Asus M5A97 PRO User Manual

MotherboardM5A97 PRO

xM5A97 PRO specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX Series CPU up to 8-core AMD® 140W CPU Support AMD® Cool ‘

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.2 DIGI+ VRMASUS DIGI+ VRM allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to enhance reliabilit

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-5Chapter 44.3.3 TurboV EVOASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency and related voltage

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Using Advanced ModeClick More Settings, and then click the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage se

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-7Chapter 4Auto TuningASUS TurboV EVO includes two auto tuning modes, providing the most exible auto-tuning options.• The overclocki

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 43. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU and memory and restarts the system. After re-entering Windows, a m

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-9Chapter 44.3.4 EPUEPU is an energy-efcient tool that satises different computing needs. This utility provides several modes that

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Click to select a fan typeClick to select a fan proleClick to apply the settingsClick to discard the setting

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-11Chapter 44.3.6 Probe IIProbe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any prob

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.7 Sensor RecorderSensor Recorder allows you to monitor the changes in the system voltage, temperature, a

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-13Chapter 44.3.8 Ai Charger+Battery Charging Version 1.1 (BC 1.1), a USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certied USB charging function,

xi(continued on the next page)M5A97 PRO specications summaryASUS unique featuresASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM: ASUS DIGI+ VRM -

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.9 MonitorThe Monitor section includes the Sensor and CPU Frequency panels.SensorThe Sensor panel display

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-15Chapter 44.3.10 System InformationThe System Information section displays the information about the motherboard, CPU, and memory s

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.11 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultima

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-17Chapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD® SB950 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard disk

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal perf

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-19Chapter 4The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignments: shows

4-20 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID volumeTo create a RAID volume:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / L

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-21Chapter 4Deleting a RAID congurationTake caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives

4-22 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP ope

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-23Chapter 44.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installationIf you use a SATA optical drive to run the Windows XP OS

xii*Specications are subject to change without notice.M5A97 PRO specications summaryBack panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 1 x Opti

4-24 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk dri

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-25Chapter 47. Use Notepad to open the le.8. Find the [HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_i386_ahci8086] and [HardwareIds.SCSI.Napa_amd64_ahci]

4-26 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4

ASUS M5A97 PRO 5-1Chapter 55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-

5-2 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graph

ASUS M5A97 PRO 5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the dev

5-4 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 5

ASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-3447Fax +886-2-2890-

EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTek COMPUTER INC. Address, City: No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.

ASUS M5A97 PRO 1-1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A97 PRO motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsAMD® Socket AM3+; AMD® FX / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempro

ASUS M5A97 PRO 1-3Chapter 1DIGI+ VRMThe new ASUS DIGI+ VRM design upgrades motherboard power delivery to a digital standard. The 6+2 digital architect

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal SolutionASUS Fanless Design—Heat-sink solutionThe stylish heatsink features 0-dB

ASUS M5A97 PRO 1-5Chapter 11.3.6 Other special featuresDTS Surround Sensation UltraPCDTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-12.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard se

iiE6413First Edition May 2011Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software de

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Refer to 2.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-3Chapter 2Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-232. CPU socket AM3

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for AMD® FX / Pheno

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-5Chapter 2Recommended memory congurations2.2.3 System memoryThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline M

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Memory congurationsYou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-7Chapter 2M5A97 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2000MHz capability for AMD AM3+ CPUVendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Br

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M5A97 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1800 MHz capability for AMD AM3 CPUVendor Part No.

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-9Chapter 2M5A97 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600 MHz capability for AMD AM3 CPUVendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Br

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M5A97 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1600 MHz capability for AMD AM3 CPU (continued)Ve

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-11Chapter 2Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)1 DIMM2 DIMM4 DIMMApacer 78.01GC6

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety i

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M5A97 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 1333 MHz capability for AMD AM3 CPU (continued)V

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-13Chapter 2Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.4 Expansion slotsEnsure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-15Chapter 2• In single VGA card mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better performan

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2To erase the RTC RAM1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.2. Move the jumper cap from pins

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-17Chapter 2• Refer to section 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.7 Onboard LEDs1. POST State LEDsThe POST State LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate key co

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-19Chapter 22.2.8 Internal connectors1. AMD® SB950 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-6 [gray])These connectors connect

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and then install the

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-21Chapter 23. TPU LEDThe TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to Enable.4. EPU LEDThe EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is

ivContents2.5 Turning off the computer ... 2-41Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.1 Know

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 26. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-23Chapter 2• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specicat

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis pow

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-25Chapter 22.3 Building your computer system2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system1 bag of screws Philips (cros

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2122.3.2 CPU installationThe AMD AM3+ socket is compatible with AMD AM3+ and AM3 processors. Ensure you u

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-27Chapter 232.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly12

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-29Chapter 2345

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2123To remove a DIMM2.3.4 DIMM installationBA

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-31Chapter 22.3.5 Motherboard installation21The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with

v4.3.5 FAN Xpert... 4-104.3.6 Probe II...

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.3

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-33Chapter 22.3.6 ATX Power connection12OR OR

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.7 SATA device connectionOR2OR1

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-35Chapter 22.3.8 Front I/O ConnectorIDE_LEDPOWER SWRESET SWIDE_LED-IDE_LED+PWRResetGroundGround1 2To install ASUS Q-ConnectorUSB 2.0

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.9 Expension Card installationTo install PCIe x16 cardsTo install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-37Chapter 22.3.10 Rear panel connectionRear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 7. Optical S/PDIF Out port2. USB 3.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congurationPort Headset 2-channel4-channel 6-channel 8-channelLight Blue

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-39Chapter 2Connect to Headphone and MicConnect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel Speakers2.3.11 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 4.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel SpeakersWhen the DTS

ASUS M5A97 PRO 2-41Chapter 22.4 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that al

viNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two cond

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-1Chapter 3Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSThe new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unied Extensible Firmware Interface, offering

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 EZ ModeBy default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-3Chapter 33.2.2 Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. Th

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-5Chapter 33.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provid

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Administrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator passw

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-7Chapter 33.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changing th

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequ

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-9Chapter 3EPU Setting [Auto]This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode item to [Enabled] and allows you to select

viiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating t

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3DRAM Driving ControlCKE drive strength [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]CS/ODT drive stre

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-11Chapter 3CPU/NB Currrent Capability [Auto]This item provides wider total DRAM controller power range for overclocking. A higher val

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU/NB Offset Mode Sign [+][+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.[–] To offset the voltage by a negative

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-13Chapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfuncti

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.1 CPU CongurationThe items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-15Chapter 33.5.2 North Bridge CongurationMainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitIOMMU is supported on LINUX based systems to

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.3 SATA CongurationWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-17Chapter 3If you use a SATA optical drive to run the Windows XP OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that you install the opt

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.4 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item sho

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-19Chapter 33.5.5 CPU Core On/Off FunctionMainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitEnabled ASUS Core Unlocker to get FULL computi

viiiAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis g

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3JMB Storage Controller [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the JMB storage controller. Conguration options: [

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-21Chapter 3SB HD Azalia CongurationOptions for SB HD Azalia.HD Audio Azalia Device [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the HD A

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan se

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-23Chapter 3CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control fea

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Bootup NumLock State [On][On] Sets t

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-25Chapter 33.8 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Ent

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.2 ASUS SPD InformationThis item allows you to get DRAM SPD information. MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot T

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-27Chapter 33.8.3 ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or disc

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-29Chapter 33.10 Updating BIOSThe ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compat

ixConventions used in this guideTo ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Typo

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Updating the BIOS through the InternetTo update the BIOS through the Internet:1. From the ASUS Update screen, sele

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-31Chapter 3• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.• Refer to the soft

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bo

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-33Chapter 3• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.• DO NOT shu

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Booting the system in DOS environment1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the

ASUS M5A97 PRO 3-35Chapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 34. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart y

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the B

4-2 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.2.2 Obtaining the software manualsThe software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instruct

ASUS M5A97 PRO 4-3Chapter 44.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through