Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 User manual

Motherboard
M5A99FX
PRO R2.0

ii
E7472
First Edition
May 2012
Copyright © 2012 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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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
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
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iii
Contents
Safety information...................................................................................................... vi
About this guide........................................................................................................ vii
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary.......................................................... ix
Package contents..................................................................................................... xiii
Installation tools and components......................................................................... xiv
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-1
1.1 Special features.......................................................................................... 1-1
1.1.1 Product highlights........................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with New DIGI+ Power Control .... 1-2
1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features........................................................... 1-3
1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution..................................................... 1-3
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY.............................................................................. 1-4
1.1.6 Other special features................................................................. 1-5
1.2 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 1-6
1.2.1 Before you proceed..................................................................... 1-6
1.2.2 Motherboard layout ..................................................................... 1-7
1.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.2.4 System memory ........................................................................ 1-10
1.2.5 Expansion slots ......................................................................... 1-22
1.2.6 Onboard buttons and switches.................................................. 1-24
1.2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................... 1-26
1.2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................... 1-27
1.2.9 Internal connectors.................................................................... 1-28
Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2-1
2.1 Building your PC system...........................................................................2-1
2.1.1 Motherboard installation.............................................................. 2-1
2.1.2 CPU installation........................................................................... 2-4
2.1.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation............................... 2-5
2.1.4 DIMM installation......................................................................... 2-8
2.1.5 ATX Power connection................................................................ 2-9
2.1.6 SATA device connection............................................................ 2-10
2.1.7 Front I/O Connector .................................................................. 2-11
2.1.8 Expansion Card installation....................................................... 2-12
2.2 BIOS update utility................................................................................... 2-13
2.2.1 USB BIOS Flashback................................................................ 2-13
2.3 Motherboard rear and audio connections ............................................. 2-15
2.3.1 Rear I/O connection .................................................................. 2-15
2.3.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-17

iv
2.4 Starting up for the rst time.................................................................... 2-20
2.5 Turning off the computer......................................................................... 2-20
Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3-1
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3-3
3.2.2 Advanced Mode .......................................................................... 3-4
3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................3-6
3.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................................ 3-8
3.5 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-15
3.5.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-16
3.5.2 North Bridge Conguration........................................................ 3-17
3.5.3 South Bridge Conguration....................................................... 3-18
3.5.4 SATA Conguration................................................................... 3-19
3.5.5 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-21
3.5.6 CPU Core On/Off Function ....................................................... 3-23
3.5.7 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-23
3.5.8 APM .......................................................................................... 3-25
3.5.9 Network Stack ........................................................................... 3-26
3.6 Monitor menu ........................................................................................... 3-27
3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-29
3.8 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-32
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................ 3-32
3.8.2 ASUS SPD Information............................................................. 3-32
3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-33
3.9 Exit menu.................................................................................................. 3-34
3.10 Updating BIOS.......................................................................................... 3-35
3.10.1 ASUS Update............................................................................ 3-35
3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-38
3.10.3 ASUS BIOS Updater................................................................. 3-40
Chapter 4: Software support 4-1
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information.......................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ........................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-2
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 AI Suite II..................................................................................... 4-3
4.3.2 DIGI+ Power Control...................................................................4-4

v
4.3.3 TurboV EVO ................................................................................ 4-8
4.3.4 EPU........................................................................................... 4-12
4.3.5 Remote GO! .............................................................................. 4-13
4.3.6 USB 3.0 Boost........................................................................... 4-24
4.3.7 Network iControl........................................................................ 4-25
4.3.8 USB BIOS Flashback Wizard.................................................... 4-29
4.3.9 FAN Xpert.................................................................................. 4-31
4.3.10 Ai Charger+............................................................................... 4-32
4.3.11 Probe II...................................................................................... 4-33
4.3.12 Sensor Recorder ....................................................................... 4-34
4.3.13 ASUS Update............................................................................ 4-36
4.3.14 MyLogo2 ................................................................................... 4-37
4.3.15 Audio congurations.................................................................. 4-39
Chapter 5: RAID support 5-1
5.1 RAID congurations .................................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................... 5-2
5.1.4 AMD®Option ROM utility ............................................................ 5-3
5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................................... 5-6
5.2.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.................. 5-6
5.2.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................... 5-6
5.2.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation ........ 5-7
5.2.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive..................................................... 5-8
Chapter 6: Multiple GPU support 6-1
6.1 AMD®CrossFireX™ technology ............................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Before you begin......................................................................... 6-1
6.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................ 6-2
6.1.4 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 6-3
6.1.5 Enabling the AMD®CrossFireX™ technology............................. 6-3
6.2 NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 6-5
6.2.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 6-5
6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ...................................... 6-5
6.2.3 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 6-6
6.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ..................................... 6-7
Appendices A-1
Notices .................................................................................................................... A-1
ASUS contact information...................................................................................... A-4

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. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the
motherboard.
• Chapter 2: Basic Installation
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: RAID support
This chapter describes the RAID congurations.
• Chapter 6: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple AMD®CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA®SLI™ graphics cards.
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
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
CPU AMD®Socket AM3+ for AMD®FX Series CPU up to 8-core
Compatible with AMD®Socket AM3 for AMD®Phenom™II/Athlon™
II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors
AMD 140W CPU Support
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Supports AM3+ 32nm CPU
Chipset AMD®990FX / SB950
System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0
Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2133(O.C)/1866/1600/1333/1066
MHz, ECC, Non-ECC, un-buffered Memory
Dual channel memory architecture
*Due to CPU spec., AMD 100 Series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz.
With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.
**Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4GB capacity
or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is
recommended.
*** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the Memory QVL(Qualied
Vendors Lists) of AM3+/AM3 CPU.
Expansion slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (Dual@x16/x16 speed)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (Black@x4 speed)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot
1 x PCI slot
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Storage AMD®SB950 Chipset:
- 5 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10 support (gray)
- 1 x eSATA port
1 x ASMedia®PCIe SATA controller:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (navy blue)
LAN Realtek®8111F Gigabit LAN controller
Audio Realtek® ALC 892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking
- Supports 192khz/ 24bit True BD Lossless Sound
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- DTS UltraPC II
- DTS Connect
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filter
(continued on the next page)

x
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
USB 2 x ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)
AMD® SB950 chipset
- 14 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back
panel)
ASUS Unique Features ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 3:
CPU Power
- Industry leading Digital 6+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS CPU Power Utility
DRAM Power
- Industry leading Digital 2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS DRAM Power Utility
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user
interface
- Remote GO!
- Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
- Network iControl
- USB 3.0 Boost
- MemOK!
- AI Suite II
- Ai Charger+
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- DirectKey
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
- Percision Tweaker 2
- Multi-language BIOS
- USB BIOS Flashback with USB BIOS Flashback Wizard for EZ
BIOS download scheduling
(continued on the next page)

xi
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
ASUS overclocking
features
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDDNB: Adjustable CPU/NB voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vNB: Adjustable NB voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vNB HT bus: Adjustable HT voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.005V increment
- vSB: Adjustable SB voltage at 0.005V increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 100MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz
increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at
1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard
1 x PS/2 mouse
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
1 x eSATA port (red)
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (One can be switched to USB BIOS
Flashback)
8-channel Audio I/O
Internal I/O Ports 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports
(19-pin)
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
7 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU Optional Fan connector (4-pin)
3 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
24-pin EATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x DirectKey Button
1 x DRCT header
1 x TPM header
1 x COM port
(continued on the next page)

xii
M5A99FX PRO R2.0 specications summary
BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS
2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, F12
PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut Function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial
Presence Detect) memory information
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Accessories 4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
2 in 1 Q-connector
1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector
I/O Shield
User’s manual
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiii
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
User Manual
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0
motherboard User guide Support DVD
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1 x ASUS I/O Shield
1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.

xiv
Installation tools and components
1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis Power supply unit
AMD AM3+ CPU AMD AM3+ compatible CPU Fan
DIMM SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional)
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.

ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1
1.1 Special features
1.1.1 Product highlights
AMD®FX™-Series/Phenom™ II/Athlon™ II/Sempron™ 100 Series Processors
(socket AM3+/AM3)
This motherboard supports AMD®AM3+/AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache
and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-
channel DDR3 1866 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 32nm manufacturing process.
AMD®990FX Chipset
AMD®990FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5.2GT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)
interface speed and dual PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s latest
AM3+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking
capabilities.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2133(O.C.)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz Support
The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates
of DDR3 2133(O.C.)/ 1866/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz to boost the system’s performance,
and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications.
Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Support
The motherboard’s powerful AMD® 990FX platform optimizes PCIe allocation in multiple-
GPU congurations of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. This allows you to enjoy a never before-
experienced brand new gaming style.
AMD® SB950 Chipset
The AMD®SB950 Southbridge natively supports the next generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s data
transfer rate and PCI Express 2.0 interface.
Complete USB 3.0 Integration
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel – 4 USB
3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times
faster than USB 2.0. The M5A99FX PRO R2.0 affords greater convenience to high speed
connectivity.
Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
ASUS provides standardized USB 3.0 front panel support which is compatible with any
chassis. Enjoy faster throughput of USB 3.0 without relegating cables or hard-to-reach rear
I/O.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with New DIGI+ Power
Control
The world’s rst Dual Intelligent Processors from ASUS pioneered twin onboard chips
- TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) and EPU (Energy Processing Unit). Third generation Dual
Intelligent Processors with New DIGI+ Power Control provides a total CPU, memory and
SMART DIGI+ Key prole tuning digital power solution, which includes two digital voltage
controllers allowing ultra-precise DRAM tuning in addition to ultra-precise CPU voltage
control - a rst on the AMD platform. It’s upgraded with one-click extreme performance
optimization with the user-friendly AI Suite II utility. This evolution of innovative and industry-
leading ASUS technology provides super-accurate voltage tuning for better efciency, stability
and performance.
New DIGI+ Power Control
All-New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM
The New DIGI+ Power Control design with two digital voltage controllers upgrades
motherboard power delivery to an overall solution on AMD AM3+ motherboards, including
all-new DRAM controllers that offers ultra-precise memory tuning in addition to ultra-precise
CPU voltage control. This evolution of innovative, industry-leading ASUS technology provides
the best in class control for better efciency, stability and performance.
TPU with the All-New SMART DIGI+ Key for a Blazing Performance Boost
Always at the forefront of power design, ASUS propels you into the future standard of
power management again by giving you a complete CPU, memory and new SMART DIGI+
Technology with prole tuning digital power solution, which works with the TPU to ramp up
performance to its maximum. Enable the all-new SMART DIGI+ Key prole with a single click
and adjust CPU ratios manually in the TPU to increase CPU frequency up to an incredible
100%!
Increased CPU and DRAM overclocking range
With programmable digital controllers onboard, users can adjust CPU and DRAM voltage
and VRM switching frequencies for various overclocking scenarios. New DRAM tuning
possibilities make the most of DDR3 memory for better performance with CPU/NB load line
calibration and 30% more DRAM current capacity. Thanks to a slew of power options teamed
with an extensive and intuitive UEFI BIOS, overclocking very large memory setups is no more
difcult than mainstream motherboards.
TPU
TPU (TurboV Processing Unit) offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring
mechanisms through the Auto Tuning and TurboV functions.
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.

ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 1-3
Chapter 1
1.1.3 ASUS Exclusive Features
MemOK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.
AI Suite II
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features
into one simple to use software package. It allows users to supervise overclocking, energy
management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers
diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different
utilities.
USB 3.0 Boost
ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the latest
USB 3.0 standard. Witht USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device’s transmission speed is
signicantly increased up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer
speed. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0
peripherals without the need for any user interaction.
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.
1.1.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The ASUS heat-pipe features 0-dB thermal solution that offers you a noiseless PC
environment. Its beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment and the heat-pipe design
lowers the temperature of the chipset and power phase area through high efcient heat-
exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS heat-pipe gives you an
extremely silent and cooling experience with its elegant appearance.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the
heat dissipation performance.
ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both 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.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
1.1.5 ASUS EZ DIY
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.
Direct Key
Designed for users requiring frequent BIOS access, you can easily enter the BIOS
automatically when the PC is on standby power with a press of a button. It saves you time
during boot-up from having to repeatedly press the DEL key. Convenience and ease at its
best!
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS F lashback offers a hassle-free updating solution for your ultimate convenience.
Install a USB storage device containing the BIOS le, press the BIOS Flashback button for
about three seconds, and the UEFI BIOS is automatically updated even without entering
the existing BIOS or operating system. It also allows you to regularly check for UEFI BIOS
updates, and download the latest BIOS automatically.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot, and Q-DIMM design
speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables
to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system
panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.
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 M5A99FX PRO R2.0 1-5
Chapter 1
1.1.6 Other special features
External SATA
The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions.
Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents on external devices.
DTS Connect
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS
Connect combines two enabling technologies. DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.
Consumers can then connect their PC to a home theater system.DTS Interactive is capable
of performing multi-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to
deliver audio to an external decoder.
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 7.1 surround through the most popular PC audio setups
- your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, it upgrades
original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating the dynamic range of audio
les. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across different input
sources and Enhance boosts audio quality through high and low frequency equalization. With
these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires
products to meet certain energy efciency requirement 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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
1.2 Motherboard overview
1.2.1 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, ensure that the ATX power supply 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, or components.