ASROCK FM2A88X-ITX User Manual
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ASROCK FM2A88X-ITX User Manual

ASROCK FM2A88X-ITX User Manual

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  • 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 3 The terms HDMI™ and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries. Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent Nos: 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 6,487,535; 7,003,467 & other U.S. and worldwide patents issued & pending. DTS, the Symbol, & DTS and the Symbol together is a registered trademark &...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1. Introduction ..............1 Package Contents ..............1 1.2 Specifications ................2 Unique Features ................ 6 WiFi-802.11n Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5GHz Antenna ..11 Motherboard Layout ..............13 I/O Panel .................. 15 2. Installation ..............17 Pre-installation Precautions ..............17 CPU Installation .................
  • Page 5 Tool .................... 62 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ....... 65 Boot Screen ................66 Security Screen ................. 68 Exit Screen ................69...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    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 - Mini-ITX Form Factor - Premium Gold Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high- quality conductive polymer capacitors) A-Style - Home Cloud - HDMI-In - Supports Socket FM2+ 95W / FM2 100W processors - 4 + 2 Power Phase design Chipset - AMD A88X (Bolton-D4) Memory...
  • Page 8 home/online video - Supports HDCP with DVI-D and HDMI Ports - Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) playback with DVI-D and HDMI Ports Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC1150 Audio Codec) - Premium Blu-ray Audio support ® - TI NE5532 Premium Headset Amplifier (Supports up to 600 ohm headsets) - Supports DTS Connect - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s ®...
  • Page 9 8.1 32-bit / 8.1 64-bit / 8 32-bit / 8 64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit / XP 32-bit Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL - ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required) * For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com...
  • 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 USB Key and let your computer log in to windows automatically! ASRock FAN-Tastic Tuning ASRock FAN-Tastic Tuning is included in A-Tuning. Configure up to five different fan speeds using the graph. The fans will automatically shift to the next speed level when the assigned...

  • Page 16: Wifi-802.11N Module And Asrock Wifi 2.4/5Ghz Antenna

    PCs. The 2T2R WiFi solution sets a WiFi high speed standard and offers max link rate up to 300Mbps. Compared to other 1T1R WiFi motherboards with 150Mbps, ASRock’s 2T2R WiFi solution drives up to 2X faster. * The transmission speed may vary according to the environment.
  • Page 17 Installing the SMA Wi-Fi Antenna Cables and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5GHz Antenna Step 1 Prepare the SMA Wi-Fi Antenna Cables that come with the package. Step 2 Locate the WiFi Module that is installed on the motherboard's half/full (mSATA) mini- PCI Express slot. Then attach the SMA Wi- Fi Antenna Cables to the WiFi Module.

  • Page 18: Motherboard Layout

    CLRCMOS1 Keyboard T: USB0 CPU_FAN1 B: USB1 /Mouse DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module) DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module) PCI Express 3.0 Front USB 3.0 RoHS FM2A88X-ITX+ PANEL1 SOCKET FM2b HDMI1 HDMI_IN1 SATA3_6 SATA3_5 USB 2.0 T: USB2 B: USB3 SATA3_4 SATA3_3 USB 3.0...
  • Page 19 No. Description TPM Header (TPMS1) CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1) Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1) 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1) Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) System Panel Header (PANEL1) 10 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_0_1) SATA3 Connector (SATA3_6) SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5)

  • Page 20: I/O Panel

    1.6 I/O Panel No. Description No. Description USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)* Microphone (Pink) D-Sub Port Optical SPDIF Out Port USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_23) USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)* (AMD A88X (Bolton-D4)) LAN RJ-45 Port** eSATA Connector Central / Bass (Orange) HDMI-In Port Rear Speaker (Black) HDMI-Out Port Line In (Light Blue)
  • Page 21 * It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB01 or USB23) instead of USB 3.0 ports. ** There are two LEDs on the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indica- tions.

  • Page 22: Installation

    2. Installation This is a Mini-ITX 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. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply.

  • Page 23: Cpu Installation

    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. Step 3.

  • Page 24: 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 25: Installation Of Memory Modules (Dimm)

    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. 2.

  • Page 27: Expansion Slots (Pci Express Slots)

    2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots) There is 1 PCI Express slot and 1 half/full (mSATA) mini-PCI Express slot 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 28: 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 29: Onboard Headers And Connectors

    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 These six Serial ATA3 (SATA3) connectors support (SATA3_1: see p.13, No.
  • Page 30 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.13 No. 18) 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. Please follow the instruction in our manual and chassis manual to install your system.
  • Page 31 HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED): Connect to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data. The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc.
  • Page 32 Though this motherboard provides 24-pin ATX power connector, it can still work if you adopt a traditional 20-pin ATX power supply. To use the 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug your power supply along with Pin 1 and Pin 13. 20-Pin ATX Power Supply Installation ATX 12V Power Connector Please connect an ATX 12V...

  • Page 33: Dual Graphics Operation Guide

    2.7 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 34 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 ”. Step 9. Click “Enable CrossFire ” and click “Apply“ to save your change. Step 10. Reboot your system. Then you can freely enjoy the benefit of Dual Graphics feature. * Dual Graphics appearing here is a registered trademark of AMD Technologies Inc., and is used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

  • Page 35: Using The Hdmi-In Port

    2.8 Using the HDMI-In Port The HDMI-In port on this motherboard lets you easily switch between PC screen (on-board VGA) and external video source on the same monitor. This function saves you the hassle of switching cables back and forth when you want to display the screen of another device, such as smartphone, tablet, camcorder, DVD player, or another PC, onto the PC monitor.
  • Page 36 Connection Diagram HDMI Adapter Power Source...
  • Page 37 Step 1 Connect your monitor to the HDMI-Out port on the motherboard via an HDMI cable. Step 2 Connect an external devices with HDMI output to the HDMI-In port on the motherboard via an HDMI cable. Step 3 Double-click the “A-Tuning“ icon on the desktop and find "HDMI-IN" function in "Tools"...

  • Page 38: Software And Utilities Operation

    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. The CD automatically displays the Main Menu if “AUTORUN”...

  • Page 39: A-Tuning

    A-Tuning is ASRock’s multi purpose software suite with a new interface, more new features and improved utilities, including XFast RAM, Dehumidi- fier, 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“ on your desktop. Double-click the “A-Tuning“ icon, A-Tuning main menu will pop up.

  • Page 40: Fast Boot

    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. Schedule the starting and ending hours of Internet access granted to other users.

  • Page 41: 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. HDMI-IN Connect two different devices to one monitor and toggle between the primary and secondary screen without replugging the connectors every time.
  • Page 42 Tech Service Contact Tech Service.

  • Page 43: Qualcomm ® Atheros ® Security Wake On Internet Technology

    ® ® 3.3 Qualcomm Atheros Security Wake On Internet Technology ® ® Qualcomm Atheros Security Wake On Internet Technology allows you to wake up and remote control your home computer from energy efficient sleep mode. Before configuring this feature, make sure that the "PCI Device Power On" is enabled in UEFI SETUP UTILITY > Advanced > ACPI Configuration. 3.3.1 Configuring and Using Sunlogin Oray Sunlogin is a remote control software that lets you easily access and control the remote host that is installed with the Oray SunLogin Client software.
  • Page 44 Step 3 Click on Remote Client and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Step 4 Double-click the Sunlogin Remote Control icon in the Windows system tray. Step 5 Make sure that "Remote wakeup module" and "Remote control module" is set to On.
  • Page 45 Installing Sunlogin control client Step 1 For Windows users: Download "Control Client" from the Download section of sunlogin.oray.com and execute it. Log-in with your Sunlogin Account and Password. For iPad/iPhone users: Download “Sunlogin” from the App Store and install the app. Then fill in your Sunlogin Account and Password.
  • Page 46 For Andriod mobile device users: Search “Sunlogin” in Google PLAY and then install the app. Then fill in your Sunlogin Account and Password. Using Remote Wakeup For Windows users: Select one Host (Offline with Gray power button) on the control client panel to wake up your home computer. For iPad/iPhone users: Tap one Host (Offline with Gray power button ) on the Host List. Then tap the Power button to wakeup your home computer.
  • Page 47 For Andriod mobile device users: Tap one Host (Offline with Blue power button ) on the Host List. Then tap the Power button to wakeup your home computer.
  • Page 48 Using Remote Control For Windows users: Right-click on a Host (Online with Blue Windows logo) on the control client panel. Then key in your remote access password. For iPad/iPhone users: Tap one online machine on the Host List and fill in the Access password to start using remote control.
  • Page 49 For Andriod mobile device users: Tap one online machine and fill in the Access password to start using remote control. Tutorial Video...

  • Page 50: Start8

    Install Start8, which is located in the folder at the following path of the Sup- , which is located in the folder at the following path of the Sup- port CD: \ ASRock Utility > Start8. 3.4.2 Configuring Start8 Style Select between the Windows 7 style and Windows 8 style Start Menu.
  • Page 51 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 52 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. About Displays information about Start8.

  • Page 53: 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. The UEFI chip on the motherboard stores the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. You may run the UEFI SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer.

  • Page 54: 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 55: Oc Tweaker Screen

    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 56 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. However, it is recommended to keep the default value for system stability. Boost Frequency Multiplier For safety and system stability, it is not recommended to adjust the value of this item.
  • Page 57 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 58: 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, ACPI Configuration, USB Configuration and Trusted Computing. Setting wrong values in this section may cause the system to malfunction.

  • Page 59: Cpu Configuration

    4.4.1 CPU Configuration Core C6 Mode Use this item to enable or disable Core C6 mode. The default value is [Enabled]. Package C6 Mode This item appears only when you enable the item “Core C6 Mode”. Use this item to enable or disable Package C6 mode. The default value is [Dis- abled].

  • Page 60: 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 61: South Bridge Configuration

    4.4.3 South Bridge Configuration Onboard HD Audio Select [Auto], [Enabled] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio feature. Front Panel Select [Auto] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio Front Panel. Onboard LAN This allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN feature. Good Night LED Enable this option to turn off Power LED when the system is power on.

  • Page 62: 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 SATA3_5, SATA3_6 and eSATA ports.

  • Page 63: Acpi Configuration

    4.4.5 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 64 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. The default value is [Enabled]. Please set this option to [Enabled] if you plan to use this moth- ®...

  • Page 65: Usb Configuration

    4.4.6 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 66: Trusted Computing

    4.4.7 Trusted Computing Security Device Support Enable to activate Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security for your hard disk drives.

  • Page 67: 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 68 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. If you execute Instant Flash utility, the utility will show the UEFI files and their respective information. Select the proper UEFI file to up- date your UEFI, and reboot your system after the UEFI update process is completed.
  • Page 69 Dehumidifier Duration This allows users to configure the duration of the dehumidifying process before it returns to S4/S5 state. Dehumidifier CPU Fan Setting Use this setting to configure CPU fan speed while “Dehumidifier” is en- abled. Would you like to save current setting user defaults? In this option, you are allowed to load and save three user defaults according to your own requirements.

  • Page 70: 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 Select a fan mode for CPU Fans 1, or choose Customize to set 5 CPU temperatures and assign a respective fan speed for each temperature.

  • Page 71: Boot Screen

    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]. The default value is [Disabled]. Please refer to below descriptions for the details of these three options: [Disabled] - Disable Fast Boot. [Fast] - The only restriction is you may not boot by using an USB flash drive.
  • Page 72 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 73: Security Screen

    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 74: 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 75: Contact Information

    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...

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