Asus M4A87TD EVO User Manual - Page 15

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power

management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating

power usage for critical PC components in real-time–helping save power

and money!

ASUS Hybrid OS

ASUS Express Gate

Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access

to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows

®

OS.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution

The streamline-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers

users a noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautifully curved fins

upgrade the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special

thickened bottom design effectively cools down hot airflows generated

by the north bridge chipset. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the

ASUS streamline-shaped heatsink will give users an extremely silent and

cooling experience with the elegant appearance!

ASUS Intelligent Overclocking Tools

TurboV EVO

Whether novice or enthusiast, TurboV EVO satisfies overclockers of any

level. Intelligently push systems to the fastest, stable clock speeds with

Auto-Tuning. Turbo Key boosts performance with a simple touch, while

TurboV offers additional advanced options for breaking those records!

CPU Level UP

Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your

CPU at no additional cost with CPU Level UP! Simply pick the processor

you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest! See the new CPU

speed and enjoy that performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy

as this.

Auto Tuning

Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve

a total system level up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C.

beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with Auto

Tuning!

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-3

Section	Page
M4A87TD EVO specifications summary	9
Chapter 1 Product introduction	13
1.1 Welcome!	13
1.2 Package contents	13
1.3 Special features	13
1.3.1 Product highlights	13
1.3.2 ASUS Unique Features	14
1.4 Before you proceed	16
1.5 Motherboard overview	16
1.5.1 Placement direction	16
1.5.2 Screw holes	16
1.5.3 Motherboard layout	17
1.5.4 Layout contents	17
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)	18
1.6.1 Installing the CPU	18
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan	19
1.7 System memory	21
1.7.1 Overview	21
1.7.2 Memory configurations	21
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM	28
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM	28
1.8 Expansion slots	29
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card	29
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card	29
1.8.3 PCI slots	29
1.8.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots	29
1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots	29
1.9 Jumper	30
1.10 Onboard switches	31
1.11 Onboard LEDs	33
1.12 Connectors	35
1.12.1 Rear panel connectors	35
1.12.2 Internal connectors	37
1.13 Software support	45
1.13.1 Installing an operating system	45
1.13.2 Support DVD information	45
Chapter 2 BIOS information	47
2.1 Knowing BIOS	47
2.2 Updating BIOS	47
2.2.1 ASUS Update utility	48
2.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility	49
2.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility	50
2.3 BIOS setup program	51
2.3.1 BIOS menu screen	52
2.3.2 Menu bar	52
2.3.3 Navigation keys	53
2.3.4 Menu items	53
2.3.5 Submenu items	53
2.3.6 Configuration fields	53
2.3.7 General help	53
2.3.8 Pop-up window	53
2.3.9 Scroll bar	53
2.4 Main menu	54
2.4.1 SATA 1–6	54
2.4.2 Storage Configuration	55
2.4.3 System Information	56
2.5 Ai Tweaker menu	57
2.5.1 CPU Level UP [Auto]	57
2.5.2 OC Tuner Utility	57
2.5.3 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]	57
2.5.4 CPU Ratio [Auto]	58
2.5.5 DRAM Frequency [Auto]	58
2.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]	59
2.5.7 HT Link Speed [Auto]	59
2.5.8 DRAM Timing Configuration	59
2.5.9 DRAM Driving Configuration	60
2.5.10 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset]	60
2.5.11 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]	61
2.5.12 DRAM Voltage [Auto]	61
2.5.13 HT Voltage [Auto]	61
2.5.14 NB Voltage [Auto]	61
2.5.15 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]	61
2.5.16 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]	61
2.5.17 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]	61
2.5.18 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]	61
2.6 Advanced menu	62
2.6.1 CPU Configuration	62
2.6.2 Chipset	63
2.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration	63
2.6.4 USB Configuration	64
2.6.5 PCIPnP	65
2.7 Power menu	66
2.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]	66
2.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]	66
2.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]	66
2.7.4 ACPI APIC support [Enabled]	66
2.7.5 APM Configuration	67
2.7.6 Hardware Monitor	67
2.8 Boot menu	69
2.8.1 Boot Device Priority	69
2.8.2 Boot Settings Configuration	69
2.8.3 Security	70
2.9 Tools menu	71
2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2	71
2.9.2 Express Gate [Auto]	71
2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Profile	72
2.9.4 AI NET 2	72

Asus M4A87TD EVO User Manual - Page 15

ASUS Intelligent Overclocking Tools

Page 15 highlights