Asus Computer Hardware F2A55 User Manual

F2A55  
Contents  
Chapter 1:  
iii  
Chapter 2:  
iv  
v
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 devices on it, 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 become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
vi  
 
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.  
Chapter 2: BIOS information  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
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.  
vii  
 
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 trying to  
complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to  
complete 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 (+).  
viii  
F2A55 specifications summary  
APU  
FM2 socket for AMD® A-Series accelerated processors (APU) with AMD  
Radeon™ HD 7000 Series graphics, up to 4 CPU 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® A55 FCH  
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 64GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3  
2400(O.C.)/2250(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz  
memory modules  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
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.  
When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit  
operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a  
maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating  
system.  
Graphics  
Integrated AMD® Radeon™ HD 7000 series graphics in Trinity APU  
Supports AMD® Dual Graphics  
* Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs that support Dual Graphics.  
Expansion slots  
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (blue @x16 mode, black @x4 mode)  
2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots  
3 x PCI slots  
Multi-GPU  
support  
Supports AMD® CrossFireX™ Technology  
Storage / RAID  
AMD® A55 FCH:  
-
6 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10  
and JBOD configurations  
LAN  
Realtek® 8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller  
Audio  
ALC887 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC  
-
Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-  
Retasking  
-
Supports S/PDIF out interface at the back I/O  
USB  
AMD® A55 FCH:  
12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at the mid-board, 6 ports at the back  
panel)  
Asmedia® PCIe USB3.0 controller:  
-
-
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
 
F2A55 specifications summary  
ASUS unique  
features  
ASUS DIGI+ VRM:  
-
-
Digital Power Control for APU  
ASUS 4+2 Phase Power Design  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
-
ASUS Network iControl* featuring instant network bandwidth  
domination for top network program in use  
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost featuring the latest USB 3.0 UASP standard  
MemOK!  
ASUS AI Suite II  
AI Charger+  
ASUS TurboV  
Disk Unlocker featuring 3TB+ HDD support  
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface  
ASUS Protect 3.0 technology  
-
-
-
-
ASUS EPU  
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection  
Low EMI solution  
100% solid capacitors  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
-
-
ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution  
ASUS Fan Xpert+  
ASUS EZ DIY  
-
-
-
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
* The ASUS Network iControl feature does not support Windows®  
XP/Vista operating systems.  
Special features  
100% All high quality conductive polymer  
ASUS exclusive  
overclocking  
features  
Precision Tweaker 2  
-
-
-
vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00325V increment  
vDRAM: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.01V increment  
vFCH: Adjustable FCH voltage at 0.01V increment  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):  
-
APU frequency tuning from 90MHz up to 300MHz at 1MHz  
increment  
Overclocking Protection:  
-
ASUS C.P.R (CPU Parameter Recall)  
(continued on the next page)  
x
F2A55 specifications summary  
Back Panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
1 x Optical S/PDIF output port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)  
8-channel audio I/O ports  
Internal I/O connectors /  
buttons / switches  
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors  
1 x COM connector  
1 x CPU fan connector  
2 x Chassis fan connectors  
1 x Front panel audio connector  
1 x S/PDIF output connector  
1 x System panel connector  
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector  
1 x MemOK! button  
BIOS  
64Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI 2.0a,  
SM BIOS 2.6  
Support DVD  
Drivers  
ASUS Update  
ASUS utilities  
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12.0 in x 8.8 in (30.5 cm x 22.4 cm)  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xi  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
22.4cm(8.8in)  
KBMS  
CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN  
ATX12V  
USB56  
SPDIFO  
USB34  
USB3_E12  
MemOK!  
DRAM_LED  
LAN_USB12  
CHA_FAN1  
ASM  
1042  
AUDIO  
PCIEX1_1  
F2A55  
Realtek®  
8111F  
PCIEX16_1  
Lithium Cell  
PCIEX1_2  
CMOS Power  
AMD®  
A55  
PCI1  
Super  
I/O  
PCIEX16_2  
64Mb  
BIOS  
PCI2  
ALC  
887  
SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4  
PCI3  
SPDIF_OUT  
SB_PWR  
USB78  
USB910  
USB1112 PANEL  
COM  
AAFP  
CLRTC  
SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6  
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s  
cables  
ASUS F2A55 motherboard  
User Guide  
1 x I/O Shield  
User Guide  
Support DVD  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may  
vary with different models.  
xii  
 
Product introduction  
1
1.1  
Special features  
Product highlights  
1.1.1  
AMD® A-series accelerated processors with AMD® Radeon™ HD 7000 series  
graphics  
This motherboard supports AMD® A-series accelerated processor with AMD® Radeon™  
HD 7000 series graphics. This revolutionary APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines  
processing power and advanced DirectX 11 graphics in one small, energy-efficient design to  
enable accelerated performance and an industry-leading visual experience. It features Dual-  
channel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5GT/s.  
AMD® A55 FCH chipset  
AMD® A55 FCH is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and AMD® CrossFireX™  
multi-GPU technology. It also supports 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s ports.  
USB 3.0 support  
Experience ultra-fast data transfer at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0 – the latest connectivity  
standard. Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0  
transfers data 10x faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.  
AMD® CrossFireX™ Technology  
AMD’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the  
need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™ allows  
higher antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display  
configurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a real-  
time 3D-rendered previews within AMD® VISION Engine Control Center.  
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors  
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved  
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.  
1.1.2  
ASUS DIGI+ VRM  
DIGI+ Power Control: Digital Power Design for the APU*  
ASUS motherboards using the AMD® A55 chipset employ precise digital voltage regulation  
for the APU, called DIGI+ VRM (Voltage Regulation Modules) digital power design. The APU  
voltage is adjusted via either carefully developed automated modes, or by using user-defined  
profiles. The effect is that DIGI+ VRM technology ensures greater energy efficiency and the  
most precise power delivery. Boosted by world-renowned ASUS quality, it creates an ideal  
computing platform for a diverse range of applications, from gaming to multimedia or office  
work and heavy multitasking. Engineered and tested to assure unmitigated performance,  
ASUS A55 boards with DIGI+ VRM remain efficient and accurate, for reliable application in  
every scenario.  
* DIGI+ VRM functions also available in FM2 socket compatible CPUs  
1-1  
ASUS F2A55  
 
1.1.3  
ASUS Exclusive Features  
USB 3.0 Boost  
With USB 3.0 Boost technology, USB transfer speeds are significantly increased up to  
132%, enhancing an already impressive USB 3.0 transfer rate. ASUS software automatically  
accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any further  
user interaction.  
Network iControl  
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to  
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities  
for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a  
more convenient online experience.  
*
The ASUS Network iControl feature does not support Windows® XP/Vista operating systems.  
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)  
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the first mouse-controlled intuitive  
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,  
providing you with more flexibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the  
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard  
drives larger than 2.2 TB.  
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:  
F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey  
F3 Shortcut for most accessed information  
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and  
helping with difficult POST situations.  
ASUS TurboV  
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS TurboV offers you the adrenaline rush of real-time  
overclocking without exiting or rebooting the OS. It also provides you with the ASUS OC  
profiles for the best overclocking settings in different scenarios.  
MemOK!  
MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to  
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and  
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.  
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection  
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused  
by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).  
AI Suite II  
With its user interface, ASUS AI Suite II integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to  
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to configure the overclocking  
settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the system via a  
mobile device, and other easy-to-use helpful utilities.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
Ai Charger+  
ASUS Ai Charger+, the latest Ai Charger* version, brings you to a new level of USB3.0 fast  
charging experience. With its easy and user-friendly interface, you can not only easily charge  
iPod, iPhone and iPad, but also BC 1.1** standard mobile devices three times*** as fast as  
before.  
*
Ai Charger is ASUS unique fast-charging software which supports iPod, iPhone and iPad.  
** Check your USB mobile device manufacturer if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.  
***The actual charging speed may vary with your USB device’s conditions.  
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 MyLogo2™  
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS  
file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file.  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system  
hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and  
clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically  
restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.  
ErP ready  
The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP  
requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements in regards to energy  
consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-  
efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the  
product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.  
1-3  
ASUS F2A55  
1.2  
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, 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.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.3  
Motherboard overview  
Placement direction  
1.3.1  
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you 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 below.  
1.3.2  
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.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis.  
F2A55  
1-5  
ASUS F2A55  
 
1.3.3  
Motherboard layout  
1
2
2
3
4
22.4cm(8.8in)  
KBMS  
CHA_FAN2 CPU_FAN  
ATX12V  
USB56  
SPDIFO  
USB34  
5
6
USB3_E12  
MemOK!  
DRAM_LED  
LAN_USB12  
1
CHA_FAN1  
ASM  
1042  
AUDIO  
PCIEX1_1  
F2A55  
Realtek®  
8111F  
PCIEX16_1  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
PCIEX1_2  
AMD®  
A55  
PCI1  
Super  
I/O  
PCIEX16_2  
PCI2  
7
8
64Mb  
BIOS  
ALC  
887  
SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4  
SB_PWR  
PCI3  
SPDIF_OUT  
USB78  
CLRTC  
USB910  
USB1112 PANEL  
COM  
AAFP  
SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6  
14  
13  
12 11  
10  
9
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.3.4  
Layout contents  
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED  
Page  
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)  
1-26  
2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2)  
3. AMD FM2 socket  
1-25  
1-7  
4. DDR3 DIMM slots  
1-11  
1-32  
1-31  
1-32  
1-27  
1-28  
1-30  
1-22  
1-27  
1-29  
1-29  
5. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)  
6. MemOK! switch  
7. Standby power LED (SB_PWR)  
8. SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6)  
9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
10. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)  
11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
12. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)  
13. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
1.4  
Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)  
This motherboard comes with an FM2 socket designed for AMD® A-series accelerated  
processors with AMD® Radeon™ HD 7000 series graphics.  
Ensure that you use a 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!  
F2A55  
F2A55 CPU socket FM2  
1-7  
ASUS F2A55  
 
1.4.1  
1
APU installation  
2
3
4
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction