User Manual
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... 2-30 2.9 Onboard LEDs 2-31 2.10 Starting up for the first time 2-32 2.11 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 Navigation keys 3-10 3.3.4 Menu items 3-10 3.3.5 Submenu items 3-10 3.3.6 Configuration fields 3-10 3.3.7 Pop-up...
... 2-30 2.9 Onboard LEDs 2-31 2.10 Starting up for the first time 2-32 2.11 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 Navigation keys 3-10 3.3.4 Menu items 3-10 3.3.5 Submenu items 3-10 3.3.6 Configuration fields 3-10 3.3.7 Pop-up...
User Manual
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... 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 BIOS 4-15 4.5.4 AMD® Option ROM...
... 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 BIOS 4-15 4.5.4 AMD® Option ROM...
User Manual
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...of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Refer to the following parts...contains the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to perform when installing system components. It includes description...
...of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Refer to the following parts...contains the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to perform when installing system components. It includes description...
User Manual
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...PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 550MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking protection - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - TPU - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors 1 ...ASUS MyLogo 2™ Intelligent overclocking tools - ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution - ASUS EPU ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions - Core Unlocker - button ASUS Power Solutions - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V increment - TPU - MemOK! M5A88-M specifications summary USB ASUS unique features ASUS...
...PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 550MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking protection - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - TPU - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors 1 ...ASUS MyLogo 2™ Intelligent overclocking tools - ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution - ASUS EPU ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions - Core Unlocker - button ASUS Power Solutions - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V increment - TPU - MemOK! M5A88-M specifications summary USB ASUS unique features ASUS...
User Manual
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... Ring, PXE Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x 2-in-1 Q-Connector (retail version only) 1 x I/O Shield 1 x User Manual 1 x Support DVD MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in . (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. xiii M5A88-M specifications summary Internal connectors / switches / buttons BIOS features Manageability Support DVD...
... Ring, PXE Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x 2-in-1 Q-Connector (retail version only) 1 x I/O Shield 1 x User Manual 1 x Support DVD MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in . (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. xiii M5A88-M specifications summary Internal connectors / switches / buttons BIOS features Manageability Support DVD...
User Manual
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...automatically and dynamically adjusts AMD 6-CORE and Black Edition processor frequencies to achieve a total system level up. MemOK! ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 ASUS Auto tuning feature can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with more power when you want to overclock to optimize ... Design-Hybrid Switch* Core Unlocker ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of real-time OC-now a reality with just a simple switch. Even O.C. MemOK! This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without performing complicated BIOS changes. guickly ensures memory boot compatibility...
...automatically and dynamically adjusts AMD 6-CORE and Black Edition processor frequencies to achieve a total system level up. MemOK! ASUS M5A88-M 1-3 ASUS Auto tuning feature can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with more power when you want to overclock to optimize ... Design-Hybrid Switch* Core Unlocker ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of real-time OC-now a reality with just a simple switch. Even O.C. MemOK! This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without performing complicated BIOS changes. guickly ensures memory boot compatibility...
User Manual
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... and automatically provide balanced computing power and energy consumption. This protection eliminates the need to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore corrupted BIOS data from switching power supply unit (PSU). Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution The stylish heatsink features...
... and automatically provide balanced computing power and energy consumption. This protection eliminates the need to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore corrupted BIOS data from switching power supply unit (PSU). Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution The stylish heatsink features...
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...EATXPWR LPT 24.4cm(9.6in) DVI_VGA USB3_12 6 COM1 7 MemOK! DRAM_LED 8 LAN1_USB12 AUDIO RTL 8111E CHA_FAN ASM 1042 PCIEX1_1 AMD® 880G PCIEX16 M5A88-M PCIEX1_2 ICS 9LPRS483 ALC SPDIF_OUT 892 AAFP PCI1 CORE_UNLOCKER 02LED1 USB78 USB910 AMD® SB850 USB1112 USB1314 Lithium Cell CMOS Power 16Mb... BIOS SATA6G_2 SATA6G_4 SATA6G_6 SB_PWR PANEL SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 SATA6G_5 CLRTC 2 9 10 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for...
...EATXPWR LPT 24.4cm(9.6in) DVI_VGA USB3_12 6 COM1 7 MemOK! DRAM_LED 8 LAN1_USB12 AUDIO RTL 8111E CHA_FAN ASM 1042 PCIEX1_1 AMD® 880G PCIEX16 M5A88-M PCIEX1_2 ICS 9LPRS483 ALC SPDIF_OUT 892 AAFP PCI1 CORE_UNLOCKER 02LED1 USB78 USB910 AMD® SB850 USB1112 USB1314 Lithium Cell CMOS Power 16Mb... BIOS SATA6G_2 SATA6G_4 SATA6G_6 SB_PWR PANEL SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 SATA6G_5 CLRTC 2 9 10 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for...
User Manual
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...ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that you may cause you removed earlier. 6. ASUS M5A88-M 2-13 Turn on the next page. 3. Refer to the tables on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on... BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards....
...ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that you may cause you removed earlier. 6. ASUS M5A88-M 2-13 Turn on the next page. 3. Refer to the tables on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on... BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards....
User Manual
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... Recall) feature. For system failure due to pins 2-3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Hold down and 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. Chapter 2 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin..., then move the jumper again to re-enter data. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup 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. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power...
... Recall) feature. For system failure due to pins 2-3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Hold down and 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. Chapter 2 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin..., then move the jumper again to re-enter data. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup 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. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power...
User Manual
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... after turning on the computer. switch to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set of failsafe settings. ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 This is ideal for successful boot. switch lights continuously. switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility... to enhance system performance. 1. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings. • We recommend that are incompatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified ...
... after turning on the computer. switch to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set of failsafe settings. ASUS M5A88-M 2-17 This is ideal for successful boot. switch lights continuously. switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility... to enhance system performance. 1. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings. • We recommend that are incompatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified ...
User Manual
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Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the O2LED1 LED. • If you have made. M5A88-M M5A88-M Core Unlocker switch • The O2LED1 LED near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting is powered off. 2. For ensuring the system performance, ... the extra cores of the Core Unlocker switch. • You may also press during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) or enable the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to Enable. Chapter 2 2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information Core Unlocker switch This switch allows you to Enable when the system is turned...
Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the O2LED1 LED. • If you have made. M5A88-M M5A88-M Core Unlocker switch • The O2LED1 LED near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting is powered off. 2. For ensuring the system performance, ... the extra cores of the Core Unlocker switch. • You may also press during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) or enable the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to Enable. Chapter 2 2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information Core Unlocker switch This switch allows you to Enable when the system is turned...
User Manual
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... Side Speaker Out Dual display table This table indicates whether the dual display you follow the system requirements in the suggested list below. CPU DIMM BIOS setup Playback software Suggested list AMD® Phenom II X4 805 DDR3 1333 2G x 2 Frame Buffer Size - 256MB or higher CyberLink® PowerDVD 9 File format...
... Side Speaker Out Dual display table This table indicates whether the dual display you follow the system requirements in the suggested list below. CPU DIMM BIOS setup Playback software Suggested list AMD® Phenom II X4 805 DDR3 1333 2G x 2 Frame Buffer Size - 256MB or higher CyberLink® PowerDVD 9 File format...
User Manual
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...the onboard AMD® SB850 controller. In IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to [RAID] in the BIOS. If you are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. See section ...GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND GND RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3 RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND GND GND RSATA_RXN5 RSATA_RXP5 RSATA_TXN5 RSATA_TXP5 GND GND SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 SATA6G_5 M5A88-M M5A88-M Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set the type of the SATA connectors to IDE mode by default....
...the onboard AMD® SB850 controller. In IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to [RAID] in the BIOS. If you are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. See section ...GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND GND RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3 RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND GND GND RSATA_RXN5 RSATA_RXP5 RSATA_TXN5 RSATA_TXP5 GND GND SATA6G_1 SATA6G_3 SATA6G_5 M5A88-M M5A88-M Intel® SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set the type of the SATA connectors to IDE mode by default....
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.... • If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS setup to this connector. GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR AGND NC NC NC AAFP PIN 1 PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1 ... supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect the serial port module cable to [HD Audio]; COM1 PIN 1 Chapter 2 M5A88-M M5A88-M Serial port (COM1) connector The COM module is for a serial (COM) port. By default, this connector is for details. 2-26 Chapter 2: ...
.... • If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS setup to this connector. GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR AGND NC NC NC AAFP PIN 1 PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1 ... supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect the serial port module cable to [HD Audio]; COM1 PIN 1 Chapter 2 M5A88-M M5A88-M Serial port (COM1) connector The COM module is for a serial (COM) port. By default, this connector is for details. 2-26 Chapter 2: ...
User Manual
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... below shows the location of the onboard LED. This is a reminder that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in the BIOS menu is solved. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in any motherboard component. The green LED lights up to indicate that you should... Unlocker item in soft‑off mode. Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. ASUS M5A88-M 2-31 Chapter 2 2.9 Onboard LEDs 1. SB_PWR M5A88-M M5A88-M Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 2. If an error is turned to [Disabled]. Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED lights...
... below shows the location of the onboard LED. This is a reminder that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in the BIOS menu is solved. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in any motherboard component. The green LED lights up to indicate that you should... Unlocker item in soft‑off mode. Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. ASUS M5A88-M 2-31 Chapter 2 2.9 Onboard LEDs 1. SB_PWR M5A88-M M5A88-M Onboard LED ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 2. If an error is turned to [Disabled]. Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED lights...
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Be sure that is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the "green" standards or if it has a "power standby" feature, the monitor LED may have failed a power... supplies, the system LED lights up for assistance. After applying power, the system power LED on . After making all switches are running, the BIOS beeps (see anything within 30 seconds from orange to green after the system LED turns on the system front panel case lights up. Connect the...
Be sure that is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the "green" standards or if it has a "power standby" feature, the monitor LED may have failed a power... supplies, the system LED lights up for assistance. After applying power, the system power LED on . After making all switches are running, the BIOS beeps (see anything within 30 seconds from orange to green after the system LED turns on the system front panel case lights up. Connect the...
User Manual
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... during the system bootup and requests you change the default BIOS settings except in the motherboard CMOS. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such...
... during the system bootup and requests you change the default BIOS settings except in the motherboard CMOS. Chapter 3 ASUS M5A88-M 3-1 In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such...
User Manual
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... the optical drive. 2. Chapter 3 3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The ASUS Update utility allows you to your system. The ASUS Update main window appears. 3.2.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is available in the support DVD that allows you update the BIOS using this utility. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the...
... the optical drive. 2. Chapter 3 3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The ASUS Update utility allows you to your system. The ASUS Update main window appears. 3.2.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is available in the support DVD that allows you update the BIOS using this utility. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the...
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.... 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process. Chapter 3 5. 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 default settings to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you wish to avail all its features. Select...
.... 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process. Chapter 3 5. 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 default settings to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you wish to avail all its features. Select...