Asus M4A88TD-M User Manual - Page 15

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home

theater audio systems via the S/PDIF_OUT (SONY-PHILIPS Digital

Interface) connector. The S/PDIF transfers digital audio without

converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

1.3.2

Innovative ASUS features

1

2

Core Unlocker

ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—

with just a simple switch. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply

unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes.

GPU Boost

GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best

graphics performance. User-friendly UI facilitates flexible frequency and

voltage adjustments. Its ability to deliver multiple overclocking profiles

also provides rapid and stable system-level upgrades.

TurboV EVO

The ultimate O.C. processor satisfies every level of overclockers—from

die-hard enthusiasts to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the

system to the fastest clock speeds while maintaining stability. Turbo Key

boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers more options

to advanced overclockers to achieve world O.C. record. Moreover,

upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with CPU Level UP!

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!

MemOK!

MemOK! guickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable

memory rescue tool requires a mere push of the button to patch memory

issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves

your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time.

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).

ASUS M4A88TD-M

1-3

Section	Page
Notices	6
Safety information	7
About this guide	7
M4A88TD-M specifications summary	9
Chapter 1	13
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 Innovative ASUS features	15
1.4 Before you proceed	17
1.5 Motherboard overview	18
1.5.1 Placement direction	18
1.5.2 Screw holes	18
1.5.3 Motherboard layout	19
1.5.4 Layout contents	19
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)	20
1.6.1 Installing the CPU	20
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan	22
1.7 System memory	23
1.7.1 Overview	23
1.7.2 Memory configurations (AM3, 2-channel)	24
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM	29
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM	29
1.8 Expansion slots	30
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card	30
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card	30
1.8.3 PCI slot	30
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots	30
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot	30
1.9 Jumpers	31
1.10 Connectors	32
1.10.1 Rear panel ports	32
1.10.2 Internal connectors	34
1.11 Onboard switch	41
1.12 Onboard LEDs	43
1.13 Software support	44
1.13.1 Installing an operating system	44
1.13.2 Support DVD information	44
Chapter 2	45
BIOS information	45
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS	45
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility	45
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2	46
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3	47
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater	48
2.2 BIOS setup program	51
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen	52
2.2.2 Menu bar	52
2.2.3 Navigation keys	52
2.2.4 Menu items	53
2.2.5 Submenu items	53
2.2.6 Configuration fields	53
2.2.7 Pop-up window	53
2.2.8 Scroll bar	53
2.2.9 General help	53
2.3 Main menu	54
2.3.1 System Time	54
2.3.2 System Date	54
2.3.3 SATA 1~6	54
2.3.4 SATA Configuration	55
2.3.5 System Information	56
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu	57
2.4.1 CPU Level UP	57
2.4.2 CPU OverClocking	58
2.4.3 CPU Ratio	59
2.4.4 DRAM Frequency	59
2.4.5 CPU/NB Frequency	59
2.4.6 HT Link Speed	59
2.4.7 GPU Booster	59
2.4.8 OC Tuner Utility	60
2.4.9 DRAM Timing Configuration	60
2.4.10 DRAM Driving Configuration	61
2.4.11 CPU & NB Voltage Mode	61
2.4.12 CPU VDDA Voltage	62
2.4.13 DRAM Voltage	62
2.4.14 HT Voltage	62
2.4.15 NB Voltage	62
2.4.16 NB 1.8V Voltage	62
2.4.17 SB Voltage	62
2.4.18 CPU Load-Line Calibration	62
2.4.19 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration	62
2.4.20 PCI/PCIe CLK Status	62
2.5 Advanced menu	63
2.5.1 CPU Configuration	63
2.5.2 Chipset	64
2.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration	65
2.5.4 PCIPnP	66
2.5.5 USB Configuration	66
2.6 Power menu	68
2.6.1 Suspend Mode	68
2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support	68
2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support	68
2.6.4 APM Configuration	68
2.6.5 HW Monitor Configuration	69
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support	69
2.6.7 NB Thermal Protect	69
2.7 Boot menu	70
2.7.1 Boot Device Priority	70
2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration	70
2.7.3 Security	71
2.8 Tools menu	72
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2	72
2.8.2 Express Gate	73
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile	73
2.8.4 AI NET 2	74

Asus M4A88TD-M User Manual - Page 15

Innovative ASUS features - power supply

Page 15 highlights