Contents
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
F2A55-M specifications summary ............................................................................ ix
Special features............................................................................................1-1
Before you proceed......................................................................................1-4
Motherboard overview .................................................................................1-5
Overview....................................................................................... 1-11
Expansion slots..........................................................................................1-20
PCI slot .........................................................................................1-20
Jumpers.......................................................................................................1-22
Connectors..................................................................................................1-23
Onboard switches ......................................................................................1-31
1.10 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................................1-32
1.11 Software support........................................................................................1-34
iii
Chapter 2:
BIOS setup program.....................................................................................2-6
Main menu...................................................................................................2-10
Security.........................................................................................2-10
Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................2-12
Advanced menu..........................................................................................2-18
APM ..............................................................................................2-21
iv
Monitor menu..............................................................................................2-23
Boot menu...................................................................................................2-26
Tools menu..................................................................................................2-30
Exit menu ....................................................................................................2-31
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-M specifications summary
APU
AMD® FM2 socket for AMD® A-series/ Athlon™ Series processors
Supports CPU 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.
Chipset
Memory
AMD® A55 FCH(Hudson D2)
4 x DIMMs, max. 64GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.)/ 2250(O.C.) /2200(O.C.) /
2133(O.C.) /2000(O.C.) /1866 /1600 /1333/1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-
buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
*
Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total
installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.
** The Max. 64GB memory capacity can be supported with DIMMs of 8GB (or above).
ASUS will update QVL once the DIMMs are available on the market.
Graphics
Integrated AMD® Radeon™ HD 7000 Series Graphics in A-series APU
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI / DVI / D-Sub port
-
-
-
-
-
-
Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920x1080@60Hz
Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution 2560x1600@60Hz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution 1920x1600@60Hz
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 11
Maximum shared memory of 2G
Supports AMD® Dual Graphics technology
Graphics technology
Expansion slots
Storage
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (blue @ x16 mode, black @ x4 mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
1 x PCI slot
Supports AMD CrossFireX™ Technology (x16 & x4)
AMD® A55 FCH:
-
6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors (blue) with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10
and JBOD support
Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller
LAN
Audio
Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
AMD® A55 FCH:
USB
-
10 x USB2.0 ports (4 ports at back panel, 6 ports at mid-board)
ASMedia USB3.0 Controller:
-
2 x USB3.0 /2.0 ports at back panel
(continued on the next page)
ix
F2A55-M specifications summary
ASUS unique features
ASUS Digital Power Design:
Industry leading digital 4+2 phase power design
-
ASUS EPU
EPU
-
ASUS Exclusive Features
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
ASUS Network iControl
ASUS AI Charger+
ASUS GPU Boost
ASUS Turbo V
Disk Unlocker
ASUS MemOK!
ASUS AI Suite II
ASUS Anti Surge
ASUS ESD
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
-
-
ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution
ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
-
-
-
-
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS My Logo 2
ASUS Exclusive
overclocking features
Precision Tweaker 2
-
-
-
-
vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
vDDNB: Adjustable CPU/NB voltage at 0.00625V increment
vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.005V 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-M specifications summary
Back Panel I/O ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x DVI port
1 x HDMI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-Channel audio I/O ports
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports
6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
Internal I/O
connectors
1 x COM connector
1 x GPU Boost switch
1 x MemOK! button
1 x TPM header
1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin)
1 x Chassis fan connector (4-pin)
1 x power Fan connector (3-pin)
1 x System panel connector (20-pin)
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V poweer connector
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x I/O shield
Accessories
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
BIOS features
Support DVD
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
BIOS 2.7, ACPI v2.0a, 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
Drivers
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor
uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm)
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xi
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
GPU Boost
PWR_FAN
KBMS_USB34
CPU_FAN
GPU_LED
DIGI+
EPU
ATX12V
SPDIFO
_HDMI
MemOK!
DRAM_LED
USB3_12
LAN_USB12
CHA_FAN
AUDIO
F2A55-M
PCIEX16_1
RTL
8111F
SB_PWR
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCIEX1_1
AMD®
A55
Super
I/O
PCI1
PCIEX16_2
USB910
64Mb
BIOS
ALC
887-VD2
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
CLRTC
TPM
COM
USB78
USB56
PANEL
ASUS F2A55-M motherboard
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
User Manual
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 (Hudson D2) Chipset
AMD® A55 FCH (Hudson D2) is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and PCI
Express™ 2.0 x 16 graphics. It supports 6 x SATA 3Gb/s ports.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2250(O.C.)/ 2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 2000
(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.
C.)/ 2250(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/ 066 MHz to boost
the system’s performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D
graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.
Complete USB 3.0 integration
This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity
solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.
8-channel high definition audio
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia)
CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that
automatically detects and identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio
I/O jacks and notifies users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more
confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.
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 Catalyst™ Control Center.
1-1
ASUS F2A55-M
1.1.2
DIGI+VRM
DIGI+ POWER CONTROL: Digital Power Design for the APU*
ASUS motherboards using the AMD® A55 chipset employ precise digital regulation for the
APU, called DIGI+ VRM (Vloltage 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. Boosetd 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 are also available in FM2 socket compatible CPUs.
EPU
EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s first real-time system power-saving chip,
automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage. It
offers a system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the component’s
lifespan.
1.1.3
Innovative ASUS features
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.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates
flexible frequency adjustments, and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every
use.
* AMD A10-5800K, A6-5400K, and all upcoming Black Edition APUs support GPU
overclocking.
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.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused
by power surges from switching power supply (PSU).
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 easily charge iPod,
iPhone, iPad, but also BC 1.1** standard mobile devices three times*** as fast as before.
*
Ai Charger is ASUS unique fast-charging software that 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.
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.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
1.1.4
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC
environment. The heatsink design also lowers the temperature of the chipset and power
phase area through high efficient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics,
the ASUS stylish heatsink will give you an extremely silent and cooling experience with the
elegant appearance!
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
based on different ambient temperatures, resulting to a quiet and cool computing
environment.
1.1.5
ASUS EZ DIY
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.
1-3
ASUS F2A55-M
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more
colorful and vivid image on your screen.
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 USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based
utility.
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.
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, 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.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3
Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard fits into it.
Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.
Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
1.3.1
Placement direction
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 eight 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-M
1-5
ASUS F2A55-M
1.3.3
Motherboard layout
5
1
2
2
3
4
6
24.4cm(9.6in)
GPU Boost
PWR_FAN
KBMS_USB34
GPU_LED
CPU_FAN
DIGI+
EPU
ATX12V
SPDIFO
_HDMI
MemOK!
7
8
DRAM_LED
1
USB3_12
LAN_USB12
CHA_FAN
AUDIO
F2A55-M
PCIEX16_1
RTL
8111F
SB_PWR
9
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCIEX1_1
AMD®
A55
Super
I/O
PCI1
10
11
PCIEX16_2
USB910
64Mb
BIOS
ALC
887-VD2
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
CLRTC
TPM
COM
USB78
USB56
PANEL
17
13
16
15
14
12
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.4
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED
Page
1.
2.
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
1-26
CPU, power fan and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN and
3-pin PWR_FAN)
1-27
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
GPU Boost switch
1-32
1-33
1-7
GPU Boost LED (GPU_LED)
AMD® FM2 socket
DDR3 DIMM slots
1-11
1-31
1-32
1-32
1-29
1-30
1-26
1-22
1-28
1-27
1-25
1-25
MemOK! switch
DRAM LED (DRAM_LED
Standby power LED (SB_PWR)
10. SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6)
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
12. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
14. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)
15. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM)
16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
17. 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.
F2A55-M
F2A55-M CPU socket FM2
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!
1-7
ASUS F2A55-M
|