Page 2 - Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.; Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
ii E5834 First Edition V1 June 2010 Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by an...
Page 3 - Contents; M4A88T-I Deluxe specifications summary; Product introduction; Memory configurations
iii Contents Notices ......................................................................................................... vi Safety information ..................................................................................... vii About this guide ...............................................
Page 4 - BIOS information; Configuration fields
iv Contents 1.13 Software support ........................................................................ 1-28 1.13.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-28 1.13.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-28 Chapter 2: BIOS informa...
Page 5 - CPU Configuration
v Contents 2.4.10 DRAM Driving Configuration ......................................... 2-15 2.4.11 CPU & NB Voltage Mode [Offset].................................. 2-16 2.4.12 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 2-16 2.4.13 HT Voltage [Auto] ....................
Page 6 - Notices; Federal Communications Commission Statement; This device may not cause harmful interference, and; Canadian Department of Communications Statement; This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.; REACH
vi Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may c...
Page 7 - Safety information; Electrical safety; before relocating the system.; Operation safety; Place the product on a stable surface.; About this guide; How this guide is organized; Chapter 1: Product introduction
vii 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 ...
Page 8 - Conventions used in this guide; NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.; Where to find more information; ASUS websites; Typography; Bold text; Indicates a menu or an item to select.
viii 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 wh...
Page 9 - DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can
ix M4A88T-I Deluxe specifications summary (continued on the next page) CPU AMD ® Socket AM3 for AMD ® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors Supports 45nm CPU Supports max. 95W TDP (Thermal Design Power) AMD ® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD ® CPU sup...
Page 10 - USB; GPU Boost; ASUS EZ DIY; - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
x M4A88T-I Deluxe specifications summary USB 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel) 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at the back panel) ASUS unique features ASUS Hybrid Processor - TurboV EVO - Turbo Unlocker, TurboV, Auto Tuning, CPU Level UP and GPU Boost ASUS Hybrid O...
Page 11 - BIOS
xi Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port 1 x HDMI output port 1 x DVI-D output port 1 x Optical S/PDIF output port 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF output port 2 x Wi-Fi antenna ports 1 x Bluetooth adapter 1 x eSATA port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channe...
Page 13 - Package contents; Chapter 1; Special features; Product highlights; AMD; less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 MHz
1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe motherboard Cables 2 x Wi-Fi antennas 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables Accessories 1 x I/O shield Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD Documentations User Manual If any of the above ite...
Page 14 - The AMD; HDMI support
AMD ® 710G Chipset The AMD ® 710G 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 1600(O.C.)/...
Page 15 - Innovative ASUS features; Core Unlocker; ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD; Turbo Key II; GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best; TurboV EVO
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. When you enable the Core Unlocker featu...
Page 16 - speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
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 Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and key application...
Page 17 - Precision Tweaker 2; Allows you to fine-tune the VCore / VDDNB voltage in 0.006250V steps; Green ASUS; impact on the environment.; Before you proceed
Precision Tweaker 2 Allows you to fine-tune the VCore / VDDNB voltage in 0.006250V steps and DRAM voltage in 0.015V steps to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking configuration. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default sett...
Page 18 - Motherboard overview; Placement direction; Screw holes
M4A88T-I DELUXE 1.5 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. DO NOT overtighten the screws! ...
Page 20 - Installing the CPU; Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.; Socket lever; Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.; Gold triangle; M4A88T-I DELUXE CPU socket AM3
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up...
Page 21 - M4A88T-I DELUXE CPU fan connector
5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fa...
Page 22 - Installing the heatsink and fan; To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
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: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is alread...
Page 23 - System memory; Overview; figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Pu...
Page 26 - Installing a DIMM; Unlocked retaining clip; Locked Retaining Clip; Removing a DIMM; Remove the DIMM from the socket.; DIMM notch
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the n...
Page 27 - Expansion slot; Installing an expansion card; To install an expansion card:; Configuring an expansion card; Assign an IRQ to the card.; PCI Express x16 slot; Express specifications.
1.8 Expansion slot In the future, you may need to install an expansion card. The following sub-sections describe the slot and the expansion card that it supports. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing an expansion card. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard ...
Page 28 - Jumper; To erase the RTC RAM:; M4A88T-I DELUXE Clear RTC RAM
1.9 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup i...
Page 29 - Connectors; Rear panel ports; LAN port; Bluetooth Electrical Specification:; LAN port LED indications
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 1. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse. 2. Optical S/PDIF output port. This port connects to an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device a...
Page 30 - WLAN antenna ports. These ports connect to the WLAN antennas.; SATA Configuration
8. WLAN antenna ports. These ports connect to the WLAN antennas. 9. Wireless LAN activity LED. The wireless module comes with an activity LED. 10. Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone. 11. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 3.0 d...
Page 31 - Internal connectors; M4A88T-I DELUXE fan connectors
1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Only the 4-pin CPU fan and chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. DO NOT forg...
Page 32 - push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.; M4A88T-I DELUXE ATX power connectors
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. • We recommend that...
Page 33 - M4A88T-I DELUXE SATA connectors
4. AMD ® SB710 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA 1~3) These connectors are for the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5 configuration through the on...
Page 34 - M4A88T-I DELUXE System panel connector; Devices Configuration; panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.; M4A88T-I DELUXE Front panel audio connector
6. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (2-pin PWR LED) 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...
Page 35 - Onboard switches; Core Unlocker switch; This switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of your CPU.; M4A88T-I DELUXE Core Unlocker Switch
1.11 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. 1. Core Unlocker switch This switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of y...
Page 37 - Turbo Key II switch; M4A88T-I DELUXE Turbo Key II Switch
3. Turbo Key II switch This switch allows you to auto-tune your CPU to enhance the system performance. To ensure system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off. • The O2LED2 LED near the Turbo Key II switch lights when the switch setting is turned to Enable. Ref...
Page 38 - Onboard LEDs; Standby Power LED; M4A88T-I DELUXE Onboard LED
2. DRAM LED DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second. 3. Core U...
Page 40 - Software support; Installing an operating system; This motherboard supports Windows; Support DVD information; To run the Support DVD; Click an item to install
1.13 Software support 1.13.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® XP / Vista / 7 Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to ...
Page 41 - Chapter 2; Managing and updating your BIOS; ASUS Update utility; Installing ASUS Update; Updating the BIOS; ASUS Update to launch the ASUS Update utility.; Auto
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-1 Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. • ASUS Update requires a...
Page 42 - Chapter 2: BIOS information; Select; Update BIOS from a file; b. Locate the BIOS file from the; ASUS EZ Flash 2; and automatically reboots the system when done.
2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS information Updating from a BIOS file a. Select Update BIOS from a file , then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself th...
Page 43 - ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe; FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.; ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3; Recovering the BIOS; BIOS file to the USB port or to the floppy disk drive, if supported.
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-3 • This function supports USB flash disks with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows...
Page 44 - Booting the system in DOS environment; At the FreeDOS prompt, type; ASUS BIOS Updater; gets corrupted during the updating process.; Before updating BIOS
2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS information Booting the system in DOS environment 1. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port. 2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into th...
Page 45 - Filename Extension; Backing up the current BIOS; To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-5 2. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [09/11/19] Current ROM Update ROM Note Saving BIOS: PATH: A:\ BOARD: M4A88T-I Deluxe VER: 020...
Page 46 - Updating the BIOS file; To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater; The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information 4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your computer. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! • For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the u...
Page 47 - BIOS setup program; Entering BIOS Setup at startup; Press the reset button on the system chassis.
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-7 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup:• Pres...
Page 48 - BIOS menu screen; The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:; Navigation keys; Menu items; Menu bar
2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen 2.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changi...
Page 49 - value of a field, select it then press; do not fit on the screen. Press the; General help
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-9 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5...
Page 50 - Main menu; Allows you to set the system time.
2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.3 Main menu 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. 2.3.1 System ...
Page 51 - menu allows you to configure your storage devices. Select an item; System Information; automatically detects the items in this menu.; BIOS Information; Displays the auto-detected CPU specification.; System Memory
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-11 PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [...
Page 52 - Ai Tweaker menu; Scroll down to display the following items:; set CPU Overclocking to [Manual] after selecting a CPU level.
2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. 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 chapte...
Page 54 - OC Tuner Utility; several times until auto tuning is completed.; DRAM Timing Configuration
2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.4.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the ratio between the NB Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz] 2.4.6 HT Link Speed [Auto] Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed. Co...
Page 55 - DRAM Driving Configuration
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-15 DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] ~ [41 CLK] DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12...
Page 57 - Advanced menu
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-17 2.4.15 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.16 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto] Allows you to select the CPU/NB Load-Line mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabl...
Page 58 - Chipset; Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.
2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled] Enables or disables Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM) Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ACPI S...
Page 59 - Onboard Devices Configuration
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-19 MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole. Configuration opti...
Page 60 - When this item is set to [No; ], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When this item; PCIPnP; devices and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices.; USB Configuration; to display the configuration options.
2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Selects the front panel type. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Enables o...
Page 61 - USB Mass Storage Device Configuration; Power menu
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-21 The following items only appear when a USB storage device is plugged in. USB Mass Storage Device Configuration USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec] Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] ...
Page 62 - Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event.; HW Monitor Configuration
2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] Enables or disables the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When this item is set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT point...
Page 64 - Boot menu; Boot Device Priority; Boot Settings Configuration
2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub ScreenF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2010, Ame...
Page 65 - Security; Change Supervisor Password; Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press .; Confirm the password when prompted.; 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-I Deluxe 2-25 Bootup Num-Lock [On] Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable...
Page 66 - Change User Password; Clear User Password; Select this item to clear the user password.; Tools menu; The Tools; , a confirmation message
2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.To set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item ...
Page 67 - This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.; Add Your CMOS Profile
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 2-27 2.8.2 Express Gate [Auto] Enables or disables the ASUS Express Gate feature. ASUS Express Gate is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet and Skype. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countd...
Page 68 - AI NET 2; option, a confirmation window appears. Select; OK to save changes and exit.; Exit & Discard Changes; Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.; Discard Changes; OK to discard any changes; and load the previously saved values.; Load Setup Defaults; Exit menu
2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.8.4 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] Exit & Save Changes Once you are finished making your selections, choose this...
Page 69 - ASUS contact information; ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.; Technical Support
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail [email protected] Web site www.asus.com.tw Technical Support Telephone +86-21-38429911 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL...
Page 70 - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufac ture r: A S U S T e k C O M P U T E R I N C . Addre ss, City : N o . 1 5 0 , L I- T E R D ., P E IT O U , T A IP E I 1 1 2 , T A IW A N R .O .C . C o u n tr y : TAIWAN Autho rized repres entati v e in Europe: A S U S C O M P U T E R G m b H A...