Asus M5A88-V EVO Specifications

MotherboardM5A88-V EVO

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

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.2 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.Launching AI Suite1. Ins

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-5Chapter 44.3.3 ASUS Fan XpertAsus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to different ambie

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.4 ASUS EPUASUS EPU is an energy-efcient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving solution

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-7Chapter 44.3.5 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio expe

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.6 ASUS GPU BoostASUS GPU Boost allows you to overclock the integrated GPU in WIndows® environment and tak

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-9Chapter 44.3.7 Turbo UnlockerSpecially-designed for AMD® Black Edition processors, the ASUS exclusive Turbo Unlocker allows dynam

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—TurboV EVOASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV, CPU Level UP and Turbo Ke

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-11Chapter 44.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning ModeThe Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Follow the instructions be

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4.3 Using CPU Level UPCPU Level UP allows you to upgrade your CPU at no additional cost. Pick a CPU level

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-13Chapter 44.5 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD® SB850 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard dis

xiM5A88-V EVO specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series p

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOSYou must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-15Chapter 4The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignments: show

4-16 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 M5A88-V EVO 4-17Chapter 4Deleting a RAID congurationTake caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives whe

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.6 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP ope

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 4-19Chapter 44.6.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk drive when you

4-20 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 45. Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the le txtsetup.oem.6. Double-click the le. A wi

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 5-1Chapter 55.1.2 Before you beginFor ATI CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers befo

5-2 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 54. Align and rmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphi

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the d

xii(continued on the next page)M5A88-V EVO specications summaryAudio ALC892 supports 8-channel High Denition Audio - BD Audio Layer Content Prote

5-4 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 55.2.3 Installing AMD Chipset DriverTo install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX t

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 5-5Chapter 55.2.4 Using the ATI® CATALYST® Control CenterUsing an add-on graphics card1. Install a graphics card onto your motherb

5-6 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 51. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card. 2. From the ATI CATALYST(R) C

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

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

xiii*Specications are subject to change without notice.M5A88-V EVO specications summaryBack panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port 1 x

xiv

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 1-1Chapter 1Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A88-V EVO motherboard!The motherboa

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsAMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series CPU

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 1-3Chapter 1Auto TuningAuto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level up. This tool a

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1Anti-Surge ProtectionThis special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any mot

iiE6530First Edition (V1) April 2011Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and soft

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and inte

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.3 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in th

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-5Chapter 22.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-7Chapter 22.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe AMD® AM3+ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the re

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-9Chapter 25. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Me

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-11Chapter 22.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM

iiiContentsNotices...viiSafety in

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4.3 Installing a DIMMEnsure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-13Chapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the slots

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devi

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-15Chapter 22.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PC

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• In single VGA card mode, use rst the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card t

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-17Chapter 22.6 JumperClear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can cle

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.7 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-ca

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-19Chapter 22. TPU switchThis switch allows you to enable or disable the TPU function.M5A88-V EVOM5A88-V EVO TPU switchTPU• The O2

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. MemOK! switchInstalling DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failur

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-21Chapter 22.8 Connectors2.8.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard/Mouse Combo port 7. HDMI Out port***

ivContents2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ... 2-242.8.3 Internal connectors...

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congurationPortHeadset 2-channel4-channel 6-channel 8-channelLight Blue L

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-23Chapter 2Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8.2 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and MicConnect to Stereo / 2.1-channel S

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-25Chapter 2Connect to 4.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 5.1 channel Speakers

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8.3 Internal connectorsDrive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Selec

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-27Chapter 22. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1/2/3/5/6)These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IE

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-29Chapter 25. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112; USB1314)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB mod

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 26. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN; 3-pin PWR_FAN)Connect the fan c

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-31Chapter 27. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDI

v2.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] ... 3-202.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ...

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 29. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs.

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-33Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front p

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-35Chapter 22.9 Onboard LEDs1. Standby Power LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicat

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. Core Unlocker LEDThe Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is turned to Enable.The

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 2-37Chapter 22.10 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device conguration

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 ASUS Update utilityThe ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard B

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-3Chapter 33. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.4. From the FTP site,

vi4.3 Software information ... 4-34.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II ...

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a boot

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-5Chapter 33.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

3-6 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 M5A88-V EVO 3-7Chapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 34. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart yo

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-9Chapter 33.3 BIOS setup programA BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the computer, the sy

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.3.3 Navigation keysAt the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-11Chapter 33.4 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic s

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Type [Auto]Allows you to select the type of device installed.[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is in

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-13Chapter 33.4.2 SATA CongurationThe SATA Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an item then pres

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

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.4.3 System InformationThis menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automaticall

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-15Chapter 33.5 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changing

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3The conguration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the CPU/DIMMs you install on the motherboard

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-17Chapter 3Prole Info : xxxxMHz–x-x-x-xxThis item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [D.O.C.P.] and displays t

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.6 HT Link Speed [Auto]Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-19Chapter 3DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [15 CLK] ~ [30 CLK]DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]Conguration option

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]Con

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-21Chapter 32.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 2.44000V with a 0.01000

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to ma

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-23Chapter 3Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled][Enabled] Enables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.[Disabled] Disables this f

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

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3NorthBridge Chipset Conguration3.6.2 ChipsetThe Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings.

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-25Chapter 3ECC CongurationECC Mode [Disabled]Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct mem

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.3 Onboard Devices CongurationOnboard Devices CongurationSerial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]HDAudio Controll

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-27Chapter 3Front Panel Select [HD Audio]Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-deni

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.5 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and pres

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-29Chapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] T

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-31Chapter 33.7.5 HW Monitor CongurationCPU Temperature(PECI) / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatic

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Q-Fan Mode [Standard][Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.[Standard] Sets to [Standard]

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-33Chapter 33.8 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> t

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

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled][Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-35Chapter 33.8.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item and press <En

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Change User PasswordSelect this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the scree

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-37Chapter 33.9 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <E

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.• DO

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 3-39Chapter 33.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3

ASUS M5A88-V EVO 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

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 M5A88-V EVO 4-3Chapter 44.3.1 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you