Asus M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 User Manual

MotherboardM4A88TD-V EVO/USB3E5888_M4A88TD-V EVO-USB3_Content1 1 5/26/10 3:43:48 PM

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

3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE f

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-3Chapter 44.3.1 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and ale

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-5Chapter 44.3.3 ASUS Fan XpertAsus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to differen

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-7Chapter 44.3.5 ASUS Express GateASUS Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Inter

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.6 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-9Chapter 44.3.7 ASUS GPU BoostASUS GPU Boost allows you to overclock the integrated GPU in WIndows® environment and takes e

xiM4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-11Chapter 44.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning ModeThe Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Follow the instruct

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-13Chapter 44.5 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD® SB850 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA h

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-15Chapter 4The Main Menu allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignmen

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-17Chapter 4Deleting a RAID congurationTake caution when deleting a RAID volume. You will lose all data on the hard disk dri

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 4-19Chapter 44.6.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk drive w

xii(continued on the next page)M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 specications summaryIEEE 1394 VIA® VT6330 controller supports 2 IEEE 1394a ports (one at midb

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 5-1Chapter 55.1.2 Before you beginFor ATI CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drive

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to instal

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

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 5-5Chapter 55.2.4 Using the ATI® CATALYST® Control CenterUsing an add-on graphics card1. Install a graphics card onto your

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 +886-2-2890-

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.M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 specications summaryBack panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo p

xivE5888_M4A88TD-V EVO-USB3_Content14 14 5/26/10 3:43:56 PM

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 1-1Chapter 1Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 motherboard

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

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 1-3Chapter 1Auto TuningAuto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level up. This

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1MemOK!Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more. MemOK! is th

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change

iiE5888Second Edition (V2) May 2010Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and softw

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-352.

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M4A88TD-V EVO/USB32.2.3 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-5Chapter 22.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-7Chapter 22.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe AMD® AM3 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan as

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-9Chapter 25. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-11Chapter 22.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into th

iiiContentsNotices ... viiSafety i

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2000 (O.C.) MHz capability• Install th

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-13Chapter 2G.SkiLL F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.6-1.65V •G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ(XMP) 6144

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2DDR3 1333MHz capability(continued on the next page)G.SKILL F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI(XMP) 1024MB SS G.SKILL - -

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-15Chapter 2Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support: • 1 DIMM:

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4.3 Installing a DIMMEnsure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-17Chapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe th

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devi

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-19Chapter 22.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply

2-20 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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-21Chapter 2• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM

ivContents2.8 Connectors ... 2-242.8.1 Rear panel connec

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. MemOK! switchInstalling DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failur

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-23Chapter 23. Core Unlocker switchThis switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of your CPU.• The O2LED1 LED near the C

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8 Connectors2.8.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purpl

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-25Chapter 2** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congurationPortHeadset 2-channel4-channel 6-channel 8-channelLight Blue Line In L

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable disp

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-27Chapter 22.8.2 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and MicConnect to Stereo / 2.1-channel SpeakersE

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 4.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 5.1 channel SpeakersE5888_M4A88T

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-29Chapter 22.8.3 Internal connectorsDrive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Select or Mas

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. AMD® SB850 Serial ATA Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1/2/3/5/6)These connectors are for t

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-31Chapter 24. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a

v3.5.10 DRAM Driving Conguration ... 3-203.5.11 CPU & NB Voltage Mode ...

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 25. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112; USB1314)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Conn

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-33Chapter 26. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN; 3-pin PWR_FAN)Connect the fan cables to

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 27. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital I

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-35Chapter 29. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The powe

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-37Chapter 22.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cab

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.9 Onboard LEDs1. Standby Power LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED light

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 2-39Chapter 23. Turbo Key II LEDThe Turbo Key II LED lights when the Turbo Key II switch is turned to Enable.4. Core Unlocke

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.10 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device cong

viChapter 4: Software support4.1 Installing an operating system ... 4-14.2 Support DV

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-3Chapter 33. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.4. From the FT

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-5Chapter 33.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-7Chapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-9Chapter 33.3 BIOS setup programA BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the computer,

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-11Chapter 33.4 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the

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

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-13Chapter 33.4.2 SATA CongurationThe SATA Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an item th

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-15Chapter 33.5 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when c

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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-17Chapter 3DRAM O.C. Prole [DDR3-1600MHz]This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [D.O.C.P.] and al

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU/NB frequency. Conguration options: [1400MHz] [1600MHz]

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-19Chapter 33.5.9 DRAM Timing CongurationThe conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIM

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]DRAM Command Rate [Auto]Conguratio

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-21Chapter 3CPU/NB Offset Voltage [Auto]This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Offset] an

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

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.19 SidePort Memory Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the SidePort memory voltage. The values range from 1.50V to

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-23Chapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Microcode Updation [Enabled][Enabled] Allows the system to update the Microcode automatically, enhancing system pe

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-25Chapter 3NorthBridge Chipset Conguration3.6.2 ChipsetThe Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3ECC CongurationECC Mode [Disabled]Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correc

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-27Chapter 3Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]Conguration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI] [PCI-G

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Frame Buffer Location [Above 4G]Allows you to select the FB Location. Conguration options: [Below 4G] [Above 4G]AM

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-29Chapter 3VT6330 1394/IDE Controller [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a/IDE controller.[Disabled] Disables

3-30 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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-31Chapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Sel

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

3-32 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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-33Chapter 33.7.5 Hardware MonitorCPU Temperature(PECI) / MB Temperature [xxx�C/xxx�F][xxx�C/xxx�F]The onboard hardware moni

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3CPU Q-Fan Mode [Standard][Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.[Standard] Sets to [Standard]

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-35Chapter 33.8 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Ente

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled][Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-37Chapter 33.8.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item and press

3-38 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 M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-39Chapter 33.9 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then pres

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3[No] Sets to [No] to disable the Reset User Data function when entering the Express Gate. The rst time wizard w

ASUS M4A88TD-V EVO/USB3 3-41Chapter 33.9.4 AI NET 2Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled][Disabled] BIOS will not check the Realtek LAN cable during the