1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. ASROCK Manuals
  4. Motherboard
  5. FM2A88X Pro
  6. User manual

ASROCK FM2A88X Pro+ User Manual

User manual
Hide thumbs Also See for FM2A88X Pro+:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Installation Manual
User Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for ASROCK FM2A88X Pro+

Summary of Contents for ASROCK FM2A88X Pro+

  • Page 1 User Manual...

  • Page 2: Copyright Notice

    (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the documentation or product.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1. Introduction Package Contents Specifications Unique Features Motherboard Layout I/O Panel 2. Installation CPU Installation Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) Jumpers Setup Onboard Headers and Connectors CrossFireX and Quad CrossFireX Operation Guide 26...
  • Page 5 Advanced Screen 4.4.1 CPU Configuration 4.4.2 North Bridge Configuration 4.4.3 South Bridge Configuration 4.4.4 Storage Configuration 4.4.5 Super IO Configuration 4.4.6 ACPI Configuration 4.4.7 USB Configuration Tool Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen Boot Screen Security Screen Exit Screen...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated ver- sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com...

  • Page 7: Specifications

    1.2 Specifications Platform • ATX Form Factor • All Solid Capacitor design • Supports Socket FM2+ 95W / FM2 100W processors Chipset • AMD A88X (Bolton-D4) Memory • Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology • 2 x DDR3 DIMM Slots • Supports 2133/1866/1600/1333/1066 non-ECC, un- buffered memory (see CAUTION 1) •...
  • Page 8 FM2A88X Pro+ Graphics • Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz • Supports AMD Steady Video 2.0: New video post processing capability for automatic jitter reduction on home/online video • Supports HDCP with DVI-D Port • Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) playback with...
  • Page 9 Connec- • 1 x IR Header • 1 x COM Port Header • 1 x SPDIF Out Connector • 1 x Power LED Header • 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin) • 2 x Chassis Fan Connectors (2 x 4-pin) •...
  • Page 10 4GB for the reservation for system usage un- ® ® der Windows 8 / 7. For Windows 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation. You can use ASRock XFast RAM to ® utilize the memory that Windows cannot use.

  • Page 11: Unique Features

    OC Tweaker and a whole lot more. ASRock Instant Boot ASRock Instant Boot allows you to turn on your PC in just a few seconds, provides a much more efficient way to save energy, time, money, and improves system running speed for your sys- tem.
  • Page 12 ASRock XFast RAM ASRock XFast RAM is included in A-Tuning. It fully utilizes the memory space that cannot be used under Windows® 32-bit operating systems. ASRock XFast RAM shortens the loading time of previously visited websites, making web surfing faster than ever.
  • Page 13 S4/S5 state. ASRock Easy RAID Installer ASRock Easy RAID Installer can help you to copy the RAID driver from a support CD to your USB storage device. After copying the RAID driver to your USB storage device, please change “SATA Mode”...
  • Page 14 UEFI setup. AS- Rock Restart to UEFI technology is designed for those requiring frequent UEFI access. It is included in ASRock’s exclusive all- in-one A-Tuning tuning program that allows users to easily enter the UEFI automatically when turning on the PC next time.

  • Page 15: Motherboard Layout

    USB 3.0 T: USB0 B: USB1 USB 2.0 T: USB2 B: USB3 USB 2.0 T: USB4 B: USB5 SATA_1 SATA_2 PCIE1 PCI Express 3.0 FM2A88X Pro+ SATA_7 Fast RAM SATA_8 PCIE2 PCIE3 CMOS BATTERY A88X (Bolton-D4) RoHS PCIE4 Chipset PCIE5...
  • Page 16 FM2A88X Pro+ No. Description ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2) 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) USB 3.0 Header (USB3_2_3) SATA3 Connector (SATA_2) SATA3 Connector (SATA_1) SATA3 Connector (SATA_8)

  • Page 17: I/O Panel

    1.5 I/O Panel No. Description No. Description PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) USB 2.0 Ports (USB45) D-Sub Port (VGA1) USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) LAN RJ-45 Port* USB 3.0 Ports (USB01) Line In (Light Blue) DVI-D Port (DVI1) Front Speaker (Lime) PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple) Microphone (Pink)
  • Page 18 FM2A88X Pro+ * There are two LEDs on the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indica- tions. ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED LAN Port Activity / Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description...

  • Page 19: Installation

    2. Installation This is an ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Pre-installation Precautions Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

  • Page 20: Cpu Installation

    FM2A88X Pro+ 2.1 CPU Installation Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90 angle. Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

  • Page 21: Installation Of Cpu Fan And Heatsink

    2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis- sipation.

  • Page 22: Installation Of Memory Modules (Dimm)

    FM2A88X Pro+ 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. 1. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pairs.

  • Page 24: Expansion Slots (Pci And Pci Express Slots)

    FM2A88X Pro+ 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) There are 2 PCI slots and 5 PCI Express slots on this motherboard. Before installing an expansion card, please make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documenta- tion of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the card before you start the installation.

  • Page 25: Jumpers Setup

    2.5 Jumpers Setup The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1 and pin2 are “Short”...

  • Page 26: Onboard Headers And Connectors

    FM2A88X Pro+ 2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the motherboard! Serial ATA3 Connectors...

  • Page 27: Front Panel Audio Header

    Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for the front PRESENCE# panel audio cable that allows (9-pin HD_AUDIO1) MIC_RET OUT_RET convenient connection and (see p.10 No. 25) control of audio devices. OUT2_L J_SENSE OUT2_R MIC2_R MIC2_L 1. High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must support HDA to function correctly.
  • Page 28 FM2A88X Pro+ PLED (System Power LED): Connect to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when the sys-tem is in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).
  • Page 29 CPU Fan Connector Please connect the CPU fan FAN_SPEED_CONTROL cable to the connector and (4-pin CPU_FAN1) CPU_FAN_SPEED +12V match the black wire to the (see p.10 No. 2) ground pin. 1 2 3 4 Though this motherboard provides 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) support, the 3-Pin CPU fan still can work successfully even without the fan speed control function.
  • Page 30 FM2A88X Pro+ Serial port Header This COM1 header supports a RRXD1 DDTR#1 serial port module. (9-pin COM1) DDSR#1 CCTS#1 (see p.10 No. 23) RRI#1 RRTS#1 TTXD1 DDCD#1 SPDIF Out Connector Please connect the SPDIF_OUT connector of (2-pin HDMI_SPDIF1) a HDMI VGA card to this see p.10 No.

  • Page 31: Crossfirex Tm And Quad Crossfirex Tm Operation Guide

    2.7 CrossFireX and Quad CrossFireX Operation Guide This motherboard supports CrossFireX and Quad CrossFireX that allows you to install up to two identical PCI Express x16 graphics cards. Currently ® CrossFireX and Quad CrossFireX are supported with Windows 7 / 7 64-bit / 8 / 8 64-bit OS.
  • Page 32 FM2A88X Pro+ Step 3 Connect a VGA cable or a DVI cable to the monitor connector or the DVI connector of the graphics card that is inserted to PCIE2 slot.

  • Page 33: Driver Installation And Setup

    2.7.3 Driver Installation and Setup Step 1 Power on your computer and boot into OS. Step 2 Remove the AMD drivers if you have any VGA drivers installed in your system. The Catalyst Uninstaller is an optional download. We recommend using this utility to uninstall any previously installed Catalyst drivers prior to installation.

  • Page 34: Amd Dual Graphics Operation Guide

    FM2A88X Pro+ 2.8 AMD Dual Graphics Operation Guide This motherboard supports AMD Dual Graphics feature. AMD Dual Graphics brings multi-GPU performance capabilities by enabling an AMD A88X (Bolton-D4) integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringly-fast frame ®...
  • Page 35 Step 7. You can also click “AMD VISION Engine Control Center” on your ® Windows taskbar to enter AMD VISION Engine Control Center. AMD VISION Engine Control Center Step 8. In AMD VISION Engine Control Center, please choose “Performance”. Click “AMD CrossFire ”.

  • Page 36: Software And Utilities Operation

    FM2A88X Pro+ 3. Software and Utilities Operation 3.1 Installing Drivers The Support CD that comes with the motherboard contains necessary drivers and useful utilities that enhance the motherboard’s features. Running The Support CD To begin using the support CD, insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 37: Using A-Tuning

    Good Night LED, FAN-Tastic Tuning, OC Tweaker and a whole lot more. 3.2.1 Installing A-Tuning When you install the all-in-one driver to your system from ASRock’s support CD, A-Tuning will be auto-installed as well. After the installation, you will find the icon “A-Tuning“...

  • Page 38: Fast Boot

    FM2A88X Pro+ Tools Various tools and utilities. XFast RAM Boost the system’s performance and extend the HDD’s or SDD’s lifespan! Create a hidden partition, then assign which files should be stored in the RAM drive. Fast Boot Fast Boot minimizes your computer's boot time. Please note that Ultra Fast mode is only supported by Windows 8 and the VBIOS must support UEFI GOP if you are using an external graphics card.

  • Page 39: System Info

    FAN-Tastic Tuning Configure up to five different fan speeds using the graph. The fans will automatically shift to the next speed level when the assigned temperature is met. Dehumidifier Prevent motherboard damages due to dampness. Enable this function and configure the period of time until the computer powers on, and the duration of the dehumidifying process.
  • Page 40 FM2A88X Pro+ Tech Service Contact Tech Service.
  • Page 41 3.3.1 Installing Start8 Install Start8, which is located in the folder at the following path of the Sup- port CD: \ ASRock Utility > Start8. 3.3.2 Configuring Start8 Style Select between the Windows 7 style and Windows 8 style Start Menu. Then...
  • Page 42 FM2A88X Pro+ Configure Configure provides configuration options, including icon sizes, which shortcuts you want Start Menu to display, quick access to recently used apps, the functionality of the power button, and more. Control...
  • Page 43 Control lets you configure what a click on the start button or a press on the Windows key does. Desktop Desktop allows you to disable the hot corners when you are working on the desktop. It also lets you choose whether or not the system boots directly into desktop mode and bypass the Metro user interface.

  • Page 44: Uefi Setup Utility

    4. UEFI SETUP UTILITY 4.1 Introduction ASRock Interactive UEFI is a blend of system configuration tools, cool sound ef- fects and stunning visuals. Not only will it make BIOS setup less difficult but also a lot more amusing. This section explains how to use the UEFI SETUP UTILITY to configure your system.

  • Page 45: Navigation Keys

    4.1.2 Navigation Keys Please check the following table for the function description of each navigation key. Navigation Key(s) Function Description Moves cursor left or right to select Screens Moves cursor up or down to select items + / - To change option for the selected items <Tab>...

  • Page 46: Oc Tweaker Screen

    FM2A88X Pro+ 4.3 OC Tweaker Screen In the OC Tweaker screen, you can set up overclocking features. EZ OC Mode You can use this option to adjust EZ overclocking setting. Please note that overclocing may cause damage to your components and motherboard. It should be done at your own risk and expense.
  • Page 47 Processor Maximum Frequency It will display Processor Maximum Frequency for reference. Processor Maximum Voltage It will display Processor Maximum Voltage for reference. Multiplier/Voltage Change This item is set to [Auto] by default. If it is set to [Manual], you may adjust the value of Processor Frequency and Processor Voltage.
  • Page 48 FM2A88X Pro+ DRAM Timing Control DRAM Slot Use this item to view SPD data. DRAM Timing Control Use this item to control DRAM timing. Power Down Enable Use this item to enable or disable DDR power down mode. Bank Interleaving Interleaving allows memory accesses to be spread out over banks on the same node, or accross nodes, decreasing access contention.

  • Page 49: Advanced Screen

    4.4 Advanced Screen In this section, you may set the configurations for the following items: CPU Configu- ration, Nouth Bridge Configuration, South Bridge Configuration, Storage Configura- tion, Super IO Configuration, ACPI Configuration and USB Configuration. Setting wrong values in this section may cause the system to malfunction.

  • Page 50: Cpu Configuration

    FM2A88X Pro+ 4.4.1 CPU Configuration Core C6 Mode Use this item to enable or disable Core C6 mode. The default value is [Enabled]. Cool ‘n’ Quiet Use this item to enable or disable AMD’s Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. The default value is [Enabled]. Configuration options: [Enabled] and [Disabled].

  • Page 51: North Bridge Configuration

    4.4.2 North Bridge Configuration IOMMU This allows you to enable or disable IOMMU support. Primary Graphics Adapter This item will switch the PCI Bus scanning order while searching for video card. It allows you to select the type of Primary VGA in case of multiple video controllers.

  • Page 52: South Bridge Configuration

    FM2A88X Pro+ 4.4.3 South Bridge Configuration Onboard HD Audio Select [Auto], [Enabled] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio feature. If you select [Auto], the onboard HD Audio will be disabled when PCI Sound Card is plugged. Front Panel Select [Auto] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio Front Panel.

  • Page 53: Storage Configuration

    4.4.4 Storage Configuration SATA Controller Use this item to enable or disable the “SATA Controller” feature. SATA Mode Use this item to adjust SATA Mode. The default value of this option is [AHCI Mode]. Configuration options: [AHCI Mode], [RAID Mode] and [IDE Mode]. If you set this item to RAID mode, it is suggested to install SATA ODD driver on SATA_5, SATA_6, SATA_7 and SATA_8 ports.

  • Page 54: Super Io Configuration

    FM2A88X Pro+ 4.4.5 Super IO Configuration Serial Port Use this item to enable or disable the onboard serial port. Serial Port Address Use this item to set the address for the onboard serial port. Configuration options: [3F8h / IRQ4] and [3E8h / IRQ4].

  • Page 55: Acpi Configuration

    4.4.6 ACPI Configuration Suspend to RAM Use this item to select whether to auto-detect or disable the Suspend-to- RAM feature. Select [Auto] will enable this feature if the OS supports it. Check Ready Bit Enable to enter the operating system after S3 only when the hard disk is ready, this is recommended for better system stability.
  • Page 56 FM2A88X Pro+ USB Keyboard/Remote Power On Use this item to enable or disable USB Keyboard/Remote to power on the system. USB Mouse Power On Use this item to enable or disable USB Mouse to power on the system. ACPI HPET table Use this item to enable or disable ACPI HPET Table.

  • Page 57: Usb Configuration

    4.4.7 USB Configuration USB 2.0 Controller Use this item to enable or disable the use of USB 2.0 controller. A88X USB 3.0 Controller Use this item to enable or disable the use of USB 3.0 controller. Legacy USB Support Use this option to select legacy support for USB devices. There are four confi guration options: [Enabled], [Auto], [Disabled] and [UEFI Setup Only].

  • Page 58: Tool

    OMG, guest accounts without permission to modify the system time are required. UEFI Tech Service Contact ASRock Tech Service if you are having trouble with your PC. Please setup network configuration before using UEFI Tech Service. Easy RAID Installer Easy RAID Installer helps you to copy the RAID driver from the support CD to your USB storage device.
  • Page 59 UEFI file to your USB flash drive, floppy disk or hard drive and launch this tool, then you can update your UEFI only in a few clicks without prepar- ing an additional floppy diskette or other complicated flash utility. Please be noted that the USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.
  • Page 60 FM2A88X Pro+ Dehumidifier Period This allows users to configure the period of time until the computer powers on and enables “Dehumidifier” after entering S4/S5 state. Dehumidifier Duration This allows users to configure the duration of the dehumidifying process before it returns to S4/S5 state.

  • Page 61: Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen

    4.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen In this section, it allows you to monitor the status of the hardware on your system, including the parameters of the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU fan speed, chassis fan speed, and the critical voltage. CPU Fan 1 Setting This allows you to set the CPU fan 1 speed.

  • Page 62: Boot Screen

    FM2A88X Pro+ 4.7 Boot Screen In this section, it will display the available devices on your system for you to config- ure the boot settings and the boot priority. Fast Boot Fast Boot minimizes your computer’s boot time. There are three con- figuration options: [Disabled], [Fast] and [Ultra Fast].
  • Page 63 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] - The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the bootsequence. [Keep Current] - The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-partymanufacturer had set the add-on device to do so. Boot Failure Guard Enable or disable the feature of Boot Failure Guard.

  • Page 64: Security Screen

    FM2A88X Pro+ 4.8 Security Screen In this section, you may set or change the supervisor/user password for the system. For the user password, you may also clear it. Secure Boot ® Enable to support Windows 8 Secure Boot.

  • Page 65: Exit Screen

    4.9 Exit Screen Save Changes and Exit When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, “Save configuration changes and exit setup?” Select [OK] to save the changes and exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. Discard Changes and Exit When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, “Discard changes and exit setup?”...

  • Page 66: Contact Information

    FM2A88X Pro+ Contact Information If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, you’re welcome to visit ASRock’s website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer for further information. For technical questions, please submit a support request form at http://www.asrock.com/support/tsd.asp...

Table of Contents