Asus A88XM-PLUS User Manual
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Asus A88XM-PLUS User Manual

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  • Page 1 A88XM-PLUS...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety information ..................iv About this guide ..................iv Package contents ..................vi A88XM-PLUS specifications summary ............. vi Product introduction Before you proceed ..............1-1 Motherboard overview ..............1-2 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) ........... 1-4 System memory ................1-8 Expansion slots ................

  • Page 4: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To 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. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
  • Page 5 Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 6: Package Contents

    APUs. • The maximum 64GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the market. • Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List).
  • Page 7 - ASUS MemOK! - ASUS AI Suite 3 - ASUS AI Charger - ASUS Anti Surge - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring a friendly graphical user interface - ASUS Network iControl* - ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - ASUS Disk Unlocker...
  • Page 8 BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFreen BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information...
  • Page 9 A88XM-PLUS specifications summary Operating System Windows 8 / 8 64-bit ® Windows 7 / 7 64-bit ® Windows ® Support DVD Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.2 in (24.4 cm x 23.4 cm)

  • Page 11: Product Introduction

    ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR A88XM-PLUS Standby Power Powered Off A88XM-PLUS Onboard LED ASUS A88XM-PLUS...

  • Page 12: Motherboard Overview

    Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A88XM-PLUS Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 13 CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN DIGI +VRM HDMI ATX12V MemOK! DRAM_LED USB34 USB3_12 LAN_USB12 CHA_FAN1 A88XM-PLUS AUDIO PCIEX16_1 8111G PCIEX1_1 BATTERY Super ® A88X PCI1 SPEAKER SB_PWR PCIEX16_2 887-VD2 BIOS CLRTC F_PANEL CHASSIS SPDIF_OUT SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA6G_3 USB910 USB78 USB56 USB3_34 AAFP ASUS A88XM-PLUS...

  • Page 14: Accelerated Processing Unit (Apu)

    Ensure that you use an APU designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the APU! A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS CPU socket FM2+ Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 15 1.3.1 APU installation ASUS A88XM-PLUS...
  • Page 16 1.3.2 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. To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 17 To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly ASUS A88XM-PLUS...

  • Page 18: System Memory

    Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration.
  • Page 19 • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 Installing a DIMM ASUS A88XM-PLUS...

  • Page 20: Expansion Slots

    To remove a DIMM Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
  • Page 21 – On Chip USB XHCI 1 – – shared – – – – – On Chip USB XHCI 2 – shared – – – – – – HD Audio shared – – – – – – – ASUS A88XM-PLUS 1-11...

  • Page 22: Jumpers

    A88XM-PLUS Normal Clear RTC (Default) A88XM-PLUS Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
  • Page 23 By default, the pins labeled “Intruder” are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature. CHASSIS A88XM-PLUS PIN 1 A88XM-PLUS Chassis intrusion connector ASUS A88XM-PLUS 1-13...

  • Page 24: Onboard Switches

    If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

  • Page 25: Onboard Leds

    GPU Boost switch This switch allows you to enable or disable the GPU Boost function. GPU Boost A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS GPU Boost switch Onboard LEDs DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the LED next to the error device will continue lighting up until the problem is solved.

  • Page 26: Connectors

    Connectors 1.9.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 mouse port. This port is for a PS/2 mouse. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 27 RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. PS/2 keyboard port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 1-17...
  • Page 28 These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors. • The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • Only the 4-pin CPU_FAN supports the ASUS Fan Xpert2 feature. Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-18...
  • Page 29 The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 1-19...
  • Page 30 RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and JBOD configuration through the onboard controller. A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors • These connectors are set to AHCI mode by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to [RAID].
  • Page 31 PIN 1 A88XM-PLUS +HDD_LED RESET A88XM-PLUS System panel connector • 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.
  • Page 32 A88XM-PLUS HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition A88XM-PLUS Front panel audio connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to [HD].
  • Page 33 USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. USB3_34 PIN 1 A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS USB3.0 Front panel connector You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket to this connector to obtain the front panel USB 3.0 solution. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 1-23...
  • Page 34 PIN 1 A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS Serial port (COM) connector The COM module is purchased separately. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data.
  • Page 35 LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT is standardized as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. A88XM-PLUS A88XM-PLUS Parallel Port Connector ASUS A88XM-PLUS 1-25...

  • Page 36: Software Support

    The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.

  • Page 37: Bios Information

    Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.
  • Page 38 2.1.2 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 file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
  • Page 39 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 40 Insert the DOS-bootable USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to your computer’s USB port. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Select the USB flash drive as the boot device. The DOS screen appears.
  • Page 41 Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.10 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS A88XM-PLUS...

  • Page 42: Bios Setup Program

    BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: •...
  • Page 43 The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. ASUS A88XM-PLUS...
  • Page 44 Back button Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Last modified Navigation keys settings Quick Scroll bar note Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 45: My Favorites

    This button allows you to enter notes of the activities that you have done in BIOS. Last Modified button This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup. My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. ASUS A88XM-PLUS...

  • Page 46: Main Menu

    Adding items to My Favorites To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item. Press <F4> on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My Favorites page.
  • Page 47 To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-11...

  • Page 48: Ai Tweaker Menu

    Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard.
  • Page 49 This item appears only when The EPU Power Saving Mode is set to [Enabled] and allows you to set power saving mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode] ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-13...
  • Page 50 2.5.6 GPU Boost [Auto] [Auto] Automatic configuration. [Turbo Mode] Set to [Turbo 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.
  • Page 51 [Regular] [High] [Extreme] CPU Current Capability [100%] This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-15...
  • Page 52 Reducing phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency. [Standard] Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading. [Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile. [Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode. [Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment.

  • Page 53: Advanced Menu

    Disables the CPB (Core Performance Boost) mode or set it to [Auto] for automatic configuration. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] C6 Mode [Enabled] Enables or disables C6 mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] IOMMU [Disabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to show IOMMU Mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-17...
  • Page 54 Bank Interleaving [Enabled] Enables or disables the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Channel Interleaving [Enabled] Enables or disables the channel memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Core Leveling Mode [Automatic mode] Allows you to change the number of working Compute Unit on the system. Configuration options: [Automatic mode] [One core per processor] [One Compute Unit] [One core per Compute Unit] 2.6.2...
  • Page 55 USB support is disabled. EHCI Hand-off [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off feature. [Disabled] Disables the function. USB Single Port Control Allows you to enable/disable individual USB ports. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-19...
  • Page 56 2.6.4 NB Configuration IGFX Multi-Monitor [Disabled] Enables or disables the Internal Graphics Device Multi-Monitor support for add-on VGA devices. And the memory size of Internal Graphics Device will keep memory reserved. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The IGFX Multi-Monitor item must be enabled before using AMD Dual Graphics ®...
  • Page 57 [Disabled] Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] This item appears only when you set the Serial Port to [Enabled] and allows you to select the Serial Port base address. Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2E8h; IRQ=3] ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-21...
  • Page 58 Parallel Port Configuration The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the parallel port configuration. Parallel Port [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the parallel port (LPT/LPTE). Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] The following items appear only when you set the Parallel Port Configuration item to [Enabled].
  • Page 59 This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv4 PXE Boot support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable] Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv6 PXE Boot support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-23...

  • Page 60: Monitor Menu

    Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Scroll down to display the following items: 2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information...
  • Page 61 Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, the CPU fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-25...
  • Page 62 CPU Q-Fan Lower Temperature [20] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the lower limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 20ºC to 75ºC. CPU Q-Fan Min. Duty Cycle(%) [20] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%.

  • Page 63: Boot Menu

    This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the following items: ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-27...
  • Page 64 2.8.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] [Enabled] Select to accelerate the boot speed. [Disabled] Select to go back to normal boot. The following four items appear when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled]. SATA Support [All Devices] [All Devices] All devices connected to SATA ports will be available during POST.
  • Page 65 The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so. 2.8.6 Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] [Enabled] Allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. [Disabled] Disables this function. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-29...
  • Page 66 2.8.7 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] [Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program. [EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program. 2.8.8 CSM (Compatibility Support Module) Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.
  • Page 67 Secure Boot keys will not be active. Configuration options: [Yes] [No] Load PK from File Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device. The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. ASUS A88XM-PLUS 2-31...
  • Page 68 KEK Management The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database (db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx). Key-exchange Key (KEK) refers to Microsoft Secure Boot Key-Enrollment Key (KEK). ® Delete the KEK Allows you to delete the KEK from your system. Configuration options: [Yes] [No] Load KEK from File Allows you to load the downloaded KEK from a USB storage device.
  • Page 69 • To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

  • Page 70: Tools Menu

    <Enter> to display the submenu. 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.9.2...

  • Page 71: Exit Menu

    This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit. ASUS EZ Mode This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen. Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one...
  • Page 72 2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS information...

  • Page 73: Appendices

    Cet appareil est conforme aux normes CNR exemptes de licence d’Industrie Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d’interférences et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement non souhaité de l’appareil. ASUS A88XM-PLUS...
  • Page 74 ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials.

  • Page 75: Asus Contact Information

    +1-812-282-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone +49-1805-010923* Support Fax...
  • Page 76 Appendices...

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