User Manual
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... is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for the following items. User Manual ASUS M5A88-M motherboard User guide Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables with different models. ASUS M5A88-M 1-1 The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it ..., check the items in -1 ASUS Q-Connector kit • If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and...
... is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for the following items. User Manual ASUS M5A88-M motherboard User guide Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables with different models. ASUS M5A88-M 1-1 The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it ..., check the items in -1 ASUS Q-Connector kit • If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and...
User Manual
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.... Turbo Unlocker Turbo Unlocker is never as easy as this. Its ability to patch memory issues. Chapter 1 1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - ASUS Auto tuning feature can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with more power when you need it. guickly ensures memory boot... performance based on the system configuration. determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your performance with just a few clicks away. ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. Turbo Unlocker gets you in real time for fast, yet stable clock speeds, and the...
.... Turbo Unlocker Turbo Unlocker is never as easy as this. Its ability to patch memory issues. Chapter 1 1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - ASUS Auto tuning feature can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with more power when you need it. guickly ensures memory boot... performance based on the system configuration. determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your performance with just a few clicks away. ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in different scenarios. Turbo Unlocker gets you in real time for fast, yet stable clock speeds, and the...
User Manual
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... damage to avoid touching the ICs on them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-1
... damage to avoid touching the ICs on them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-1
User Manual
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.... Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) Page 2-27 2-28 2-5 2-10 2-26 2-24 2-17 2-31 2-16 2-31 2-24 2-29 2-25 2-31 2-18 2-27 2-26 Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-3 LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 7. MemOK! switch 8. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 9. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 11. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 12...
.... Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) Page 2-27 2-28 2-5 2-10 2-26 2-24 2-17 2-31 2-16 2-31 2-24 2-29 2-25 2-31 2-18 2-27 2-26 Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-3 LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 7. MemOK! switch 8. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 9. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 11. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 12...
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... lever is lifted up to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU socket AM3+ 2. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Socket lever ASUS M5A88-M 2-5 The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before...
... lever is lifted up to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU socket AM3+ 2. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Socket lever ASUS M5A88-M 2-5 The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before...
User Manual
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... CPU heatsink Retention module base Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ASUS M5A88-M 2-7 Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base...
... CPU heatsink Retention module base Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ASUS M5A88-M 2-7 Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base...
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CPU_FAN M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. ASUS M5A88-M 2-9 GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM Chapter 2 5. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.
CPU_FAN M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. ASUS M5A88-M 2-9 GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM Chapter 2 5. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.
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...-marked or at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. The system maps the total size of accessing information from a memory module. ASUS M5A88-M 2-11 For more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. • When overclocking... that you want to install 4GB or more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is then mapped for single-channel operation. •...
...-marked or at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. The system maps the total size of accessing information from a memory module. ASUS M5A88-M 2-11 For more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. • When overclocking... that you want to install 4GB or more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is then mapped for single-channel operation. •...
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.... Refer to the tables on the next page for the card. 2. The following subsections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you removed earlier. 6. ASUS M5A88-M 2-13 Keep the screw for the expansion card. Turn on BIOS setup. 2. Refer to the table on the next page. 3. Install the software drivers for...
.... Refer to the tables on the next page for the card. 2. The following subsections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you removed earlier. 6. ASUS M5A88-M 2-13 Keep the screw for the expansion card. Turn on BIOS setup. 2. Refer to the table on the next page. 3. Install the software drivers for...
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... Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. Chapter 2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 2.0 x16 slot PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot PCI slot ASUS M5A88-M 2-15 2.5.4 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express...
... Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. Chapter 2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot PCIe 2.0 x16 slot PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot PCI slot ASUS M5A88-M 2-15 2.5.4 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express...
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.... • If your system fail to boot due to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 M5A88-M M5A88-M MemOK! If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe...
.... • If your system fail to boot due to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • If you turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 M5A88-M M5A88-M MemOK! If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe...
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ASUS M5A88-M 2-19 Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. PS/2 keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple) 6. HDMI Out port*** 2. DVI-D Out pot 3. LAN (RJ-45) port* 8. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 9. Audio I/O ports** *and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions. ***: Refer to the notes and troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling on the next pages. D-Sub Out port 4. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 (blue), USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 5. 2.8 Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1.
ASUS M5A88-M 2-19 Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. PS/2 keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple) 6. HDMI Out port*** 2. DVI-D Out pot 3. LAN (RJ-45) port* 8. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 9. Audio I/O ports** *and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions. ***: Refer to the notes and troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling on the next pages. D-Sub Out port 4. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 (blue), USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 5. 2.8 Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1.
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... ensure that may be visible around the outside of the display on your HDTV screen. Right-click the desktop and select ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center. 3. ASUS M5A88-M 2-21 Chapter 2 Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling: If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is adjustable...
... ensure that may be visible around the outside of the display on your HDTV screen. Right-click the desktop and select ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center. 3. ASUS M5A88-M 2-21 Chapter 2 Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling: If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is adjustable...
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Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers ASUS M5A88-M 2-23
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers ASUS M5A88-M 2-23
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.... These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. USB910; Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-25 Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to 480 Mbps connection speed. You can connect the front... panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connectors. The USB module cable is purchased separately....
.... These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. USB910; Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-25 Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to 480 Mbps connection speed. You can connect the front... panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connectors. The USB module cable is purchased separately....
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...the ground pin of the system chassis. +5V SPDIFOUT GND Chapter 2 GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M5A88-M SPDIF_OUT M5A88-M Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin... SPDIF_OUT) This connector is purchased separately. 7. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN M5A88-M M5A88-M fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to a slot opening at the back of the connector. Rotation +12V GND ASUS M5A88-M 2-27 6. These are not jumpers!
...the ground pin of the system chassis. +5V SPDIFOUT GND Chapter 2 GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M5A88-M SPDIF_OUT M5A88-M Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin... SPDIF_OUT) This connector is purchased separately. 7. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN M5A88-M M5A88-M fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to a slot opening at the back of the connector. Rotation +12V GND ASUS M5A88-M 2-27 6. These are not jumpers!
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... 4-pin connector is read from or written to hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX power button/soft-off the system power. ASUS M5A88-M 2-29 System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. The speaker allows you turn on the system... to this connector. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. Chapter 2 9. PWR Ground Reset Ground M5A88-M IDE_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply M5A88-M System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for system reboot without ...
... 4-pin connector is read from or written to hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX power button/soft-off the system power. ASUS M5A88-M 2-29 System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. The speaker allows you turn on the system... to this connector. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. Chapter 2 9. PWR Ground Reset Ground M5A88-M IDE_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply M5A88-M System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for system reboot without ...
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... mode, or in any motherboard component. Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is solved. ASUS M5A88-M 2-31 SB_PWR M5A88-M M5A88-M Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 2. If an error is found, the LED next to the error device will... in soft‑off mode. Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. M5A88-M O2LED1 M5A88-M Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in sequence during motherboard booting process. Chapter 2 2.9 Onboard LEDs 1. This user...
... mode, or in any motherboard component. Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is solved. ASUS M5A88-M 2-31 SB_PWR M5A88-M M5A88-M Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 2. If an error is found, the LED next to the error device will... in soft‑off mode. Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. M5A88-M O2LED1 M5A88-M Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in sequence during motherboard booting process. Chapter 2 2.9 Onboard LEDs 1. This user...
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...or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using a USB flash drive. 3. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this chapter to update your BIOS ...if necessary. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to boot. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in the ...
...or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using a USB flash drive. 3. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this chapter to update your BIOS ...if necessary. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to boot. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in the ...
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...ensure system compatibility and stability. Select Update BIOS from a file from the Open window, then click Open. 4. M5A88M.ROM ASUS M5A88-M M5A88M Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to avail all its features. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the ...10 Exit Menu for details. 3-3 Fom the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. Click Next. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Click Next. 4. Chapter 3 5. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through a BIOS file: 1. Updating the BIOS through ...
...ensure system compatibility and stability. Select Update BIOS from a file from the Open window, then click Open. 4. M5A88M.ROM ASUS M5A88-M M5A88M Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to avail all its features. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the ...10 Exit Menu for details. 3-3 Fom the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. Click Next. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Click Next. 4. Chapter 3 5. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through a BIOS file: 1. Updating the BIOS through ...