Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product A88X-PRO Asus
Go to page of 141
Motherboard A88X-PRO.
ii E8565 First Edition August 2013 Copyright © 2013 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmi.
iii Contents Safety information ...................................................................................... vi About this guide ........................................................................................ vii A88X-PRO specications summary .
iv Contents 2.4 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-51 2.5 T urning off the computer ........................................................... 2-51 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS .........
v Contents 4.3.4 EZ Update ....................................................................... 4-7 4.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost ................................................................ 4-8 4.3.6 Network iControl ....................................
vi Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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.
vii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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.
viii Conventions used in this guide T o ensure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italic s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
ix A88X-PRO specications summary APU AMD ® FM2+ socket for AMD ® A-series/ Athlon™ Series processors Supports CPU up to 4 CPU cores AMD ® T urbo Core T echnology 3.0 support * The AMD ® T urbo Core T echnology 3.0 support depends on the APU types.
x (continued on the next page) A88X-PRO specications summary Storage / RAID AMD ® A88X FCH: - 6 x Serial A T A 6.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD congurations - 2 x eSerial A T A 6.
xi A88X-PRO specications summary ASUS unique features ASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - ASUS Remote GO! - ASUS Network iControl - ASUS USB Charger+ - ASUS AI Charger+ - ASUS Disk Unloc.
xii *Specications are subject to change without notice. Internal connectors / switches / buttons 1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SA T A 6.
ASUS A88X-PRO 1-1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® A88X-PRO motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another stan.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights AMD ® A-series accelerated processors with AMD ® Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 series graphics This motherboard supports AMD ® A-series accelerated processor with AMD ® Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 series graphics.
ASUS A88X-PRO 1-3 Chapter 1 1.3.2 5X Protection 5X PROTECTION ASUS motherboards guard your PC with 5X PROTECTION. We use quality components like ESD units tested to strict standards that eliminate ele.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features USB 3.0 Boost Faster USB 3.0 T ransmission with UASP New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest USB 3.
ASUS A88X-PRO 1-5 Chapter 1 ESD Protect your computer with ESD Guards. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) conditions can happen while plugging or unplugging any USB peripherals-causing damage to the computer . ASUS ESD Guards clamp the ESD voltage and shunt the majority of the ESD current away for a more reliable computing environment.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1 USB BIOS Flashback Easy , Worry-free USB BIOS Flashback A truly revolutionary hardware-based BIOS update solution.
ASUS A88X-PRO 1-7 Chapter 1 ASUS Q-Code Detailed PC status display and diagnostics The Q-Code is designed to display POST status for precise troubleshooting.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Chapter 1.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-1 Chapter 2 2.1 Before you proceed T ake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.2.8 Connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-3 Chapter 2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR, 8-pin EA TX12V) 2-31 2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 4-pin CHA_F AN1/2/3/4) 2-29 3. AMD FM2+ Socket 2-4 4. EPU switch (EPU) 2-17 5.
2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.2 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) This motherboard comes with an FM2+ socket designed for AMD™ A-Series and Athlon Series Accelerated processors. Ensure that you use a APU designed for the FM2+ socket.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-5 Chapter 2 2.2.3 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Recommended memory congurations A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • 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.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-7 Chapter 2 A88X-PRO Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS (XMP) 4GB (2x 2GB) DS - - 9-1 1-9-28 1.
2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 (continued on the next page) DDR3 2133 MHz capability V endors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs A-DA TA AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2 (XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-1 1-9-27 1.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-9 Chapter 2 DDR3 2000 MHz capability DDR3 1866 MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.
2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DDR3 1600 MHz capability (continued on the next page) V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. T iming V oltage DIMM socket support (optiona) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs A-DA TA AM2U16BC2P1 2GB SS A-DA T A 3CCD-1509A EL1 126T - - .
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-1 1 Chapter 2 DDR3 1600 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMM KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3P1K2/4G 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - - 1.5V . . . KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX (XMP) 12GB (3x4GB) DS - - 9-9-9-27 1.
2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DDR3 1600 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs Silicon Power SP002GBL TU160V02 (XMP) 2GB SS S-POWER 20YT5NG-1201 - - .
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-13 Chapter 2 DDR3 1333 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip No. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs A-DA TA AXDU1333GC2G9-2G (XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.25V -1.35V (low voltage) .
2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DDR3 1333 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. T iming Voltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMs KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G (Low Prole) 1GB SS ELPIDA J1 108BDBG-DJ-F 9 1.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-15 Chapter 2 V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing V oltage DIMM socket support (optional) 1DIMM 2DIMM 4DIMMs Elixir M2F2G64CB88B7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80BN-CG - - . . . Elixir M2F2G64CB88D7N-CG 2GB SS Elixir N2CB2G80DN-CG - - .
2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.4 Expansion slots 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. A88X-PRO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Slot No.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-17 Chapter 2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H PCIE x16_1 – – shared – – – – – PCIE x16_2 – – – shared – – – – PCIE x16_3 shared – – .
2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.5 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-19 Chapter 2 2.2.6 Onboard switches/buttons Onbo ard sw itches allow you to ne-tu ne per form ance w hen wor king o n a bar e or o pen-cas e syst em. This is id eal fo r ov ercloc kers an d game rs who contin ually c hange setting s to e nhance syst em per formanc e.
2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2. TPU (GPU Boost) switch T urning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable clock speeds. • T o ensure system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-21 Chapter 2 • The EPU LED near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned to Enable . • If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment, the EPU function will be activated after the next system bootup.
2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 5. BIOS-FLBK button The BIOS Flashback buttton offers the most convenient way to update the BIOS. It allows overclockers to update new BIOS versions without having to enter their existing BIOS or operating system.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-23 Chapter 2 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs 1. 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-of f mode.
2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Q-Code table Code Description 00 Not used 01 Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard). 02 AP initialization before microcode loading 03 System Agent in.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-25 Chapter 2 Code Description 5A Internal CPU error 5B Reset PPI is not available 5C – 5F Reserved for future AMI error codes E0 S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the D.
2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Code Description 70 PCH DXE initialization is started 71 PCH DXE SMM initialization is started 72 PCH devices initialization 73 – 77 PCH DXE Initializa.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-27 Chapter 2 Code Description A9 Start of Setup AA Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) AB Setup Input W ait AC Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) A.
2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 ACPI/ASL Checkpoints Code Description 01 System is entering S1 sleep state 02 System is entering S2 sleep state 03 System is entering S3 sleep state 04 S.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-29 Chapter 2 4. BIOS_FLBK LED The BIOS_FLBK LED lights up when the BIOS-FLBK function is enabled. 5. EPU LED The EPU LED lights up when the EPU switch is turned to Enable . 6. TPU LED The TPU LED lights up when the TPU switch is turned to Enable .
2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.2.8 Internal connectors 1. Serial A T A 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SA T A6G_1~6) These connectors connect to Serial A T A 6.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-31 Chapter 2 Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB module cable is purchased separately . 3. 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.
2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 4. 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.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-33 Chapter 2 6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0 specicaton that supports up to 4.8Gbps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.
2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 8. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR; 8-pin EA TX12V) These connectors are for A TX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-35 Chapter 2 • 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.
2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3 Building your computer system 2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system 1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-37 Chapter 2 2.3.2 APU installation Ensure that you use a APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU ts in only one correct orientation.
2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 1 2 5 3 4 2.3.3 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary .
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-39 Chapter 2 T o uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly 5 3 1 4 2.
2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 1 2 3 T o remove a DIMM 2.3.4 DIMM installation B A A.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-41 Chapter 2 2.3.5 Motherboard installation 2 1 The diagrams in this section are for reference only . The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. A88X-PRO 3.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-43 Chapter 2 2.3.6 A TX Power connection 1 2 OR.
2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.7 SA T A device connection OR 1 2.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-45 Chapter 2 2.3.8 Front I/O Connector USB 2.0 AAFP T o install USB 2.0 Connector T o install front panel audio connector USB 3.0 T o install USB 3.
2-46 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 2.3.9 Expansion Card installation T o install PCIe x16 cards T o install PCIe x1 cards T o install PCI cards.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-47 Chapter 2 2.3.10 Rear panel connection 12 • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows ® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver is installed. • USB 3.0 devices can be used as data storage only .
2-48 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 ** Audio 2.1, 4.1, or 5.1-channel conguration Port Headset 2-channel 4.1-channel 5.1-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Sp.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-49 Chapter 2 2.3.1 1 Audio I/O connections Audio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and Mic Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers.
2-50 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2 Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers.
ASUS A88X-PRO 2-51 Chapter 2 2.4 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-1 Chapter 3 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.1 Knowing BIOS The ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls to enable more exible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily navigate the UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system.
3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.2.1 EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority .
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-3 Chapter 3 3.2.2 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The gure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed congurations.
3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Ai T weaker, Advanced, Monitor , Boot, T ool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-5 Chapter 3 3.3 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.
3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected elds in the BIOS setup program.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-7 Chapter 3 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai T weaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai T weaker menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Ai Overclock T uner [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency . Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-9 Chapter 3 GPU Boost [Auto] [Auto] Automatic conguration. [T urbo Mode] Set to [Trubo Mode] to achieve better 3D performance. [Extreme Mode] Set to [Extreme Mode] for the excellent visual experience. [Manual Mode] Set to [Manual Mode] if you want to manually select the desired GPU Engine frequency .
3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU Power Phase Control [Optimized] Phase number is the number of working VRM phase. Increase the phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reduce the phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efciency .
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-1 1 Chapter 3 DRAM Fixed Frequency Mode [300] This item only appears when you set the DRAM Frequency Mode item to [Manual] , and allows you to set a xed DRAM frequency . Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300k Hz to 500k Hz with a 50k Hz interval.
3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 VDDNB Offset V oltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU V oltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the VDDNB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to 0.500V with a 0.00625V interval.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-13 Chapter 3 Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. 3.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.
3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.5.1 CPU Conguration 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. AMD PowerNow function [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD PowerNow function.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-15 Chapter 3 IOMMU [Disabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to show IOMMU Mode. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Bank Interleaving [Enabled] Enables or disables the bank memory interleaving. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Channel Interleaving [Enabled] Enables or disables the channel memory interleaving.
3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.5.3 USB Conguration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None . USB Device Enable [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable all USB ports.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-17 Chapter 3 3.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration HD Audio Device [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller . The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Device item to [Enabled].
3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller . [Disabled] Disables the controller . Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the ASmedia USB 3.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-19 Chapter 3 3.5.6 APM Deep S4 [Disabled] When enabled, the system in S4 state will further reduce power usage and will power off the USB and PS/2 devices. The system in deep S4 state can be woken up via the power button, devices in LAN, or other ways except via the USB and PS/2 devices.
3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.5.7 Network Stack Network Stack [Disable Link] Enables or disables the UEFI network stack. Conguration options: [Disable Link] [Enabled] Ipv4 PXE Support [Enabled] This item appears only when you set the Network Stack item to [Enabled].
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-21 Chapter 3 3.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CPU T emperature / MB T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-23 Chapter 3 Q-Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 20% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CHA_F AN1/2/3/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-25 Chapter 3 3.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the following items:.
3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Fast Boot [Enabled] Enable or disable boot with initialization of a minimal set of devices to launch active boot option. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following three items appear only when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-27 Chapter 3 Boot Logo Display [Auto] [Auto] Adjust automatically for Windows® requrement. [Full Screen] Maximize the boot logo size. [Disabled] Hide the logo during POST . POST Delay Time [3 sec] This item appears only when you set Boot Logo Display to [Auto] or [Full Screen].
3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 CSM (Compatibility Support Module) This option controls whether or not CSM will be launched. Launch CSM [Auto] Conguration option: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] The following four items appear only when you set Launch CSM to [Enabled].
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-29 Chapter 3 Save Secure Boot keys This item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This item allows you to save all default Secure Boot keys. PK Management The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the rmware from any non-permissible changes.
3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 Load db from File Allows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device. Append db from le Allows you to load the additional db from a storage device so that more images can be loaded securely . The DB le must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-31 Chapter 3 3.8 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen.
3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 ASUS O.C. Prole This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. The Setup Prole Status items show Not Installed if no prole is created.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-33 Chapter 3 3.9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Y ou can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.10 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility .
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-35 Chapter 3 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility . Before you start using this utility , download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at www .asus.com.
3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
ASUS A88X-PRO 3-37 Chapter 3 Updating the BIOS le T o update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater: 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>. 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below . Booting the system to a DOS environment 1.
3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Chapter 3 3. Press <T ab> to switch between screen elds and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys to select the BIOS le and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS le and prompts you to conrm BIOS update.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-1 Chapter 4 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder .
4-2 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 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 les are in Portable Document Format (PDF).
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-3 Chapter 4 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 le that came with the software application for more information.
4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Click to launch AI Suite 3 menu bar Main screen AI Suite 3 main menu bar • The screenshots of AI Suite 3 in this user manual are for reference only . The actual screenshots vary with models. • Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www .
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-5 Chapter 4 4.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 Dual Intelligent Processors 4 comes with these ve utilities in one interface: 4-W ay Optimization, TurboV Processing Unit (TPU), Energy Processing Unit (EPU), DIGI+ Power Control, and Fan Xpert 2.
4-6 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.3.3 Ai Charger+ Ai Charger+ allows you to fast-charge your portable BC 1.1* mobile devices on your computer’s USB port three times faster than the standard USB devices**.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-7 Chapter 4 4.3.4 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that automatically updates your motherboard’s softwares, drivers and BIOS easily With this utility , you can also manually update the BIOS and select the boot logo that will display during POST .
4-8 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and automatically speeds up the transfer rates of your USB storage devices. Launching USB 3.0 Boost T o launch USB 3.0 Boost, click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click USB 3.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-9 Chapter 4 4.3.6 Network iControl Network iControl is a one-stop setup network control center that allows you to manage your network bandwidth and set the bandwidth priority for your running programs.
4-10 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.3.7 USB Charger+ USB Charger+ allows you to quick-charge your portable USB devices even if your computer is off, in sleep mode or hibernate mode.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-1 1 Chapter 4 4.3.8 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard USB BIOS Flashback Wizard allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB storage device. Use this utility to quickly check for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS download schedule.
4-12 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 2. After the utility detects a new BIOS, click from the Save to: eld, select the USB ash drive, then click Download . 3. After the download is complete, click OK . T o download the updated BIOS: 1. From the USB BIOS Flashback screen, click Check for New BIOS Update .
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-13 Chapter 4 4.3.9 System Information This utility allows you to get detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings. Launching System Information T o la unch Sy stem In for mati on, click or tap on the top-right corner of the menu, then click System Information on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar .
4-14 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Viewing the SPD information From the System Information screen, click the SPD tab to view the memory’s information.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-15 Chapter 4 4.3.10 Audio congurations The Realtek ® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer . The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support and interrupt capability .
4-16 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.4 RAIDcongurations The motherboard comes with the AMD ® A88X chipset that allows you to congure Serial A T A hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID congurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-17 Chapter 4 4.4.2 Installing Serial A T A hard disks The motherboard supports Serial A T A hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array . T o install the SA T A hard disks for a RAID conguration: 1.
4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 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. • LD View / LD Dene Menu: displays the existing RAID set information / creates a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 conguration.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-19 Chapter 4 Creating a RAID volume T o create a RAID volume: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Dene Menu function. 2. Press <Ctrl> + <C>, and the following screen appears. 3. Move to the RAID Mode item and press <Space> to select a RAID mode to create.
4-20 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 Deleting a RAID conguration T ake caution when deleting a RAID volume. Y ou will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID volume. T o delete a RAID volume: 1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the Delete LD function.
ASUS A88X-PRO 4-21 Chapter 4 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows ® operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. • The motherboard does not provide a oppy drive connector .
4-22 Chapter 4: Software support Chapter 4 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows ® OS installation T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® XP: 1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third- party SCSI or RAID driver .
ASUS A88X-PRO 5-1 Chapter 5 5.1 AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology The motherboard supports the AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support Chapter 5 5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately . 6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card. 4. Align and rmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card.
ASUS A88X-PRO 5-3 Chapter 5 5.1.4 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers. Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the AMD ® CrossFireX™ technology .
5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support Chapter 5 1 Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology 1. In the AMD VISION Engine Control Center window , click Performance > AMD CrossFireX TM . 2. Select Enable CrossFireX TM . 3. Select a GPU combination from the drop-down list.
ASUS A88X-PRO 5-5 Chapter 5 5.2 AMD ® Dual Graphics technology The motherboard supports the AMD ® Dual Graphics technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards.
5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support Chapter 5 5.2.4 Using the AMD ® VISION Engine Control Center Install a graphics card onto your motherboard. Refer to the User Guide that comes with your graphics card for details. The add-on graphics card is set to be the main monitor as default.
ASUS A88X-PRO A-1 Appendices Appendices 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.
A-2 Appendices Appendices VCCI: Japan Compliance Statement VCCI Class B Statement KC: Korea W arning Statement Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed th.
ASUS contact information ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-T e Road, Peitou, T aipei, T aiwan 1 1259 T elephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail info@asus.com.tw Web site www .asus.com.tw T echnical Support T elephone +86-21-3842991 1 Online support support.
EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address, City: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN Country: TAIWAN Authorized representativ e in Europe: ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Address, City: HARKORT STR.
An important point after buying a device Asus A88X-PRO (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Asus A88X-PRO yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Asus A88X-PRO - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Asus A88X-PRO you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Asus A88X-PRO will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Asus A88X-PRO, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Asus A88X-PRO.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Asus A88X-PRO. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Asus A88X-PRO along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
