Asus A88X-PRO User Manual

MotherboardA88X-PRO

x(continued on the next page)A88X-PRO specications summaryStorage / RAID AMD® A88X FCH: - 6 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1

3-28Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CSM (Compatibility Support Module)This option controls whether or not CSM will be launched.Launch CSM [Auto]Congura

ASUS A88X-PRO3-29Chapter 3Save Secure Boot keysThis item appears only when you load the default Secure Boot keys. This item allows you to save all def

3-30Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Load db from FileAllows you to load the downloaded db from a USB storage device.Append db from leAllows you to load

ASUS A88X-PRO3-31Chapter 33.8 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter

3-32Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. The Setup Prole Status items show Not

ASUS A88X-PRO3-33Chapter 33.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your

3-34Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10 Managing and updating your BIOSSave a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you

ASUS A88X-PRO3-35Chapter 33.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.Before yo

3-36Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore t

ASUS A88X-PRO3-37Chapter 3Updating the BIOS leTo update the BIOS le using BIOS Updater:1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <

xiA88X-PRO specications summaryASUS unique featuresASUS Exclusive Features - ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - ASUS Remote GO! - ASUS Network iControl* -

3-38Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33. Press <Tab> to switch between screen elds and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys to select the BIOS l

ASUS A88X-PRO4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN

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

ASUS A88X-PRO4-3Chapter 44.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through th

4-4Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Click to launch AI Suite 3 menu barMain screenAI Suite 3 main menu bar• The screenshots of AI Suite 3 in this

ASUS A88X-PRO4-5Chapter 44.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 4Dual Intelligent Processors 4 comes with these ve utilities in one interface: 4-Way O

4-6Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.3 Ai Charger+Ai Charger+ allows you to fast-charge your portable BC 1.1* mobile devices on your computer’s

ASUS A88X-PRO4-7Chapter 44.3.4 EZ UpdateEZ Update is a utility that automatically updates your motherboard’s softwares, drivers and BIOS easilyWith t

4-8Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.5 USB 3.0 BoostUSB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and automatically speed

ASUS A88X-PRO4-9Chapter 44.3.6 Network iControlNetwork iControl is a one-stop setup network control center that allows you to manage your network ban

xii*Specications are subject to change without notice.Internal connectors / switches / buttons1 x 19-pin USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2

4-10Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.7 USB Charger+USB Charger+ allows you to quick-charge your portable USB devices even if your computer is

ASUS A88X-PRO4-11Chapter 44.3.8 USB BIOS Flashback WizardUSB BIOS Flashback Wizard allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB stor

4-12Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 42. After the utility detects a new BIOS, click from the Save to: eld, select the USB ash drive, then clic

ASUS A88X-PRO4-13Chapter 44.3.9 System InformationThis utility allows you to get detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings.La

4-14Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Viewing the SPD informationFrom the System Information screen, click the SPD tab to view the memory’s informat

ASUS A88X-PRO4-15Chapter 44.3.10 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experi

4-16Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4 RAIDcongurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD® A88X chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA

ASUS A88X-PRO4-17Chapter 44.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, instal

4-18Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignm

ASUS A88X-PRO4-19Chapter 4Creating a RAID volumeTo create a RAID volume:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the LD View / LD Dene Menu fu

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-1Chapter 1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® A88X-PRO motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and

4-20Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Deleting a RAID congurationTake caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk

ASUS A88X-PRO4-21Chapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system on

4-22Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installationTo install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:1.

ASUS A88X-PRO5-1Chapter 55.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-gr

5-2Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics c

ASUS A88X-PRO5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the devic

5-4Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 51Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology1. In the AMD VISION Engine Control Center window, click Pe

ASUS A88X-PRO5-5Chapter 55.2 AMD® Dual Graphics technologyThe motherboard supports the AMD® Dual Graphics technology that allows you to install multi

5-6Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55.2.4 Using the AMD® VISION Engine Control CenterInstall a graphics card onto your motherboard.

ASUS A88X-PRO A-1AppendicesAppendicesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subje

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsAMD® A-series accelerated processors with AMD® Radeon™ HD 80

A-2 AppendicesAppendicesVCCI: Japan Compliance StatementVCCI Class B StatementKC: Korea Warning StatementCanadian Department of Communications Stateme

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: 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWA

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-3Chapter 11.3.2 5X Protection5X PROTECTIONASUS motherboards guard your PC with 5X PROTECTION. We use quality components like ESD unit

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3.3 ASUS Exclusive FeaturesUSB 3.0 BoostFaster USB 3.0 Transmission with UASPNew ASUS USB 3.0 Boost tec

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-5Chapter 1ESDProtect your computer with ESD Guards. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) conditions can happen while plugging or unplugging a

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1USB BIOS FlashbackEasy, Worry-free USB BIOS FlashbackA truly revolutionary hardware-based BIOS update solu

ASUS A88X-PRO 1-7Chapter 1ASUS Q-CodeDetailed PC status display and diagnosticsThe Q-Code is designed to display POST status for precise troubleshooti

iiE8702First Edition V2September 2013Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and sof

1-8 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any mother

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.2.8 Connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information a

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-3Chapter 2Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-312. CPU and cha

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.2 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)This motherboard comes with an FM2+ socket designed for AMD™ A-Ser

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-5Chapter 22.2.3 System memoryThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.Reco

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

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-7Chapter 2A88X-PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand Chip

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2(continued on the next page)DDR3 2133 MHz capability Vendors Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-9Chapter 2DDR3 2000 MHz capability DDR3 1866 MHz capability (continued on the next page)Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Tim

iiiContentsSafety information ... viAbout this guide ...

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2DDR3 1600 MHz capability (continued on the next page)Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip NO. Timing

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-11Chapter 2DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip brand Chip NO. Timing VoltageDIMM socket support1DIMM 2DIMMs 4DIMMKI

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-13Chapter 2DDR3 1333 MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChip No. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (optional)1DIMM 2D

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2DDR3 1333 MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-15Chapter 2Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (optional)1DIMM 2DIMM 4DIMMsElixir M2F2G64

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sidedDIMM support:• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inser

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-17Chapter 22.2.4 Expansion slotsEnsure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2IRQ assignments for this motherboardA B C D E F G HPCIE x16_1 – – shared – – – – –PCIE x16_2 – – – shared

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-19Chapter 22.2.5 JumperClear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clea

ivContents2.4 Starting up for the rst time ... 2-522.5 Turning off the computer ...

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.6 Onboard switches/buttonsOnboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-21Chapter 22. TPU (GPU Boost) switchTurning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable clock s

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• The EPU LED near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned to Enable.• If you change th

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-23Chapter 25. BIOS-FLBK buttonThe BIOS Flashback buttton offers the most convenient way to update the BIOS. It allows overclockers to

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.7 Onboard LEDs1. Standby Power LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lig

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-25Chapter 2Q-Code tableCode Description00Not used01Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).02AP initialization before microcode loa

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Code Description5AInternal CPU error5BReset PPI is not available5C – 5FReserved for future AMI error cod

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-27Chapter 2Code Description70PCH DXE initialization is started71PCH DXE SMM initialization is started72PCH devices initialization73 –

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Code DescriptionA9Start of SetupAAReserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)ABSetup Input Wait

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-29Chapter 2ACPI/ASL CheckpointsCode Description01System is entering S1 sleep state02System is entering S2 sleep state03System is enter

vContents4.3.4 EZ Update ... 4-74.3.5 USB 3.0 Boost ...

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. BIOS_FLBK LEDThe BIOS_FLBK LED lights up when the BIOS-FLBK function is enabled.5. EPU LEDThe EPU LE

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-31Chapter 22.2.8 Internal connectors1. Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6)These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!The USB module cab

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-33Chapter 24. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 26. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)These connectors are for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and compli

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-35Chapter 28. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply p

2-36 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 A88X-PRO 2-37Chapter 22.3 Building your computer system2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system1 bag of screws Philips (cross

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.2 APU installationEnsure that you use a APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU ts in only one co

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-39Chapter 21253 42.3.3 APU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU bef

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

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly53142

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-41Chapter 2123To remove a DIMM2.3.4 DIMM installationBAA

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.5 Motherboard installation21The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard lay

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-43Chapter 2DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.A88X-PRO3

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.6 ATX Power connection12OR

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-45Chapter 22.3.7 SATA device connectionOR12

2-46 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.8 Front I/O ConnectorUSB 2.0AAFPTo install USB 2.0 Connector To install front panel audio connectorU

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-47Chapter 22.3.9 Expansion Card installationTo install PCIe x16 cardsTo install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

2-48 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.10 Rear panel connection12• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-49Chapter 2** Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1-channel congurationPortHeadset 2-channel4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channelLight Blue Line I

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

2-50 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.11 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and MicConnect to Stereo SpeakersConnec

ASUS A88X-PRO 2-51Chapter 2Connect to 4.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

2-52 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2.

ASUS A88X-PRO3-1Chapter 3Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSThe ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditio

3-2Chapter 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 A88X-PRO3-3Chapter 33.2.2 Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The

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

ASUS A88X-PRO3-5Chapter 33.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides

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

ASUS A88X-PRO3-7Chapter 33.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changing the

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

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

ASUS A88X-PRO3-9Chapter 3GPU Boost [Auto][Auto] Automatic conguration.[Turbo Mode] Set to [Trubo Mode] to achieve better 3D performance.[Extreme Mo

3-10Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Power Phase Control [Optimized]Phase number is the number of working VRM phase. Increase the phase number under

ASUS A88X-PRO3-11Chapter 3DRAM Fixed Frequency Mode [300]This item only appears when you set the DRAM Frequency Mode item to [Manual], and allows you

3-12Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3VDDNB Offset Voltage [Auto]This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you

ASUS A88X-PRO3-13Chapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction

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

ASUS A88X-PRO3-15Chapter 3IOMMU [Disabled]Set this item to [Enabled] to show IOMMU Mode. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]Bank Interleaving [

3-16Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.3 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item show

ASUS A88X-PRO3-17Chapter 33.5.5 Onboard Devices CongurationHD Audio Device [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.[Disabled

ixA88X-PRO specications summaryAPU AMD® FM2+ socket for AMD® A-series/ Athlon™ Series processorsSupports CPU up to 4 CPU coresAMD® Turbo Core Technol

3-18Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the USB 3.0 controller.[Disabled] Disables the controller.As

ASUS A88X-PRO3-19Chapter 33.5.6 APMDeep S4 [Disabled]When enabled, the system in S4 state will further reduce power usage and will power off the USB

3-20Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.7 Network StackNetwork Stack [Disable Link]Enables or disables the UEFI network stack. Conguration options: [D

ASUS A88X-PRO3-21Chapter 33.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.Sc

3-22Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CP

ASUS A88X-PRO3-23Chapter 3Q-Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values rang

3-24Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CHA_FAN1/2/3/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100]Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan du

ASUS A88X-PRO3-25Chapter 33.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Scroll down to display the following items:

3-26Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Fast Boot [Enabled]Enable or disable boot with initialization of a minimal set of devices to launch active boot opti

ASUS A88X-PRO3-27Chapter 3Boot Logo Display [Auto][Auto] Adjust automatically for Windows® requrement.[Full Screen] Maximize the boot logo size.[Dis