User Manual
Page 13
... below. 1.2 Package contents Check your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for the following items. User Manual ASUS M5A97 motherboard User guide Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS I/O Shield • If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies...
... below. 1.2 Package contents Check your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for the following items. User Manual ASUS M5A97 motherboard User guide Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x ASUS I/O Shield • If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies...
User Manual
Page 15
... a quiet and cool environment. Get your system boot success. ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. ASUS M5A97 1-3 EPU The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by... different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your performance with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energyefficient...
... a quiet and cool environment. Get your system boot success. ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. ASUS M5A97 1-3 EPU The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by... different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your performance with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energyefficient...
User Manual
Page 17
... the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before touching any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the...
... the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-1 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before touching any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the...
User Manual
Page 19
... (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2, 3-pin PWR_FAN) 2. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) Page 2-18 2-19 2-4 2-5 2-15 2-14 2-16 2-15 2-20 2-13 2-17 2-16 2-17 2-18 Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-3 DDR3 DIMM slots 5. MemOK! USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 12.
... (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2, 3-pin PWR_FAN) 2. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) Page 2-18 2-19 2-4 2-5 2-15 2-14 2-16 2-15 2-20 2-13 2-17 2-16 2-17 2-18 Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-3 DDR3 DIMM slots 5. MemOK! USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 12.
User Manual
Page 21
M5A97 M5A97 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations ASUS M5A97 2-5 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Chapter 2 2.2.3 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
M5A97 M5A97 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Recommended memory configurations ASUS M5A97 2-5 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Chapter 2 2.2.3 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
User Manual
Page 23
... support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • • - 1.65 • • • M5A97 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600MHz capability for AMD AM3+ CPU Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing CORSAIR...; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ASUS M5A97 2-7 DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM • • • • • • • • • • •...
... support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6-8-6-24 1.65 • • • - 1.65 • • • M5A97 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600MHz capability for AMD AM3+ CPU Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing CORSAIR...; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ASUS M5A97 2-7 DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM • • • • • • • • • • •...
User Manual
Page 27
Chapter 2 M5A97 Slot No. 2.2.4 Expansion slots Ensure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Slot Description 1 PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot [blue] (at x16 mode) 2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot 3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot 4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot [black] (at x4 mode) 5 PCI slot 1 6 PCI slot 2 VGA configuration Single VGA/PCIe card Dual VGA/PCIe card PCI Express operating mode PCIe 2.0 x16_1 x16 (Recommend for single VGA) x16 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 N/A x4 ASUS M5A97 2-11 Failure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
Chapter 2 M5A97 Slot No. 2.2.4 Expansion slots Ensure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Slot Description 1 PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot [blue] (at x16 mode) 2 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot 3 PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot 4 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot [black] (at x4 mode) 5 PCI slot 1 6 PCI slot 2 VGA configuration Single VGA/PCIe card Dual VGA/PCIe card PCI Express operating mode PCIe 2.0 x16_1 x16 (Recommend for single VGA) x16 PCIe 2.0 x16_2 N/A x4 ASUS M5A97 2-11 Failure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
User Manual
Page 29
The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. For system failure due to pins 2-3. ASUS M5A97 2-13 Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of ... in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. Chapter 2 2.2.5 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to default values. M5A97 M5A97 Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) Clear RTC To erase the RTC RAM 1.
The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. For system failure due to pins 2-3. ASUS M5A97 2-13 Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of ... in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. Chapter 2 2.2.5 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to default values. M5A97 M5A97 Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) Clear RTC To erase the RTC RAM 1.
User Manual
Page 31
... removing or plugging in sequence during motherboard booting process. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. M5A97 M5A97 Onboard LED SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 2. DRAM LED M5A97 M5A97 DRAM LED ASUS M5A97 2-15 Chapter 2 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs 1. If an error is found, the LED next to the error device will continue...
... removing or plugging in sequence during motherboard booting process. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. M5A97 M5A97 Onboard LED SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off 2. DRAM LED M5A97 M5A97 DRAM LED ASUS M5A97 2-15 Chapter 2 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs 1. If an error is found, the LED next to the error device will continue...
User Manual
Page 33
... USB+5V USB_P14USB_P14+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC M5A97 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P13USB_P13+ GND USB+5V USB_P11USB_P11+ GND USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND M5A97 USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to [HD]. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin...'97 compliant definition • We recommend that you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to 480 Mbps connection speed. ASUS M5A97 2-17 Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that supports up to this connector. Refer to 3.6.6 Onboard Devices Configuration...
... USB+5V USB_P14USB_P14+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC M5A97 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P13USB_P13+ GND USB+5V USB_P11USB_P11+ GND USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND M5A97 USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to [HD]. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin...'97 compliant definition • We recommend that you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to 480 Mbps connection speed. ASUS M5A97 2-17 Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that supports up to this connector. Refer to 3.6.6 Onboard Devices Configuration...
User Manual
Page 35
Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-19 com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for ATX ...the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. ATX power connectors (24-pin...V power plug; 7. The power supply plugs are for details. EATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC M5A97 M5A97 ATX power connectors GND GND GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby Power OK PIN 1 GND +5 Volts...
Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-19 com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for ATX ...the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. ATX power connectors (24-pin...V power plug; 7. The power supply plugs are for details. EATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC +12V DC M5A97 M5A97 ATX power connectors GND GND GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby Power OK PIN 1 GND +5 Volts...
User Manual
Page 37
Chapter 2 2.3 Building your computer system 2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system 1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit AMD AM3+ CPU AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan DIMM SATA hard disk drive SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package. ASUS M5A97 2-21
Chapter 2 2.3 Building your computer system 2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system 1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit AMD AM3+ CPU AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan DIMM SATA hard disk drive SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package. ASUS M5A97 2-21
User Manual
Page 39
ASUS M5A97 2-23 3 Chapter 2 2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
ASUS M5A97 2-23 3 Chapter 2 2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
User Manual
Page 43
2.3.5 1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same. 2 Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-27
2.3.5 1 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same. 2 Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-27
User Manual
Page 45
2.3.6 1 ATX Power connection 2 OR OR Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-29
2.3.6 1 ATX Power connection 2 OR OR Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-29
User Manual
Page 47
2.3.8 Expansion Card installation To install PCIe x16 cards To install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-31
2.3.8 Expansion Card installation To install PCIe x16 cards To install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-31
User Manual
Page 49
... Out - ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-33 * LAN port LED indications Activity Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status OFF ORANGE GREEN Description...
... Out - ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out Chapter 2 ASUS M5A97 2-33 * LAN port LED indications Activity Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status OFF ORANGE GREEN Description...
User Manual
Page 51
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers ASUS M5A97 2-35
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers ASUS M5A97 2-35
User Manual
Page 53
... setup program. • If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to the default value. ASUS M5A97 3-1 Inappropriate settings of a trained service personnel. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.... You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with its test routines. Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, offering a userfriendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls to ensure optimum...
... setup program. • If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to the default value. ASUS M5A97 3-1 Inappropriate settings of a trained service personnel. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.... You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with its test routines. Chapter 3: Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, offering a userfriendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls to ensure optimum...
User Manual
Page 55
... an example of the screen has the following sections for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M5A97 3-3 Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc. 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to the ...: Save ESC: Exit F12: Print Screen Submenu item Version 2.00.1201. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. Refer to configure the BIOS settings. Advanced Mode General help Exit Main Back Ai Tweaker Advanced Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration ...
... an example of the screen has the following sections for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M5A97 3-3 Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc. 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to the ...: Save ESC: Exit F12: Print Screen Submenu item Version 2.00.1201. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. Refer to configure the BIOS settings. Advanced Mode General help Exit Main Back Ai Tweaker Advanced Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration ...