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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................vii M4A88T-M LE specifications summary ............ ix Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........
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BIOS information Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ..........2-3 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ............2-4 BIOS setup program ..............2-7 2.2.1...
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Boot Device Priority ............2-26 2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-26 2.7.3 Security ................. 2-27 Tools menu ................. 2-28 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-28 2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-29 2.8.3 AI NET 2................ 2-29 Exit menu ..................2-30...
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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.
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 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.
ECC, non-ECC, unbuffered memory* AM3 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 ® 1066MHz. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows ®...
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- EPU-4 engine ASUS Exclusive Features - Core Unlocker - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions - ASUS Fanless Design: Heat sink solution - ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS O.C. Profile - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - ASUS MyLogo 2™...
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1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector BIOS 16Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI 2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE...
® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.
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880G Chipset ® The AMD 880G Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s ® HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD’s latest AM3 multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. DDR3 1866(O.C.)/1333/1066 support This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1866(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth...
It provides you with a faster reaction time for an excellent graphics performance. ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away.
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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 CrashFree BIOS 3...
ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. ASUS M4A88T-M LE...
Motherboard overview 1.5.1 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. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU...
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Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. ASUS M4A88T-M LE...
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. •...
DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 Channel B DIMM_B1 ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-11...
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. M4A88T-M LE Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1866(O.C.)MHz capability DIMM socket Vendors Part No.
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KHX1600C8D3T1K2/ 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - • • 4GX(XMP) Kingston KHX1600C9D3K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - • • Kingston KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - • • Kingston KHX1600C9D3K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - • • ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-13...
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• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into both the slots as one pair of dual-channel memory configuration. When using a DDR3 1866MHz memory module, ensure to install it on the A1 slot for better overclocking capability. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. DIMM notch Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-17...
Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-19...
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. This port connects to an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. VGA port.
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Supported Not supported DVI + D-Sub • DVI + HDMI • HDMI + D-Sub • • During POST, only the monitor connected to the D-Sub port has display. The dual display function works only under Windows. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-21...
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors. Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
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• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer.
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IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your devices: Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s)
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ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows XP SP2 or later version. ® • When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the type of the SATA connectors in the BIOS to [AHCI]. See section 2.3.4 SATA Configuration for details. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-25...
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
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The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The serial port module is purchased separately. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 1-27...
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Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices >...
The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD to the optical drive.
BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ®...
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a removable device that contains the updated BIOS file.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
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ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [09/11/19] Current ROM Update ROM BOARD: M4A88T-M LE BOARD: Unknown VER: 0207 (H:00 B:01) VER: Unknown DATE: 09/06/2010 DATE: Unknown PATH: BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue. Note Saving BIOS: ASUS M4A88T-M LE...
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>. D:\>bupdater /pc /g The BIOS Updater screen appears as below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [09/11/19] Current ROM Update ROM BOARD: Unknown BOARD: M4A88T-M LE VER: Unknown VER: 0207 (H:00 B:01) DATE: Unknown DATE: 09/06/2010 PATH: M4A88TML.ROM...
• The BIOS setup screens in this chapter are for reference only. They may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. ASUS M4A88T-M LE...
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Version 0207 Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings Use [ENTER], [TAB] System Time [19:34:30] or [SHIFT-TAB] to System Date [Tue 01/08/2002] select a field.
<Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window. 2.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press <Enter> M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Advanced to display a pop-up window with the This option should CPU Configuration remain disabled for Module Version: 13.55...
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Version 0207 Main Ai Tweaker...
The SATA Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage devices. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] Enables or disables onboard channel SATA port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-11...
The following two items only appear when you set OnChip SATA Channel to [Enabled]. SATA Port1 - Port4 [IDE] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Version 0207 Main Ai Tweaker...
2.4.1 CPU OverClocking [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system. Allows you to select a DRAM O.C.
GPU Engine Clock. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200MHz to 2000MHz. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-15...
2.4.7 DRAM Timing Configuration The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [12 CLK] DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] ~ [12 CLK] DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] ~ [12 CLK]...
CPU/NB Offset voltage. The values range from 0.003125V to 0.500000V with a 0.003125V interval. CPU Voltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-17...
CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU & NB Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you to set a fixed CPU/NB voltage. 2.4.10 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.50V to 2.80V with a 0.10V interval.
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Version 0207 Main Ai Tweaker...
Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Adjusts the processor’s overclocking capability. Select [Auto] to allow the BIOS automatically adjusts this function. Select [All Cores] to configure all the processor cores as a whole. Select [Per Core] to configure each processor core separately. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [All Cores] [Per Core] The following items only appear when you set Advanced Clock Calibration to [Auto], [All Cores], or [Per Core].
When set to [Auto], only the primary display could be activated. Frame Buffer Location [Above 4G] Allows you to select the FB Location. Configuration options: [Below 4G] [Above 4G] AMD HDMI Audio [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the HDMI Audio. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-21...
2.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Selects the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Selects the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Selects the Parallel Port mode.
Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec] Emulation Type [Auto] Allows you to set the emulation type. Configuration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-23...
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Version 0207 Main...
[Turbo] Set to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. [Manual] Allows you to individually set the CPU fan parameters. 2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] Enables or disables the Anti Surge support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-25...
Configuration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] • To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following: ®...
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility. ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-27...
(C)Copyright 1985-2010, American Megatrends, Inc. 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice.
BIOS version. • Only the CMO file can be loaded. 2.8.3 AI NET 2 Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A88T-M LE 2-29...
Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. M4A88T-M LE BIOS Setup Version 0207 Main Advanced Power Boot...
+1-510-739-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923*...