User Manual
Page 4
...Turning off the computer 2-32 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...11 3.4.2 SATA Configuration 3-13 3.4.3 System Information 3-14 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu 3-15 3.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto 3-15 3.5.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto 3-16 3.5.3 CPU Ratio [Auto 3-17 3.5.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto 3-17 3.5.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto 3-17 3.5.6 HT ...
...Turning off the computer 2-32 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...11 3.4.2 SATA Configuration 3-13 3.4.3 System Information 3-14 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu 3-15 3.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto 3-15 3.5.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto 3-16 3.5.3 CPU Ratio [Auto 3-17 3.5.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto 3-17 3.5.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto 3-17 3.5.6 HT ...
User Manual
Page 6
Contents 4.3.4 ASUS Fan Xpert 4-6 4.3.5 ASUS EPU 4-7 4.3.6 Audio configurations 4-8 4.3.7 ASUS GPU Boost 4-9 4.3.8 Turbo Unlocker 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...
Contents 4.3.4 ASUS Fan Xpert 4-6 4.3.5 ASUS EPU 4-7 4.3.6 Audio configurations 4-8 4.3.7 ASUS GPU Boost 4-9 4.3.8 Turbo Unlocker 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...
User Manual
Page 11
... at back I/O (continued on this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. *** W hen overclocking, some AMD CPU models may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB... x1 slots 1 x PCI slot AMD® SB850 southbridge: - 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with max. M5A88-M specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory VGA output Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD...174; Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** When you are using a...
... at back I/O (continued on this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. *** W hen overclocking, some AMD CPU models may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB... x1 slots 1 x PCI slot AMD® SB850 southbridge: - 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with max. M5A88-M specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory VGA output Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD...174; Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** When you are using a...
User Manual
Page 12
... DRAM voltage at 0.003125V increment - vChipset (VDDNB): Adjustable chipset voltage at 0.015V increment SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) - ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY - M5A88-M specifications summary USB ASUS unique features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Other features Back panel I /O ports (continued on the next page) xii ASUS Anti-Surge Protection - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at the back panel...
... DRAM voltage at 0.003125V increment - vChipset (VDDNB): Adjustable chipset voltage at 0.015V increment SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) - ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY - M5A88-M specifications summary USB ASUS unique features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Other features Back panel I /O ports (continued on the next page) xii ASUS Anti-Surge Protection - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at the back panel...
User Manual
Page 16
...DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. It is also backward compatible with ASUS vision of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to...and ErP requires products to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of your system memory to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. ErP ready The motherboard is designed to support up to reduce carbon footprint of creating environment-friendly and energyefficient...
...DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. It is also backward compatible with ASUS vision of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to...and ErP requires products to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of your system memory to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. ErP ready The motherboard is designed to support up to reduce carbon footprint of creating environment-friendly and energyefficient...
User Manual
Page 17
... upgrade your CPU at no time. * The actual overclocking result depends on system load. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your performance with Auto Tuning! ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 Chapter 1 1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - This tool also provides stability testing. ...Get your motherboard will do the rest. Even O.C. ASUS Auto tuning feature can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with ASUS' TurboV utility. and its userfriendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. See the CPU speed and enjoy better performance...
... upgrade your CPU at no time. * The actual overclocking result depends on system load. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your performance with Auto Tuning! ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 Chapter 1 1.3.2 ASUS Hybrid Processor - This tool also provides stability testing. ...Get your motherboard will do the rest. Even O.C. ASUS Auto tuning feature can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with ASUS' TurboV utility. and its userfriendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. See the CPU speed and enjoy better performance...
User Manual
Page 18
...! This protection eliminates the need to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. The built-in different geographic regions and your favorite settings. Precision Tweaker 2 Allows you to restore corrupted...
...! This protection eliminates the need to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. The built-in different geographic regions and your favorite settings. Precision Tweaker 2 Allows you to restore corrupted...
User Manual
Page 29
...DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. • Due to DDR3 1333MHz. • When overclocking, some memory modules for better overclocking capability. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. Visit the ASUS website for the OS can support up to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or...SPD), which is then mapped for single-channel operation. • We recommend that you do any of accessing information from a memory module. ASUS M5A88-M 2-11 Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is the standard way of the following: - To operate at the vendor-marked or ...
...DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. • Due to DDR3 1333MHz. • When overclocking, some memory modules for better overclocking capability. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. Visit the ASUS website for the OS can support up to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or...SPD), which is then mapped for single-channel operation. • We recommend that you do any of accessing information from a memory module. ASUS M5A88-M 2-11 Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is the standard way of the following: - To operate at the vendor-marked or ...
User Manual
Page 34
... the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. 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 clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. CLRTC 12 23 M5A88-M Normal (Default) M5A88-M Clear RTC RAM Clear RTC To erase the RTC RAM 1. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re...
... the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. 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 clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. CLRTC 12 23 M5A88-M Normal (Default) M5A88-M Clear RTC RAM Clear RTC To erase the RTC RAM 1. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re...
User Manual
Page 35
.... • The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is tested. It takes about 5-10 seconds. • If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! Press and hold the MemOK! Replace the DIMMs with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK..., the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. switch to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is not properly installed. ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 MemOK!
.... • The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is tested. It takes about 5-10 seconds. • If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! Press and hold the MemOK! Replace the DIMMs with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK..., the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. switch to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is not properly installed. ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 MemOK!
User Manual
Page 51
... system startup in Windows® environment. 2. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive. Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device...
... system startup in Windows® environment. 2. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive. Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device...
User Manual
Page 59
...the following main items: Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit For changing the basic system configuration For changing the overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For changing the system boot... you with its test routines. See section 2.6 Jumper for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-9 Otherwise, POST continues with the opportunity to run this section are for BIOS item modification. Being a menu-driven program, it...
...the following main items: Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit For changing the basic system configuration For changing the overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For changing the system boot... you with its test routines. See section 2.6 Jumper for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-9 Otherwise, POST continues with the opportunity to run this section are for BIOS item modification. Being a menu-driven program, it...
User Manual
Page 65
...; Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-15 If you want to adjust more, set CPU Overclocking to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to overclocking, and it may cause instability. 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu The... GPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] OC Tuner Utility DRAM Timing Configuration DRAM Driving Configuration ******* Please key in detail, set Ai Overclock Tuner to manually configure the settings in numbers directly! ******* CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset] Warning: this chapter vary depending...
...; Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item +- Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-15 If you want to adjust more, set CPU Overclocking to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to overclocking, and it may cause instability. 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu The... GPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] OC Tuner Utility DRAM Timing Configuration DRAM Driving Configuration ******* Please key in detail, set Ai Overclock Tuner to manually configure the settings in numbers directly! ******* CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset] Warning: this chapter vary depending...
User Manual
Page 66
... the desired frequency using the numeric keypad. PCIE Frequency [100] This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and allows you to [D.O.C.P.] and displays the current DRAM profile information. profile, and the related... Info : xxxxMHz-x-x-x-xx This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Overclock Profile] and allows you to individually set the PCI Express frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] Chapter 3 3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The configuration options for ...
... the desired frequency using the numeric keypad. PCIE Frequency [100] This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and allows you to [D.O.C.P.] and displays the current DRAM profile information. profile, and the related... Info : xxxxMHz-x-x-x-xx This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Overclock Profile] and allows you to individually set the PCI Express frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] Chapter 3 3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The configuration options for ...
User Manual
Page 68
.... 3.5.9 DRAM Timing Configuration The configuration options for several times until auto tuning is idle. [Disabled] Disables this function. 3.5.8 OC Tuner Utility OC Tuner utility automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of the CPU and DRAM. Press to READ Delay(DD) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] - [10 CLK] Chapter 3 3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS...
.... 3.5.9 DRAM Timing Configuration The configuration options for several times until auto tuning is idle. [Disabled] Disables this function. 3.5.8 OC Tuner Utility OC Tuner utility automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of the CPU and DRAM. Press to READ Delay(DD) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] - [10 CLK] Chapter 3 3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS...
User Manual
Page 95
...EPU to Auto or Maximum Power Saving Mode. • Refer to choose from: • Auto Mode • Max. 4.3.5 ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the support DVD. You can also configure advanced settings for ...engine is detected. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking. ASUS M5A88-M 4-7 ASUS EPU provides you select Auto Mode , the system shifts modes automatically according to launch the program. Power Saving Mode •...
...EPU to Auto or Maximum Power Saving Mode. • Refer to choose from: • Auto Mode • Max. 4.3.5 ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the support DVD. You can also configure advanced settings for ...engine is detected. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking. ASUS M5A88-M 4-7 ASUS EPU provides you select Auto Mode , the system shifts modes automatically according to launch the program. Power Saving Mode •...
User Manual
Page 97
...Boost driver from the motherboard support DVD. 2. ASUS M5A88-M 4-9 To launch ASUS GPU Boost 1. Chapter 4 Target values Start-up settings Undoes all changes without exiting and rebooting the OS. Click start -up values Adjustment sliders Click to restore all start > All Programs > ASUS > TurboV EVO > TurboV EVO. 4. ... and takes effect in real-time without applying Applies all changes made in ASUS GPU Boost will not be saved to BIOS settings and will be set to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts. • When GPU...
...Boost driver from the motherboard support DVD. 2. ASUS M5A88-M 4-9 To launch ASUS GPU Boost 1. Chapter 4 Target values Start-up settings Undoes all changes without exiting and rebooting the OS. Click start -up values Adjustment sliders Click to restore all start > All Programs > ASUS > TurboV EVO > TurboV EVO. 4. ... and takes effect in real-time without applying Applies all changes made in ASUS GPU Boost will not be saved to BIOS settings and will be set to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts. • When GPU...
User Manual
Page 99
...save your system effectively. For system stability, all changes immediately • GPU Boost is enabled, ASUS EPU will be saved to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Chapter 4 ASUS M5A88-M 4-11 Easy Mode Manual Mode Load profile Target values Start-up settings Undoes all changes without...the TurboV EVO control panel. • Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for each CPU core Click to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, CPU/NB voltage, DRAM voltage, and the integrated GPU voltage/frequency in ...
...save your system effectively. For system stability, all changes immediately • GPU Boost is enabled, ASUS EPU will be saved to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Chapter 4 ASUS M5A88-M 4-11 Easy Mode Manual Mode Load profile Target values Start-up settings Undoes all changes without...the TurboV EVO control panel. • Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for each CPU core Click to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, CPU/NB voltage, DRAM voltage, and the integrated GPU voltage/frequency in ...
User Manual
Page 100
An error message indicating incorrect system shut down may reboot 2 to start auto-overclocking. 3. Follow the instructions below to configure more overclocking parameters before starting auto-overclocking. 2. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU, saves BIOS settings and restarts the system. After re-entering Windows, a..., the system starts performance tuning and may appear after the system automatically reboots. 4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode The Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Please ignore the message and continue the tuning process.
An error message indicating incorrect system shut down may reboot 2 to start auto-overclocking. 3. Follow the instructions below to configure more overclocking parameters before starting auto-overclocking. 2. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU, saves BIOS settings and restarts the system. After re-entering Windows, a..., the system starts performance tuning and may appear after the system automatically reboots. 4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode The Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Please ignore the message and continue the tuning process.
User Manual
Page 101
Click the CPU Level UP tab, pick a CPU level you want to overclock to, and CPU Level UP will do the rest for you. 1. Configuring ASUS Turbo Key 1 2 3 4 5 1. Select your CPU at no additional cost. Read through the warning messages and click Yes to start upgrading the CPU and ... games-with just one touch! Click Apply to use the Turbo Key function. You have to press the assigned hotkeys to save Turbo Key settings. ASUS M5A88-M 4-13 Chapter 4 4.4.3 Using CPU Level UP CPU Level UP allows you to upgrade your desired hotkey combination. 3. Pick a CPU level you install on ...
Click the CPU Level UP tab, pick a CPU level you want to overclock to, and CPU Level UP will do the rest for you. 1. Configuring ASUS Turbo Key 1 2 3 4 5 1. Select your CPU at no additional cost. Read through the warning messages and click Yes to start upgrading the CPU and ... games-with just one touch! Click Apply to use the Turbo Key function. You have to press the assigned hotkeys to save Turbo Key settings. ASUS M5A88-M 4-13 Chapter 4 4.4.3 Using CPU Level UP CPU Level UP allows you to upgrade your desired hotkey combination. 3. Pick a CPU level you install on ...