Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI User manual

GA-F2A88XN-WIFI
User's Manual
Rev. 3002
12ME-F288NWF-3002R

Wireless Module Country Approvals:
See the latest safety and regulatory documents at GIGABYTE's website.
Motherboard
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI
Aug. 26, 2013
Aug. 26, 2013
Motherboard
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI

Copyright
©2014 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned in this manual are legally registered to their respective owners.
Disclaimer
Information in this manual is protected by copyright laws and is the property of GIGABYTE.
Changes to the specications and features in this manual may be made by GIGABYTE
without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in
any form or by any means without GIGABYTE's prior written permission.
Documentation Classications
In order to assist in the use of this product, GIGABYTE provides the following types of docu-
mentations:
For quick set-up of the product, read the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
For detailed product information, carefully read the User's Manual.
For product-related information, check on our website at: http://www.gigabyte.com
Identifying Your Motherboard Revision
The revision number on your motherboard looks like this: "REV: X.X." For example, "REV:
1.0" means the revision of the motherboard is 1.0. Check your motherboard revision before
updating motherboard BIOS, drivers, or when looking for technical information.
Example:

- 4 -
Table of Contents
Box Contents...................................................................................................................6
Optional Items .................................................................................................................6
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Motherboard Layout........................................................................7
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Motherboard Block Diagram...........................................................8
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation .....................................................................................9
1-1 Installation Precautions ................................................................................... 9
1-2 ProductSpecications................................................................................... 10
1-3 Installing the APU and APU Cooler............................................................... 13
1-3-1 Installing the APU ..................................................................................................13
1-3-2 Installing the APU Cooler ......................................................................................15
1-4 Installing the Memory .................................................................................... 16
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration ....................................................................16
1-4-2 Installing a Memory................................................................................................17
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card......................................................................... 18
1-6 SetupoftheAMDDualGraphicsConguration ........................................... 19
1-7 Back Panel Connectors ................................................................................. 20
1-8 Internal Connectors ....................................................................................... 23
Chapter 2 BIOS Setup..................................................................................................31
2-1 Startup Screen............................................................................................... 32
2-2 The Main Menu.............................................................................................. 33
2-3 M.I.T. .............................................................................................................. 35
2-4 System Information........................................................................................ 43
2-5 BIOS Features ............................................................................................... 44
2-6 Peripherals..................................................................................................... 47
2-7 Power Management....................................................................................... 50
2-8 Save & Exit .................................................................................................... 52
Chapter3 ConguringSATAHardDrive(s) ..................................................................53
3-1 ConguringSATAControllers........................................................................ 53
3-2 Installing the SATA RAID/AHCI Driver and Operating System ..................... 62

- 5 -
Chapter 4 Drivers Installation .......................................................................................67
4-1 Installing Chipset Drivers............................................................................... 67
4-2 Application Software...................................................................................... 68
4-3 Technical Manuals......................................................................................... 68
4-4 Contact........................................................................................................... 69
4-5 System........................................................................................................... 69
4-6 Download Center........................................................................................... 70
Chapter 5 Unique Features...........................................................................................71
5-1 BIOS Update Utilities..................................................................................... 71
5-1-1 Updating the BIOS with the Q-Flash Utility...........................................................71
5-1-2 Updating the BIOS with the @BIOS Utility............................................................74
5-2 EasyTune 6 .................................................................................................... 75
5-3 Smart Recovery 2.......................................................................................... 76
Chapter 6 Appendix......................................................................................................79
6-1 ConguringAudioInputandOutput .............................................................. 79
6-1-1 Conguring2/4/5.1/7.1-ChannelAudio..................................................................79
6-1-2 ConguringS/PDIFOut.........................................................................................81
6-1-3 ConguringMicrophoneRecording.......................................................................82
6-1-4 Using the Sound Recorder ................................................................................... 84
6-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 85
6-2-1 Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................. 85
6-2-2 Troubleshooting Procedure .................................................................................. 86
Regulatory Statements............................................................................................. 88
Contact Us ................................................................................................................ 95

- 6 -
Box Contents
5GA-F2A88XN-WIFI motherboard
5Motherboard driver disk
5Wireless module driver disk
5User's Manual
5Quick Installation Guide
5Two SATA cables
5I/O Shield
5One antenna
Optional Items
2-portUSB2.0bracket(PartNo.12CR1-1UB030-6*R)
eSATAbracket(PartNo.12CF1-3SATPW-4*R)
3.5"FrontPanelwith2USB3.0/2.0ports(PartNo.12CR1-FPX582-2*R)
HDMI-to-DVIadapter(PartNo.12CT2-HDMI01-1*R)
The box contents above are for reference only and the actual items shall depend on the product package you
obtain. The box contents are subject to change without notice.

- 7 -
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Motherboard Layout
KB_MS_USB
CPU_FAN
SYS_FAN
CI
Socket FM2+
ATX
F_USB30
AUDIO
DDR3_1 DDR3_2
BAT ATX_12V
AMD A88X
WIFI Module
CODEC
CLR_CMOS
M_BIOS
B_BIOS
DOUBLE_HDMI
USB_LAN
Realtek®
GbE LAN
PCIEX16
iTE®
Super I/O
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI
DVI
ANTENNA_BRACKET
R_USB30
F_PANEL
F_USB1
F_AUDIO
SPDIF_O
SATA3
2 3
0 1

- 8 -
GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Motherboard Block Diagram
Fordetailedproductinformation/limitation(s),referto"1-2ProductSpecications."
AMD APU
UMI
APUCLK+/-(100MHz)
PCI Express Bus
PCI Express Bus LPC
Bus
Dual BIOS
PCIe CLK
(100MHz)
PS/2 KB/Mouse
6 USB 2.0/1.1
4 USB 3.0/2.0
LAN
RJ45
x1
x1
x16
Realtek®
GbE LAN
Mini PCIe
(ForWi-FiModuleonly)
1 PCI Express x16
4 SATA 6Gb/s
AMD A88X
DISPCLK+/-(100MHz)
DVI-D
iTE®
Super I/O
Line Out
MIC
Line In
S/PDIF Out
Side Speaker Out
CODEC
Center/Subwoofer
Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
HDMI
Dual Channel Memory
DDR32133/1866/1600/1333MHz

- 9 -
Hardware Installation
1-1 Installation Precautions
The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can become
damagedasaresultofelectrostaticdischarge(ESD).Priortoinstallation,carefullyreadtheuser's
manual and follow these procedures:
•Prior to installation, make sure the chassis is suitable for the motherboard.
•Priorto installation, donot remove orbreak motherboard S/N (SerialNumber) sticker or
warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.
•Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before
installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
•When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make
sure they are connected tightly and securely.
•When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.
•Itisbesttowearanelectrostaticdischarge(ESD)wriststrapwhenhandlingelectroniccom-
ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap, keep
yourhandsdryandrsttouchametalobjecttoeliminatestaticelectricity.
•Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an
electrostatic shielding container.
•Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power supply
has been turned off.
•Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to
the local voltage standard.
•Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hardware
components are connected.
•To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the
motherboard circuit or its components.
•Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or
within the computer casing.
•Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.
•Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.
•Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system
components as well as physical harm to the user.
•If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the
product,pleaseconsultacertiedcomputertechnician.
Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

- 10 -
Hardware Installation
1-2 ProductSpecications
APU FM2+ Socket:
- AMD A series processors
- AMD Athlon™series processors
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestCPUsupportlist.)
Chipset AMD A88X
Memory 2 x DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 64 GB of system memory
* DuetoaWindows32-bitoperatingsystemlimitation,whenmorethan4GBofphysical
memoryisinstalled,theactualmemorysizedisplayedwillbelessthanthesizeof
the physical memory installed.
* Themaximum64GBofsystemmemorycanbesupportedusing16GB(orabove)
memorymodules.GIGABYTEwillupdatethememorysupportlistontheofcial
website when the memory modules are available on the market.
Dual channel memory architecture
SupportforDDR32133/1866/1600/1333MHzmemorymodules
SupportforAMDMemoryProle(AMP)/ExtremeMemoryProle(XMP)memory
modules
 (GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsandmemory
modules.)
Onboard
Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor:
* Tousetheonboardgraphicsports,youmustinstallanAMDAPUwithintegrated
graphics.
- 1 x DVI-D port, supporting a maximum resolution of 2560x1600
* Supportfor2560x1600resolutionrequiresbothamonitorandcablethatsupport
Dual Link DVI.
* TheDVI-DportdoesnotsupportD-Subconnectionbyadapter.
- 2 x HDMI ports, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160
* The resolutionof 4096x2160can besupported whenusing anFM2+APU;the
maximum resolution supported is 1920x1200 when using an FM2 APU.
* SupportforHDMI1.4aversion.
- Maximum shared memory of 2 GB
Audio Realtek®ALC892 codec
HighDenitionAudio
2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN Realtek®GbELANchip(10/100/1000Mbit)
Wireless
Communication
module
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/ac,supporting2.4/5GHzDual-Band
Bluetooth 4.0, 3.0+HS, 2.1+EDR
Support for 11ac wireless standard and up to 867 Mbps data rate
* Actualdataratemayvarydependingonenvironmentandequipment.
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16
 (ThePCIExpressx16slotconformstoPCIExpress3.0standard.)
* TosupportPCIExpress3.0,youmustinstallanFM2+APU.
1 x mini-PCI Express slot for the wireless communication module
Multi-Graphics
Technology
Support for AMD Dual Graphics technology
SupportforAMDEyenitytechnology

- 11 -
Hardware Installation
Storage Interface Chipset:
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
- Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
USB Chipset:
- 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through
the internal USB header)
- 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through
the internal USB header)
Internal
Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x APU fan header
1 x system fan header
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 header
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 header
1 x chassis intrusion header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
Back Panel
Connectors
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
2 x HDMI ports
1 x DVI-D port
2 x antenna connectors
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
5 x audio jacks (Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out, Rear Speaker Out, Line In,
Line Out, Mic In)
I/O Controller iTE®I/O Controller Chip
Hardware
Monitor
System voltage detection
APU/System temperature detection
APU/System fan speed detection
APU/System fan speed control
* Whether the fan speed control function is supported will depend on the cooler you
install.
BIOS 2 x 64 Mbit ash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Support for DualBIOS™
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0

- 12 -
Hardware Installation
Unique Features Support for @BIOS
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Xpress Install
Support for EasyTune
* AvailablefunctionsinEasyTunemaydifferbymotherboardmodel.
Support for Smart Recovery 2
Support for ON/OFF Charge
Bundled
Software Norton®InternetSecurity(OEMversion)
Operating
System
Support for Windows 8.1/8/7 32-bit/64-bit
Support for Windows XP 32-bit
* TosupportWindowsXP32-bit,youmustinstallanAMDFM2TrinityAPU.
Form Factor Mini-ITXFormFactor;17.0cmx17.0cm
* GIGABYTEreservestherighttomakeanychangestotheproductspecicationsandproduct-relatedinformationwithout
prior notice.
* PleasevisittheSupport & Downloads\UtilitypageonGIGABYTE'swebsitetocheckthesupportedoperatingsystem(s)
for the software listed in the "Unique Features" and "Bundled Software" columns.

- 13 -
Hardware Installation
1-3 Installing the APU and APU Cooler
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the APU:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the APU.
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestAPUsupportlist.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
APU to prevent hardware damage.
•Locate the pin one of the APU. The APU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
•Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the APU.
•Do not turn on the computer if the APU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating and damage
of the APU may occur.
•SettheAPUhostfrequencyinaccordancewiththeAPUspecications.Itisnotrecommended
thatthesystembusfrequencybesetbeyondhardwarespecicationssinceitdoesnotmeetthe
standard requirements for the peripherals. If you wish to set the frequency beyond the standard
specications,pleasedosoaccordingtoyourhardwarespecicationsincludingtheAPU,graphics
card, memory, hard drive, etc.
1-3-1 Installing the APU
A. Locate the alignment keys on the motherboard APU socket and the notches on the APU.
APU
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes APU Pin One
A Small Triangle Marking
Denotes Pin One of the
Socket
FM2+ Socket

- 14 -
Hardware Installation
B. Follow the steps below to correctly install the APU into the motherboard APU socket.
•Before installing the APU, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the
power outlet to prevent damage to the APU.
•DonotforcetheAPUintotheAPUsocket.TheAPUcannottiniforientedincorrectly.Adjustthe
APU orientation if this occurs.
Step 1:
Completely lift up the APU socket locking lever.
Step 2:
AligntheAPUpinone(smalltrianglemarking)withthetrianglemark
on the APU socket and gently insert the APU into the socket. Make
surethattheAPUpinstperfectlyintotheirholes.
OncetheAPUispositionedintoitssocket,placeonengerdownon
the middle of the APU, lowering the locking lever and latching it into
the fully locked position.
APU Socket
Locking Lever

- 15 -
Hardware Installation
1-3-2 Installing the APU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the APU cooler on the motherboard.
Use extreme care when removing the APU cooler because the thermal grease/tape between the APU
cooler and APU may adhere to the APU. Inadequately removing the APU cooler may damage theAPU.
Step 1:
Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on
the surface of the installed APU.
Step 2:
Hook the APU cooler clip to the mounting lug on
one side of the retention frame. On the other side,
push straight down on the APU cooler clip to hook
it to the mounting lug on the retention frame.
Step 4:
Finally, attach the power connector of the APU
coolertotheAPUfanheader(CPU_FAN)onthe
motherboard.
Step 3:
Turn the cam handle from the left side to the
rightside(asthe picture above shows)tolock
intoplace.(RefertoyourAPUcoolerinstallation
manualforinstructionsoninstallingthecooler.)

- 16 -
Hardware Installation
1-4 Installing the Memory
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:
•Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the same
capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
(GotoGIGABYTE'swebsiteforthelatestsupportedmemoryspeedsandmemorymodules.)
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing the
memory to prevent hardware damage.
•Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direction.
If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
DDR3_2 DDR3_1
1-4-1 DualChannelMemoryConguration
This motherboard provides two DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the memory
isinstalled,theBIOSwillautomaticallydetectthespecicationsandcapacityofthememory.EnablingDual
Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.
The two DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels:
Channel A: DDR3_1
Channel B: DDR3_2
Due to APU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.
1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.
2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two memory modules, it is recommended that memory of
the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used for optimum performance.

- 17 -
Hardware Installation
1-4-2 Installing a Memory
Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are
not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.
ADDR3memorymodulehasanotch,soitcanonlytinonedirection.Followthestepsbelowtocorrectlyinstall
your memory modules in the memory sockets.
Step 1:
Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining clips
at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module on the
socket.Asindicatedinthepictureontheleft,placeyourngerson
the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and insert it
vertically into the memory socket.
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the
memory module is securely inserted.
Notch
DDR3 DIMM

- 18 -
Hardware Installation
1-5 Installing an Expansion Card
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:
•Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came
with your expansion card.
•Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing an
expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. Afterinstallingallexpansioncards,replacethechassiscover(s).
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your
expansioncard(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:
•Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently push down on the top edge of the card until it
is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make sure
the card is securely seated in the slot and does not
rock.
PCI Express x16 Slot
•Removing the Card:
Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from the
slot.

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Hardware Installation
1-6 SetupoftheAMDDualGraphicsConguration
Combining the onboard GPU with a discrete graphics card, AMD's Dual Graphics technology can provide
signicantlyadvanceddisplayperformanceforAMDplatform.Readthefollowinginstructionsonconguringa
Dual Graphics system.
A. System Requirements
-An AMD A series processor that supports AMD Dual Graphics technology
-Windows 8.1/8/7 operating system
-An AMD Dual Graphics technology-supported motherboard and correct driver
-AnAMDgraphicscardthatsupportsAMDDualGraphicstechnology(formoredetails,pleasevisitAMD's
ofcialwebsite)andcorrectdriver(ForanFM2+APU,pleaseuseanAMDR7200seriesgraphicscard;
for an FM2 APU, please use an AMD Radeon™HD6000graphicscard.)
B.InstallingtheGraphicsCardsandConguringBIOSSetup
Step 1:
Observe the steps in "1-5 Installing an Expansion Card" and install an AMD Dual Graphics technology-supported
graphics card on the PCIEX16 slot. Plug the monitor cable into the graphics card and start up your computer.
Step 2:
Enter BIOS Setup to set the following items under the Peripherals\GFXConguration menu:
-Set Integrated Graphics to Force.
-Set UMA Frame Buffer Size to 512M or above.
Save the settings and exit BIOS Setup. Restart your computer.
C.ConguringtheGraphicsCardDriver
After installing the graphics card driver in the operating system, go to the
AMD VISION Engine Control Center. Browse to Performance\AMD
Radeon™Dual Graphics and ensure the Enable AMD Radeon Dual
Graphics check box is selected.
(Note) MakesurethedriversfortheChipset,onboardgraphics,andexternalgraphicscardareproperly
installed.
Procedure and driver screen for enabling the AMD Dual Graphics technology may differ by graphics
card and driver version. Refer to the manual that came with your graphics card for more information.

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Hardware Installation
1-7 Back Panel Connectors
USB 2.0/1.1 Port
TheUSBport supportstheUSB 2.0/1.1specication.Use this portforUSB devicessuchas aUSB
keyboard/mouse,USBprinter,USBashdriveandetc.
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard.
HDMI Port
The HDMI port is HDCP compliant and supports Dolby True HD and DTS HD
MasterAudioformats.It alsosupportsup to192KHz/24bit8-channelLPCM
audio output. You can use this port to connect your HDMI-supported monitor. The maximum supported
resolution is 4096x2160(Note), but the actual resolutions supported are dependent on the monitor being
used.
After installing the HDMI device, make sure to set the default sound playback device to HDMI.
(Theitemnamemaydifferdependingonyouroperatingsystem.Thescreenshotbelowisfrom
Windows8.)
In Windows 8, select All apps>Control Panel>Hardware and
Sound>Sound>Playback, set AMDHighDenitionAudio
Device to the default playback device.
Antenna Connector
Use this connector to connect an antenna.
Tighten the antenna cables to the antenna connectors and then move
the antenna to a place where the signal is good.
(Note) Theresolutionof4096x2160canbesupportedwhenusinganFM2+APU;themaximumresolution
supported is 1920x1200 when using an FM2 APU.