ASROCK FM2A88M Extreme4+ User manual

User Manual

Version 1.0
Published August 2013
Copyright©2013 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.
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.
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

Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................ 1
1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 1
  ............................................................................. 2
1.3 Unique Features ........................................................................ 6
1.4 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 11
1.5 I/O Panel .................................................................................. 13
2. Installation .................................................................. 15
Pre-installation Precautions ................................................................ 15
2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 16
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ...................................... 17
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) .................................... 18
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)........................... 20
2.5 Jumpers Setup........................................................................... 21
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors ....................................... 22
2.7 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide............ 27
2.8 Dual Graphics Operation Guide ................................................ 30
3. Software and Utilities Operation............................... 32
3.1 Installing Drivers ........................................................................ 32
3.2 A-Tuning .................................................................................... 33
3.3 Qualcomm®Atheros®Security Wake On Internet Technology .. 37
3.4 Start8 ......................................................................................... 44
4. UEFI SETUP UTILITY.................................................. 47
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 47
4.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar................................................................ 47
4.1.2 Navigation Keys............................................................... 48
4.2 Main Screen............................................................................... 48
4.3 OC Tweaker Screen................................................................... 49
4.4 Advanced Screen ...................................................................... 52
   ........................................................... 53
    .............................................. 54
    ............................................. 55
   ...................................................... 56
   .................................................... 57
   .......................................................... 58
   ........................................................... 60
4.4.8 Trusted Computing .......................................................... 61

4.5 Tool ............................................................................................ 62
4.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ............................... 65
4.7 Boot Screen ............................................................................... 66
4.8 Security Screen ......................................................................... 68
4.9 Exit Screen ................................................................................ 69

1
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock FM2A88M Extreme4+ motherboard, a reliable
motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It
delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commit-
ment to quality and endurance.
In this documentation, Chapter 1 and 2 contains the introduction of the motherboard
and step-by-step installation guides. Chapter 3 contains the operation guide of the

         
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
-
sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may
     
well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit

www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.1 Package Contents
ASRock FM2A88M Extreme4+ Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor)
ASRock FM2A88M Extreme4+ Quick Installation Guide
ASRock FM2A88M Extreme4+ Support CD
2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
ASRock Reminds You...
To get better performance in Windows®8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit, it is

mode.

2

Platform - Micro ATX Form Factor
- All Solid Capacitor design
A-Style - Home Cloud
CPU - Supports Socket FM2+ 95W / FM2 100W processors
- 4 + 2 Power Phase design
Chipset - AMD A88X (Bolton-D4)
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM Slots
- Supports DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066 non-ECC,
un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 1)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 64GB (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports Intel®
 
Expansion 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.
- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3 @ x4 mode)
- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot
- 1 x PCI Slot
- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM, CrossFireXTM and Dual
Graphics
Graphics - Integrated AMD Radeon HD 8000/7000 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
 
- Supports Triple Monitor
- Supports HDMI Technology with max. resolution up to
1920x1200 @ 60Hz
 
2560x1600 @ 60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @
60Hz
- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and
HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI Port (Compliant HDMI
monitor is required) (see CAUTION 3)
- Supports Blu-ray Stereoscopic 3D with HDMI Port

3
 TM 2.0: New video post
processing capability for automatic jitter reduction on
home/online video
 
 
and HDMI Ports
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC892
Audio Codec)
- Premium Blu-ray Audio support
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Qualcomm®Atheros®AR8171
- Supports Qualcomm®Atheros®Security Wake On Internet
Technology
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
 
- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O - 1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
- 1 x D-Sub Port
 
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 4 x USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 x USB 3.0 Ports (AMD A88X (Bolton-D4))
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
- HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/Line in/Front
Speaker/Microphone
Storage - 8 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug
Connector - 1 x IR Header
- 1 x Print Port Header
- 1 x COM Port Header
- 1 x Chassis Intrusion Header
- 1 x TPM Header
- 1 x Power LED Header
- 2 x CPU Fan Connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
- 1 x Chassis Fan Connector (4-pin)
- 1 x Power Fan Connector (3-pin)
- 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector
 
- 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector

4
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.
- 3 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
- 1 x USB 3.0 Header by AMD A88X (Bolton-D4)
(Supports 2 USB 3.0 ports)
BIOS Feature - 64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 compliance wake up events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 support
 
Support CD 
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, Google Chrome
Browser and Toolbar, Start8 (30 days trial)
Hardware - CPU temperature sensing
Monitor - Chassis temperature sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer
- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan
- CPU/Chassis Fan multi-speed control
- CASE OPEN detection
 
OS - Microsoft® Windows®8.1 32-bit / 8.1 64-bit / 8 32-bit /
8 64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit
 - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

5
CAUTION!
1. Whether 1866/1600MHz memory speed is supported depends
on the CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 1866/1600
memory module on this motherboard, please refer to the mem-
ory support list on our website for the compatible memory mod-
ules.
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 un-
der Windows®8 / 7. For Windows®64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU,
there is no such limitation. You can use ASRock XFast RAM to
utilize the memory that Windows®cannot use.
3. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Windows®8
64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7. Deep Color mode will be enabled only
if the display supports 12bpc in EDID. HBR is supported under
Windows®8 64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7.

6
1.3 Unique Features
ASRock A-Tuning
A-Tuning is ASRock’s multi purpose software suite with a new
interface, more new features and improved utilities, including
       -
ing, OC Tweaker and a whole lot more.
ASRock Instant Boot
ASRock Instant Boot allows you to turn on your PC in just a few
         
time, money, and improves system running speed for your sys-
tem. It leverages the S3 and S4 ACPI features which normally
enable the Sleep/Standby and Hibernation modes in Windows®

during the shutdown and startup process, Instant Boot allows
you to enter your Windows®desktop in a few seconds.
ASRock Instant Flash
 
ROM. This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update
        
DOS or Windows®. With this utility, you can press the <F6> key
during the POST or the <F2> key to enter into the BIOS setup
menu to access ASRock Instant Flash. Just launch this tool and
     
hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks
   -
           

ASRock APP Charger
If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your
Apple devices, such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock has
prepared a wonderful solution for you - ASRock APP Charger.
Simply install the APP Charger driver, it makes your iPhone
charge much quickly from your computer and up to 40% faster
than before. ASRock APP Charger allows you to quickly charge
many Apple devices simultaneously and even supports continu-
ous charging when your PC enters into Standby mode (S1),

7
Suspend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5).
With APP Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the mar-
velous charging experience.
ASRock XFast USB
ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device perfor-
mance. The performance may depend on the properties of the
device.
ASRock XFast LAN
ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which
includes the benefits listed below. LAN Application Prioritiza-

add new programs. Lower Latency in Game: After setting online

Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD videos and download si-
multaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With the status
window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are
transferring currently.
ASRock XFast RAM
ASRock XFast RAM is included in A-Tuning. It fully utilizes the
memory space that cannot be used under Windows® 32-bit
operating systems. ASRock XFast RAM shortens the loading
 
than ever. And it also boosts the speed of Adobe Photoshop 5
times faster. Another advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that
it reduces the frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in
order to extend their lifespan.
ASRock Crashless BIOS
ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their BIOS
without fear of failing. If power loss occurs during the BIOS up-
  
the BIOS update procedure after regaining power. Please note
            
USB disk. Only USB2.0 ports support this feature.
ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard)
Administrators are able to establish an internet curfew or restrict


8
the starting and ending hours of internet access granted to other
users. In order to prevent users from bypassing OMG, guest
accounts without permission to modify the system time are re-
quired.
ASRock Internet Flash
ASRock Internet Flash searches for available UEFI firmware
updates from our servers. In other words, the system can auto-

entering Windows®OS.
ASRock UEFI System Browser
ASRock UEFI system browser is a useful tool included in
graphical UEFI. It can detect the devices and configurations
that users are currently using in their PC. With the UEFI system
-
tion in UEFI setup.
ASRock UEFI Tech Service
Contact ASRock Tech Service by sending a support request
from the UEFI setup utility if you are having trouble with your
PC.
ASRock On/Off Play Technology
ASRock On/Off Play Technology allows users to enjoy the great
audio experience from the portable audio devices, such like
MP3 player or mobile phone to your PC, even when the PC is
turned off (or in ACPI S5 mode)! This motherboard also provides
a free 3.5mm audio cable (optional) that ensures users the most
convenient computing environment.

Users may prevent motherboard damages due to dampness by
     
Function, the computer will power on automatically to dehumidi-
fy the system after entering S4/S5 state.

9
ASRock Easy RAID Installer
ASRock Easy RAID Installer can help you to copy the RAID
driver from a support CD to your USB storage device. After
copying the RAID driver to your USB storage device, please
change “SATA Mode” to “RAID”, then you can start installing the
OS in RAID mode.
ASRock Easy Driver Installer
For users that don’t have an optical disk drive to install the
drivers from our support CD, Easy Driver Installer is a handy
tool in the UEFI that installs the LAN driver to your system via
an USB storage device, then downloads and installs the other
required drivers automatically.
ASRock Interactive UEFI
ASRock Interactive UEFI is a blend of system configuration
tools, cool sound effects and stunning visuals. The unprec-
edented UEFI provides a more attractive interface and brings a
lot more amusing.
ASRock Fast Boot
With ASRock’s exclusive Fast Boot technology, it takes less
than 1.5 seconds to logon to Windows®8 from a cold boot. No
more waiting! The speedy boot will completely change your user
experience and behavior.
ASRock X-Boost
Brilliantly designed for combo overclocking, ASRock X-Boost
Technology is able to unleash the hidden power of your CPUs.
Simply press “X” when turning on the PC, X-Boost will automati-
cally overclock the relative components to get up to 15.77%
performance boost! With the smart X-Boost, overclocking CPU
can become a near one-button process.
ASRock Restart to UEFI
Windows®8 brings the ultimate boot up experience. The light-
ning boot up speed makes it hard to access the UEFI setup. AS-
Rock Restart to UEFI technology is designed for those requiring
frequent UEFI access. It is included in ASRock’s exclusive all-
in-one A-Tuning tuning program that allows users to easily enter
the UEFI automatically when turning on the PC next time. Just

10
simply enable this function; the PC will be assured to access the
UEFI directly in the very beginning.
ASRock USB Key
In a world where time is money, why waste precious time
everyday typing usernames to log in to Windows? Why should
we even bother memorizing those foot long passwords? Just
plug in the USB Key and let your computer log in to windows
automatically!
ASRock FAN-Tastic Tuning
ASRock FAN-Tastic Tuning is included in A-Tuning. 
           
automatically shift to the next speed level when the assigned
temperature is met.

11
1.4 Motherboard Layout
FM2A88M Extreme4+
CMOS
BATTE R Y
ATXPWR1
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
64Mb
BIOS
Super
I/O
ATX1 2V 1
PWR_FA N1
CPU_FA N1 C PU_FAN 2
LAN
AUDIO
CODEC
1
CLRCMOS1
Front USB 3.0
SATA3 _1
SATA3 _2
SATA3 _3
SATA3 _4
HDL ED RE SET
PLE D PWR BTN
1
PANE L 1
SPEAK ER 1
1
IR1
1
PLE D1
1
1
USB _5 _6
1
USB _7 _8
1
USB _9_ 10
HD_AUDIO1
1
1
LPT1
PCIE1
PCIE3
PCI1
RoHS
USB 2. 0
T: USB3
B: USB 4
PS2
Keybo ard/
Mouse
HDMI1
VGA1
DVI1
USB 3.0
T: USB1
B: USB2
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T: USB1
B: USB2
Top:
CTR BASS
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
X Fast USB
1
USB3_ 3_ 4
PCIE2
X Fast RAM
X Fast LAN
CI1
1
SOCKET FM2b
AMD
A88X
(Bolton-D4)
Chipset
CHA_FAN1
SATA3 _6
SATA3 _5
SATA3 _8
SATA3 _7
COM 1
TPM S1
1
PCI Express 3.0

12
No. Description
1 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
2
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2)
5 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2)
7 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
8 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_3_4)
9 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
10 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_7)
11 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_8)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_6)
13 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5)
14 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4)
15 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3)
16 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)
17 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2)
18 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
19 Power LED Header (PLED1)
20 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1)
21 USB 2.0 Header (USB_5_6)
22 USB 2.0 Header (USB_7_8)
23 USB 2.0 Header (USB_9_10)
24 TPM Header (TPMS1)
25 Print Port Header (LPT1)
26 COM Port Header (COM1)
27 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
28 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
29 Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1)
30 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)

13
1.5 I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_3_4)* 8 Microphone (Pink)
2 D-Sub Port 9 Optical SPDIF Out Port
3 LAN RJ-45 Port** 10 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_1_2)*
4 Central / Bass (Orange) 11 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_1_2)
(AMD A88X (Bolton-D4))
5 Rear Speaker (Black) 12 HDMI Port
6 Line In (Light Blue) 13 
7 Front Speaker (Lime)*** 14 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
1 2 3 5
891011121314
4
7
6

14
* It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB_1_2 or
USB_3_4) 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
*** If you use a 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”. See
the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.
Audio Output
Channels
Front
Speaker
(No. 7)
Rear Speaker
(No. 5)
Central / Bass
(No. 4)
Line In or
Side Speaker
(No. 6)
2-- -- --
4  -- --
6   --
8   
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
To enable Multi-Streaming, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to

“Mixer” tool on your system. Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable
playback multi-streaming”, and click “ok”. Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or
“8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to
use the Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek
HDA Audio 2nd output” to use the front panel audio.

15
2. Installation
This is a Micro ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard,

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-

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.

16
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
 

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
   
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.