Asus A88X Plus A88XPLUS User Manual

A88X-PLUS  
Contents  
iii  
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.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all  
power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices  
could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not  
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power  
company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all the manuals  
that came with the package.  
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power  
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,  
slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area  
where it may be exposed to moisture.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the  
motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it  
supports. It includes descriptions of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the  
motherboard.  
Chapter 2: BIOS information  
This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
iv  
 
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software  
updates.  
1.  
2.  
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. These documents are not part of the  
standard package.  
Conventions used in this guide  
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used  
throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when  
completing a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when  
completing a task  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key.  
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key  
names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
v
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
Cables  
ASUS A88X-PLUS motherboard  
2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables  
1 x I/O Shield  
Accessories  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
Support DVD  
User Guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
A88X-PLUS specifications summary  
APU  
AMD® FM2+ socket for AMD® A-Series/AthlonTM series processors  
Supports CPU up to 4 cores  
AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support  
The AMD® Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support depends on the APU types.  
Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® APU support list.  
Chipset  
Memory  
AMD® A88X FCH  
4 x DIMMs, Max. 64GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.) / 2250(O.C.) / 2200(O.C.) / 2133  
/ 1866 / 1600 / 1333 MHz non-ECC Unbuffered Memory  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
Support AMD Memory Profile (AMP) memory  
Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of indivudal  
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.  
Graphics  
Integrated AMD Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 Series Graphics in A-Series APU  
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI/DVI/RGB ports  
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Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 1920x1200@60Hz  
Supports DVI with max. resolution of 2560x1600@60Hz  
Supports RGB with max. resolution of 1920x1600@60Hz  
Maximum shared memory of 2048MB  
Supports AMD® Dual Graphics technology  
dual-graphics.aspx#3 for the discrete GPUs that support Dual Graphics  
technology.  
Expansion slots  
1 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slot (@x16 mode)  
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (@x4 mode)  
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots  
3 x PCI slots  
* Only FM2+ processors can support PCIe 3.0.  
Realtek® 8111G PCIe Gigabit LAN controller  
LAN  
(continued on the next page)  
vi  
 
A88X-PLUS specifications summary  
Storage  
AMD® A88X FCH (Bolton D4) chipset:  
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8 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (yellow) with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD  
support  
Audio  
Realtek® ALC887-VD 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC  
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Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O  
Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking  
USB  
AMD® A88X FCH (Bolton D4) chipset:  
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4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at the back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-board)  
10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at the back panel, 6 ports at mid-board)  
ASUS unique  
features  
ASUS 5X Protection  
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ASUS motherboards safeguard your PC with 5X Protection: DIGI+VRM,  
DRAM Fuse, ESD Guards, High-Quality Solid Capacitors, and Stainless  
Steel Back I/O to ensure the best quality, reliability, and durability.  
ASUS DIGI+ VRM  
ASUS DIGI+ PVRM: Digital Power Design for APU  
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ASUS DRAM Fuse  
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Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circui damage  
prevention  
ASUS ESD Guards  
Strong ESD Protection for extended component lifespan  
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ASUS High-Quality Solid Capacitors  
- 2.5x Long Lifespan with excellent durability  
ASUS Stainless Steel Back I/O  
- 3x More durable corrosion-resistant coating  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
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ASUS EPU  
ASUS Turbo V EVO  
ASUS GPU Boost  
ASUS MemOK!  
ASUS AI Suite 3  
ASUS AI Charger  
ASUS Anti Surge  
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface  
ASUS Network iControl  
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost  
ASUS Disk Unlocker  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
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ASUS Fan Xpert  
Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution & MOS Heatsink  
ASUS EZ DIY  
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ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS My Logo 2  
ASUS Q-Design  
ASUS Q-Slot  
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(continued on the next page)  
vii  
A88X-PLUS specifications summary  
Back panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x DVI port  
1 x D-Sub output port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue)  
5 x Audio jacks (Line in, Front Speaker Out, Mic in, Center/Subwoofer,  
Rear Speaker Out)  
Internal I/O  
connectors / buttons/  
switches  
1 x USB 3.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports (19-pin)  
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports  
1 x COM port connector  
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors  
1 x CPU fan connector  
2 x Chassis fan connectors  
1 x Front panel audio connector (AAFP)  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x clear CMOS jumper  
1 x MemOK! Button  
1 x GPU Boost switch  
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector  
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  
Operating System  
Support DVD  
Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit  
Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit  
Windows® XP  
Drivers  
ASUS utilities  
ASUS Update  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.9 in (30.5 cm x 22.6cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
viii  
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change  
any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.  
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded  
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due  
to static electricity.  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the  
bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is  
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so  
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.  
1.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the  
motherboard fits.  
Unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can  
cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components.  
1.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge  
with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image.  
1.2.2  
Screw holes  
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.  
1-1  
ASUS A88X-PLUS  
 
Place this side  
towards the rear  
of the chassis  
A88X-PLUS  
1.2.3  
Motherboard layout  
6
5
1
2
3
2
4
22.6cm(8.9in)  
GPU_Boost  
KBMS_USB34  
HDMI  
CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN  
GPU_LED  
DIGI  
+VRM  
ATX12V  
MemOK!  
7
8
1
DRAM_LED  
USB3_12  
LAN_USB12  
AUDIO  
CHA_FAN1  
PCIEX1_1  
9
A88X-PLUS  
RTL  
8111G  
PCIEX16_1  
Super  
I/O  
PCIEX1_2  
BATTERY  
PCI1  
AMD®  
A88X  
PCIEX16_2  
8Mb  
BIOS  
COM  
PCI2  
PCI3  
ALC  
887  
10  
SATA6G_4  
SATA6G_1  
SATA6G_5  
SATA6G_2  
SATA6G_6  
SATA6G_3  
SPDIF_OUT  
SB_PWR  
USB910 USB78  
USB56  
PANEL  
CLRTC  
AAFP  
15 14  
13  
12  
11  
17  
16  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.2.4  
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED  
Page  
1-15  
1-14  
1-3  
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)  
2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2)  
3. AMD FM2+ socket  
4. GPU Boost switch  
1-21  
1-22  
1-7  
5. GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED)  
6. DDR3 DIMM slots  
7. MemOK! button  
1-20  
1-22  
1-19  
1-16  
1-17  
1-19  
1-11  
1-14  
1-18  
1-21  
1-18  
8. DRAM LED  
9. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)  
10. SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~8)  
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
12. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)  
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
16. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)  
17. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)  
1.3  
Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)  
This motherboard comes with a FM2+ socket designed for AMD® A-series and Athlon™  
processors.  
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!  
A88X-PLUS  
A88X-PLUS CPU socket FM2+  
1-3  
ASUS A88X-PLUS  
 
1.3.1  
1
APU installation  
2
3
4
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
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  
1
2
3
4
5
1-5  
ASUS A88X-PLUS  
To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly  
1
2
3
4
5
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction