ASUS B85-A User Manual

ASUS B85-A Motherboard manual cover
Pages 75
Year 2013
Language(s)
English en

ASUS B85-A Motherboard Specification

The ASUS B85-A Motherboard is engineered to support Intel's 4th generation Core i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors, based on the LGA1150 socket. It utilizes the Intel B85 chipset, offering a balance between performance and affordability for business and entry-level gaming systems. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture, with four DIMM slots allowing for a maximum of 32GB of RAM, and is compatible with memory speeds of up to 1600 MHz.

For graphics, the motherboard supports integrated Intel HD Graphics technology but also includes a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot to accommodate discrete graphic cards, enhancing visual performance. It features a Realtek ALC887-VD2 8-channel high-definition audio codec, ensuring high-quality sound output. In terms of connectivity, the ASUS B85-A is equipped with multiple USB ports, including four USB 3.0 and eight USB 2.0 ports, as well as HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA outputs for versatile display options.

The motherboard includes SATA 6Gb/s and SATA 3Gb/s ports, enabling high-speed data transfer with support for various storage devices. It also features ASUS-exclusive technologies such as AI Suite 3, which provides a user-friendly interface for system optimization and customization. The network capabilities are supported by a Realtek 8111G Gigabit LAN controller, ensuring reliable and fast wired internet connectivity. The ASUS B85-A also includes Fan Xpert 2 technology, allowing users to adjust fan speeds for optimal cooling and noise control. With its blend of essential features and expandability, the ASUS B85-A is suitable for users looking to build efficient and versatile desktop systems.

ASUS B85-A Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website. Use the ASUS EZ Flash utility found in the BIOS setup to update. Ensure that your system is stable and the power supply is reliable during the update process.

What type of memory is compatible with the ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

The ASUS B85-A Motherboard supports DDR3 memory modules. It can handle dual-channel DDR3 1066/1333/1600 MHz non-ECC, un-buffered memory. Check the motherboard manual for the maximum supported capacity per slot.

Why is my ASUS B85-A not booting up after a hardware upgrade?

Ensure all components are properly seated and connected. Check the compatibility of the new hardware with your motherboard. Reset the CMOS by removing the battery or using the reset jumper to clear any potential configuration issues.

How do I enable XMP for my RAM on the ASUS B85-A?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'Del' key during boot. Navigate to the 'Ai Tweaker' or 'Advanced' tab and look for the XMP option. Enable it to allow the motherboard to automatically configure the best settings for your RAM.

What should I do if my system frequently crashes with the ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

Check for overheating issues by ensuring all fans are operational. Run a memory diagnostic to rule out faulty RAM. Update all drivers and the BIOS to the latest versions. If problems persist, consider testing with minimal hardware to isolate the issue.

How can I connect multiple hard drives to the ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

The ASUS B85-A Motherboard has multiple SATA ports for connecting hard drives. Use the SATA data and power cables to connect each drive. Ensure that the BIOS recognizes all connected drives by checking the 'SATA Configuration' section.

How to reset the BIOS settings on the ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

To reset BIOS settings to default, enter the BIOS setup and select the 'Load Defaults' option. Alternatively, you can clear the CMOS by removing the motherboard battery for a few minutes or using the clear CMOS jumper.

Why is there no sound output from the ASUS B85-A's onboard audio?

Ensure that the audio drivers are correctly installed. Check the BIOS to confirm that onboard audio is enabled. Verify that the speakers or headphones are properly connected and not muted. Test with another audio device to rule out hardware issues.

Can I use an M.2 SSD with the ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

The ASUS B85-A does not have an M.2 slot. To use an M.2 SSD, you will need an M.2 to SATA or PCIe adapter, depending on the type of M.2 SSD. Ensure compatibility with the motherboard's existing interfaces.

What is the procedure to set up RAID on the ASUS B85-A Motherboard?

Enter the BIOS setup and go to the 'Advanced' tab. Set the SATA mode to RAID. Save and exit the BIOS, then enter the RAID configuration utility during boot by pressing 'Ctrl + I'. Follow the prompts to create and configure your RAID array.