Asus A85XM-A User manual

Motherboard
A85XM-A

ii
E8004
First Edition
January 2013
Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
A85XM-A specications summary............................................................................ ix
Package contents...................................................................................................... xii
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Special features ............................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights ........................................................................... 1-1
1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM........................................................................... 1-2
1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features...............................................................1-2
1.2 Before you proceed...................................................................................... 1-4
1.3 Motherboard overview ................................................................................. 1-5
1.3.1 Placement direction ........................................................................ 1-5
1.3.2 Screw holes .................................................................................... 1-5
1.3.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................................... 1-6
1.3.4 Layout contents............................................................................... 1-7
1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)............................................................ 1-7
1.4.1 APU installation............................................................................... 1-8
1.4.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation ................................... 1-9
1.5 System memory.......................................................................................... 1-11
1.5.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 1-11
1.5.2 Memory congurations.................................................................. 1-12
1.5.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................................... 1-16
1.6 Expansion slots .......................................................................................... 1-17
1.6.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................................1-17
1.6.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................................... 1-17
1.6.3 PCI slot ......................................................................................... 1-17
1.6.4 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................................... 1-17
1.6.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................................... 1-17
1.7 Jumpers.......................................................................................................1-19
1.8 Connectors.................................................................................................. 1-21
1.8.1 Rear panel ports ...........................................................................1-21
1.8.2 Internal connectors ....................................................................... 1-23
1.9 Software support ........................................................................................ 1-29
1.9.1 Installing an operating system ......................................................1-29
1.9.2 Support DVD information .............................................................. 1-29
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................................. 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................................2-1

iv
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2............................................................................2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................................2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater.......................................................................2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program..................................................................................... 2-6
2.3 Main menu................................................................................................... 2-10
2.3.1 System Language [English] .......................................................... 2-10
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]....................................................... 2-10
2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................................. 2-10
2.3.4 Security ......................................................................................... 2-10
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................2-12
2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ............................................................. 2-13
2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto]............................................................. 2-13
2.4.3 APU Multiplier [Auto].....................................................................2-13
2.4.4 NB Frequency [Auto]..................................................................... 2-13
2.4.5 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................................2-13
2.4.6 DRAM Timing Control ................................................................... 2-14
2.4.7 APU Voltage [Offset Mode] ........................................................... 2-14
2.4.8 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................................... 2-14
2.4.9 SB 1.1V Voltage [Auto] .................................................................2-14
2.4.10 DIGI+ VRM.................................................................................... 2-15
2.5 Advanced menu.......................................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................................ 2-17
2.5.2 SATA Conguration....................................................................... 2-18
2.5.3 USB Conguration ........................................................................ 2-19
2.5.4 NB Conguration........................................................................... 2-19
2.5.5 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................................... 2-20
2.5.6 APM .............................................................................................. 2-20
2.5.7 Network Stack............................................................................... 2-21
2.6 Monitor menu.............................................................................................. 2-22
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]...................... 2-22
2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] ............2-22
2.6.3 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage .................. 2-22
2.6.4 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................................2-22
2.6.5 Anti Surge Support [Auto] ............................................................. 2-23
2.7 Boot menu................................................................................................... 2-24
2.7.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] ......................................................................2-25
2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled]........................................................... 2-25
2.7.3 Bootup NumLock State [On] ......................................................... 2-26
2.7.4 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]....................................................... 2-26

v
2.7.5 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]...........................................2-26
2.7.6 Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled].....................................................2-26
2.7.7 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ................................................................. 2-26
2.7.8 CSM (Compatibility Support Module)............................................ 2-26
2.7.9 Security Boot................................................................................. 2-27
2.7.10 Boot Option Priorities .................................................................... 2-29
2.7.11 Boot Override................................................................................ 2-30
2.8 Tools menu.................................................................................................. 2-31
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................................ 2-31
2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information.................................................................2-31
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................................... 2-31
2.9 Exit menu .................................................................................................... 2-32
Appendices
Notices ..................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-3

vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical 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.
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
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vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

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 when trying to
complete a task
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task..
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).

ix
(continued on the next page)
A85XM-A specications summary
APU AMD®FM2 socket for AMD®A-Series / Athlon™ processors
Supports CPU up to 4 cores
Microsoft®DirectX 11 support
AMD®Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support
• The AMD®Turbo Core Technology 3.0 support depends on the APU types.
• Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD®APU support list.
Chipset AMD®A85X FCH (Hudson D4)
Memory 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 32GB unbuffered non-ECC
DDR3 1866/1600/1333/1066MHz memory modules
Dual-channel memory architecture
• The maximum 32GB memory capacity can be supported with 16GB or above
DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are available in the
market.
• Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).
• When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows®32-bit
operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a
maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows®32-bit operating
system.
Graphics Integrated AMD Radeon™ HD 7000 Series Graphics in A-Series APU
Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI, D-Sub ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 1920x1080@60Hz
- Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution of 2560x1600@60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution of 1920x1600@60Hz
- Supports Microsoft®DirectX 11
- Maximum shared memory of 2G
- Supports AMD®Dual Graphics technology
• Refer to http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/dual-graphics/Pages/
dual-graphics.aspx#3 for the discrete GPUs that support Dual Graphics
technology.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
1 x PCI slot
Storage AMD®A85X FCH:
- 8 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors with RAID 0, RAID 1,RAID 5,RAID
10 and JBOD support
LAN Realtek®8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller
Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC
• Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel
audio output.
USB AMD®A85X FCH:
- 4 x USB 3.0 ports*(2 ports at the back panel [blue], 2 ports at mid-
board)
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at the back panel, 4 ports at mid-board)
* Supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost.

x
A85XM-A specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS DIGI+ VRM:
- DIGI+ Power Design: Industry leading digital 3+2 phase power
design for APU
- APU Power Utility
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost
- ASUS Network iControl*
- ASUS AI Charger
- ASUS Disk Unlocker
- ASUS AI Suite II
- ASUS Anti Surge
- ASUS ESD
- 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
* ASUS Network iControl feature is not supported on Windows®XP/Vista
operating systems.
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub output port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue)
8-channel audio I/O ports (3 jacks)
Internal I/O
connectors
1 x USB 3.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports (19-pin)
2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin)
1 x Chassis fan connector (3-pin)
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Speaker header
1 x System panel connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
(continued on the next page)

xi
A85XM-A specications summary
Specications are subject to change without notice.
BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
CrashFreen BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor MicroATX form factor: 9.3 in x 7.4 in (23.6 cm x 18.8 cm)

xii
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
A85XM-A
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCI1
F_PANEL
SPEAKER
CLRTC
USBPWF
KB_USBWB
USB56 USB34
AAFP
SPDIF_OUT
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN CHA_FAN
BATTERY
Super
I/O
ALC
887
RTL
8111F
64Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
23.6cm(9.3in)
AMD®
A85X
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6
SATA6G_3
SATA6G_7 SATA6G_8
SATA6G_4
SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2
AUDIO
KBMS
LAN_USB12
USB3_12
HDMI
18.8cm(7.4in)
DVI_VGA
SOCKET FM2
DIGI
+VRM
USB3_34
ASUS A85XM-A motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6 Gb/s cables
User Guide
1 x I/O-Shield User Guide Support DVD
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrations above are for reference only. Actual product specications may vary
with different models.

1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
AMD®A-series and Athlon™ processors
This motherboard supports AMD®A-series and Athlon™ processors. This revolutionary
APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) combines processing power and advanced DirectX 11
graphics in one small, energy-efcient design to enable accelerated performance and an
industry-leading visual experience. It features Dual-channel DDR3 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5GT/s.
AMD®A85X FCH (Hudson D4) chipset
AMD®A85X FCH (Hudson D4) is designed to support up to 5GT/s interface speed and AMD®
CrossFireX™ multi-GPU technology. It also supports 8 x SATA 6.0Gb/s ports and 4 x USB
3.0 ports.
Complete USB 3.0 integration
This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity
solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 Boost
With USB 3.0 Boost technology, USB transfer speeds are signicantly increased up to
132%, enhancing an already impressive USB 3.0 transfer rate. ASUS software automatically
accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user
conguration.
Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support
With AMD®A85X FCH natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage
interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also provides
enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
Product introduction
1
ASUS A85XM-A 1-1

1.1.2 ASUS DIGI+ VRM
DIGI+ Power Control: Digital Power Design for the APU*
ASUS motherboards using the AMD®A85X chipset employ precise digital voltage regulation
for the APU, called DIGI+ VRM (Voltage Regulation Modules) digital power design. The APU
voltage is adjusted via either carefully developed automated modes, or by using user-dened
proles. The effect is that DIGI+ VRM technology ensures greater energy efciency and the
most precise power delivery. Boosted by world-renowned ASUS quality, it creates an ideal
computing platform for a diverse range of applications, from gaming to multimedia or ofce
work and heavy multitasking. Engineered and tested to assure unmitigated performance,
ASUS A85X boards with DIGI+ VRM remain efcient and accurate, for reliable application in
every scenario.
* DIGI+ VRM functions are also available in FM2 socket compatible CPUs.
1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features
Network iControl
Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to
manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities
for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a
more convenient online experience.
* ASUS Network iControl feature is not supported on Windows®XP/Vista operating systems.
Ai Charger
Ai Charger is ASUS fast-charging software that supports iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
* Check your USB mobile device if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.
** The actual charging speed may vary with your USB device’s conditions.
***Ai Charger is only supported when you set the USB device wake-up jumpers to +5VSB. See
section 1.7 Jumpers for details.
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive
graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,
providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the
traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard
drives larger than 2.2 TB.
ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:
• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey
• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information
• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and
helping with difcult POST situations.
EPU
EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s rst real-time system power-saving chip,
automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.
It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the
component’s lifespan.
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-2

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).
AI Suite II
With its user interface, ASUS AI Suite II integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to congure the overclocking
settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the system via a
mobile device, and other easy-to-use helpful utilities.
ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed based on different
ambient temperatures, resulting to a quiet and cool computing environment.
ESD
Protect your computer with ESD Guards. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) conditions can
happen while plugging or unplugging any USB peripherals-causing damage to the computer.
ASUS ESD Guards clamp the ESD voltage and shunt the majority of the ESD current away
for a more reliable computing environment.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a
bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.
ASUS MyLogo2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS le from a USB storage
device that contains the BIOS le.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system
hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and
clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically
restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.
ErP ready
The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP
requires products to meet certain energy efciency requirements in regards to energy
consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-
efcient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the
product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
ASUS A85XM-A 1-3

1.2 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and
detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, or components.
Standby Power LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is 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.
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
A85XM-A
A85XM-A Onboard LED
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-4

A85XM-A
1.3 Motherboard overview
1.3.1 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! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.
1.3.2 Screw holes
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
ASUS A85XM-A 1-5

1.3.3 Motherboard layout
A85XM-A
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCI1
F_PANEL
SPEAKER
CLRTC
USBPWF
KB_USBWB
USB56 USB34
AAFP
SPDIF_OUT
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN CHA_FAN
BATTERY
Super
I/O
ALC
887
RTL
8111F
64Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
23.6cm(9.3in)
AMD®
A85X
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6
SATA6G_3
SATA6G_7 SATA6G_8
SATA6G_4
SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2
AUDIO
KBMS
LAN_USB12
USB3_12
HDMI
18.8cm(7.4in)
DVI_VGA
SOCKET FM2
DIGI
+VRM
USB3_34
321 54
6
7
2
89101113 121415
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1-6

1.4 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU)
This motherboard comes with an FM2 socket designed for AMD®A-series and Athlon™
processors.
Ensure that you use an APU designed for the FM2 socket. The APU ts in only one
correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and
damaging the APU!
1.3.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. Keyboard wake-up (3-pin KB_USBPWB) 1-20
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-24
3. AMD FM2 socket 1-7
4. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 3-pin CHA_FAN) 1-23
5. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-11
6. SATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~8) 1-25
7. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-26
8. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-26
9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-19
10. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB56) 1-28
11. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 1-20
12. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-28
13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-27
14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-27
15. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-4
A85XM-A
A85XM-A CPU socket FM2
ASUS A85XM-A 1-7

1.4.1 APU installation
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Chapter 1: Product introduction
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