ASUS M4A88TDMUSB3 Owner's Manual

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ASUS M4A88TDMUSB3 Owner's Manual | Manualzz
Motherboard
M4A88TD-M/USB3
E5890
Second Edition (V2)
May 2010
Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
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.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”)
and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this
product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as defined in the GPL) for the GPL Software,
and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machinereadable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product
including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download;
or
(2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location
where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Legal Compliance Dept.
15 Li Te Rd.,
Beitou, Taipei 112
Taiwan
In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the
product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we
can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.
The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as
the corresponding binary/object code.
This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source
Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code
we would be much obliged if you give us a notification to the email address [email protected], stating the
product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives
etc to this email address).
ii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................................vii
Safety information..................................................................................................... viii
About this guide.......................................................................................................... ix
M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary............................................................. xi
Chapter 1:
1.1
1.2
1.3
Package contents....................................................................................... 1-1
Special features.......................................................................................... 1-2
1.3.1
Product highlights........................................................................ 1-2
1.3.3
ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Switch*....................................... 1-3
1.3.2
1.3.4
1.3.5
Chapter 2:
2.1
2.2
2.4
Hardware information
Motherboard layout...................................................................... 2-2
2.2.3
Placement direction..................................................................... 2-4
2.2.4
Layout contents............................................................................ 2-3
Screw holes................................................................................. 2-4
Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................................. 2-5
2.3.1
2.3.2
Installing the CPU........................................................................ 2-5
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan............................................. 2-7
System memory........................................................................................ 2-10
2.4.1
Overview.................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.3
Installing a DIMM....................................................................... 2-16
2.4.4
Memory configurations (AM3, 2-channel).................................. 2-11
Removing a DIMM..................................................................... 2-16
Expansion slots........................................................................................ 2-17
2.5.1
Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-17
2.5.3
Interrupt assignments................................................................ 2-18
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.7
ASUS unique features................................................................. 1-3
Motherboard overview................................................................................ 2-2
2.5.2
2.6
ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS.............................................. 1-3
2.2.1
2.4.2
2.5
ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor*.................................. 1-3
Before you proceed.................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.2
2.3
Product introduction
Welcome!..................................................................................................... 1-1
2.5.6
Configuring an expansion card.................................................. 2-17
PCI slot...................................................................................... 2-19
PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots............................................................ 2-19
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot............................................................ 2-19
Jumper....................................................................................................... 2-20
Onboard switches..................................................................................... 2-21
iii
Contents
2.8
Connectors................................................................................................ 2-23
2.8.1
Rear panel connectors............................................................... 2-23
2.8.3
Internal connectors.................................................................... 2-28
2.8.2
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.8.4.
3.2
Starting up for the first time..................................................................... 2-38
Turning off the computer.......................................................................... 2-38
Updating BIOS............................................................................................. 3-1
3.2.1
ASUS Update utility..................................................................... 3-2
3.2.3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 3-5
3.2.4
BIOS menu screen....................................................................... 3-9
3.3.3
Navigation keys.......................................................................... 3-10
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.3.7
3.3.8
3.3.9
Menu bar...................................................................................... 3-9
Menu items................................................................................ 3-10
Submenu items.......................................................................... 3-10
Configuration fields.................................................................... 3-10
Pop-up window.......................................................................... 3-10
Scroll bar.................................................................................... 3-10
General help.............................................................................. 3-10
Main menu................................................................................................. 3-11
3.4.1
SATA 1~6................................................................................... 3-11
3.4.3
System Information.................................................................... 3-14
3.4.2
SATA Configuration.................................................................... 3-13
Ai Tweaker menu....................................................................................... 3-15
3.5.1
CPU Level UP............................................................................ 3-15
3.5.3
CPU Ratio.................................................................................. 3-17
3.5.2
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.5.8
iv
ASUS BIOS Updater.................................................................... 3-6
3.3.1
3.3.4
3.5
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................................ 3-4
BIOS setup program................................................................................... 3-9
3.3.2
3.4
BIOS setup
Knowing BIOS............................................................................................. 3-1
3.2.2
3.3
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)........................................... 2-35
Onboard LEDs........................................................................................... 2-36
Chapter 3:
3.1
Audio I/O connections................................................................ 2-26
CPU OverClocking..................................................................... 3-16
DRAM Frequency...................................................................... 3-17
CPU/NB Frequency................................................................... 3-17
HT Link Speed........................................................................... 3-17
GPU Booster.............................................................................. 3-17
OC Tuner Utility.......................................................................... 3-18
Contents
3.5.9
DRAM Driving Configuration...................................................... 3-19
3.5.12
CPU VDDA Voltage.................................................................... 3-20
3.5.11
3.5.13
3.5.14
3.5.15
3.5.16
3.5.17
3.5.18
3.5.19
3.6
3.5.20
NB Voltage................................................................................. 3-20
NB 1.8V Voltage......................................................................... 3-20
SB Voltage................................................................................. 3-20
CPU Load-Line Calibration........................................................ 3-21
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration.................................................. 3-21
PCI/PCIe CLK Status................................................................. 3-21
3.6.3
Onboard Devices Configuration................................................. 3-25
3.6.5
Chipset....................................................................................... 3-23
PCIPnP...................................................................................... 3-26
USB Configuration..................................................................... 3-27
Power menu............................................................................................... 3-28
3.7.1
Suspend Mode........................................................................... 3-28
3.7.3
ACPI APIC Support.................................................................... 3-28
3.7.4
3.7.5
3.7.6
3.7.7
ACPI 2.0 Support....................................................................... 3-28
APM Configuration..................................................................... 3-29
HW Monitor Configuration.......................................................... 3-30
Anti Surge Support..................................................................... 3-31
NB Thermal Protect.................................................................... 3-31
Boot menu................................................................................................. 3-32
3.8.1
Boot Device Priority................................................................... 3-32
3.8.3
Security...................................................................................... 3-34
3.8.2
Boot Settings Configuration....................................................... 3-33
Tools menu................................................................................................ 3-36
3.9.1
ASUS EZ Flash 2....................................................................... 3-36
3.9.3
ASUS O.C. Profile...................................................................... 3-37
3.9.2
3.10
HT Voltage................................................................................. 3-20
CPU Configuration..................................................................... 3-21
3.7.2
3.9
DRAM Voltage........................................................................... 3-20
3.6.1
3.6.4
3.8
CPU & NB Voltage Mode........................................................... 3-20
Advanced menu........................................................................................ 3-21
3.6.2
3.7
DRAM Timing Configuration...................................................... 3-18
3.5.10
3.9.4
Express Gate............................................................................. 3-36
AI NET 2..................................................................................... 3-38
Exit menu................................................................................................... 3-39
Contents
Chapter 4:
4.1
4.2
4.3
Software support
Installing an operating system.................................................................. 4-1
Support DVD information........................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1
4.2.2
Running the support DVD............................................................ 4-1
Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-2
Software information.................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1
ASUS PC Probe II........................................................................ 4-3
4.3.3
ASUS AI Suite.............................................................................. 4-5
4.3.2
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.3.6
4.3.7
4.3.8
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology........................................................ 4-4
ASUS Fan Xpert.......................................................................... 4-6
ASUS EPU................................................................................... 4-7
ASUS Express Gate.................................................................... 4-8
Audio configurations.................................................................... 4-9
ASUS GPU Boost...................................................................... 4-10
4.4ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—TurboV EVO.................................. 4-11
4.4.1
Using ASUS TurboV................................................................... 4-11
4.4.3
Using CPU Level UP.................................................................. 4-13
4.4.2
4.5
4.4.4
4.5.1
RAID definitions......................................................................... 4-14
4.5.3
Setting the RAID item in BIOS................................................... 4-15
4.5.4
Installing Serial ATA hard disks.................................................. 4-15
AMD® Option ROM Utility........................................................... 4-16
Creating a RAID driver disk..................................................................... 4-19
4.6.1
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................. 4-19
4.6.3
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation....... 4-19
4.6.2
4.6.4
Chapter 5:
vi
Using ASUS Turbo Key.............................................................. 4-13
RAID configurations................................................................................. 4-14
4.5.2
4.6
Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode..................................... 4-12
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................. 4-19
Using a USB floppy disk drive.................................................... 4-20
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
vii
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.
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure
about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
•
•
•
•
•
viii
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
•
Chapter 2: Hardware information
•
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
•
Chapter 4: Software support
•
Chapter 5: ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and
connectors on the motherboard.
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
This chapter describes the ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics
card installation procedures.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.
1.
2.
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. These documents are not part of the
standard package.
ix
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text
Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>
M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary
CPU
AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series Processors
AMD® 140W CPU Support
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Supports 45nm CPU
Chipset
AMD® 880G / SB850
System bus
Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0
Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 /
1066 MHz, ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
* Due to CPU specifications, AMD® 100 and 200 Series CPUs support
up to DDR3 1066 MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can
support up to DDR3 1333 MHz.
** When you install a total memory of 4 GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3
GB. We recommend using a maximum of 3 GB system memory if
you are using a Windows® 32-bit OS.
*** R
efer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors Lists).
VGA output
Integrated ATI® Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU
Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution 1920 x 1080
Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @60Hz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 @85Hz
Dual independent displays support:
• D-Sub & DVI-D
• D-Sub & HDMI
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, and Shader Model 4.1
Hardware Decode Acceleration for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2
Maximum shared memory of 1GB
Supports ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™
* Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid
CrossFireX™.
Expansion slots
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
1 x PCI slot
Storage
AMD® SB850 chipset
- 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support
VIA® VT6415 PATA controller
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
LAN
Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
Audio
ALC892 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports 192khz/24bit BD Lossless Sound
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking (HD mode only)
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
USB
- 12 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (8 ports at midboard, 4 ports at the back panel)
- 2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)
(continued on the next page)
xi
M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary
ASUS unique features
ASUS Xtreme Design
ASUS Hybrid Processor – TurboV EVO
- Turbo Unlocker, TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP
and GPU Boost
ASUS Hybrid OS – Express Gate
ASUS Hybrid Switch – Core Unlocker
ASUS Power Solutions
- 4+1 Phase Power Design
- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- MemOK!
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
- ASUS Stack Cool 3
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2™
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Intelligent oberclocking tools
- TurboV EVO
- GPU Boost
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.003125V increment
- vChipset (VDDNB): Adjustable chipset voltage at 0.003125V increment
- vDIMM: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.01500V increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- HT frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 550MHz at 1MHz
increment
- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at
1MHz increment
Overclocking protection
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Other features
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
Back panel I/O ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x HDMI Out port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D Out port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (blue)
8-channel audio I/O ports
(continued on the next page)
xii
M4A88TD-M/USB3 specifications summary
Internal connectors /
switches / buttons
4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB 2.0 / 1.1
ports
1 x IDE connector
1 x COM connector
1 x LPT connector
6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x Core Unlocker switch
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
BIOS features
16 Mb Flash ROM, SPI, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability
WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE
Support DVD contents
Drivers
ASUS utilities
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Accessories
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
1 x Q-Connector (retail version only)
1 x Q-Shield
1 x User Manual
Form factor
MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xiii
xiv
Chapter 1
Chapter 1:
Product introduction
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A88TD-M/USB3 motherboard!
Chapter 1
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in
your package with the list below.
1.2
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
nual
User Ma
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
motherboard
User guide
Support DVD
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
with 6.0 Gb/s label
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133 /
100 / 66 cable
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
•
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
•
The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may
vary with different models.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
1-1
1.3
Special features
1.3.1
Product highlights
Chapter 1
AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series Processors (socket AM3)
This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and
delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features
dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s
via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in
the 45nm manufacturing process.
AMD® 880G Chipset
AMD® 880G Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)
interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s latest AM3
and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.
AMD® SB850 Chipset
The AMD® SB850 Southbridge natively supports the next generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s data
transfer rate and PCI Express 2.0 interface.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2000 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 support
This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2000 (O.C.)/
1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D
graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges
the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.
True USB 3.0 Support
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8 Gb/s with USB 3.0–the latest connectivity standard.
Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers
data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.
Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s technology
The AMD® SB850 chipset natively supports the next generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s data transfer
rate, enhances scalability, provides faster data retrieval, and doubles the bandwidth of the
current bus systems.
Hybrid CrossFireX™ support*
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance with an onboard
GPU and a discrete GPU.
* Hybrid CrossFireX™ is supported by Windows® 7 / Vista OS only.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the
use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating
environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health
while minimizing the impact on the environment.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3.2
ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor*
TurboV EVO
Chapter 1
The ultimate O.C. processor satisfies every level of overclockers—from die-hard enthusiasts
to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the system to the fastest clock speeds while
maintaining stability. Turbo Key boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers
more options to advanced overclockers to achieve world O.C. record. Moreover, upgrade
your CPU at no additional cost with CPU Level UP!
Auto Tuning
Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level
up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C. beginners can achieve extreme yet
stable overclocking results with Auto Tuning!
GPU Boost
GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best graphics performance.
User-friendly UI facilitates flexible frequency and voltage adjustments. Its ability to deliver
multiple overclocking profiles also provides rapid and stable system-level upgrades.
1.3.3
ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Switch*
Core Unlocker
ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—with just a simple
switch. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without
performing complicated BIOS changes.
* The actual overclocking result depends on the system configuration.
1.3.4
ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS
ASUS Express Gate
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and
key applications before entering the Windows® OS.
1.3.5
ASUS unique features
ASUS Power Solutions
ASUS Power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and
energy consumption.
4+1 Phase Power Design
Unleashes ultimate memory performances with independent power to core
components, while providing fast transient response and stability for the CPU under
heavy loading or overclocking modes.
ASUS EPU
The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by
detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC
components in real-time–helping save power and money!
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
1-3
Anti-Surge Protection
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage
caused by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).
Chapter 1
MemOK!
Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more.
MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and
running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically
improve your system booting success.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking
capability.
Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The Wing Heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless
PC environment. The beautifully curved fins not only upgrade the visual enjoyment
for motherboard users, but also effectively cools down hot airflows generated by the
northbridge chipset. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS Wing Heatsink
will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant appearance!
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed according to
different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different
geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles offer
flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components,
update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS O.C. Profile
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows you to conveniently store
or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a
separate file, giving you the freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash
disk containing the BIOS file. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement
ROM chip.
ASUS EZ-Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
Precision Tweaker 2
Allows you to fine-tune the VCore / VDDNB voltage in 0.003125V steps and DRAM
voltage in 0.01500V steps to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking
configuration.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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 the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
•
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
•
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
Chapter 2
•
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-1
2.2
Motherboard overview
2.2.1
Motherboard layout
Chapter 2
NEC
USB3.0
Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal
connectors.
2-2
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots
Page
1.
CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)
2-32
2.
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
2-33
3.
AM3 CPU Socket
2-5
4.
DDR3 DIMM slots
2-10
5.
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
2-31
6.
LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)
2-29
7.
DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)
2-36
8.
MemOK! switch
2-21
9.
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)
2-28
10.
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
2-20
11.
AMD® SB850 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA1~6)
2-29
12.
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
2-34
13.
Standby power LED (SB_PWR)
2-36
14.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112, USB1314)
2-30
15.
Core Unlocker LED (O2LED1)
2-37
16.
Core Unlocker switch
2-22
17.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
2-32
18.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
2-31
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 2
2.2.2
2-3
2.2.3
Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in
the image below.
2.2.4
Screw holes
Place eight 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.
Chapter 2
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
2-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD
Opteron processor. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3 socket. The CPU fits
in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending
the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!
2.3.1
Installing the CPU
1.
Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
2.
Press the lever sideways to unlock the
socket, then lift it up to a 90º angle.
Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up
to a 90º angle. Otherwise, the CPU will
not fit in completely.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 2
To install a CPU:
Socket lever
2-5
3.
Position the CPU above the socket such
that the CPU corner with the gold triangle
matches the socket corner with a small
triangle.
4.
Carefully insert the CPU into the socket
until it fits in place.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
Chapter 2
5.
When the CPU is in place, push down the
socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever
clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is
locked.
6.
Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is spread in an even thin layer.
Some heatsinks come with pre-applied
thermal paste. If so, skip this step.
The Thermal Interface Material is toxic
and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If it gets into
your eyes or touches your skin, wash it
off immediately, and seek professional
medical help.
To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your finger.
2-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.2
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The AMD AM3 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure
optimum thermal condition and performance.
®
Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly
on the retention module base.
•
The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.
•
You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or
installing other motherboard components.
•
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install
the heatsink and fan assembly.
Chapter 2
1.
CPU fan
Retention bracket
lock
Retention bracket
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. If the instructions in this section do not
match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-7
Chapter 2
2.
Attach one end of the retention bracket
to the retention module base.
3.
Align the other end of the retention
bracket to the retention module base. A
clicking sound denotes that the retention
bracket is in place.
Ensure that the fan and heatsink
assembly perfectly fits the retention
mechanism module base, otherwise
you cannot snap the retention bracket
in place.
4.
2-8
Push down the retention bracket lock on
the retention mechanism to secure the
heatsink and fan to the module base.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the
connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
•
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can
occur if you fail to plug this connector.
•
This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 2
5.
2-9
2.4
System memory
2.4.1
Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) sockets.
A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for
better performance with less power consumption.
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:
Chapter 2
Recommended memory configurations
One DIMM:
Install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation.
Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):
Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):
2-10
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.4.2
Memory configurations (AM3, 2-channel)
•
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. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
•
We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better
overclocking capability.
•
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.
•
Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz.
With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
•
When overclocking, some AMD CPUs may not support DDR3 1600MHz or higher
frequency DIMMs.
•
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.
- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.
•
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).
•
The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.
•
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 2
You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs
into the DIMM sockets.
2-11
M4A88TD-M/USB3 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3 2000 (O.C.) MHz capability
Vendor
Part No.
SS/DS Chip Brand Chip
NO.
Size
Timing
Voltage
KINGSTON KHX2000C8D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(kit of 3) SS
-
-
-
1.65V
KINGSTON KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
-
-
1.65V
KINGSTON KHX2000C9D3T1K3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(kit of 3) SS
Transcend
TX2000KLU-4GK(XMP)
-
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
-
-
DIMM support
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
•
1.65V
•
•
•
9-9-9-24 1.65V
When using a DDR3 2000MHz memory module, ensure to install it on the A1 slot for better
overclocking capability.
DDR3 1866 (O.C.) MHz capability
SS/DS Chip
Brand
Vendor
Part No.
Size
CORSAIR
CMG6GX3M3A1866C7(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
OCZ
OCZ3P1866LV4GK
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
Chapter 2
OCZ
OCZ3P1866C9LV6GK
Chip
NO.
Timing
-
-
7-8-7-20 1.65V
-
-
9-9-9-27 1.65V
-
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
-
-
-
Voltage
DIMM support
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
1.65V
•
•
•
•
•
9-9-9-28 1.65V
•
•
•
DDR3 1800 (O.C.) MHz capability
Vendor
Part No.
Size
OCZ
OCZ3P18004GK
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
OCZ
QCZ3P18004GK
SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing
-
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
-
-
Voltage
8-8-8-27 1.9V
DIMM support
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
8-8-8-27 1.9V
•
•
•
•
DDR3 1600 (O.C.) MHz capability
Vendor
Part No.
Size
A-Data
AD31600E001GM(O)U3K
CORSAIR
TR3X3G1600C8D(XMP)
A-Data
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SkiLL
G.SKILL
Kingmax
Kingmax
AD31600X002GMU(XMP)
CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP)
CMX4GX3M2A1600C9(XMP)
TR3X6G1600C8 G(XMP)
TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP)
TR3X6G1600C9 G(XMP)
TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP)
CMX8GX3M4A1600C9(XMP)
BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP)
SS/
DS
Chip Brand Chip NO.
Timing
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.65V-1.85V
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.65V
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
8192MB(Kit of 4) DS
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
BL25664TB1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
BL25664TG1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
BL25664TR1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ(XMP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS
F3-12800CL7D4GBECO(XMP)
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
F3-12800CL9D4GBECO(XMP)
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
-
7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85V
9-9-9-24 1.65V
9-9-9-24 1.65V
-
9-9-9-24 1.65V
8-8-8-24 1.65V
9-9-9-24 1.65V
8-8-8-24 1.8V
9-9-9-28 2.0V
-
8-8-8-24 8-8-8-24 -
9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V
7-8-7-24 1.35V(low
voltage)
-
F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
-
FLGD45F-B8KG9(XMP)
1024MB
SS
Kingmax
FLGD45F-B8MF7 MAEH(XMP) 1024MB
SS
KFB8FNGXF- ANX-12A
-
-
-
8-8-8-24 -
-
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.65V
F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
Voltage
DIMM support
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
8-8-8-24 1.60V
•
8-8-8-21 1.6-1.65V
•
9-9-9-24 1.35V(low
voltage)
9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V
-
7
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
(continued on the next page)
2-12
Chapter 2: Hardware information
DDR3 1600 (O.C.) MHz capability
Part No.
Size
SS/
DS
Chip Brand Chip NO.
Kingmax
FLGE85F-B8KG9(XMP)
2048MB
DS
Kingmax
Kingmax
FLGE85F-B8MF7 MEEH(XMP) 2048MB
DS
-
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
Voltage
KFB8FNGXF- ANX-12A
-
-
1.65V
-
•
•
-
-
1.65V
•
•
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K2/4G
4096MB(kit of 2) DS
-
-
-
OCZ
OCZ3G1600LV3GK
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.65V
OCZ
OCZ3BE1600LV4GK
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ3BE1600C8LV4GK
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
OCZ3OB1600LV4GK
OCZ3P1600LV4GK
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
OCZ3G1600LV6GK
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
Super Talent WA160UX6G9
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
Elixir
M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-DG(XMP) 2048MB
Mushkin
996657(XMP)
Kingtiger
Mushkin
Mushkin
PATRIOT
DS
KTG2G1600PG3
2048MB
DS
998659(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
998659(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
PGS34G1600LLKA
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
•
•
•
7
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP)
DIMM support
-
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX(XMP)
KINGSTON KHX1600C8D3T1K2/
4GX(XMP)
-
Timing
-
-
1.7-1.9V
-
1.65V
8-8-8-24 1.65V
7-7-7-24 1.65V
-
1.65V
7-7-7-24 1.65V
8-8-8-24 1.65V
9
-
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V
9-9-9-24 -
7-7-7-20 1.7V
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
7-7-7-20 1.95V
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chapter 2
Vendor
•
•
•
DDR3 1333MHz capability
Vendor
Part No.
Size
SS/ Chip
DS Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
A-Data
AD31333001GOU
1024MB
SS
-
-
A-Data
AD31333G001GOU
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
2048MB
DS
-
AD30908C8D-151C
E0906
-
A-Data
AD31333G002GMU
2048MB
DS
-
AD30908C8D-151C
E0903
CORSAIR
CM3X1024-1333C9DHX
1024MB
SS
-
A-Data
Apacer
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
CORSAIR
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
Crucial
ELPIDA
AD31333002GOU
78.A1GC6.9L1
CM3X1024-1333C9
TR3X3G1333C9 G
TR3X3G1333C9 G
TR3X3G1333C9
CM3X1024-1333C9DHX
CM3X2048-1333C9DHX
TW3X4G1333C9 G
CMX8GX3M4A1333C9
CT12864BA1339.8FF
CT12872BA1339.9FF
BL12864TA1336.8SFB1
CT25664BA1339.16FF
CT25672BA1339.18FF
2048MB
1024MB
DS
SS
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
1024MB
2048MB
DS
DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
8192MB(Kit of 4) DS
1024MB
1024MB
SS
SS
2048MB(Kit of 2) SS
2048MB
2048MB
DS
DS
BL25664ABA1336.16SFB1 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
BL25664BA1336.16SFB1
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
BL25664BN1337.16FF
(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
A-Data
A-Data
APACER
-
Corsair
-
Micron
Micron
-
Micron
Micron
-
•
•
•
8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V
•
•
•
-
8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V
•
•
•
-
9-9-9-24 1.60V
•
•
AM5D5808DEWSBG
-
9FF22D9KPT
91F22D9KPT(ECC)
-
9KF27D9KPT
91F22D9KPT(ECC)
-
-
9-9-9-24 1.50V
9
1.5V
-
-
-
-
9-9-9-24 1.50V
9-9-9-24 1.50V
9
9
-
6-6-6-20 1.8V
9
9
-
6-6-6-20 1.8V
6-6-6-20 1.8V
7-7-7-24 1.65V
1024MB
SS
ELPIDA
J1108EDSE-DJ-F
-
2048MB
DS
ELPIDA
J1108EDSE-DJ-F
-
G.SKILL
F3-10600CL7D2GBPI(XMP)
F3-10600CL9D-2GBPK
1024MB
G.SKILL
-
9-9-9-24 1.50V
EBJ21UE8EDF0-DJ-F
G.SKILL
-
9-9-9-24 1.60V
EBJ10UE8EDF0-DJ-F
G.SKILL
1.35V(low
voltage)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
-
-
-
F3-10666CL7T-3GBPK
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
-
-
7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V
-
•
•
-
-
G.SKILL
-
•
•
•
-
G.SKILL
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
•
•
•
SS
F3-10666CL9T-3GBNQ
•
•
•
SS
-
•
•
•
•
1024MB
-
•
•
•
1024MB
G.SKILL
•
1.35V(low
voltage)
F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK
SS
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
-
ELPIDA
G.SKILL
DIMM support
-
9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V
•
•
•
•
•
•
(continued on the next page)
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-13
DDR3 1333MHz capability
DIMM support
Vendor
Part No.
Size
SS/ Chip
DS Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
G.SKILL
F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ
1024MB
DS
G.SKILL
-
-
-
•
•
G.SKILL
F3-10666CL8D4GBHK(XMP)
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
-
8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6V
•
•
F3-10666CL7T6GBPK(XMP)
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
-
7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V
•
•
F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ
GV32GB1333C9DC
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V
•
•
GV34GB1333C7DC
1024MB
-
2048MB
-
-
7-7-7-24 1.5V
•
•
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
G.SKILL
GEIL
GEIL
GEIL
F3-10666CL8D4GBECO(XMP)
GG34GB1333C9DC
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
SS
DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
GEIL
-
-
GV32GB1333C9SC
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
-
-
Kingmax
FLFD45F-B8MH9 MAES
1024MB
Micron
9CF22D9KPT
Kingmax
FLFD45F-B8MF9
FLFE85F-B8MH9 MEES
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G
1024MB
SS
2048MB
DS
1024MB
2048MB
4096MB
Chapter 2
Micron
MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1
Micron
MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2048MB
Micron
Micron
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
OCZ
PSC
PSC
MT9JSF 12872AZ-1G4F1
1024MB
1024MB
MT18JSF25672AZ-1G4F1 2048MB
SS
SS
DS
DS
SS
SS
DS
DS
OCZ3X1333LV3GK(XMP)
3072MB(Kit of 3) SS
OCZ3P1333LV4GK
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
OCZ3P1333LV4GK
OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK
OCZ3X13334GK(XMP)
OCZ3G1333LV6GK
OCZ3P1333LV6GK
OCZ3X1333LV6GK(XMP)
AL7F8G73D-DG1
AL8F8G73D-DG1
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
6144MB(Kit of 3) DS
1024MB
SS
1024MB
SS
2048MB
1024MB
DS
SS
Micron
Micron
KTC
Qimonda
Hynix
Micron
Micron
Micron
Micron
-
PSC
PSC
Samsung
1024MB
SS
SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9
1024MB
SS
Samsung
SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9
2048MB
DS
Samsung
SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9
2048MB
DS
Samsung
Super
Talent
ASINT
SLY3128M8-EDJ
SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9
2048MB
DS
H5TQ2G83AFR
9FF22D9KPT
91F22D9KPT(ECC)
9KF27D9KPT
91F22D9KPT(ECC)
-
Samsung
Samsung
•
•
•
•
•
1.5V
•
•
•
-
-
•
•
•
-
•
-
IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H
•
-
9
9
9
9
-
-
1.5V
-
1.6V
7-7-7-20 1.65V
7-7-7-20 1.65V
6-5-5-20 1.85V
7-7-7-20 1.75V
9-9-9-20 1.65V
7-7-7-20 1.65V
8-8-8-20 1.60V
A3P1GF3DGF928M9B05 8-8-8-24 1.5V
A3P1GF3DGF928M9B05 8-8-8-24 1.5V
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
•
•
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
-
-
•
•
SEC 913 HCH9
K4B1G0846E
-
-
•
•
•
K4B1G0846DHCH9(ECC)
-
-
•
•
•
K4B1G0846D-HCH9
SEC 913 HCH9
K4B1G0846E
-
-
•
•
•
K4B1G0846DHCH9(ECC)
-
-
•
•
•
-
-
•
•
•
•
K4B1G0846D-HCH9
-
•
•
•
•
W1333X2GB8(XMP)
1024MB
SS
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
Transcend
TS256MLK64V3U
2048MB
DS
Micron
9GF27D9KPT
-
-
•
•
•
ASINT
SLY3128M8-EDJE
1024MB
SS
ELPIDA
J1108BASE-DJ-E
-
-
•
•
•
ASINT
ASINT
BUFFALO
BUFFALO
Century
Century
Elixir
Elixir
Kingtiger
SLY3128M8-EDJ
SLZ3128M8-EDJE
FSX1333D3G-K2G
FSX1333D3G-2G
PC3-10600 DDR3-1333
9-9-9
1024MB
2048MB
2048MB
1024MB
2048MB
1024MB
PC3-10600 DDR3-1333
9-9-9
M2Y2G64CB8HC9N-CG
2048MB
SS
DS
DS
SS
DS
SS
ASINT
ASINT
ELPIDA
-
Micron
DDRII1208-DJ 0844
DDRII1208-DJ 0844
J1108BASE-DJ-E
-
8FD22D9JNM
-
-
7-7-7-20 7-7-7-20 -
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2048MB
DS
Micron
8DD22D9JNM
-
•
•
M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-CG
2048MB
DS
-
-
7-7-7-20 -
•
•
•
2GB DIMM PC3-10666
2048MB
DS
Samsung
SEC 904 HCH9
K4B1G0846D
-
•
•
•
DS
Elixir
Kingtiger
KTG2G1333PG3
2048MB
DS
-
PATRIOT
PSD31G13332
1024MB
DS
Patriot
PATRIOT
PSD31G13332H
1024MB
DS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
•
•
•
PM64M8D38U-15
-
-
•
•
•
-
9
-
•
•
•
•
(continued on the next page)
2-14
•
9
-
9GF27D9KPT
D1288JELDPGD9U
-
9-9-9-24 1.3V(low
voltage)
8HD22D9JNM
SAMSUNG SEC 846 HCH9
K4B1G08460
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9
9
GL1L128M88BA12N
GEIL
Kingmax
8-8-8-24 1.35V(low
voltage)
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
•
•
•
Chapter 2: Hardware information
•
•
DDR3 1333MHz capability
DIMM support
Vendor
Part No.
Size
SS/ Chip
DS Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
PATRIOT
PSD32G13332H
2048MB
DS
-
-
-
-
SILICON
POWER
SP001GBLTU133S01
1024MB
SS
NANYA
NT5CB128M8AN-CG
9
-
•
•
PATRIOT
PDC34G1333ELK
4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
-
-
9-9-9-24 1.5V
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
•
•
•
•
•
SILICON
POWER
SP001GBLTU133S02
1024MB
SS
elixir
N2CB1680AN-C6
9
-
•
•
•
SILICON
POWER
SP002GBLTU133S02
2048MB
DS
elixir
N2CB1680AN-C6
9
-
•
•
•
TAKEMS
TAKEMS
TMS1GB364D081-107EY
SS
-
-
7-7-7-20 1.5V
•
•
•
TAKEMS
TMS1GB364D081-138EY
1024MB
TMS2GB364D081-107EY
2048MB
DS
-
-
7-7-7-20 1.5V
•
•
•
TAKEMS
TAKEMS
UMAX
TMS2GB364D081-138EY
1024MB
SS
2048MB
DS
TMS2GB364D082-138EW 2048MB
E41302GP0-73BDB
DS
2048MB
DS
-
-
-
8-8-8-24 1.5V
-
-
UMAX
•
8-8-8-24 1.5V
•
8-8-8-24 1.5V
-
U2S24D30TP-13
-
•
•
•
•
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
DDR3 1066MHz capability
Part No.
Size
Crucial
CT12864BA1067.8FF
Crucial
CT25664BA1067.16FF
Crucial
Crucial
ELPIDA
ELPIDA
ELPIDA
CT12872BA1067.9FF
CT25672BA1067.18FF
EBJ51UD8BAFA-AC-E
EBJ51UD8BAFA-AE-E
EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F
SS/ Chip
DS Brand
Chip NO.
Timing
Voltage
1024MB SS Micron
9GF22D9KPT
7
-
2048MB DS Micron
9HF22D9KPT
7
-
1024MB SS Micron
2048MB DS Micron
512MB
512MB
SS Elpida
SS Elpida
2048MB DS ELPIDA
9HF22D9KPT(ECC)
9GF22D9KPT(ECC)
J5308BASE-AC-E
J5308BASE-AC-E
J1108EDSE-DJ-F
7
7
-
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/1G
1024MB SS Kingston
D1288JEKAPGA7U
7
Micron
MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1
1024MB SS Micron
9GF22D9KPT
7
Micron
MT16JTF25664AZ-1G1F1 2048MB DS Micron
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G
Micron
Micron
MT9JSF12872AZ-1G1F1
2048MB DS Kingston
1024MB SS Micron
MT18JSF25672AZ-1G1F1 2048MB DS Micron
D1288JEKAPGA7U
9HF22D9KPT(ECC)
9HF22D9KPT
9GF22D9KPT(ECC)
7
7
7
7
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CF8
1024MB SS Samsung SEC 901 HCF8 K4B1G0846E -
Elixir
2048MB DS -
Elixir
M2Y2G64CB8HC5N-BE
Elixir
M2Y2G64CBHC9N-BE
Kingtiger
M2Y2G64CBHA9N-BE
2GB DIMM PC3-8500
2048MB DS Elixir
N2CB1G80CN-BE
-
2048MB DS Elixir
-
-
2048MB DS Hynix
-
H5TQ1G83AFP G7C
-
1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1.35V(low •
voltage)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1.5V
•
•
•
-
•
•
•
1.5V
-
7-7-7-20 -
DIMM support
-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chapter 2
Vendor
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz.
With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
•
When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or
higher frequency DIMMs.
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:
• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inserted into the A1 slot as Single-channel memory
configuration.
• 2 DIMMs: Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration.
• 4 DIMMs: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the blue and the black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.
Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-15
2.4.3
Installing a DIMM
Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system
components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the
components.
1.
2.
DIMM notch
Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.
Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the
DIMM slot key on the socket.
1
2
1
Unlocked retaining clip
DIMM slot key
Chapter 2
A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into
a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.
3.
Hold the DIMM by both of its ends,
then insert the DIMM vertically into
the socket. Apply force to both ends
of the DIMM simultaneously until the
retaining clip snaps back into place,
and the DIMM cannot be pushed in
any further to ensure proper sitting of
the DIMM.
3
3
Locked Retaining Clip
Always insert the DIMM into the socket VERTICALLY to prevent DIMM notch damage.
2.4.4
1.
Removing a DIMM
Simultaneously press the retaining
clip outward to unlock the DIMM.
Support the DIMM lightly with
your fingers when pressing the
retaining clips. The DIMM might
get damaged when it flips out with
extra force.
2.
2-16
2
1
1
Remove the DIMM from the socket.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.5
Expansion slots
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the
slots and the expansion cards that they support.
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
2.5.1
Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later
use.
Chapter 2
1.
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely
seated on the slot.
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
Replace the system cover.
2.5.2
Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.
1.
2.
3.
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 3 for
information on BIOS setup.
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
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. Refer to the table on the next
page for details.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-17
2.5.3
Interrupt assignments
Standard interrupt assignments
Chapter 2
IRQ
Priority
0
1
Standard function
System Timer
1
2
Keyboard Controller
2
–
Redirect to IRQ#9
4
12
Communications Port (COM1)*
5
13
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
6
14
Reserved
7
15
Reserved
8
3
System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9
4
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
10
5
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
11
6
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
12
7
Reserved
13
8
Numeric Data Processor
14
9
Primary IDE Channel
* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
PCIE x16
PCIE x1_1
PCIE x1_2
PCI1
LAN
Onboard 880G Video
Controller
USB 3.0 controller
Onchip SATA Controller
Onboard PATA
Controller
HD Audio
2-18
A
–
–
–
–
–
B
–
shared
–
–
–
C
shared
–
shared
–
shared
D
–
–
–
–
–
E
–
–
–
shared
–
F
–
–
–
–
–
G
–
–
–
–
–
H
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.5.4
PCI slot
The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that
comply with PCI specifications. 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 cards and other cards that
comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the
slots.
2.5.6
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
Chapter 2
This motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics
cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location
of the slots.
PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot
PCIe 2.0 x16 slot
PCIe 2.0 x1_2 slot
PCI slot
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-19
2.6
Jumper
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the
CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM
data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system
setup information such as system passwords.
Chapter 2
To erase the RTC RAM
1.
2.
3.
4.
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.
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to
re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
2-20
•
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again
to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.
•
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter
settings to default values.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.7
Onboard switches
Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case
system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance
system performance.
MemOK! switch
Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system
boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press
and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
Chapter 2
1.
•
Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.
•
The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
•
The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment.
•
During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.
•
Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones
recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on
the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
•
If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.
•
If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot
and load 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.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-21
2.
Core Unlocker switch
This switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of your CPU.
For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is
powered off.
Chapter 2
2-22
•
The O2LED1 LED near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting is
turned to Enable. Refer to section 2.9 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the
O2LED1 LED.
•
If you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the ASUS Core Unlocker item
in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.
•
You may also press <4> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) or enable the ASUS
Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to activate the Core Unlocker function.
•
The system will use the last setting you have made.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Connectors
2.8.1
Rear panel connectors
Chapter 2
2.8
Rear panel connectors
1.
PS/2 keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple)
6.
HDMI Out port***
2.
Optical S/PDIF Out port
7.
DVI-D Out pot
3.
D-Sub Out port
4.
LAN (RJ-45) port*
8.
USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2,
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
5.
USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6
9.
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.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-23
* LAN port LED indications
ACT/LINK SPEED
LED
LED
Activity Link LED
Speed LED
Status
Description
Status
Description
OFF
No link
OFF
10 Mbps connection
ORANGE
Linked
ORANGE
100 Mbps connection
BLINKING
Data activity
GREEN
1 Gbps connection
LAN port
** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port
Headset
2-channel
4-channel
6-channel
8-channel
Light Blue
Line In
Line In
Line In
Line In
Lime
Line Out
Front Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Chapter 2
Pink
Mic In
Mic In
Mic In
Mic In
Orange
–
–
Center/Subwoofer
Center/Subwoofer
Black
–
Rear Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Gray
–
–
–
Side Speaker Out
Dual display table
This table indicates whether the dual display you want to use is supported or not.
Dual display output
Supported
DVI + D-Sub
•
HDMI + D-Sub
•
Not supported
DVI + HDMI
•
Playback of Blu-ray Discs
For better playback quality, we suggest that you follow the system requirements in the
suggested list below.
Suggested list
CPU
AMD® Phenom II X4 805
DIMM
DDR3 1333 2G x 2
BIOS setup
Frame Buffer Size – 256MB or higher
Playback software
CyberLink® PowerDVD 9
File format
2-24
Best resolution
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Non-protected clips
1920 x 1080p
1920 x 1080p
1920 x 1080p
Blu-ray
1920 x 1080p
1920 x 1080p
1920 x 1080p
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:
If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is not
filling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable, you
can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen.
To resize your HDTV desktop:
1.
Install AMD Chipset Driver from the motherboard support DVD.
2.
Right-click the desktop and select ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center.
From the Graphics Settings tree, expand DTV (HDMI™) 1.
Click Scaling Options.
5.
Move the Underscan/Overscan slider to adjust the overall size of the display on the
HDMI™ DTV.
Using this slider increases or decreases any black borders that may be visible around
the outside of the display.
Chapter 2
3.
4.
3
4
5
6
6.
To ensure that forcing a custom display mode through the ATI Displays Manager does
not create conflicting resolutions, select the Use the scaling values instead of the
customized settings when the desktop resolution does not match your DFP
resolution check box.
The Scaling Options function of the DTV (HDMI™) 1 item in the ATI CATALYST Control
Center is adjustable only when you are using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i,
720i, or 1080i.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-25
2.8.2
Audio I/O connections
Audio I/O ports
Connect to Headphone and Mic
Chapter 2
Connect to Stereo / 2.1-channel Speakers
2-26
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers
Chapter 2
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-27
2.8.3
1.
Internal connectors
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are
three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the
following modes to configure your device.
Chapter 2
Drive jumper setting
Single device
Cable-Select or Master
Cable-Select
Two devices
Mode of device(s)
Cable connector
-
Black
Master
Black
Slave
Gray
Master
Master
Slave
Slave
Black or gray
•
Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA
cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.
•
Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the
same setting.
2-28
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.
AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1~6)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives and optical disc drives.
3.
•
These connectors are set to IDE mode by default. In IDE mode, you can connect
Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you intend to create a
Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the type of the SATA connectors to
[RAID] in the BIOS. See section 3.4.2 SATA Configuration for details.
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP2 or later version.
•
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the type of the SATA connectors to [AHCI] in the
BIOS. See section 3.4.2 SATA Configuration for details.
Chapter 2
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5,
or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB850 controller.
LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)
The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT is
standardized as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible
computers.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-29
4.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112; USB1314)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to
480 Mbps connection speed.
Chapter 2
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!
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 connector onboard if your chassis supports
front panel USB ports.
The USB module cable is purchased separately.
2-30
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
Chapter 2
5.
The COM module is purchased separately.
6.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.
•
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.
•
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 [HD Audio]; if you want to connect
an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC 97]. By
default, this connector is set to [HD]. Refer to 3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration
for details.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
2-31
7.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening
at the back of the system chassis.
Chapter 2
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
8.
CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the
system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place
jumper caps on the fan connectors!
2-32
•
The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.
•
Only the 4-pin CPU_FAN connector supports the ASUS Fan Xpert feature.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a
minimum power of 450 W.
•
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not
boot.
•
We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when configuring a
system with more power-consuming devices. 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 M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 2
9.
2-33
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
Chapter 2
•
2-34
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
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.
•
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
•
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable
to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to
the HDD.
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
This connector is for the system power button.
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without
turning off the system power.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.8.4.
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)
Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables.
To install the ASUS Q-Connector:
Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS
Q-Connector.
Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to
know the detailed pin definitions, and then
match them to their respective front panel
cable labels.
The labels on the front panel cables
may vary depending on the chassis
model.
2.
Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system
panel connector, ensuring the orientation
matches the labels on the motherboard.
3.
The front panel functions are now enabled.
The figure shows the Q-Connector is properly
installed on the motherboard.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
IDE_LED+
IDE_LED-
PWR
Ground
Reset
Ground
IDE_LED
R SW
POWE
RESET
SW
Chapter 2
1.
2-35
2.9
1.
Chapter 2
2.
2-36
Onboard LEDs
Standby Power LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to
indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft‑off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of
the onboard LED.
DRAM LED
DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an
error is found, the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is
solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem
within a second.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3.
Core Unlocker LED
The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is turned to Enable.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 2
The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in
the BIOS menu is set to [Disabled].
2-37
2.10 Starting up for the first time
1.
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
3.
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
2.
4.
5.
6.
Chapter 2
7.
Be sure that all switches are off.
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
Turn on the devices in the following order:
a.
Monitor
c.
System power
b.
External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the
BIOS beeps (see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and
connections or call your retailer for assistance.
BIOS Beep
Description
One short beep
VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
One continuous beep followed by two short
beeps then a pause (repeated)
No memory detected
One continuous beep followed by three short
beeps
No VGA detected
One continuous beep followed by four short
beeps
Hardware component failure
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
2.11 Turning off the computer
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch
for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting. Refer to section 3.7 Power menu in Chapter 3 for details.
2-38
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Chapter 3
Chapter 3:
3.1
BIOS setup
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
configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in
the following circumstances:
•
•
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to
run the BIOS Setup.
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
3.2
Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.
Chapter 3
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1.
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.
3.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support
DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
2.
4.
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.
ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
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.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-1
3.2.1
ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:
•
Save the current BIOS file
•
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file
•
•
•
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet
View the BIOS version information
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
Installing ASUS Update
To install ASUS Update:
1.
Place the support DVD in the optical drive.
3.
The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.
2.
From the Main menu, click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet
Chapter 3
To update the BIOS through the Internet:
1.
3-2
From the Windows® desktop, click
Start > Programs > ASUS >
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The
ASUS Update main window appears.
2.
Select Update BIOS from the
Internet from the drop‑down menu,
and then click Next.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest
you to avoid network traffic, or click
Auto Select. Click Next.
4.
From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download. Click
Next.
5.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update
the utility to avail all its features.
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:
2.
Fom the Windows® desktop, click
Start > Programs > ASUS >
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The
ASUS Update main window appears.
Select Update BIOS from a file
from the dropdown menu, then click
Next.
3.
4.
Locate the BIOS file from the Open
window, then click Open.
Chapter 3
1.
Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.
M4A88TDU.ROM
M4A88TDU
Ensure to load the BIOS default
settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the
Load Setup Defaults item under
the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit
Menu for details.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-3
3.2.2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a
bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility.
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website
at www.asus.com.
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:
1.
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, and then
launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways:
•
•
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.
Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and
press <Enter> to enable it.
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14
Current ROM
BOARD: M4A88TD-M/USB3
VER: 0205 (H:00 B:08)
DATE: 03/31/2010
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
A:
Chapter 3
Note
[Enter] Select or Load
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
2.
[Tab] Switch
[B] Backup
[V] Drive Info
[Esc] Exit
Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS file is found. When
the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and
automatically reboots the system when done.
•
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.
3-4
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.2.3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 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 BIOS file.
•
Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the USB flash drive into M4A88TDU.
ROM.
•
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file
published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file,
download the file at support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Turn on the system.
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.
Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on
again.
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F2> to load default
BIOS values.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 3
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!
3-5
3.2.4
ASUS BIOS Updater
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or
gets corrupted during the updating process.
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.
Before updating BIOS
1.
2.
3.
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and
single partition.
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http://
support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.
•
NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.
•
Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.
Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).
Booting the system in DOS environment
1.
2.
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.
Chapter 3
Please select boot device:
SATA:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
CDROM:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USB:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Network:XXXXXXXXXXXXX
↑ and ↓ to move selection
ENTER to select boot device
ESC to boot using defaults
3. 4.
When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by
pressing the item number.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from
Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!
C:\>d:
D:\>
3-6
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Backing up the current BIOS
To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater
Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has enough free space to save
the file.
1.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom
Filename Extension
The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric
characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.
2.
The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When
BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.00b [09/06/22]
Current ROM
BOARD: M4A88TD-M/USB3
VER: 0205 (H:00 B:08)
DATE: 03/31/2010
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
Chapter 3
BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.
Note
Saving BIOS:
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-7
Updating the BIOS file
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater
1.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /pc /g
2.
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.00b [09/06/22]
Current ROM
BOARD: M4A88TD-M/USB3
VER: 0205 (H:00 B:08)
DATE: 03/31/2010
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
M4A88TDU.ROM
A:
Note
[Enter] Select or Load
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
3.
2097152 2010-01-11 17:30:48
[Tab] Switch
[B] Backup
[V] Drive Info
[Esc] Exit
Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.
Chapter 3
Are you sure to update BIOS?
Yes
4.
No
Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS
Updater. Restart your computer.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!
3-8
•
For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS
prompt after updating BIOS.
•
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3 of
your motherboard user manual for details.
•
Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have
disconnected them.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.3
BIOS setup program
A BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues
with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>,
or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the
system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the first two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven
program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options
using the navigation keys.
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
•
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults
item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.
•
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.6 Jumper for details.
BIOS menu screen
Menu items
Main
Menu bar
Ai Tweaker
Configuration fields
Main Settings
System Time
System Date
[13:51:25]
[Mon 01/14/2002]
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3
SATA4
SATA5
SATA6
SATA Configuration
General help
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
[Not
[Not
[Not
[Not
[Not
[Not
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
System Information
Exit
Version 0205
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system Time.
←→
↑↓
+Tab
F1
F10
ESC
Chapter 3
3.3.1
•
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Field
Select Field
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
Submenu items
3.3.2
Navigation keys
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main
Ai Tweaker
For changing the basic system configuration
For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced
For changing the advanced system settings
Power
For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration
Boot
For changing the system boot configuration
Tools
For configuring options for special functions
Exit
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-9
3.3.3
Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.
Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.
3.3.4
Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.
3.3.5
Submenu items
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To
display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.
3.3.6
Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-configurable.
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the
value of a field, select it and press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 3.3.7 Pop-up
window.
Chapter 3
3.3.7
Pop-up window
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to
display a pop-up window with the configuration
options for that item.
3.3.8
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced
Power
Boot
Ai Tweaker
Suspend Mode
ACPI Version Features
ACPI APIC support
Tools
Exit
Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a field.
[Auto]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disabled
Enabled
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system Time.
APM Configuration
Hardware Monitor
Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do not
fit on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow
keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to
display the other items on the screen.
3.3.9
Main
←→
↑↓
+-
Tab
F1
F10
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Field
Select Field
General Help
Save and Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
Scroll bar
Pop-up window
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.
3-10
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4
Main menu
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an
overview of the basic system information. Select an item and press <Enter> to display the
submenu.
Refer to section 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and
how to navigate through them.
Main
Ai Tweaker
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Main Settings
System Time
System Date
[13:51:25]
[Mon 01/14/2002]
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3
SATA4
SATA5
SATA6
SATA Configuration
[Not
[Not
[Not
[Not
[Not
[Not
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
Detected]
System Information
Exit
Version 0205
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system Time.
←→
↑↓
+Tab
F1
F10
ESC
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Field
Select Field
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
3.4.1
SATA 1~6
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Main
SATA1
Device
: Not Detected
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M
[Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]
Chapter 3
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There
is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item and press <Enter> to
display the SATA device information.
Version 0205
Disabled: Disables
LBA Mode.
Auto: Enables LBA
Mode if the device
supports it and the
device is not already
formatted with LBA
Mode disabled.
←→
↑↓
+F1
F10
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Field
General Help
Save and Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor,
Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART Monitoring).
These values are not user-configurable. These items show Not Detected if no SATA device
is installed in the system.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-11
Type [Auto]
Allows you to select the type of device installed.
[Not Installed]
[Auto]
[CDROM]
[ARMD]
Select this option if no device is installed.
Allows automatic selection of the appropriate device type.
Select this option if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive.
Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a
ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.
This item appears in SATA 5/SATA 6 only.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)
if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously
formatted with LBA mode disabled.
Disables this function.
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in
multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.
When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one
sector at a time.
PIO Mode [Auto]
Chapter 3
[Auto]Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,
which correspond to different data transfer rates.
[0] [1] [2] [3] [4]Sets the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
DMA Mode [Auto]
DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware
devices installed with much less CPU overhead.
The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA
(Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
[Auto]Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,
and Reporting Technology).
[Enabled]Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.
[Disabled]Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]
[Enabled]Sets the controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into
a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes more
efficient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the
transfer of a particular amount of data.
[Disabled]Disables this function.
3-12
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4.2
SATA Configuration
The SATA Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage devices. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Main
Options
SATA Configuration
OnChip
OnChip
SATA
SATA
SATA Speed
SATA Channel
Port1 - Port4
Port5 - Port6
Version 0205
[Auto]
[Enabled]
[IDE]
[IDE]
Disabled
Enabled
OnChip SATA Speed [Auto]
[Auto]
Allows automatic selection of the SATA speed.
[SATA 3.0Gb/s] Set the SB850 SATA speed to [SATA 3.0Gb/s] to support SATA 3.0Gb/s
HDDs with max. speed at 3.0Gb/s.
[SATA 6.0Gb/s] Set the SB850 SATA speed to [SATA 6.0Gb/s] to support SATA 6.0Gb/s
HDDs with max. speed at 6.0Gb/s.
OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the onboard channel SATA port.
Disables the onboard channel SATA port.
The following two items appear only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to
[Enabled].
SATA Port1 - Port4 [IDE]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[RAID]
[AHCI]
Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the SATA
hard disk drives.
Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI
(Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to
internally optimize the order of commands.
•
When this item is set to [AHCI], the information of the SATA connectors 1~6 can be
seen only under the OS environment or during POST.
•
For Windows® XP OS, you have to install the AHCI driver, so that you could use the
SATA connectors 1~6 in AHCI mode under the OS environment.
Chapter 3
[IDE]
SATA Port5 - Port6 [IDE]
Setting this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the
optical dirves connected to the SATA connectors 5 or 6 when installing OS.
If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that
you install the optical dirve to the SATA connectors 5/6 and set them to [IDE] mode.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-13
3.4.3
System Information
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically
detects the BIOS information, CPU specification, and system memory in this menu.
Main
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Version 0205
BIOS Information
Version
: 0205
Build Date: 03/31/10
Processor
Type
: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor
Speed
: 3000MHz
System Memory
Installed Size: 1024MB
Usable Size
: 768MB
Chapter 3
3-14
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5
Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.
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 chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.
Main
Ai Tweaker
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Configure System Performance Settings
Target CPU Frequency : 3000MHz
Target DRAM Frequency: 1333MHz
CPU Level UP
[Auto]
------------------------------------------------CPU Overclocking
[Auto]
CPU Ratio
[Auto]
DRAM Frequency
[Auto]
CPU/NB Frequency
[Auto]
HT Link Speed
[Auto]
GPU Booster
[Enabled]
Enhanced iGPU SpeedStep
[Auto]
GPU Power Saving Mode
[Disabled]
OC Tuner Utility
DRAM Timing Configuration
DRAM Driving Configuration
******* Please key in numbers directly! *******
CPU & NB Voltage Mode
[Offset]
Exit
Version 0205
Warning: this function
belongs to overclocking, and it may cause
instability.
Select a CPU level,
and the rest will be
auto-adjusted. If you
want to adjust more,
set Ai Overclock Tuner
to Manual after you
select a CPU level.
←→
↑↓
+F1
F10
ESC
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Option
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
CPU Offset Voltage
1.350 [Auto]
CPU/NB Offset Voltage 1.100 [Auto]
CPU VDDA Voltage
2.500 [Auto]
DRAM Voltage
1.500 [Auto]
HT Voltage
1.200 [Auto]
NB Voltage
1.100 [Auto]
NB 1.8V Voltage
1.800 [Auto]
SB Voltage
1.100 [Auto]
***********************************************
CPU Load-Line Calibration
[Auto]
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
PCI/PCIe CLK Status
←→
↑↓
+F1
F10
Chapter 3
Scroll down to display the following items:
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Option
General Help
Save and Exit
[Enabled]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
3.5.1
CPU Level UP [Auto]
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be automatically adjusted
according to the selected CPU level. If you want to manually configure the settings in detail,
set CPU Overclocking to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-955] [Phenom II-3.4G] [Phenom II-3.6G]
•
The configuration options vary depending on the CPU model you install on the
motherboard.
•
The CPU Level UP function support depends on CPU types.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-15
3.5.2
CPU OverClocking [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:
Manual
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
Auto
Loads the optimal settings for the system.
D.O.C.P
CPU Level UP
Overclock Profile
Allows you to select a DRAM O.C. profile, and the related parameters
will be adjusted automatically.
Allows you to select a CPU level, and the related parameters will be
adjusted automatically.
Allows you to select an overclocking profile.
The configuration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the CPU/DIMMs
you install on the motherboard.
OC From CPU Level UP [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and allows you
to select a CPU level. The related parameters will be automatically adjusted according to the
selected CPU level.
CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) [200]
This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and displays
the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the CPU Bus frequency. You can also key in the desired frequency using
the numeric keypad. The values range from 100MHz to 550MHz.
Chapter 3
PCIE Frequency [100]
This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Manual] and allows you
to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency.
You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from
100MHz to 150MHz.
DRAM O.C. Profile [DDR3-1600MHz]
This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [D.O.C.P.] and allows
you to select a DRAM O.C. profile, which applies different settings to DRAM frequency,
DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. Configuration options: [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-1800MHz]
[DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2000MHz]
Profile Info : xxxxMHz–x-x-x-xx
This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [D.O.C.P.] and displays
the current DRAM profile information. The profile information varies according to the DRAM
O.C. Profile you have selected.
Overclock Options [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Overclock Profile] and
allows you to select an overclocking profile. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%]
[Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]
3-16
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.3
CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU
model.
The following two items only appear when you install a 6-core CPU.
AMD Turbo CORE technology [Enbaled]
Enables or disables the AMD Turbo Core technology. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Turbo CORE Ratio [Auto]
Sets the Turbo Core ratio. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges
vary depending on your CPU model. Configuration options: [Auto]
3.5.4
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz]
[1067MHz] [1333MHz] [1600MHz]
Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.
3.5.5
CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the ratio between the NB (in CPU) Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency.
Configuration options: [Auto] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]
HT Link Speed [Auto]
Chapter 3
3.5.6
Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed. Configuration options: [Auto] [200MHz]
[400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz]
[2000MHz]
3.5.7
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
GPU Booster [Enabled]
Select [Enabled] to automatically optimize the iGPU frequency.
Select [Disabled] to use a fixed iGPU frequency.
Enhanced iGPU SpeedStep [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the GPU Booster item to [Enabled] and allows you
to set the iGPU clock speed for better 3D performance. Configuration options: [Auto]
[Performance] [Turbo] [Manual]
GPU Engine Clock [700]
This item appears only when you set the GPU Booster item to [Disabled] or set the
Enhanced iGPU SpeedStep item to [Manual]. Allows you to set the GPU Engine
Clock. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired
value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200MHz to 2000MHz.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-17
GPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the GPU Booster item to [Enabled].
[Enabled]
Select [Enabled] to reduce the iGPU power consumption when the system
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 <Enter> to start auto tuning. It takes around five minutes, and the system will reboot for
several times until auto tuning is completed.
3.5.9
DRAM Timing Configuration
The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs
you install on the motherboard.
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] – [12 CLK]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK]
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK]
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [15 CLK] – [30 CLK]
Chapter 3
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]
DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] – [41 CLK]
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK]
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [17 CLK]
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [10 CLK]
3-18
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Timing [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [10 CLK]
DRAM READ to READ Timing [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [10 CLK]
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]
DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]
DRAM Command Rate [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]
3.5.10
DRAM Driving Configuration
The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs
you install on the motherboard.
CKE drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]
Chapter 3
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]
MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
Data drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
DQS drive strength [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]
Processor ODT [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-19
3.5.11
CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]
Allows you to set the CPU & CPU/NB Voltage Mode. Different sub-items appear according to
the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item setting. Configuration options: [Offset] [Manual]
CPU Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Offset] and
allows you to set the CPU Offset voltage. The values range from 0.006250V to 0.500000V
with a 0.003125V interval.
CPU/NB Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Offset]
and allows you to set the CPU/NB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.006250V to
0.500000V with a 0.003125V interval.
CPU Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and
allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage.
CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and
allows you to set a fixed CPU/NB voltage.
3.5.12
CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.50V to 2.80V with a 0.10V
interval.
Chapter 3
3.5.13
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 2.44500V with a
0.01500V interval.
3.5.14
HT Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.40000V
with a 0.01000V interval.
3.5.15
NB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.73000V with
a 0.01000V interval.
3.5.16
NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge 1.8V voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 1.90V with a
0.10V interval.
3.5.17
SB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Southbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V with a
0.10V interval.
3-20
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.18
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.5.19
CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.5.20
PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled]
Allows you to enable and disable clock for the PCI/PCIe slot.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.6
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.
Ai Tweaker
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
CPU Configuration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Configuration
PCIPnP
USB Configuration
3.6.1
Exit
Version 0205
Configure CPU.
Chapter 3
Main
CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
CPU Configuration
AGESA Version:3.7.0.0
AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor
Revision: C2
Cache L1: 512KB
Cache L2: 2048KB
Cache L3: 6MB
Speed
: 3000MHz,
HT Frequency : 2000MHz
Able to Change Freq. : Yes
uCode Patch Level
: 0x1000086
GART Error Reporting
Microcode Updation
Secure Virtual Machine Mode
Cool‘n’Quiet
ACPI SRAT Table
C1E Support
ASUS Core Unlocker
CPU Core Activation
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Version 0205
This option should
remain disabled for
the normal operation.
The driver developer
may enable it for
testing purpose.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Auto]
3-21
GART Error Reporting [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the GART Error Reporting function.
Enables the GART Error Reporting function.
Microcode Updation [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Allows the system to update the Microcode automatically, enhancing
system performance.
Disables this function.
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.
Disables this function.
Cool‘n’Quiet [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.
Disables this function.
ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.
Disables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.
C1E Support [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to
enable the Enhanced Halt Sate.
Disables this function.
ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled]
Chapter 3
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the ASUS Core Unlocker to get the full computing power of the
processor.
Disables this function.
CPU Core Activation [Auto]
Allows you to set the active CPU cores. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following items appear only when you set CPU Core Activation to [Manual].
2nd Core [On]
Enables or disables the second CPU core. Configuration options: [On] [Off]
3rd Core [On]
Enables or disables the third CPU core. Configuration options: [On] [Off]
4th Core [On]
Enables or disables the fourth CPU core. Configuration options: [On] [Off]
3-22
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.6.2
Chipset
The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then
press <Enter> to display the submenu.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Chipset Configuration
Version 0205
Memory Options &
Information
NorthBridge Configuration
Internal Graphics
NorthBridge Chipset Configuration
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Version 0205
NorthBridge Chipset Configuration
DRAM Controller Configuration
ECC Configuration
DRAM Controller Configuration
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
DRAM Controller Configuration
Bank Interleaving
Channel Interleaving
Enable Clock to All DIMMs
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID
Memory Hole Remapping
DCT Unganged Mode
Power Down Enable
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
Version 0205
Enable Bank Memory
Interleaving
Chapter 3
Bank Interleaving [Auto]
Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
Channel Interleaving [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12]
[XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]
Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]
Enables unused Clocks to DIMMs even though memory slots are not populated.
Configuraiton options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Always]
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-23
Power Down Enable [Disabled]
Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ECC Configuration
Version 0205
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
ECC Configuration
ECC Mode
DRAM ECC Enable
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT
4-Bit ECC Mode
DRAM BG Scrub
Data Cache BG Scrub
L2 Cache BG Scrub
L3 Cache BG Scrub
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
Set the level of ECC
protection. Note: The
‘Super’ ECC mode
dynamically sets the
DRAM scrub rate so
all of memory is
scrubbed in 8 hours.
ECC Mode [Disabled]
Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct
memory errors.
[Disabled]
[Basic]
[Good]
[Super]
[Max]
[User]
Disables the DRAM ECC mode.
Set to [Basic] to adjust ECC mode automatically.
Set to [Good] to adjust ECC mode automatically.
Set to [Super] to adjust the DRAM BG Scrub sub-item manually.
Set to [Max] to adjust ECC mode automatically.
Set to [User] to adjust all the subitems manually.
Internal Graphics
Version 0205
Chapter 3
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Internal Graphics
Primary Video Controller
Internal Graphics Mode
UMA Frame Buffer Size
Surround View
Frame Buffer Location
AMD HDMI Audio
Options
[GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]
[UMA]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Above 4G]
[Enabled]
GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI
GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI
PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX
IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI
Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]
Configuration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI]
[PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI]
Internal Graphics Mode [UMA]
Selects the internal graphics mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [UMA]
UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the Internal Graphics Mode item to [UMA].
Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB] [1024MB]
3-24
•
The [512MB] option only appears when you install 1GB or higher capacity DIMMs.
•
The [1024MB] option only appears when you install 2GB or higher capacity DIMMs.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Surround View [Auto]
If you set the PCI Express device as the primary display and enable this item, you may use
the internal graphics as the secondary display. This item appears only when you set the
Internal Graphics Mode item to [UMA]. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
When set to [Auto], only the primary display could be activated.
Frame Buffer Location [Above 4G]
Allows you to select the FB Location. Configuration options: [Below 4G] [Above 4G]
AMD HDMI Audio [Enabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the AMD HDMI Audio.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Onboard Devices Configuration
Version 0205
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Onboard Devices Configuration
Serial Port1 Address
Parallel Port Address
Parallel Port Mode
Parallel Port IRQ
[3F8/IRQ4]
[378]
[Normal]
[IRQ7]
HDAudio Controller
Front Panel Select
OnBoard LAN Controller
Onboard LAN Boot ROM
OnBoard IDE Controller
VT6415 IDE BootROM
USB 3.0 Controller
[Enabled]
[HD Audio]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
Allows BIOS to select
Serial Port1 Base
Addresses.
Chapter 3
3.6.3
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Configuration options: [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]
Parallel Port Address [378]
Selects the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]
Parallel Port Mode [Normal]
Selects the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP + ECP]
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]
Allows BIOS to select the Parallel Port IRQ. Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]
HDAudio Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the HD Audio controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-25
Front Panel Select [HD Audio]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or
high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio
module supports.
[AC 97]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97
[HD Audio] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio.
Onboard LAN Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the onboard LAN controller.
Disables the controller.
Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].
[Enabled] Enables the onboard Gigabit LAN Boot ROM.
[Disabled] Disables the LAN Boot ROM.
Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the onboard IDE controller.
Disables the controller.
VT6415 IDE Boot ROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].
[Enabled] Enables the VT6415 IDE Boot ROM.
[Disabled] Disables the VT6415 IDE Boot ROM.
USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]
Chapter 3
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
3.6.4
Enables the onboard USB 3.0 controller.
Disables the controller.
PCIPnP
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.
Plug And Play O/S
[No]
Version 0205
NO: lets the BIOS
configure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
configure Plug and
Plug And Play O/S [No]
[Yes]
[No]
3-26
When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the
operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.6.5
USB Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and
press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
USB Configuration
Version 0205
Options
Module Version - 2.24.5-13.4
Disabled
Enabled
USB Devices Enabled:
None
USB Functions
Legacy USB Support
USB 2.0 Controller Mode
[Enabled]
[Auto]
[HiSpeed]
The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is
detected, the item shows None.
USB Functions [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the USB Host Controllers.
Disables the controllers.
The following items appear only when you set USB Support to [Enabled].
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
Disables the function.
Chapter 3
[Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
[FullSpeed]
[HiSpeed]
Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps).
Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps).
The following items only appear when a USB storage device is plugged in.
USB Mass Storage Device Configuration
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
USB Mass Storage Device Configuration
USB Mass Storage Reset Delay[20 Sec]
Device #1
Kingston DataTraveler
Emulation Type [Auto]
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Version 0205
Number of seconds
POST waits for the
USB mass storage
device after start
unit command.
3-27
USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec]
Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize.
Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec]
Emulation Type [Auto]
Allows you to set the emulation type. Configuration options: [Auto] [Floppy]
[Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM]
3.7
Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power
Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Main
Ai Tweaker
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Power Settings
Suspend Mode
ACPI 2.0 Support
ACPI APIC Support
[Auto]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
Exit
Version 0205
Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.
APM Configuration
HW Monitor Configuration
Anti Surge Support
NB Thermal Protect
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
←→
↑↓
Enter
F1
F10
ESC
Select Screen
Select Item
Go to Sub Screen
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
Chapter 3
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
3.7.1
Suspend Mode [Auto]
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used
for system suspend.
[Auto]The system automatically configures the ACPI suspend mode.
[S1 (POS) only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S1/POS (Power On Suspend).
[S3 only]
Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S3/STR (Suspend To RAM).
3.7.2
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
3.7.3
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
3-28
ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]
The system will not add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specifications.
The system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specifications.
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
The system disables the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC).
The ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.7.4
APM Configuration
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Power
APM Configuration
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Power On From S5 By PME# [Disabled]
Power On From S5 By Ring [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On From S5 By RTC Alarm
[Disabled]
Version 0205
Options
Power Off
Power On
Last State
Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]
[Power On]
[Power Off]
[Last State]
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was
before the AC power loss.
Power On From S5 By PME# [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE devices.
Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE LAN or modem card.
This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead.
Power On From S5 By Ring [Disabled]
Chapter 3
[Disabled]Disables to power up the computer when the external modem receives a
call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
[Enabled]The computer could be powered up when the external modem receives a
call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully
running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first try. Turning an external modem
off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the
system power on.
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires
an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]
Power On From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables RTC to generate a wake event.
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and System
Time will become user-configurable with set values.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-29
3.7.5
HW Monitor Configuration
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Power
Hardware Monitor
Version 0205
CPU Temperature
CPU Temperature
MB Temperature
[35ºC/95ºF]
[34ºC/93ºF]
CPU Fan Speed
Chassis Fan Speed
[3590RPM]
[N/A]
VCORE Voltage
3.3V Voltage
5V Voltage
12V Voltage
[ 1.040V]
[ 3.008V]
[ 4.776V]
[11.648V]
CPU Q-Fan Function
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit
CPU Q-Fan Mode
[Disabled]
[200 RPM]
[Standard]
←→
↑↓
Enter
F1
F10
ESC
Select Screen
Select Item
Go to Sub Screen
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard
temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan
speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field
shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed.
VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
Chapter 3
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item.
CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the CPU Q-Fan feature.
Enables the CPU Q-Fan feature.
The following item appears only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you
to set the low limit of the CPU fan speed over which a warning message will show up.
Configuration options: [500 RPM] [400 RPM] [300 RPM] [200 RPM] [100 RPM] [Ignored]
3-30
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU Q-Fan Mode [Standard]
[Turbo]
Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.
[Standard]Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on
the CPU temperature.
[Silent]Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.
[Manual]
Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
3.7.6
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
3.7.7
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]
Enables the Anti Surge support.
Disables the Anti Surge support.
NB Thermal Protect [Enabled]
Chapter 3
When this item is enabled, the system will automatically shut down when the Northbridge
temperature is over 95ºC to avoid any damage to the Northbridge chipset. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-31
3.8
Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press
<Enter> to display the submenu.
Main
Ai Tweaker
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
Version 0205
Specifies the Boot Device
Boot Priority sequence.
Boot Settings
Boot Device Priority
Boot Settings Configuration
Security
A virtual floppy disk
drive (Floppy Drive B:
) may appear when you
set the CD-ROM drive
as the first boot
device.
←→
↑↓
Enter
F1
F10
ESC
Select Screen
Select Item
Go to Sub Screen
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
3.8.1
Boot Device Priority
Version 0205
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Boot
Boot Device Priority
1st Boot Device
2nd Boot Device
3rd Boot Device
[Removable Dev.]
[Hard Drive]
[ATAPI CD-ROM]
Specifies the boot
sequence from the
available devices.
1st – xxth Boot Device [Removable Dev.]
Chapter 3
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number
of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the
system. Configuration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]
•
•
3-32
To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.
To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:
- Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.
- Press <F8> after POST.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.8.2
Boot Settings Configuration
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Boot
Boot Settings Configuration
Quick Boot Full Screen Logo
AddOn ROM Display Mode
Bootup Num-Lock
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Force BIOS]
[On]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
Version 0205
Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.
Quick Boot [Enabled]
[Disabled]
When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.
[Enabled]When set to [Enabled], BIOS skips some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system.
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the full screen logo display feature.
Disables the full screen logo display feature.
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
[Force BIOS]
The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot
sequence.
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].
Chapter 3
[Off]
[On]
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables this function.
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables this function.
The system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-33
3.8.3
Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item
and press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Version 0205
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Boot
Security Settings
Supervisor Password
User Password
: Not Installed
: Not Installed
<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disable password.
Change Supervisor Password
Change User Passward
Change Supervisor Password
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item
on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item
shows Installed.
To set a Supervisor Password:
1.
2.
3.
Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.
From the password box, key in a password composed of up to six letters and/or
numbers, then press <Enter>.
Confirm the password when prompted.
The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press
<Enter> twice. The message Password Uninstalled appears.
Chapter 3
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC
RAM.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change
other security settings.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Boot
Security Settings
Supervisor Password
User Password
: Installed
: Installed
Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check
3-34
Version 0205
<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.
[Full Access]
[Setup]
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
User Access Level [Full Access]
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.
[No Access]
[View Only]
[Limited]
[Full Access]
Prevents user access to the Setup utility.
Allows access but does not allow change to any field.
Allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
Allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.
Change User Password
Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the
screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.
To set a User Password:
1.
2.
3.
Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.
On the password box that appears, type a password composed of up to six letters
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.
Confirm the password when prompted.
The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
Clear User Password
Select this item to clear the user password.
Password Check [Setup]
BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility.
BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting
the system.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 3
[Setup]
[Always]
3-35
3.9
Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
Main
Ai Tweaker
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Tools Settings
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Express Gate Enter OS Timer
Reset User Data
[Auto]
[10 Seconds]
[No]
Exit
Version 0205
Press ENTER to run the
utility to select and
update BIOS.
This utility supports:
1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)
2.NTFS (read only)
3.CD-DISC (read only)
ASUS O.C. Profile
AI NET 2
←→
↑↓
Enter
F1
F10
Select Screen
Select Item
Go to Sub Screen
General Help
Save and Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
3.9.1
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to
confirm your choice.
For more details, refer to section 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.
Chapter 3
3.9.2
Express Gate [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate
feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser
and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first screen before
starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the first screen of
Express Gate for user action.
Configuration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds] [10 seconds]
[15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]
Reset User Data [No]
Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.
[Reset]When setting this item to [Reset], ensure that you save the setting to the
BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the
Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as
any personal information stored by the web browser such as bookmarks,
cookies, browsing history. This is useful in the rare case where corrupt
settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.
3-36
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
[No]Sets to [No] to disable the Reset User Data function when entering the
Express Gate.
The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after
clearing its settings.
3.9.3
ASUS O.C. Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
O.C. PROFILE Configuration
O.C.
O.C.
O.C.
O.C.
O.C.
O.C.
O.C.
O.C.
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
Status
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
Not
Not
Not
Not
Not
Not
Not
Not
Installed
Installed
Installed
Installed
Installed
Installed
Installed
Installed
Tools
Version 0205
Typing your profile
name, [0-9][a-z][A-Z]
are acceptable.
Status:
Add Your CMOS Profile.
Name:
Save To:
Load CMOS Profiles.
Load From:
[Default-Profile]
[Uninstalled]
[Blank]
←→
↑↓
F1
F10
Select Screen
Select Item
General Help
Save and Exit
Start O.C. Profile
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
Add Your CMOS Profile
Chapter 3
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, key in
your profile name and press <Enter>, and then choose a profile number to save your CMOS
settings in the Save to sub-item.
Load CMOS Profiles.
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to
load the file.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-37
Start O.C. Profile
Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility V2.14
Current CMOS
BOARD: M4A88TD-M/USB3
VER: 0205 (H:00 B:08)
DATE: 03/31/2010
Restore CMOS
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
A:
Note
[Enter] Select or Load
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
•
•
•
•
Chapter 3
3.9.4
[Tab] Switch
[B] Backup
[V] Drive Info
[Esc] Exit
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!
We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU
configuration and BIOS version.
Only the CMO file can be loaded.
AI NET 2
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
AI NET 2
Pair Status
Version 0205
Check Realtek LAN
cable during POST.
Length
Check Realtek LAN cable
Tools
[Disabled]
It will take 3 to 10
seconds to diagnose
LAN cable.
Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
3-38
BIOS will not check the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test
(POST).
BIOS checks the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.10 Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS
items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Main
Ai Tweaker
Exit Options
Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes
Load Setup Defaults
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Version 0205
Exit
Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.
F10 key can be used
for this operation.
←→
↑↓
Enter
F1
F10
ESC
Select Screen
Select Item
Go to Sub Screen
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc.
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this
menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Exit & Save Changes
Chapter 3
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to
ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery
sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this
option, a confirmation window appears. Select Ok to save changes and exit.
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts
you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter>
to save the changes while exiting.
Exit & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup
program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System Time, and
Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.
Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved
values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select Ok to discard any changes
and load the previously saved values.
Load Setup Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before
saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
3-39
Chapter 3
3-40
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
4.1
Software support
Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows® XP / 64-bit XP/ Vista / 64-bit Vista / 7 / 64-bit 7
operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to
maximize the features of your hardware.
4.2
•
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed
information.
•
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.
Support DVD information
The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.
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.
4.2.1
Running the support DVD
Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Highlights
menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you
want to install.
The Drivers menu shows the available
device drivers if the system detects
installed devices. Install the necessary
drivers to use the devices.
The Utilities
menu shows the
applications and
other software that
the motherboard
supports.
The Make Disk menu
contains items to
create the RAID/AHCI
driver disk.
The Manual menu contains
the list of supplementary user
manuals. Click an item to open
the folder of the user manual.
Click the Highlights
tab to display the
software information
Click the Contact
tab to display the
ASUS contact
information.
Click an item
to install
Chapter 4
Click an icon
to display DVD/
motherboard
information
Click to obtain the
corresponding
software manuals
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to
locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run
the DVD.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-1
4.2.2
Obtaining the software manuals
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get
the necessary software manuals.
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.
1.
Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS
Motherboard Utility Guide from
the manual list on the left.
2.
The Manual folder of the support
DVD appears. Double-click the
folder of your selected software.
3.
Some software manuals are
provided in different languages.
Double-click the language to
show the software manual.
Chapter 4
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals
containing in the support DVD vary by models.
4-2
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3
Software information
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software
application for more information.
4.3.1
ASUS PC Probe II
PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and
alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU
temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based,
you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are
assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.
Launching PC Probe II
1.
2.
3.
Install PC Probe II from the motherboard support DVD.
Launch PC Probe II by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC
Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears.
The PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click this icon to close
or restore the application.
PC Probe II main window
Button
Function
Opens the Configuration window
Opens the Report window
Opens the Desktop Management Interface window
Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window
Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window
Chapter 4
Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window
Shows/Hides the Preference section
Minimizes the application
Closes the application
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-3
4.3.2
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and
automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task
the CPU performs.
Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
1.
2.
3.
4.
Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the Power On
Self-Tests (POST).
Go to Advanced > CPU Configuration > Cool‘n’Quiet and set it to [Enabled]. See
section 3.6 Advanced menu.
Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.
Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on your
operating system.
Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software
1.
Install Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support DVD.
3.
The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU
Frequency and CPU Voltage.
2.
Click Start > All Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
Chapter 4
4-4
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.3
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.
Launching AI Suite
1.
Install AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD.
2.
Launch AI Suite by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.
xx. The AI Suite main window appears.
3.
The AI Suite icon
appears in the Windows® notification area. If you minimize the
application main window, click this icon to restore the window.
Using AI Suite
Click each utility button to launch the utility, or click the Normal button to restore system
default settings.
Click to open the monitor window that displays
system information such as CPU temperature,
CPU voltage, fan speed, and CPU/FSB frequency
Click to restore
default settings
•
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual utility buttons vary
by models.
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 4
Click to launch
each utility
4-5
4.3.4
ASUS Fan Xpert
Asus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed according to different ambient
temperature and your PC’s system loading. The various fan profiles offer flexible controls of
CPU fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool system environment.
Launching Fan Xpert
After installing AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD, launch Fan Xpert by doubleclicking the AI Suite tray icon and then clicking the Fan Xpert button
on the AI Suite
main window.
Using Fan Xpert
Click to select a fan type
Click to select a fan profile
Click to cancel
the settings and
exit the Fan Xpert
utility
Displays the current CPU/MB temperature and the fan speeds
Click to apply the settings
Fan profiles
•
Disable: Select this mode to disable the Fan Xpert function.
•
Optimal: This mode adjusts the CPU fan speed with the ambient temperature.
Chapter 4
•
•
•
4-6
Performance: This mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best
cooling effect
Silent: This mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.
Manual: This mode allows you to change the CPU fan profile under certain limitation.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.5
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving
solution. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently adjusts the power in
real-time. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the
most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking.
ASUS EPU provides you with these modes to choose from:
•
Auto Mode
•
High Performance Mode
•
Max. Power Saving Mode
When you select Auto Mode
, the system shifts modes automatically according to the
current system status. You can also configure advanced settings for each mode.
Launching EPU
After installing EPU from the motherboard support
DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to launch the
program.
EPU main menu
GPU energy saving status
GPU Boost is available only when
you install the GPU Boost driver
from the support DVD.
•
EPU supports GPU power saving solution when you install the GPU Boost driver from
the support DVD and set EPU to Auto or Maximum Power Saving Mode.
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 4
Displays the following message
if no VGA power saving engine is
detected.
4-7
4.3.6
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the
Internet and key applications before entering the Windows® OS.
Notices about ASUS Express Gate
•
Install ASUS Express Gate from the motherboard support DVD before use.
•
ASUS Express Gate does not support SATA devices in RAID mode. See chapter 3 for
BIOS setup details.
•
ASUS Express Gate does not support SATA 6Gb/s devices. Please visit
http://support.asus.com for future Express Gate updates.
•
ASUS Express Gate supports onboard ASUS WiFi modules only. All add-on WiFi
devices (such as a USB WiFi dongle) are not supported.
•
ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from ODD and USB drives and
downloading to USB drives only.
•
ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and Flash
drives with at least 1.2GB of available disk space. When installed on USB HDDs or
Flash drives, connect the drive to the prior USB port (for example, USB port 1)
before turning on the computer to speed the boot-up time.
•
ASUS Express Gate’s display output varies with different monitors. Adjust the screen
resolution from the Express Gate configuration Panel.
•
Install at least 1GB system memory for better performance.
The Splash Screen
Express Gate’s splash screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the
computer.
Click any of the application icons to
enter Express Gate environment and
launch the selected application
Turn off the computer
Click to immediately enter existing OS, or it will automatically continue booting to
existing OS when the timer above the Exit icon counts down to zero (0).
Chapter 4
4-8
•
The Web Search bar is available only when the system language of Express Gate is
set to English (U.S.) or Russian, and the search provider is Yahoo!® for English and
Yandex® for Russian.
•
To enter the motherboard BIOS setup program, click Exit on the Express Gate splash
screen, and then press the <Del> key during POST.
•
Click
in the Express Gate environment for detailed software instructions.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.7
Audio configurations
The Realtek audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection function, S/PDIF Out
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and
giving users plug and play convenience.
®
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD
that came with the motherboard package.
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find
the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Doubleclick on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.
A.
Realtek HD Audio Manager
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® Vista / 7
Set default device
button
Minimize
button
Exit button
Device
advanced
settings
Configuration
option tabs
Connector
settings
Analog
and digital
connector
status
Control
settings
window
Information
button
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP
Configuration
options
Control settings
window
Exit button
Minimize button
Chapter 4
B.
Information button
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-9
4.3.8
ASUS GPU Boost
ASUS GPU Boost allows you to overclock the integrated GPU in WIndows® environment and
takes effect in real-time without exiting and rebooting the OS.
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting the integrated GPU voltage settings.
Setting a high voltage may damage the integrated GPU permanently, and setting a low
voltage may make the system unstable.
•
ASUS GPU Boost is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the
motherboard support DVD.
•
For system stability, all changes made in ASUS GPU Boost will not be saved to BIOS
settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function
to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after
Windows starts.
•
When GPU Boost is enabled, ASUS EPU will be set to High Performance mode
automatically.
To launch ASUS GPU Boost
1.
2.
3.
4.
Install the ASUS TurboV EVO utility from the motherboard support DVD.
Install the ASUS GPU Boost driver from the motherboard support DVD.
Click start > All Programs > ASUS > TurboV EVO > TurboV EVO.
Click More Settings from the TurboV EVO main screen, and then click GPU Boost.
Adjustment
sliders
Target values
Start-up values
Chapter 4
Undoes all changes
without applying
Click to restore all start-up settings
Applies all changes immediately
You can adjust the GPU Engine Clock and GPU Voltage simultaneously in the TurboV
Easy Mode.
4-10
Chapter 4: Software support
4.4ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—
TurboV EVO
ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV, CPU Level UP and Turbo Key—three powerful
tools that allow you to overclock your system effectively. Install ASUS TurboV EVO from the
support DVD that came with the motherboard package.
If the TurboV EVO is correctly installed, you will find the TurboV EVO icon
on the Windows® notification area. Click on the icon to display the TurboV
EVO control panel.
4.4.1
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
•
When TurboV EVO is enabled, ASUS EPU will be set to High Performance mode
automatically.
Using ASUS TurboV
ASUS TurboV allow you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, CPU/NB voltage,
DRAM voltage, and the integrated GPU voltage/frequency in Windows® environment and
takes effect in real-time.
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the
system unstable.
For system stability, all changes made in ASUS TurboV (except for Auto Tuning) will not
be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save
Profile function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the
profile after Windows starts.
Easy Mode
Manual Mode
Load profile
Auto Tuning Mode
Save the current
settings as a
new profile
Target values
Start-up values
Adjustment
sliders
Advanced GPU
settings
CPU ratio setting
for each CPU core
Advanced CPU and
chipset voltage settings
Click to show / hide
more settings
Click to restore all start-up settings
•
•
Chapter 4
Undoes all changes
without applying
Applies all changes immediately
GPU Boost is available only when you install the GPU Boost driver from the
motherboard support DVD.
For advanced overclock ability, adjust first the BIOS items, and then proceed more
detailed adjustments using TurboV.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-11
4.4.2
Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode
The Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Follow the instructions below to let
TurboV EVO detect and overclock your system.
Chapter 4
4-12
1.
Click the Auto Tuning tab and then
click Start. You can also click More
Settings first to configure more
overclocking parameters before starting
auto-overclocking.
2.
Read through the warning messages
and click Yes to start auto-overclocking.
3.
TurboV automatically overclocks the
CPU, saves BIOS settings and restarts
the system. After re-entering Windows, a
message appears indicating auto tuning
success. Click OK to exit.
•
After pressing Start, the system starts performance tuning and may reboot 2 to 3
times. An error message indicating incorrect system shut down may appear after
system reboot. Please ignore the message and continue the tuning process. In
addition, please do not operate or manually restart the computer during the tuning
process.
•
The auto-tuned system performance varies with the installed devices such as the CPU
and DRAM.
•
The auto-tuning function overclocks your system settings, including the frequency
and voltage of the CPU and DRAM. Installation of advanced cooling systems is
recommended.
•
The auto-tuned settings will be stored in system BIOS and will take effect after the
system automatically reboots.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.4.3
Using CPU Level UP
CPU Level UP allows you to upgrade your CPU at no additional cost. Pick a CPU level you
want to overclock to, and CPU Level UP will do the rest for you.
Click the CPU Level UP tab, pick a
CPU level you want to overclock to
by adjusting the slider, and then click
Apply.
1.
The CPU options vary depending
on the CPU model you install on the
motherboard.
2.
Read through the warning messages
and click Yes to start upgrading the CPU
and restart the system.
4.4.4
Using ASUS Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to set a group of hotkeys into physical overclocking buttons.
After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or
games—with just one touch!
Configuring ASUS Turbo Key
1
2
3
4
5
1.
Click the Turbo Key tab.
3.
You can decide the performance boost level by selecting Turbo Key Profile. You can
also load personal profiles saved in the TurboV tab.
4.
5.
Select your desired hotkey combination.
Chapter 4
2.
Choose whether to show Turbo Key OSD and status.
Click Apply to save Turbo Key settings.
You have to press the assigned hotkeys to use the Turbo Key function.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-13
4.5
RAID configurations
The motherboard comes with the AMD® SB850 chipset that allows you to configure
Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID
configurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10.
4.5.1
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP2 or later versions.
•
Due to Windows® XP / Vista / 7 limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over
2TB cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data
disk only.
•
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS
installation. Refer to section 4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
RAID definitions
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive
and three new drives for this setup.
Chapter 4
4-14
Chapter 4: Software support
4.5.2
Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:
1.
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
3.
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
2.
Connect the SATA signal cables.
4.5.3
Setting the RAID item in BIOS
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID volume(s) using
SATA HDDs. To do this:
1.
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
3.
Set the type of the SATA connectors to [RAID].
2.
4.
Go to the Main menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.
Chapter 4
See section 3.4.2 SATA Configuration for details.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-15
4.5.4
AMD® Option ROM Utility
To enter the AMD® Option ROM utility:
1.
2.
Boot up your computer.
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <F> to display the utility main menu.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ Main Menu ]
View Drive Assignments
.......[ 1 ]
LD View / LD Define Menu
......[ 2 ]
Delete LD Menu
...............[ 3 ]
Controller Configuration
......[ 4 ]
[ Keys Available ]
Press 1..4 to Select Option
[ESC] Exit
The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:
•
View Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives.
•
Delete LD Menu: deletes a selected RAID set and partition.
•
•
LD View / LD Define Menu: displays the existing RAID set information / creates a
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration.
Controller Configuration: shows the system resources configuration.
Press <1>, <2>, <3>, or <4> to enter the option you need; press <ESC> to exit the utility.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not
exactly match the items on your screen.
Chapter 4
To create a RAID volume using more than four hard disk drives, ensure that the SATA
connectors 5/6 are set to [RAID] mode.
4-16
Chapter 4: Software support
Creating a RAID volume
To create a RAID volume:
1. 2.
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Define Menu function.
Press <Ctrl> + <C>, and the following screen appears.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ LD Define Menu ]
LD No
LD
LD Name
1 Logical Drive 1
Strip Block
Gigabyte Boundary
Port:ID
01:00
02:00
03:00
04:00
Drive Model
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
64 KB
ON RAID Mode
RAID 0
Fast Init
Cache Mode
Drv
2
ON
WriteThru
[ Drives Assignments ]
Capabilities
Capacity(GB)
xxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxx xxxxxx
Assignment
Y
Y
N
N
[ Keys Available ]
[↑] Up
3.
4.
5.
6.
[↓] Down
[PaUp/PaDn] Switch page
[Space] Change Option
Move to the RAID Mode item and press <Space> to select a RAID mode to create.
Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to select the
hard disk drives you want to include in the RAID set.
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to save the setting.
The utility prompts the following message. Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to input the LD name.
Please press Ctrl-Y key to input the LD Name
or press any key to exit.
If you do not input any LD name, the default LD
name will be used.
7.
Eenter an LD name, and then press any key to continue.
Enter the LD name here:
8.
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to erase the MBR, or you may press any key to abort the settings.
Fast Initialization Option has been selected
It will erase the MBR data of the disks.
<Press Ctrl-Y Key if you are sure to erase it>
<Press any other key to ignore this option>
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to enter the screen to modify the array capacity, or press any key to
use the maximum capacity.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
Chapter 4
9.
4-17
Deleting a RAID configuration
Take caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives
when you delete a RAID volume.
To delete a RAID volume:
1. 2.
In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the Delete LD function.
Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <Del> or <Alt> + <D>.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ Delete LD Menu ]
LD No
LD
1
RAID Mode
Drv
RAID 0
2
Capacity(GB)
Status
xxxxxx
Functional
[ Keys Available ]
[↑] Up
3.
[↓] Down
[PaUp/PaDn] Switch page
[Del/Alt+D] Delete LD
The utility prompts the following messages:
Press Ctrl-Y to delte the data in the disk!
or press any other key to abort...
Press <Ctrl> + <Y> to delete the RAID volume.
Dispalying a RAID set information
To display a RAID set information:
1. 2.
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “LD View / LD Define Menu” function.
Select a RAID item and press <Enter> to display its information.
Option ROM Utility (c) 2009 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
[ View LD Defination Menu ]
LD No
LD
LD Name
1 xxxxx
Strip Block
Chapter 4
Port:ID
01:00
02:00
Drive Model
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
RAID Mode
RAID 0
64 KB
Cache Mode
Drv
Capacity(GB)
2
157.99
WriteThru
[ Drives Assignments ]
Capabilities
Capacity(GB)
xxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxx xxxxxx
Any Key To Continue.......
4-18
Chapter 4: Software support
4.6
Creating a RAID driver disk
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP operating system
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows® Vista or later operating
systems, use either a USB flash drive with the RAID driver or the support DVD.
4.6.1
•
The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.
•
Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows® XP
limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.6.4 Using a USB
floppy disk drive.
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
1.
Boot your computer.
3. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.
2.
4. 5.
6. 7. 8. Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.
Save changes and exit BIOS.
When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
4.6.2
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:
1.
Start Windows®.
2. Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.
4. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click AMD AHCI/RAID 32/64bit xxxx Driver to
create a RAID driver disk.
3. 5. 6. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation
Chapter 4
4.6.3
If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that
you install the optical dirve to the SATA connectors 5/6 and set them to [IDE] mode.
To install the RAID driver for Windows® XP
1. 2. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install
third-party SCSI or RAID driver.
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-19
3.
4. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the
corresponding OS version.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
To install the RAID driver for Windows® Vista or later OS
1.
2. 3. 4. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation
media containing the RAID driver.
Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into
the optical drive, and then click Browse.
Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.
4.6.4
Using a USB floppy disk drive
Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:
1.
Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk
containing the RAID driver.
2.
Right-click My Computer on the
Windows® desktop or start menu,
and then select Manage from the
pop-up window.
3.
Select Device Manager. From the
Universal Serial Bus controllers,
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and
then select Properties from the pop-up
window.
or
The name of the USB floppy disk
drive varies with different vendors.
Chapter 4
4.
4-20
Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID)
and Product ID (PID) are displayed.
Chapter 4: Software support
5.
6.
Browse the contents of the RAID driver
disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem.
Double-click the file. A window appears,
allowing you to select the program for
opening the oem file.
7.
Use Notepad to open the file.
8.
Find the [HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_i386_ahci8086] and
[HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_amd64_ahci] sections in the txtsetup.oem file.
9.
Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”
[HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_i386_ahci8086]
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4392&CC_0104”,”ahcix86”
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4391&CC_0106”,”ahcix86”
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4393&CC_0104”,”ahcix86”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
Chapter 4
[HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_amd64_ahci]
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4392&CC_0104”,”ahcix64”
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4391&CC_0106”,”ahcix64”
id= “PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4393&CC_0104”,”ahcix64”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
Add the same line to both sections.
The VID and PID vary with different vendors.
10. Save and exit the file.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
4-21
Chapter 4
4-22
Chapter 4: Software support
Chapter 5
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support
Chapter 5:
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™
The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install
multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards.
Chapter 5
System requirements
Before using ATI Hybrid CrossFireX, ensure that your system meets the following basic
requirements:
•
Operating System: Windows® Vista / Windows® 7
•
CPU: AM3
•
Memory capacity: Minimum 1GB
•
On-board graphics card RAM: 256MB
Visit the ATI Game website at http://game.amd.com for the latest certified graphics card and
the supported 3D application list.
Before you proceed
Configure the BIOS settings for the graphics card to support ATI Hybrid CrossFireX.
To set Internal Graphics:
1. 2. Press <Del> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup utility.
Go to Advanced > Chipset > Internal Graphics, set UMA Frame Buffer Size to
[256M] or above, and set Surround View to [Enabled].
M4A88TD-M/USB3 BIOS Setup
Advanced
Internal Graphics
Primary Video Controller
Internal Graphics Mode
UMA Frame Buffer Size
Surround View
Frame Buffer Location
AMD HDMI Audio
3. Version 0205
Options
[GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]
[UMA]
[256MB]
[Enabled]
[Above 4G]
[Enabled]
GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI
GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI
PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX
IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI
Press <F10> to save the changes and exit BIOS settings. Select OK to confirm.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
5-1
Installing AMD Chipset Driver
To install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology:
Chapter 5
1. Insert the Support DVD that comes with your motherboard into the optical drive. The
DVD automatically displays the Highlights menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to
locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run
the DVD.
2. 3.
4.
From the Drivers menu, click AMD Chipset Driver to install it. Follow the onscreen
instructions to finish the installation.
Restart your computer after the installation is completed.
When the system restarts, wait for a few seconds for the driver to load automatically.
Using the ATI CATALYST® Control Center
Using an add-on graphics card
1. 2. 3.
4.
5-2
Install a graphics card onto your
motherboard. Refer to the User Guide
that comes with your graphics card for
details.
Right-click on the Windows® desktop,
then click ATI CATALYST(R) Control
Center from the shortcut menu. The
ATI CATALYST Control Center screen
appears.
Click Graphics Settings >
CrossFire™, then select the Enable
CrossFire™ check box. When a
confirmation message pops up, click
Yes. The screen blacks out for about
one minute.
Click OK. The add-on graphics card is set to be the main monitor.
Chapter 5: ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support
Using the onboard graphics card
2.
3.
4.
5. 6.
7.
8.
Right-click on the Windows® desktop,
and then click ATI CATALYST(R)
Control Center from the shortcut menu.
The ATI CATALYST Control Center
screen appears.
Chapter 5
1. Click Graphics Settings > CrossFire™,
then clear the Enable CrossFire™
check box. When a confirmation
message pops up, click Yes. The screen
blacks out for about one minute.
Click OK.
Right-click on the Windows® desktop,
then click Personalize from the shortcut
menu.
Click Display Settings. Select [Default
Monitor] on ATI Radeon HD 4250
Graphics, then select the check boxes
of This is my main monitor and
Extend the desktop onto this monitor.
Click OK, and then Yes from the
confirmation window.
Restart the system. Right-click on
the Windows® desktop, then click ATI
CATALYST(R) Control Center from
the shortcut menu. The ATI CATALYST
Control Center screen appears.
Click Graphics Settings > CrossFire™, then select the Enable CrossFire™ check
box. When a confirmation pops up, click Yes. The screen blacks out for about one
minute.
Click OK. The onboard graphics card is set to be the main monitor.
If you are using both an add-on and the on-board graphics cards at same time and want
to set the onboard graphics card as your main monitor, follow the instructions on the next
page.
ASUS M4A88TD-M/USB3
5-3
1. Chapter 5
2.
3.
5-4
Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the
onboard graphics card.
From the ATI CATALYST(R) Control
Center screen, click Display Manager >
Graphics Adapter. Select ATI Radeon
HD 4250 Graphics [Gabbs, G HW173].
Click OK, and then Yes from the
confirmation window.
Follow steps 6 to step 8 on Using the
onboard graphics card to complete
the process of setting up the onboard
graphics card as your main monitor.
Chapter 5: ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address
Telephone Fax E-mail
Web site
Technical Support
Telephone Online support
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
+886-2-2894-3447
+886-2-2890-7798
[email protected]
www.asus.com.tw
+86-21-38429911
support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address
Telephone Fax
Web site
Technical Support
Telephone Support fax
Online support
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
+1-510-739-3777
+1-510-608-4555
usa.asus.com
+1-812-282-2787
+1-812-284-0883
support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address
Fax
Web site
Online contact
Technical Support
Telephone (Component)
Telephone (System/Notebook/Eee/LCD)
Support Fax
Online support
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
+49-2102-959911
www.asus.de
www.asus.de/sales
+49-1805-010923*
+49-1805-010920*
+49-2102-9599-11
support.asus.com
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.
(510)739-3777/(510)608-4555
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539.
Asus Computer International
Date :
Signature :
Representative Person’s Name :
Apr. 19, 2010
Steve Chang / President
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Supplementary Information:
FCC Part 15, Subpart E, Intentional Radiators
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators
FCC Part 15, Subpart C, Intentional Radiators
Model Number : M4A88TD-M/USB3
Conforms to the following specifications:
Product Name : Motherboard
hereby declares that the product
Phone/Fax No:
Address:
Responsible Party Name:
Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer:
HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN
GERMANY
Address, City:
Country:
EN 62301:2005
Declaration Date: Apr. 19, 2010
Year to begin affixing CE marking:2010
CE marking
EN 62301:2005
Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009
Signature : __________
Position : CEO
Name :
Jerry Shen
(EC conformity marking)
EN 62301:2005
Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009
EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009
Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008
2009/125/EC-ErP Directive
EN60065:2002+A1:2006
EN 60950-1:2006
EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1(2008-04)
EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)
EN 301 489-4 V1.3.1(2002-08)
EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)
EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)
EN 301 489-17 V1.3.2(2008-04)
EN 301 489-24 V1.4.1(2007-09)
EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)
EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)
EN 301 357-2 V1.3.1(2006-05)
EN 60950-1:2001+A11:2004
2006/95/EC-LVD Directive
EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-05)
EN 300 440-1 V1.4.1(2008-05)
EN 300 440-2 V1.2.1(2008-03)
EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03)
EN 301 908-1 V3.2.1(2007-05)
EN 301 908-2 V3.2.1(2007-05)
EN 301 893 V1.4.1(2005-03)
EN 50360:2001
EN 50371:2002
EN 62311:2008
EN 50385:2002
1999/5/EC-R &TTE Directive
EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
EN 61000-3-3:2008
EN 55020:2007
M4A88TD-M/USB3
EN 55022:2006+A1:2007
EN 61000-3-2:2006
EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006
Motherboard
Model name :
conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:
2004/108/EC-EMC Directive
Product name :
declare the following apparatus:
TAIWAN
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH
Authorized representative in Europe:
No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.O.C.
Country:
Address, City:
ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.
EC Declaration of Conformity
We, the undersigned,

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