Asus M4A88T-I DELUXE User manual

Motherboard
M4A88T-I Deluxe

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,
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
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etc to this email address).

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
M4A88T-I Deluxe specications summary ............................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-6
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-6
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-7
1.5.4 Layout contents............................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ...................................... 1-10
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-11
1.7.1 Overview ........................................................................1-11
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-12
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-14
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-14
1.8 Expansion slot............................................................................ 1-15
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-15
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-15
1.8.3 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-15
1.9 Jumper ........................................................................................ 1-16
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-17
1.10.1 Rear panel ports ........................................................... 1-17
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-19
1.11 Onboard switches...................................................................... 1-23
1.12 Onboard LEDs............................................................................ 1-26

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 information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2............................................................ 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3................................................ 2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater....................................................... 2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-7
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 2-8
2.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 2-8
2.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 2-8
2.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 2-9
2.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 2-9
2.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 2-9
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 2-9
2.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 2-9
2.2.9 General help ................................................................... 2-9
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-10
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 2-10
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]....................................... 2-10
2.3.3 SATA 1, SATA 2, SATA 3, E-SATA................................. 2-10
2.3.4 SATA Conguration ........................................................2-11
2.3.5 System Information ........................................................2-11
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 2-12
2.4.1 CPU Level UP [Auto]..................................................... 2-12
2.4.2 CPU OverClocking [Auto] ............................................. 2-13
2.4.3 CPU Ratio [Auto]........................................................... 2-13
2.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ............................................... 2-13
2.4.5 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] ............................................ 2-14
2.4.6 HT Link Speed [Auto].................................................... 2-14
2.4.7 GPU Booster [Enabled]................................................. 2-14
2.4.8 OC Tuner Utility............................................................. 2-14
2.4.9 DRAM Timing Conguration ......................................... 2-14

v
Contents
2.4.10 DRAM Driving Conguration......................................... 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].......................................................... 2-16
2.4.14 NB Voltage [Auto].......................................................... 2-16
2.4.15 CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]................................. 2-17
2.4.16 CPU/NB Load-Line Calibration [Auto]........................... 2-17
2.4.17 PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled].................................... 2-17
2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-17
2.5.2 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-18
2.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-19
2.5.4 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-20
2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-20
2.6 Power menu................................................................................ 2-21
2.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 2-21
2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled].......................................... 2-21
2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 2-22
2.6.4 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-22
2.6.5 HW Monitor Conguration............................................. 2-22
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-23
2.6.7 NB Thermal Protect [Enabled] ...................................... 2-23
2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-24
2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-24
2.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-24
2.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-25
2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-26
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-26
2.8.2 Express Gate [Auto]...................................................... 2-27
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 2-27
2.8.4 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-28
2.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-28

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 cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

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 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 that 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.
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.

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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
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.
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 (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

ix
M4A88T-I Deluxe specications 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 support list.
Chipset AMD®880G / SB710
System Bus Up to 5200MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x SO-DIMM, max. 8GB, DDR3 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066MHz,
non-ECC, unbuffered memory*
* Due to CPU spec., AMD®100 and 200 series CPUs support up to
DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can
support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied
Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows®
32-bit operating 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 ATI Radeon™ HD 4250 GPU
Dual independent displays support with HDMI and DVI
Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to 1920x1200@60Hz
Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 2560x1600@60Hz
Supports Microsoft®DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 2.0, Shader Model 4.1,
Hardware Decode Acceleration for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2
Maximum shared memory of 1GB
Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™
* Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid
CrossFireX™.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
Storage / RAID AMD®SB710 southbridge:
- 3 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, JBOD, AHCI
- 1 x eSATA port
Audio Realtek® ALC889 (6+2)-channel* High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-detection and Multi-streaming
- Optical & Coaxial S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O
* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support
a (6+2)-channel audio output.
LAN Realtek®RTL8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

x
M4A88T-I Deluxe specications 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 OS - Express Gate
ASUS Hybrid Switches
- Core Unlocker*
- Turbo Key II
ASUS Power Solutions
- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- MemOK!
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2™
* When you enable the Core Unlocker feature, some CPU’s
TDP (Thermal Design Power) may be higher than the
maximum 95W TDP that this motherboard supports. “This
CPU is not supported by this model.” will show on the POST
screen.
ASUS exclusive
overclocking
features
Precision Tweaker 2
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset (VDDNB): 64-step chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- HT frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 550MHz at
1MHz increment
- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at
1MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)

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-channel audio ports
Internal connectors/
buttons / switches
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 connector supports additional 2 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
3 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Core Unlocker switch
1 x Turbo Key II switch
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x Clear COMS jumper
1 x System panel connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
BIOS 16Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI 2.0a,
SM BIOS 2.5
Manageability WOL by PME, PXE
Accessories 2 x Wi-Fi antennas
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS Utilities
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
Form factor Mini-ITX form factor: 6.75 in x 6.75 in (17 cm x 17 cm)
M4A88T-I Deluxe specications summary
* Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

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 items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®M4A88T-I Deluxe motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in
your package with the list below.
AMD®Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series CPU
support
This motherboard supports AMD®Socket AM3 multi-core processors
with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with
less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 MHz
memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via
HyperTransport™ 3.0-based system bus. This motherboard also supports
AMD®CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 1-1

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.)/1333/1066 support
This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth
requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth
of your system memory to boost system performance.
USB 3.0 support
Experience ultra-fast data transfer at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0 – the latest
connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next-generation
components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10x faster and is
also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.
HDMI support
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video
standards that deliver multi-channel digital audio and uncompressed
digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. Supporting
HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home
theater audio systems via the coaxial and optical S/PDIF_OUT (SONY-
PHILIPS Digital Interface) connectors at the back panel. The S/PDIF
transfers digital audio without converting it to analog format and keeps
the best signal quality.
Hybrid CrossFireX™ support
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance
with an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics GPU.
• Hybrid CrossFireX™ is supported by Windows®7/Vista OS only.
• Refer to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs which support Hybrid CrossFireX™.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
1 2
Core Unlocker
ASUS Core Unlocker simplies 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 feature, some CPU’s TDP (Thermal Design Power)
may be higher than the maximum 95W TDP that this motherboard supports. “This CPU
is not supported by this model.” will show on the POST screen.
Turbo Key II
Enjoy superb performance by auto-tuning your processor to an extreme
yet stable state. Simply activate a dedicated switch on the motherboard to
unleash extra processing capabilities.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best
graphics performance. User-friendly UI facilitates exible frequency and
voltage adjustments. Its ability to deliver multiple overclocking proles
also provides rapid and stable system-level upgrades.
TurboV EVO
The ultimate O.C. processor satises every level of overclockers—from
die-hard enthusiasts to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the
system to the fastest clock speeds while maintaining stability. Turbo Key
boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers more options
to advanced overclockers to achieve world O.C. record. Moreover,
upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with CPU Level UP!
Auto Tuning
Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve
a total system level up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C.
beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overclocking results with Auto
Tuning!
MemOK!
MemOK! guickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable
memory rescue tool requires a mere push of the button to patch memory
issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves
your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time.
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 1-3

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 applications before entering
Windows®OS.
• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and ash
drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or
ash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the
computer.
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB
drives. It supports le downloading to USB drives only.
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current
system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU and chassis
fan speeds according to different ambient temperatures caused by
different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your PC’s
loading. The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan
speed to achieve a quiet and cool 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 CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to
restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD or a USB
ash disk that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows you to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can
be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving you the freedom to share
and distribute your favorite settings.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4

Precision Tweaker 2
Allows you to ne-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 conguration.
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.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s
Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line
with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable
products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the
impact on the environment.
1.4 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.
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 1-5

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! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place four screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6

1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR,
4-pin ATX12V)
1-20 10. MemOK! switch (MemOK!) 1-24
2. DDR3 SO-DIMM slots 1-11 11. SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA1~3) 1-21
3. AM3 CPU socket 1-8 12. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-26
4. CPU and chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN and 3-pin CHA_FAN)
1-19 13. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-16
5. Turbo Key II LED (O2LED2) 1-27 14. Chassis intrusion connector
(4-1 pin CHASSIS)
1-21
6. Turbo Key II switch (TURBO_KEY_II) 1-25 15. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-22
7. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER) 1-23 16. USB connector (10-1 pin USB78) 1-19
8. Core Unlocker LED (O2LED1) 1-26 17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-22
9. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 1-26
M4A88T-I DELUXE
USB78
USB910_WFG
AAFP
CHA_FAN
TURBO_KEY_II
CORE_UNLOCKER
CPU_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
ICS
9LPRS477
RTL
8112L
UPD720200F1
ALC
889
Super
I/O
16Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
17.0cm(6.75in)
17.0cm(6.75in)
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 204-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 204-pin module)
AMD®
SB710
AMD®
880G
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3
KB_USB56
AUDIO
LAN1
_USB3.0_12
ESATA
_USB34
_BT
F_PANEL
CHASSIS
DVI
SPDIF_O1 SPDIFO_HDMI
PCIEX16
SOCKET AM3
EATXPWR
ATX12V
MemOK!
DRAM_LED 9
1 2
10
11
12
4
17 16 14
3
13
7
5
6
8
15
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe 1-7

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 to a 90°-100° angle.
Socket lever
Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t
in completely.
3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU
corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner
with a small triangle.
4. 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
prevent bending the pins and damaging the
CPU!
Gold triangle
Small triangle
The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a
CPU designed for the AM3 socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT
force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
M4A88T-I DELUXE
M4A88T-I DELUXE CPU socket AM3
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8