds for about 5-10 seconds. • If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! function. 1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction If the installed DIMMs still fail to enhance system performance. 1. M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO MemOK! Turn off the computer and... This is ideal for successful boot. switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you download and update to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for overclockers and gamers who continually...
...takes about 30 seconds for about 5-10 seconds. • If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! function. 1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction If the installed DIMMs still fail to enhance system performance. 1. M5A88-M EVO M5A88-M EVO MemOK! Turn off the computer and... This is ideal for successful boot. switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you download and update to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for overclockers and gamers who continually...
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... [CDROM] if you are not user-configurable. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is installed in the SATA5/6 menu. 2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA6G_3 ESATA6G SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6 SATA Configuration :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] ...items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). Main Ai Tweaker M5A88-M EVO BIOS Setup Advanced Power Boot Tools Version 0203 Exit Main Settings System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/08/2002] Use ...
... [CDROM] if you are not user-configurable. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is installed in the SATA5/6 menu. 2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA6G_3 ESATA6G SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6 SATA Configuration :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] :[Not Detected] ...items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). Main Ai Tweaker M5A88-M EVO BIOS Setup Advanced Power Boot Tools Version 0203 Exit Main Settings System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/08/2002] Use ...
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... to [Manual] and displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] 2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information Use the and keys to DRAM frequency, DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. You can also key in the desired frequency using...
... to [Manual] and displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] 2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information Use the and keys to DRAM frequency, DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. You can also key in the desired frequency using...
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... The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you to READ Timing [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK] DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto] Configuration options...[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] ~ [41 CLK] DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK] DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto] ...
... The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you to READ Timing [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK] DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto] Configuration options...[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] ~ [41 CLK] DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK] DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto] ...
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...ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%] Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the keyboard and press the key. 2.4.10 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset] Allows you to set the CPU/NB Offset voltage. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the numeric...item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you to set the CPU & CPU/NB Voltage Mode. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 2-17 DRAM Command Rate [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] 2.4.9 DRAM Driving Configuration The configuration options for some of the following items ...
...ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%] Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the keyboard and press the key. 2.4.10 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset] Allows you to set the CPU/NB Offset voltage. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the numeric...item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you to set the CPU & CPU/NB Voltage Mode. ASUS M5A88-M EVO 2-17 DRAM Command Rate [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] 2.4.9 DRAM Driving Configuration The configuration options for some of the following items ...
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... values can cause the system to malfunction. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2.5.5 USB Configuration The items in HiSpeed (480Mbps) mode or FullSpeed (12Mbps) mode. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec] Emulation Type [Auto] Allows you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and...
... values can cause the system to malfunction. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2.5.5 USB Configuration The items in HiSpeed (480Mbps) mode or FullSpeed (12Mbps) mode. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec] Emulation Type [Auto] Allows you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and...