Contents

Contents
Notices
Safety information
About this guide
M5A97 PRO specifications summary
Chapter 1: Product introduction
- 1.1 Welcome!
- 1.2 Package contents
- 1.3 Special features
  - 1.3.1 Product highlights
  - 1.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM
  - 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features
  - 1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
  - 1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY
  - 1.3.6 Other special features
Chapter 2: Hardware information
- 2.1 Before you proceed
- 2.2 Motherboard overview
  - 2.2.1 Motherboard layout
  - 2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  - 2.2.3 System memory
  - 2.2.4 Expansion slots
  - 2.2.5 Jumper
  - 2.2.6 Onboard switches
  - 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs
  - 2.2.8 Internal connectors
- 2.3 Building your computer system
  - 2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system
  - 2.3.2 CPU installation
  - 2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
  - 2.3.4 DIMM installation
  - 2.3.5 Motherboard installation
  - 2.3.6 ATX Power connection
  - 2.3.7 SATA device connection
  - 2.3.8 Front I/O Connector
  - 2.3.9 Expension Card installation
  - 2.3.10 Rear panel connection
  - 2.3.11 Audio I/O connections
- 2.4 Starting up for the first time
- 2.5 Turning off the computer
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
- 3.1 Knowing BIOS
- 3.2 BIOS setup program
  - 3.2.1 EZ Mode
  - 3.2.2 Advanced Mode
- 3.3 Main menu
- 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu
- 3.5 Advanced menu
  - 3.5.1 CPU Configuration
  - 3.5.2 North Bridge Configuration
  - 3.5.3 SATA Configuration
  - 3.5.4 USB Configuration
  - 3.5.5 CPU Core On/Off Function
  - 3.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration
  - 3.5.7 APM
- 3.6 Monitor menu
- 3.7 Boot menu
- 3.8 Tools menu
  - 3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
  - 3.8.2 ASUS SPD Information
  - 3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile
- 3.9 Exit menu
- 3.10 Updating BIOS
  - 3.10.1 ASUS Update utility
  - 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
  - 3.10.3 ASUS BIOS Updater
Chapter 4: Software support
- 4.1 Installing an operating system
- 4.2 Support DVD information
  - 4.2.1 Running the support DVD
  - 4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals
- 4.3 Software information
  - 4.3.1 AI Suite II
  - 4.3.2 DIGI+ VRM
  - 4.3.3 TurboV EVO
  - 4.3.4 EPU
  - 4.3.5 FAN Xpert
  - 4.3.6 Probe II
  - 4.3.7 Sensor Recorder
  - 4.3.8 Ai Charger+
  - 4.3.9 Monitor
  - 4.3.10 System Information
  - 4.3.11 Audio configurations
- 4.4 RAID configurations
  - 4.4.1 RAID definitions
  - 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
  - 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS
  - 4.4.4 AMD Option ROM Utility
- 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk
  - 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
  - 4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows
  - 4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation
  - 4.5.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
- 5.1 ATI CrossFireX technology
  - 5.1.1 Requirements
  - 5.1.2 Before you begin
  - 5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX graphics cards
  - 5.1.4 Installing the device drivers
  - 5.1.5 Enabling the ATI CrossFireX technology
ASUS contact information

ASUS M5A97 PRO User Manual

Pages 128

Year 2011

Language(s)

of 128

ASUS M5A97 PRO Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M5A97 PRO Motherboard is a high-performance platform designed to support AMD's AM3+ processors, including the FX, Phenom II, Athlon II, and Sempron 100 series. It features the AMD 970/SB950 chipset, providing robust support for overclocking and advanced cooling solutions. The motherboard supports up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 2133 MHz when overclocked, ensuring efficient multitasking and gaming performance.

The expansion capabilities include two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, allowing for CrossFireX configurations, ideal for enhanced graphics performance. Additional slots include two PCIe 2.0 x1, and two PCI slots for versatile connectivity options. Storage is handled by six SATA 6Gb/s ports, supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations for optimized data management and protection.

Onboard, the ASUS M5A97 PRO is equipped with USB 3.0 technology, providing faster data transfer speeds, alongside a plethora of USB 2.0 ports for peripheral connectivity. The Realtek ALC892 8-channel high-definition audio codec ensures immersive sound quality, making it suitable for gaming and media consumption. Networking is managed by the integrated Realtek 8111E Gigabit LAN controller, offering reliable and fast internet connectivity.

ASUS incorporates several proprietary technologies into the M5A97 PRO, such as the Dual Intelligent Processors with DIGI+ VRM for enhanced power efficiency and stability, and the ASUS EPU for environmentally friendly energy management. The motherboard also supports ASUS's UEFI BIOS, delivering a user-friendly graphical interface for streamlined setup and configuration. Overall, the ASUS M5A97 PRO is engineered to deliver a balanced blend of performance, expandability, and reliability for gaming enthusiasts and general users alike.

ASUS M5A97 PRO Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on the ASUS M5A97 PRO motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website, extract it to a USB drive, enter the BIOS setup by pressing 'Del' during boot, and use the EZ Flash utility to update the BIOS.

What should I do if my ASUS M5A97 PRO motherboard fails to boot?

Check all power connections, ensure RAM and GPU are properly seated, reset the CMOS by removing the battery for a few minutes, and test with minimal hardware to identify any faulty components.

How can I enable virtualization support on the ASUS M5A97 PRO?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing 'Del' during startup, navigate to the 'Advanced' tab, go to 'CPU Configuration', and enable the 'SVM Mode' option to support virtualization.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the ASUS M5A97 PRO motherboard?

The ASUS M5A97 PRO motherboard supports a maximum of 32GB of DDR3 RAM, distributed across its four DIMM slots.

How do I connect front panel connectors on the ASUS M5A97 PRO?

Refer to the motherboard manual for the exact pin layout. The front panel header is usually labeled on the board, with pins for power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, and power LED.

Can I use an M.2 SSD with the ASUS M5A97 PRO motherboard?

The ASUS M5A97 PRO does not have an M.2 slot. You can use an M.2 to PCIe adapter to install an M.2 SSD via a PCIe slot, but booting from it may not be supported.

How do I troubleshoot USB port issues on the ASUS M5A97 PRO?

Ensure USB ports are enabled in BIOS, update USB drivers from the ASUS support site, check for physical damage, and test with different USB devices to isolate the issue.

What is the correct way to configure RAID on the ASUS M5A97 PRO?

Enter BIOS setup, go to the 'Advanced' tab, select 'SATA Configuration', set 'SATA Mode' to 'RAID', save changes, and configure RAID using the RAID utility by pressing 'Ctrl+F' during boot.

How do I install drivers for the ASUS M5A97 PRO motherboard?

Visit the ASUS support website, download the latest drivers for your operating system, and install them by following the on-screen instructions for each driver package.

What BIOS settings should I check for optimal gaming performance on the ASUS M5A97 PRO?

Ensure the latest BIOS is installed, enable XMP for RAM, configure power settings to 'Performance', ensure GPU is set to PCIe 2.0 x16, and disable unnecessary onboard devices.