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Asus A88X-PLUS User Manual
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Asus A88X-PLUS User Manual

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  • Page 1 A88X-PLUS...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety information ..................iv About this guide ..................iv Package contents ..................vi A88X-PLUS specifications summary ............vi Product introduction Before you proceed ..............1-1 Motherboard overview ..............1-1 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) ........... 1-3 System memory ................1-7 Expansion slots ................

  • Page 4: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

  • Page 5: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 6: Package Contents

    APUs. • The maximum 64GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the market. • Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).
  • Page 7 - ASUS MemOK! - ASUS AI Suite 3 - ASUS AI Charger - ASUS Anti Surge - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface - ASUS Network iControl - ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - ASUS Disk Unlocker...
  • Page 8 BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFreen BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information...

  • Page 9: Product Introduction

    1.2.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 10: Motherboard Layout

    Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A88X-PLUS 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 22.6cm(8.9in) GPU_Boost KBMS_USB34 CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN GPU_LED DIGI +VRM HDMI ATX12V MemOK! DRAM_LED USB3_12 LAN_USB12 AUDIO CHA_FAN1 PCIEX1_1 A88X-PLUS 8111G PCIEX16_1 Super PCIEX1_2 BATTERY ® A88X PCI1 PCIEX16_2...

  • Page 11: Accelerated Processing Unit (Apu)

    Ensure that you use an APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the APU! A88X-PLUS A88X-PLUS CPU socket FM2+ ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 12: Apu Installation

    1.3.1 APU installation Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 13: Apu Heatsink And Fan Assembly Installation

    1.3.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary. To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly ASUS A88X-PLUS...
  • Page 14 To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 15: System Memory

    Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 A88X-PLUS A88X-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration.

  • Page 16: Installing A Dimm

    For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 Installing a DIMM Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 17: Expansion Slots

    When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 18: Pci Slot

    1.5.3 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

  • Page 19: Jumpers

    CLRTC Normal Clear RTC (Default) A88X-PLUS Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

  • Page 20: Connectors

    Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel connectors 4 5 6 7 PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keybaord or mouse. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 21 HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. ASUS A88X-PLUS 1-13...

  • Page 22: Internal Connectors

    The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • Only the 4-pin CPU_FAN and CHA Fan2 support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port.

  • Page 23: Atx Power Connectors

    The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. ASUS A88X-PLUS 1-15...
  • Page 24 If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD configuration through the onboard controller. A88X-PLUS A88X-PLUS AMD SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors ® •...

  • Page 25: System Panel Connector

    A88X-PLUS HDD_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply A88X-PLUS System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
  • Page 26 A88X-PLUS HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition A88X-PLUS Front panel audio connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to [HD].

  • Page 27: Usb 2.0 Connectors

    IntA_P1_SSTX+ IntA_P2_SSTX- IntA_P1_SSTX- IntA_P2_SSRX+ IntA_P1_SSRX+ IntA_P2_SSRX- IntA_P1_SSRX- USB3+5V USB3+5V PIN 1 A88X-PLUS USB3.0 Front panel connector You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket to this connector to obtain the front panel USB 3.0 solution. ASUS A88X-PLUS 1-19...

  • Page 28: Onboard Switches

    BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings. • We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function. Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-20...

  • Page 29: Onboard Leds

    GPU Boost switch This switch allows you to enable or disable the GPU Boost function. GPU Boost A88X-PLUS A88X-PLUS GPU Boost switch 1.10 Onboard LEDs Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode.
  • Page 30 This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second. DRAM LED A88X-PLUS A88X-PLUS DRAM LED GPU Boost LED The GPU Boost LED lights when the GPU Boost switch is turned to Enable. GPU_LED A88X-PLUS A88X-PLUS GPU Boost LED Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-22...

  • Page 31: Software Support

    The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.
  • Page 32 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-24...

  • Page 33: Bios Information

    Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.

  • Page 34: Asus Ez Flash

    2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.

  • Page 35: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 36 Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device.
  • Page 37 Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.10 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 38: Bios Setup Program

    BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: •...

  • Page 39: Advanced Mode

    The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode or press F7. ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 40: Menu Bar

    Back button Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Last modified Submenu item Navigation keys Pop-up window settings Quick note Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 41: Scroll Bar

    The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete, cut, copy and paste. • You can only use the English letters to type your notes. Last Modified button This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup. ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 42: My Favorites

    My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. Adding items to My Favorites To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item.

  • Page 43: Main Menu

    Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected fields in the BIOS setup program. To set an administrator password: Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>. ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-11...

  • Page 44: User Password

    Confirm the password when prompted. To change an administrator password: Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press <Enter>. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>. Confirm the password when prompted.

  • Page 45: Ai Tweaker Menu

    Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. Scroll down to display the following items: ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-13...
  • Page 46 Scroll down to display the following items: Target CPU Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the current CPU speed. Target DRAM Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the current DRAM speed. 2.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency.

  • Page 47: Dram Timing Control

    To offset the voltage by a positive value. [–] To offset the voltage by a negative value. VDDNB Offset Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the VDDNB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to 0.37500V with a 0.000625V interval. ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-15...
  • Page 48 2.5.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.35V to 1.70V with a 0.005V interval. 2.5.11 SB 1.1V Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Southbridge 1.1V voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.20V with a 0.01V interval.
  • Page 49 Reducing phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency. [Standard] Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading. [Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile. [Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode. [Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment.

  • Page 50: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 2.6.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

  • Page 51: Sata Configuration

    Set to [IDE] instead of [RAID] to access devices on SATA ports 5, 6 before entering OS. Configuration options: [RAID] [IDE] OnChip SATA MAX Speed [SATA 6.0Gb/s] Sets the maximum onboard SATA port speed. Configuration options: [SATA 6.0Gb/s] [SATA 3.0Gb/s] ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-19...

  • Page 52: Usb Configuration

    S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.6.3 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.

  • Page 53: Onboard Devices Configuration

    [Disabled] Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] This item appears only when you set the Serial Port to [Enabled] and allows you to select the Serial Port base address. Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3] ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-21...
  • Page 54 2.6.6 Deep S4 [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable entering deep S4 sleep mode. The system in deep S4 state can be woken up via power button, devices in LAN, or other ways except the USB and PS/2 devices. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] [Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

  • Page 55: Monitor Menu

    Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv6 PXE Boot support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-23...
  • Page 56 Scroll down to display the following items: 2.7.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. 2.7.2 CPU / Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU / chassis fan 1/2...
  • Page 57 2.7.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item. ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-25...

  • Page 58: Boot Menu

    2.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Auto] This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the following items: 2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information...
  • Page 59 Select to load the network stack driver during POST. Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot] [Normal Boot] Returns to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss. [Fast Boot] Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after AC power loss. ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-27...
  • Page 60 2.8.2 Boot Logo Display [Auto] [Auto] Adjust automatically for Windows® requrement. [Full Screen] Maximize the boot logo size. [Disabled] Hide the logo during POST. POST Delay Time [3 sec] This item appears only when you set Full Screen Logo to [Enabled]. This item allows you to select the desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS setup.

  • Page 61: Secure Boot

    The following item appears when OS Type is set to [Windows UEFI mode]. Key Management This item appears only when you set OS Type to [Windows UEFI mode]. It allows you to manage the Secure Boot keys. ASUS A88X-PLUS 2-29...
  • Page 62 Install Default Secure Boot keys Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key (PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked Signatures (dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, the PK state will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.

  • Page 63: Boot Option Priorities

    • To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

  • Page 64: Tools Menu

    <Enter> to display the submenu. 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.9.2 ASUS O.C.

  • Page 65: Exit Menu

    This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit. ASUS EZ Mode This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen. Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one...
  • Page 66 2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS information...

  • Page 67: Appendices

    Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil. ASUS A88X-PLUS...

  • Page 68: Canadian Department Of Communications Statement

    ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials.

  • Page 69: Asus Contact Information

    +1-812-282-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone +49-1805-010923* Support Fax...
  • Page 70 Appendices...

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