ASROCK A88M-ITX/ac User manual

Version 1.0
Published December 2015
Copyright©2015 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
Copyright Notice:
No part of this documentation may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or
translated in any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of
documentation by the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of
ASRock Inc.
Products and corporate names appearing in this documentation may or may not
be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used
only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to
infringe.
Disclaimer:
Specications and information contained in this documentation are furnished for
informational use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be
constructed as a commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for
any errors or omissions that may appear in this documentation.
With respect to the contents of this documentation, ASRock does not provide
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to
the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular
purpose.
In no event shall ASRock, its directors, ocers, employees, or agents be liable for
any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for
loss of prots, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like),
even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any
defect or error in the documentation or product.
is device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY
e Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic substance
controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations passed by the
California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in California, USA, please
follow the related regulations in advance.
“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate”
ASRock Website: http://www.asrock.com

e terms HDMI™ and HDMI High-Denition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI
logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United
States and other countries.

1
English
A88M-ITX/ac
Motherboard Layout
M2_1
ATXPWR1
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
PCIE1
AMD
A88X
(Bolton-D4)
Chipset
Front USB 3.0
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T: USB2
B: USB3
USB 3.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
HD_AUDIO1
1
1
CLR CMO S1
BIOS
ROM
RoHS
A88M-ITX/ac
HDL ED RE SET
PLE D PWR BTN
1
PANE L1
CHA_FAN1
CMOS
Battery
CI1
1
SATA3 _2
SATA3 _4
SATA3 _1
SATA3 _3
SATA3 _6 S ATA3_ 5
SOCKET FM2b
USB 2.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
PS2
Keyboard
/Mouse
VGA1
DVI1
HDMI1
CPU _FA N1
1
USB3 _2 _3
PCI Express 3.0
SPE AK ER 1
1
USB4_5
1
USB6_7
1
ATX1 2V 1
WiFi-802.11 ac
Module

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English
No. Description
1 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
2 Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1)
3 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
4 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
5 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)
7 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
8 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
9 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_6)
10 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5)
11 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3)
13 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2)
14 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)
15 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_2_3)
16 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
17 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5)
18 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7)
19 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)

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A88M-ITX/ac
I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)* 7 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)*
2 D-Sub Port 8 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_01)
3 LAN RJ-45 Port** 9 HDMI Port
4 Line In (Light Blue) 10 DVI-D Port
5 Front Speaker (Lime)*** 11 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
6 Microphone (Pink)
* It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB01 or
USB23) instead of USB 3.0 ports.
** There are two LEDs on the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indica-
tions.
Activity / Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
2
910
1
11 7
3
8 6
5
4

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*** To congure 7.1 CH HD Audio, it is required to use an HD front panel audio module and enable
the multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.
Please set Speaker Conguration to “7.1 Speaker”in the Realtek HD Audio Manager.
Function of the Audio Ports in 7.1-channel Conguration:
Port Function
Light Blue (Rear panel) Rear Speaker Out
Lime (Rear panel) Front Speaker Out
Pink (Rear panel) Central /Subwoofer Speaker Out
Lime (Front panel) Side Speaker Out

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English
A88M-ITX/ac
WiFi-802.11ac Module and ASRock WiFi
2.4/5 GHz Antenna
WiFi-802.11ac + BT Module
This motherboard comes with an exclusive WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac + BT v4.0 module
that offers support for WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac connectivity standards and Bluetooth
v4.0. WiFi + BT module is an easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN)
adapter to support WiFi + BT. Bluetooth v4.0 standard features Smart Ready tech-
nology that adds a whole new class of functionality into the mobile devices. BT 4.0
also includes Low Energy Technology and ensures extraordinary low power con-
sumption for PCs.
* The transmission speed may vary according to the environment.
WiFi + BT Module
ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antennas

6
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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock A88M-ITX/ac motherboard, a reliable mother-
board produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers
excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to
quality and endurance.
This Quick Installation Guide contains introduction of the motherboard and step-by-
step installation guide. More detailed information of the motherboard can be found
in the user manual presented in the Support CD.
 Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS software might
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
notice.Incaseanymodicationsofthismanualoccur,theupdatedver-
sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may
ndthelatestVGAcardsandCPUsupportlistsonASRockwebsiteas
well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit
ourwebsiteforspecicinformationaboutthemodelyouareusing.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.1 Package Contents
ASRock A88M-ITX/ac Motherboard (Mini-ITX Form Factor)
ASRock A88M-ITX/ac Quick Installation Guide
ASRock A88M-ITX/ac Support CD
2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
2 x SMA WiFi Antenna Cables
2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antennas

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A88M-ITX/ac
1.2 Specications
Platform • Mini-ITX Form Factor
• Solid Capacitor design
CPU • Supports Socket FM2+ 95W / FM2 100W processors
• Digi Power design
Chipset • AMD A88X (Bolton-D4)
Memory • Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology
• 2 x DDR3 DIMM Slots
• Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/2133/1866/1600/1333/1066
non-ECC, un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 1)
• Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB
(see CAUTION 2)
• Supports Intel®ExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)1.3/1.2
• SupportsAMDMemoryProle(AMP)uptoAMP2400
Expan-
sion
Slot
• 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1: x16 mode)
* PCIE 3.0 is only supported with FM2+ CPU. With FM2
CPU, it only supports PCIE 2.0.
• Supports AMD Dual Graphics
Graphics • Integrated AMD RadeonTM R7/R5 Series Graphics in
A-series APU
• DirectX 11.1, Pixel Shader 5.0 with FM2+ CPU. DirectX
11, Pixel Shader 5.0 with FM2 CPU.
• Max. shared memory 2GB
• Three graphics output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
• Supports Triple Monitor
• Supports HDMI with max. resolution up to 4K × 2K
(4096x2160) @ 24Hz
* Only FM2+ APU can support up to 4096x2160 resolution
display via HDMI port
• Supports Dual-link DVI-D with max. resolution up to
2560x1600 @ 60Hz
• Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @
60Hz

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English
• Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC
and HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI Port
(Compliant HDMI monitor is required)
• Supports Blu-ray Stereoscopic 3D with HDMI Port
• Supports AMD Steady VideoTM 2.0: New video post
processing capability for automatic jitter reduction on
home/online video
• Supports HDCP with DVI-D and HDMI Ports
• Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) playback with
DVI-D and HDMI Ports
Audio • 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC887 Audio Codec)
*Tocongure7.1CHHDAudio,itisrequiredtousean
HD front panel audio module and enable the multi-channel
audio feature through the audio driver.
• Supports Surge Protection (ASRock Full Spike
Protection)
• ELNA Audio Caps
LAN • PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
• Realtek RTL8111GR
• Supports Wake-On-WAN
• Supports Wake-On-LAN
• Supports Lightning/ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike
Protection)
• Supports LAN Cable Detection
• SupportsEnergyEfcientEthernet802.3az
• Supports PXE
Wireless
LAN
• Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Supports Dual-Band (2.4/5 GHz)
• Supports high speed wireless connections up to
433Mbps
• Supports Bluetooth 4.0 / 3.0 + High speed class II
Rear
Panel I/O
• 1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
• 1 x D-Sub Port
• 1 x DVI-D Port
• 1 x HDMI Port

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English
A88M-ITX/ac
• 2xUSB3.0Ports(SupportsESDProtection(ASRock
FullSpikeProtection))
• 4xUSB2.0Ports(SupportsESDProtection(ASRock
FullSpikeProtection))
• 1xRJ-45LANPortwithLED(ACT/LINKLEDand
SPEEDLED)
• HDAudioJacks:Linein/FrontSpeaker/Microphone
Storage • 6xSATA36.0Gb/sConnectors,supportRAID(RAID
0,RAID1,RAID5andRAID10),NCQ,AHCIandHot
Plug
• 1xM.2Socket(KeyE),supportstype2230WiFi/BT
module
Connec-
tor
• 1xChassisIntrusionHeader
• 1xCPUFanConnector(4-pin)
• 1xChassisFanConnector(4-pin)
*CPU_FAN1andCHA_FAN1canautodetectif3-pinor
4-pinfanisinuse.
• 1x24pinATXPowerConnector
• 1x8pin12VPowerConnector
• 1xFrontPanelAudioConnector
• 2xUSB2.0Headers(Support4USB2.0ports)(Sup-
portsESDProtection(ASRockFullSpikeProtection))
• 1xUSB3.0Header(Supports2USB3.0ports)(Sup-
portsESDProtection(ASRockFullSpikeProtection))
BIOS
Feature
• AMIUEFILegalBIOSwithGUIsupport
• Supports“PlugandPlay”
• ACPI1.1Compliantwakeupevents
• Supportsjumperfree
• SMBIOS2.3.1support
• DRAM,VDDP,SBVoltagemulti-adjustment
Hardware
Monitor
• CPU/Chassistemperaturesensing
• CPU/ChassisTachometer
• CPU/ChassisQuietFan
• CPU/ChassisFanmulti-speedcontrol
• CASEOPENdetection
• Voltagemonitoring:+12V,+5V,+3.3V,Vcore

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OS • Microsoft®Windows®10 32-bit / 10 64-bit / 8.1 32-bit / 8.1
64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit
* For the updated Windows®10 driver, please visit
ASRock's website for details: http://www.asrock.com
* Carrizo FM2r2 processor supports Windows®10 64-bit/
8.1 64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit only.
Certica-
tions
• FCC, CE, WHQL
• ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is re-
quired)
WARNING
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking,
including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking
Technology, or using third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may
affect your system’s stability, or even cause damage to the components
and devices of your system. It should be done at your own risk and
expense. We are not responsible for possible damage caused by
overclocking.
CAUTION!
1. Whether 2400/2133/1866/1600MHz memory speed is support-
ed depends on the CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3
2400/2133/1866/1600 memory module on this motherboard,
please refer to the memory support list on our website for the
compatible memory modules.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
2. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size
may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage
under Windows®10 / 8.1 / 7. For Windows®64-bit OS with 64-
bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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A88M-ITX/ac
2. Installation
This is a Mini-ITX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard,
studythecongurationofyourchassistoensurethatthemotherboardtsintoit.
Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard
components or change any motherboard settings.
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the
power 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, and/or components.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static elec-
tricity, NEVER place your motherboard directly on the carpet or the
like. Also remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safety
grounded object before you handle components.
3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded anti-
static pad or in the bag that comes with the component.
5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the mother-
board to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing
so may damage the motherboard.

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2.1 CPU Installation
Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up
to a 90oangle.
Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the
socket such that the CPU corner with
the golden triangle matches the socket
corner with a small triangle.
Step 3. Carefully insert the CPU into the
 socketuntilittsinplace.
TheCPUtsonlyinonecorrect
orientation. DO NOT force the CPU
into the socket to avoid bending of
the pins.
Step 4. When the CPU is in place, press it
 rmlyonthesocketwhileyoupush  
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.

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A88M-ITX/ac
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a
larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray
thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis-
sipation. Make sure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened
and in good contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the
CPU FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 1, No. 1). For proper instal-
lation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and
the heatsink.

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2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM
slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology.
The DIMM only ts in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent dam-
age to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into the slot at
incorrect orientation.
1. For dual channel conguration, you always need to install identical (the
same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pairs.
2. It is unable to activate Dual Channel Memory Technology with only one
memory module installed.
3. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into a DDR3
slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.

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A88M-ITX/ac
1
2
3

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2.4 Expansion Slot (PCI Express Slot)
There is 1 PCI Express slot on this motherboard.
PCIE Slot: PCIE1 (PCIe 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards.
Before installing an expansion card, please make sure that the power supply
is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documenta-
tion of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the
card before you start the installation.

17
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A88M-ITX/ac
2.5 Jumpers Setup
The illustration shows how jumpers are
setup. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap
is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The
illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose
pin1 and pin2 are “Short” when jumper cap
is placed on these 2 pins.
Jumper Setting Description
Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.1, No. 3)
Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. To clear and reset the
system parameters to default setup, please turn off the computer and unplug
the power cord from the power supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a
jumper cap to short pin2 and pin3 on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However,
please do not clear the CMOS right after you update the BIOS. If you need
to clear the CMOS when you just nish updating the BIOS, you must boot
upthesystemrst,andthenshutitdownbeforeyoudotheclear-CMOSac-
tion.Pleasebenotedthatthepassword,date,time,userdefaultprole,1394
GUID and MAC address will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is removed.
Clear CMOSDefault
If you clear the CMOS, the case open may be detected. Please adjust the
BIOS option “Clear Status” to clear the record of previous chassis intrusion
status.

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2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place
jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps
over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the
motherboard!
USB 2.0 Headers Besides two default USB 2.0
(9-pin USB4_5) ports on the I/O panel, there
(see p.1 No. 17) are two USB 2.0 headers on
(9-pin USB6_7) this motherboard. Each USB 2.0
(see p.1 No. 18) header can support two USB
2.0 ports.
Serial ATA3 Connectors These six Serial ATA3
(SATA3_1: see p.1, No. 14) (SATA3) connectors support
(SATA3_2: see p.1, No. 13) SATA data cables for internal
(SATA3_3: see p.1, No. 12) storage devices. The current
(SATA3_4: see p.1, No. 11) SATA3 interface allows up to
(SATA3_5: see p.1, No. 10) 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.
(SATA3_6: see p.1, No. 9)
USB 3.0 Header Besides four default USB 3.0
(19-pin USB3_2_3) ports on the I/O panel, there is
(see p.1 No. 15) one USB 3.0 header on this
motherboard. This USB 3.0
header can support two USB 3.0
ports.
1
ID
In tA_P_D+
In tA_P_D-
GN D
In tA_P_SSTX+
In tA_P_SSTX-
GN D
In tA_P_SSRX+
Vb u s
In tA_P_D+
In tA_P_D-
GN D
In tA_P_SSTX+
In tA_P_SSTX-
GN D
In tA_P_SSRX+
In tA_P_SSRX-
Vb us
In tA_P_SSRX-
SATA3_3 SATA3_4
SATA3_5 SATA3_6
SATA3_1 SATA3_2
DUMMY
GND
GND
P+
P-
USB_PWR
P+
P-
USB_PWR
1