User Manual
Page 15
... the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in -1 ASUS Q-Connector kit • If any of the above are for buying an ASUS® M5A88-M motherboard! ASUS M5A88-M 1-1 Actual product specifications may vary with 6.0 Gb/s label 1 x ASUS I/O Shield 1 x 2-in the long line of new features and...8226; The illustrated items above items 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. Before you for reference only. The motherboard ...
... the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in -1 ASUS Q-Connector kit • If any of the above are for buying an ASUS® M5A88-M motherboard! ASUS M5A88-M 1-1 Actual product specifications may vary with 6.0 Gb/s label 1 x ASUS I/O Shield 1 x 2-in the long line of new features and...8226; The illustrated items above items 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. Before you for reference only. The motherboard ...
User Manual
Page 17
...Unlocker Turbo Unlocker is never as easy as this. Its ability to achieve a total system level up performance based on the system configuration. ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 Turbo Unlocker gets you need it. guickly ensures memory boot compatibility. CPU Level Up CPU Level Up allows you the freedom to ...Tuning! This easy OC tool allows you want to overclock to speed up . and its userfriendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in real time for fast, yet stable clock speeds, and the TurboV gives you to optimize performance under varied ...
...Unlocker Turbo Unlocker is never as easy as this. Its ability to achieve a total system level up performance based on the system configuration. ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 Turbo Unlocker gets you need it. guickly ensures memory boot compatibility. CPU Level Up CPU Level Up allows you the freedom to ...Tuning! This easy OC tool allows you want to overclock to speed up . and its userfriendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in real time for fast, yet stable clock speeds, and the TurboV gives you to optimize performance under varied ...
User Manual
Page 19
... install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug...
... install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug...
User Manual
Page 21
.... 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 AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 12. MemOK! Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. Core Unlocker switch 16. LPT connector (26-1 pin...
.... 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 AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 12. MemOK! Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 10. Core Unlocker switch 16. LPT connector (26-1 pin...
User Manual
Page 23
...DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90º angle. Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU. Socket lever ASUS M5A88-M 2-5 Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90º angle. The CPU fits in completely. Ensure that... you use a CPU designed for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Right Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors. M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU socket AM3+ 2. The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct ...
...DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90º angle. Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU. Socket lever ASUS M5A88-M 2-5 Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90º angle. The CPU fits in completely. Ensure that... you use a CPU designed for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Right Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors. M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU socket AM3+ 2. The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct ...
User Manual
Page 25
... 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 Ensure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. •...
... 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 Ensure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. •...
User Manual
Page 27
CPU_FAN M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU fan connector • Do not forget to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM Chapter 2 5. ASUS M5A88-M 2-9
CPU_FAN M5A88-M M5A88-M CPU fan connector • Do not forget to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM Chapter 2 5. ASUS M5A88-M 2-9
User Manual
Page 29
For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from a memory module. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is ... a higher frequency, refer to the Microsoft® support site at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. Visit the ASUS website for better overclocking capability. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. The system maps the total size of... 64-bit Windows OS when you install 4GB or more on this motherboard can be about 3GB or less. ASUS M5A88-M 2-11
For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from a memory module. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is ... a higher frequency, refer to the Microsoft® support site at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. Visit the ASUS website for better overclocking capability. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. The system maps the total size of... 64-bit Windows OS when you install 4GB or more on this motherboard can be about 3GB or less. ASUS M5A88-M 2-11
User Manual
Page 31
.... 5. Ensure to use . 4. See Chapter 3 for the card. 2. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS M5A88-M 2-13 Keep the screw for the expansion card. Align the card connector with the screw you intend to unplug the power cord before adding or...
.... 5. Ensure to use . 4. See Chapter 3 for the card. 2. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS M5A88-M 2-13 Keep the screw for the expansion card. Align the card connector with the screw you intend to unplug the power cord before adding or...
User Manual
Page 33
... card, USB card, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 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 Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI...
... card, USB card, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 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 Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI...
User Manual
Page 35
...tuning, turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to enhance system performance. 1. function. ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 This is tested. MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning process, the ...may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. M5A88-M M5A88-M MemOK! A message will appear during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on a bare or open-case system...
...tuning, turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to enhance system performance. 1. function. ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 This is tested. MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment. • During the tuning process, the ...may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. M5A88-M M5A88-M MemOK! A message will appear during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on a bare or open-case system...
User Manual
Page 37
DVI-D Out pot 3. 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. LAN (RJ-45) port* 8. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 (blue), USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 5. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 9. Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. HDMI Out port*** 2. ASUS M5A88-M 2-19 2.8 Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple) 6.
DVI-D Out pot 3. 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. LAN (RJ-45) port* 8. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 (blue), USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 5. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 9. Optical S/PDIF Out port 7. HDMI Out port*** 2. ASUS M5A88-M 2-19 2.8 Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors Chapter 2 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple) 6.
User Manual
Page 39
... Center is not filling the entire display area while using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i. To resize your HDTV desktop: 1. 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...
... Center is not filling the entire display area while using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i. To resize your HDTV desktop: 1. 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...
User Manual
Page 41
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
User Manual
Page 43
...; USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-25 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. Connect the USB module cable to...
...; USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB1314) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Chapter 2 ASUS M5A88-M 2-25 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. Connect the USB module cable to...
User Manual
Page 45
... connectors on the fan connectors! • The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of the connector. These are not jumpers! Rotation +12V GND ASUS M5A88-M 2-27 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 the fan connectors. 6.
... connectors on the fan connectors! • The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of the connector. These are not jumpers! Rotation +12V GND ASUS M5A88-M 2-27 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 the fan connectors. 6.
User Manual
Page 47
... disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. 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 the chassis-mounted reset ...hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX power button/soft-off the system power. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. ASUS M5A88-M 2-29 The IDE LED lights up when you to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for...
... disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. 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 the chassis-mounted reset ...hear system beeps and warnings. • ATX power button/soft-off the system power. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. ASUS M5A88-M 2-29 The IDE LED lights up when you to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for...
User Manual
Page 49
... LED. ASUS M5A88-M 2-31 Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in any motherboard component. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to [Disabled]. DRAM LED M5A88-M M5A88-M DRAM LED 3. M5A88-M O2LED1 M5A88-M Core ...Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in soft‑off mode. SB_PWR M5A88-M M5A88-M Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off ...
... LED. ASUS M5A88-M 2-31 Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in any motherboard component. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to [Disabled]. DRAM LED M5A88-M M5A88-M DRAM LED 3. M5A88-M O2LED1 M5A88-M Core ...Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in soft‑off mode. SB_PWR M5A88-M M5A88-M Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off ...
User Manual
Page 51
... change the BIOS settings only with the help of this motherboard. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 If there is potentially risky. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in DOS environment using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in Windows® environment. 2. ... the default BIOS settings except in the system's failure to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for details on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the...
... change the BIOS settings only with the help of this motherboard. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 If there is potentially risky. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in DOS environment using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in Windows® environment. 2. ... the default BIOS settings except in the system's failure to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for details on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the...
User Manual
Page 53
The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Locate the BIOS file from the dropdown menu, then click Next. 3. Click Next. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update ... Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you wish to complete the update process. Chapter 3 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to ensure system compatibility and stability. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through a BIOS file: 1. M5A88M.ROM ASUS M5A88-M M5A88M Ensure to load the BIOS...
The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Locate the BIOS file from the dropdown menu, then click Next. 3. Click Next. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update ... Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you wish to complete the update process. Chapter 3 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to ensure system compatibility and stability. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through a BIOS file: 1. M5A88M.ROM ASUS M5A88-M M5A88M Ensure to load the BIOS...