Motherboard A55M-E
E8265 First Edition April 2013 Copyright © 2013 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Safety information....................................................................................................... iv About this guide.......................................................................................................... iv Package contents........................................................................................................ vi A55M-E specifications summary...............................................................................
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.
Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. 2. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS A55M-E motherboard Cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables Accessories 1 x I/O Shield Application DVD Support DVD Documentation User Guide • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.
A55M-E specifications summary Storage / RAID AMD® A55 FCH: LAN Realtek® 8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller Audio Realtek® ALC887-VD 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC USB AMD® A55 FCH: ASUS unique features - 4 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and JBOD configurations • Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. - 8 x USB 2.0/1.
A55M-E specifications summary BIOS Support DVD 32 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, 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 Drivers ASUS Update ASUS utilities Form factor Anti-Virus software (OEM version) uATX form factor: 8.9 in x 7 in (22.6 cm x 17.8 cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1 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.
1.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 4 5 17.8cm(7 in) KBMS ATX12V CPU_FAN USB34 EATXPWR LAN1_USB12 CHA_FAN AUDIO 22.6cm(8.
1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) This motherboard comes with an FM2 socket designed for AMD® A-series accelerated processors with AMD® Radeon™ HD 7000/8000 series graphics. A55M-E A55M-E CPU socket FM2 Ensure that you use an APU designed for the FM2 socket. The APU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the APU! 1.3.
3 1.3.2 4 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
3 4 5 To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly 1 4 1-6 3 2 5 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.
1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better overclocking capability.
1.4.
1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.5.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.
1.6 Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. CLRTC 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC A55M-E A55M-E Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, 3-pin USBPW5-8) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode). USBPW1-4 1 2 3 2 +5V +5VSB (Default) USBPW5-8 1 A55M-E 2 +5V (Default) 2 3 +5VSB A55M-E USB Device Wake Up 3.
1.7 Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 10 9 8 7 3 4 6 5 1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status Description OFF 10Mbps connection ORANGE 100Mbps connection GREEN 1Gbps connection ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED LAN port 3.
To configure an 8-channel audio output: Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. 6. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 8. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 9. DVI-D port.
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
3. Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G 1~4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard controller.
4. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL PLED+ PLEDPWR GND PWR LED PWR BTN HD_LED+ HD_LEDGround Reset PIN 1 A55M-E HD_LED RESET A55M-E System panel connector • • • • 5. System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) SPDIFOUT GND This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V 6. A55M-E SPDIF_OUT A55M-E Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
8. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND A55M-E USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC USB56 USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB78 A55M-E USB2.
1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports 32-bit Windows® XP, 32-bit/64-bit Windows® Vista, 32-bit/64-bit Windows® 7, and 32-bit/64-bit Windows® 8 Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 1.8.2 • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating from a BIOS file 3. a. Select Update BIOS from file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility.
• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A55ME.CAP. • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn on the system. 2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file.
Booting the system in DOS environment 1. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port. 2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device. 3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number. 4.
3. Press to switch between screen fields and use the keys to select the BIOS file and press . BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file and prompts you to confirm BIOS update. 4. Select Yes and press . When BIOS update is done, press to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your computer. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.2 • For BIOS Updater version 1.
Using the power button, reset button, or the ++ keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to always shut down the system properly from the operating system. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard.
Selects the display language of the BIOS setup program Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU/5V/3.
Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.
2.3 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. 2.4 • If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.7 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
Scroll down to display the following items: 2-10 Chapter 2: Getting started
2.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 2.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
2.8 Tools menu 2.9 Exit menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu.
Appendices 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. 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.
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s).
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://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw www.asus.com.tw +86-21-38429911 support.asus.
A55M-E A-5 (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Signature : Date : Representative Person’s Name : Apr. 02, 2013 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
