Asus M5A87 User Manual
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Asus M5A87 User Manual

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  • Page 1 M5A87...
  • 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 ..................viii M5A87 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 ..........1-3 Before you proceed ..............
  • Page 4 Chapter 2: BIOS information Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update ..............2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........2-3 BIOS setup program ..............2-4 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ............2-5 2.2.2...
  • Page 5 Boot menu .................. 2-22 2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ............2-22 2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-22 2.7.3 Security ................. 2-23 Tools menu ................. 2-25 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-25 2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-25 Exit menu ..................2-26...

  • Page 6: Notices

    This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 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 7: Safety Information

    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 8: About 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: M5A87 Specifications Summary

    DDR3 1333MHz. *** When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. **** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** Use a 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install 4GB or more ®...
  • Page 10 1MHz increment - PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection: - ASUS C.P.R (CPU Parameter Recall) Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port 1 x COM port 1 x LPT port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports...
  • Page 11 M5A87 specifications summary Internal I/O connectors / 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 8 USB buttons / switches 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SATA connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x Power fan connector...

  • 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 14 870 Chipset ® The AMD 870 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s ® HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD’s latest AM3 multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. HyperTransport™...

  • Page 15: Innovative Asus Features

    BIOS changes. 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.

  • 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 M5A87...

  • 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. M5A87 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 M5A87...

  • Page 20: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M5A87 M5A87 CPU socket AM3+ Socket lever Press the lever sideways to unlock the 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 M5A87 M5A87 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 M5A87...

  • 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 M5A87 M5A87 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M5A87 1-11...

  • Page 24: Memory Configurations

    • 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 M5A87 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 M5A87 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 M5A87 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) M5A87 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 M5A87 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 M5A87 M5A87 SATA 6.0Gb/s 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 M5A87 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 M5A87 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 M5A87 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 M5A87 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

    Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu to activate the Core Unlocker function. • The system will use the last setting you have made. • If you 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 The Core Unlocker LED keeps on M5A87 lighting even though the ASUS Core Unlocker item in the BIOS menu is set to [Disabled]. M5A87 Core Unlocker LED...

  • 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 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 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 BIOS file.

  • Page 46: 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. Chapter 2: BIOS information...

  • Page 47: Bios Menu Screen

    2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help M5A87 BIOS Setup Version 0302 Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings Use [ENTER], [TAB] System Time [16:34:30] or [SHIFT-TAB] to System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] select a field.

  • Page 48: Menu Items

    A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window. 2.2.7 Pop-up window M5A87 BIOS Setup Version 0302 Main Ai Tweaker Advanced...

  • Page 49: 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. M5A87 BIOS Setup Version 0302 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 50: Sata Configuration

    LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) Mode [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers.

  • Page 51: System Information

    This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. ASUS M5A87...

  • Page 52: 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. M5A87 BIOS Setup Version 0302 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 53: Cpu Overclocking [Auto]

    O.C. Profile you’ve selected. Overclock Options [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU OverClocking item to [Overclock Profile] and allows you to select an overclocking profile. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] ASUS M5A87 2-11...

  • Page 54: Cpu Ratio [Auto]

    2.4.3 CPU Ratio [Auto] Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. The following two items only appear when you install a 6-core CPU. AMD Turbo CORE technology [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD Turbo Core technology.

  • Page 55: Dram Timing Configuration

    Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK] DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms] DRAM Command Rate [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] ASUS M5A87 2-13...

  • Page 56: Dram Driving Configuration

    2.4.8 DRAM Driving Configuration The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. CKE drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] CS/ODT drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]...

  • Page 57: 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. M5A87 BIOS Setup Version 0302 Main Ai Tweaker...

  • Page 58: 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 59: Onboard Devices Configuration

    Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] ASUS M5A87 2-17...

  • Page 60: Pcipnp

    Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the high definition audio controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB3.0 Controller [Enabled]...

  • Page 61: Usb Mass Storage Device 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 M5A87 2-19...

  • Page 62: 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. M5A87 BIOS Setup Version 0302 Main...

  • Page 63: Hw Monitor Configuration

    CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled] Enables or disables the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

  • Page 64: Boot Menu

    Configuration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] • 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>...

  • Page 65: Security

    View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility. ASUS M5A87 2-23...

  • Page 66: Change User Password

    Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a User Password: Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

  • Page 67: Tools Menu

    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. See section 2.1.2 for details.

  • Page 68: Exit Menu

    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. Version 0302 M5A87 BIOS Setup Main Advanced Power Boot Tools...

  • Page 69: Asus Contact Information

    +1-510-739-3777 +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 (Component) +49-1805-010923*...

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