Asus M4A87T User Manual
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Asus M4A87T User Manual

Asus M4A87T User Manual

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  • Page 1 M4A87T...
  • 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 Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................vii M4A87T specifications summary .............. ix Chapter 1 Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........1-2 Before you proceed ..............
  • Page 4 BIOS information Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........2-3 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ............2-4 BIOS setup program ..............2-7 2.2.1...
  • Page 5 Anti Surge Support ............2-24 2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-25 2.7.3 Security ................. 2-25 Tools menu ................. 2-27 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-27 2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-27 2.8.3 AI NET 2................ 2-28 Exit menu ..................2-28...

  • Page 6: Notices

    Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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 8: Conventions Used In This Guide

    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 9: M4A87T Specifications Summary

    Due to the CPU limitation, AMD 100 and 200 series ® CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. ** Use a 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install 4GB or ®...
  • Page 10 1MHz increment - PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection: - ASUS C.P.R (CPU Parameter Recall) Audio ALC887 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC Choose the chassis with HD audio module in front panel to support 8-channel audio output.
  • Page 11 M4A87T specifications summary Supports up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at the back panel) Realtek RTL8111E PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2 ® BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI 2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1 Product Introduction

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

  • Page 14: Innovative Asus Features

    1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features Core Unlocker ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD CPU— ® with just a simple switch. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes.

  • Page 15: Auto Tuning

    ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in TurboV provides the best O.C.

  • Page 16: Asus Mylogo 2

    ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. ASUS MyLogo 2™ Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.

  • Page 17: Before You Proceed

    • Before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. ASUS M4A87T...

  • Page 18: 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. M4A87T Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 19: Motherboard Layout

    11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, 1-26 USB1112, USB1314) DDR3 DIMM slots 1-11 12. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-29 MemOK! switch 1-28 13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-25 DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 1-29 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-25 ASUS M4A87T...

  • Page 20: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M4A87T M4A87T CPU socket AM3 Press the lever sideways to unlock the Socket lever socket, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU will not fit in completely.
  • Page 21 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M4A87T M4A87T CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. ASUS M4A87T...

  • Page 22: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. •...

  • Page 23: System Memory

    DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 M4A87T M4A87T 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M4A87T 1-11...

  • Page 24: Memory Configurations (Am3, 2-Channel)

    • Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With ® ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. • When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs.
  • Page 25 Elixir M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-DG(XMP) • • • Kingtiger KTG2G1600PG3 • • Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) 9-9-9-24 • • Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • • PATRIOT PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 7-7-7-20 1.7V • • • ASUS M4A87T 1-13...
  • Page 26 DDR3-1333MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size Chip Chip Voltage DIMM Brand support A* B* A-Data AD31333001GOU A-Data AD30908C8D-151C • • • E0906 A-Data AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V • • • A-Data AD31333002GOU A-Data AD30908C8D-151C • • • E0903 Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1...
  • Page 27 • • TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-107EY 7-7-7-20 1.5V • • • TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-138EY 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • • TAKEMS TMS2GB364D082-138EW 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • • UMAX E41302GP0-73BDB UMAX U2S24D30TP-13 • • • V-Color TD2G16C9-Z8 HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFP • • • ASUS M4A87T 1-15...
  • Page 28 • Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With ® ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz. • When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs.

  • Page 29: Installing A Dimm

    DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. DIMM notch Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS M4A87T 1-17...

  • Page 30: Expansion Slots

    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 31: Jumpers

    Normal Clear RTC (Default) M4A87T Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. 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 32: Connectors

    1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple/green). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

  • Page 33: Internal Connectors

    DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors. Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature. ASUS M4A87T 1-21...

  • Page 34: Atx Power Connectors

    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. 1-22...
  • Page 35 SATA6G_4 SATA6G_6 M4A87T M4A87T SATA connectors • These connectors are set to IDE mode by default. In IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors. 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 36: System Panel Connector 20-8 Pin Panel

    IDE_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply M4A87T 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 37 Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition M4A87T 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 Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio].
  • Page 38 USB1314 M4A87T PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 M4A87T USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 39: Onboard Switch

    • The system will use the last setting you have made. • If you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.
  • Page 40 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 41: Onboard Leds

    The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is turned to Enable. O2LED1 M4A87T M4A87T Core Unlocker LED The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu is set to [Disabled]. ASUS M4A87T 1-29...

  • Page 42: 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 43: Chapter 2 Bios Information

    BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ®...

  • Page 44: Asus Ez Flash 2

    Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 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.

  • Page 45: Asus Crashfree Bios 3

    2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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 removable device that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 46: Asus Bios Updater

    2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
  • Page 47 BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V4.14 Current ROM Update ROM BOARD: M4A87T BOARD: Unknown VER: 0210 (H:00 B:06) VER: Unknown DATE: 11/16/2010 DATE: Unknown PATH: BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue. Note Saving BIOS: ASUS M4A87T...

  • Page 48: Updating The Bios File

    At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>. D:\>bupdater /pc /g The BIOS Updater screen appears as below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.14 Current ROM Update ROM BOARD: Unknown BOARD: M4A87T VER: Unknown VER: 0210 (H:00 B:06) DATE: Unknown DATE: 11/16/2010 PATH: M4A87T.ROM...

  • Page 49: Bios Setup Program

    • The BIOS setup screens in this chapter are for reference only. They may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. ASUS M4A87T...

  • Page 50: Bios Menu Screen

    2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings Use [ENTER], [TAB] System Time [19:34:30] or [SHIFT-TAB] to System Date [Tue 01/01/2002] select a field.

  • Page 51: Menu Items

    <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window. 2.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press <Enter> M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Advanced to display a pop-up window with the This option should...

  • Page 52: Main Menu

    When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 53: Sata Configuration

    SATA Configuration The SATA Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage devices. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] Enables or disables onboard channel SATA port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A87T 2-11...

  • Page 54: System Information

    The following two items only appear when you set OnChip SATA Channel to [Enabled]. SATA Port1 - Port4 [IDE] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

  • Page 55: Ai Tweaker Menu

    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 chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 56: Cpu Overclocking [Auto]

    2.4.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system. Allows you to select a DRAM O.C.

  • Page 57: Cpu Ratio [Auto]

    Allows you to set the ratio between the NB Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [1470MHz] [1680MHz] [1890MHz] [2100MHz] 2.4.6 HT Link Speed [Auto] Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed. Configuration options: [Auto] [210MHz] [420MHz] [630MHz] [840MHz] [1050MHz] [1260MHz] [1470MHz] [1680MHz] [1890MHz] [2100MHz] ASUS M4A87T 2-15...

  • Page 58: Dram Timing Configuration

    2.4.7 DRAM Timing Configuration The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [12 CLK] DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] ~ [12 CLK] [5 CLK] ~ [12 CLK] DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]...

  • Page 59: Dram Driving Configuration

    This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you to set a fixed CPU/NB voltage. ASUS M4A87T 2-17...

  • Page 60: Dram Voltage [Auto]

    The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 61: Chipset

    Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS Core Unlocker [Disabled] Enables the ASUS Core Unlocker to get the full computing power of the processor. Select [Disabled] to disable this function. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] CPU Core Activation [Auto] Allows you to set the active CPU cores.

  • Page 62: Onboard Devices Configuration

    2.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Selects the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Selects the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Selects the Parallel Port mode.

  • Page 63: Usb Configuration

    Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec] Emulation Type [Auto] Allows you to set the emulation type. Configuration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] ASUS M4A87T 2-21...

  • Page 64: Power Menu

    The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Main...

  • Page 65: Hw Monitor Configuration

    The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to [Manual]. CPU Upper Temperature [70ºC/158ºF] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 30ºC/86ºF to 90ºC/194ºF. ASUS M4A87T 2-23...

  • Page 66: Boot Menu

    Enables or disables the Anti Surge support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. M4A87T BIOS Setup Version 0210 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 67: Boot Settings Configuration

    • To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following: ® • Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears. • Press <F8> after POST.

  • Page 68: Change User Password

    To set a Supervisor Password: Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>. In the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters or numbers, or both, then press <Enter>. Confirm the password when prompted. The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password. To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a supervisor password.

  • Page 69: Tools Menu

    (C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc. 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice.

  • Page 70: Ai Net 2

    2.8.3 AI NET 2 Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

  • Page 71: Asus Contact Information

    +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, D40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-9599-11 Online contact www.asus.com.de/sales Technical Support Component Telephone +49-1805-010923 System/Notebook /Eee/LCD Telephone +49-1805-010920...

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