ASUS A88XM A Maximum Number of RAM. Overview and testing of the Motherboard ASUS A88XM-A. Chipset and processor connector
Budget Solution with Outdated Interfaces
Most recently, studying the motherboard ASUS Crossblade Ranger, we wrote that the most interesting from a practical point of view of models for aMD platforms FM2 + are compact low price level boards, allowing to fully implement such characteristic advantages as the low price and the ability to create compact, but rather productive (up to the game application) of computer systems. Our today's heroine just to the maximum extent illustrates such an approach: this is one of the cheapest boards (which MSI is, that among other manufacturers), nevertheless based on the top for the chipset rule. Of course, the "under the knife" in this case went all that could increase the price, but is it worth it to regret it? In other words, what is the modern lower level? Let's try to meet him.
Configuration and Features of the Board
The consolidated table of characteristics of the MSI A88XM-E35 board is shown below, and then we will look at all its features and functionality.
| Supported processors | Trinity, Richland, Kavery |
| Processor connector | |
| Chipset | |
| Memory | 2 × DDR3 (up to 32 GB) |
| AudioSystem | |
| Network Controller | Realtek RTL8111G. |
| Expansion slots | 1 × PCIe 3.0 / 2.0 x16 (version depends on the processor model) |
| SATA connectors | 6 × SATA 6 Gb / s |
| USB ports | 4 × USB 3.0 |
| Connectors on the back panel | 1 × HDMI |
| Internal connectors | 24-pin ATX Power Connector |
| Form factor | microATX (226 × 216 mm) |
| average price | |
| Retail offers | L-10564640-10 |
Form factor
 |
The MSI A88XM-E35 board is made in the form factor "narrowed" microatx (226 × 216 mm) and can be installed in a housing that supports cards with microatx form factor or large in size. For installation of the board, six standard holes are provided, and the "front" edge will hang freely (this is a common trouble of narrow boards).
Chipset and processor connector
MSI A88XM-E35 is based on the top chipset of AMD - A88X, which differs from earlier A85x only support for the Kaveri family processors. Actually, the errors in FCH just forced the company to move from FM2 to FM2 +, and the updated platform supports both new processors and any models of previous families for FM2.
Memory
To install the memory modules on the board, there are two DIMM slots, which allows you to install only one DDR3 module for each of the two memory channels with a maximum volume of up to 32 GB (after the sale of the respective modules). However, given the budget of the board and platform, you can not expect anything - in most entry-level configurations and now only 8 GB of memory is used, which is easily obtained when installing two "running size" modules of 4 GB. More difficult question with frequencies: only DDR3-1866 is officially supported, and 2133 MHz is formally achieved only during acceleration, although this frequency is standard for several AMD processor models. It should not be noted that with such a frequency of memory we did not have any problems using a variety of modules, while on ASUS Crossblade Ranger, despite much more serious promises of the manufacturer, and could not find at least one pair of modules, stable Functioning at 2133 MHz. In general, the simpler - the more reliable :)
We also note that the board supports memory with XMP profiles, but it is almost impossible to extract anything almost impossible from this: first, a list of supported frequencies is limited (and 2133 has long been a standard value for many modern modules, and XMP here is not Needed), and secondly, there is no flexible regulation of the supply voltage of memory modules, so that it is most likely to choose the workable value manually and "with a stock", and there is no sense to contact "automation".
Expansion slots
As we have already mentioned more than once, the rich expansion capabilities are unlikely to be in demand by users of this platform - a good (relatively) embedded video language already exist in AMD APU, and other extension cards in mass computers are met less and less. However, the likelihood that they will need is. Yes, and a bunch of Athlon X4 (not having a video) and medium-level video cards are also quite justified, so MSI has installed three different expansion slots on a fee: PCIE X16 (2.0 or 3.0, depending on the processor used), PCIE 2.0 x1 and the usual PCI .
Video invoices
To connect monitors and other display devices on the back panel of the board there are ports HDMI 1.4 (maximum resolution 4096 × [Email Protected] Hz or 1920 × [Email Protected] Hz), DVI-D (Dual Link - with resolution up to 2560 × [Email Protected] Hz) and VGA (D-Sub).
SATA ports
To connect drives or optical drives, six SATA 6 Gbps ports are provided, which are implemented on the basis of the controller integrated into the chipset. Naturally, all six support the ability to create RAID-array levels 0, 1, 5, 10, but the question causes the total number of ports: because the chipset supports eight, and not six. However, this issue is easily removed, if we consider that on the same RVV, the company produces the A78M-E35 fee, based on the A78 chipset, which supports just six SATA ports. And what else distinguishes these chipsets? Official support for "splitting" processor lines on PCIE slots, which is still not used on this board. Thus, from the point of view of consumer characteristics A88XM-E35 and A78M-E35, identical, and if suddenly the second it turns out to buy cheaper - it is worth it.
USB connectors, serial and parallel ports
To connect all sorts of peripheral devices, four USB 3.0 ports are provided on the board and eight USB 2.0 ports, which is fully fit in the capabilities of the chipset. As it should be expected in such a situation, exactly half of the ports (2 + 4, respectively) are removed on the rear panel, and the rest are available in the form of a comb on textolite.
A curious feature of the board, which may well please the owners of the outdated periphery, is the presence of internal COM and LPT ports. Unfortunately, there is no plank for their withdrawal in the kit, but in general it is worth a penny and can already be available. By the way, the board is not equipped with one, but two PS / 2 ports, which allows you to connect the mouse simultaneously, and the keyboard with such an interface. In general, they get a good option for at least the repair of an old computer, to which any outdated peripherals are connected, which is a pity to throw out - it is not enough for the support of Parallel ATA :)
Network interface
To connect to the local network segment, a gigabit network interface based on the REALTEK RTL8111G controller is implemented - almost standard de facto for low-cost boards.
Supply system
Like most low-cost boards, this has 24-pin and 4-pin connectors for connecting the power supply. The processor supply voltage regulator on the board is a five-channel (three channels for powering computing and graphic processor cores and two - for the built-in "Northern Bridge"). All components inexpensive, but, nevertheless, MSI does not forget to mention the use of solid-state capacitors, black coils and other "Military Class", which has become already familiar.
Cooling system
As it should be expected, the company limited himself only to a small radiator on the chipset, and he performs more decorative functions. But besides the chipset, nothing is cooled at all.
As for the connectors for connecting the fans, then their three, which is somewhat more, rather than inherent in the charges of this class. However, it is worth considering that, firstly, the third connector is not only not manageable, but even even viewing the number of revolutions is not provided for it. Secondly, the processor fan connector does not support the fan control with a three-pin connector. However, the processor coolers are now worth a penny, and to assume that the amateur of rare hundred-stranded CO will help establish such an inexpensive motherboard, we have no reason.
AudioSystem
Again, as expected, the support for analog audio is implemented on the principle "to be": the old already codec is used by the REALTEK ALC887 codec, which is not the "during life" the standard of quality sound. Formally, it supports acoustics 7.1, but due to the presence of only three audio connections on the rear panel, it can be connected only while simultaneously involving them, and the frontal outputs of the housing. However, it seems to us, the usual for systems of such a level is to use a pair of low-cost speakers, and no more, well, if you suddenly need acoustics high-classFor its connection, HDMI has been successfully applied.
TOTAL
So, what can I say about the budget decision MSI? This is an absolute minimum, yes, but in general ... In general, this is a sufficient at least without some excesses :) In any case, the needs of buyers of budget computers fee completely overlaps, leaving some freedom for further modernization. Get the performance of top processors will not work, but this is a general limitation of the platform itself. But attempts to save some more are already able to force to refuse, for example, from a complete set of video outputs, or to go to much more "clamped" systems, such as AM1 (something else, by the way, it will not be necessary to save when evaluating the cost of the entire system). It is clear that some buyers are difficult to step on the throat of their own song and refuse beautiful and brilliant heat pipes, multi-colored radiators, "advanced" network controllers and top audio codes (however, part of the list is not entirely useless), but they simply need to be purchased by another fee. For example, the same MSI sells the A88XM Gaming model is twice as expensive than the A88XM-E35 - the price of all these improvements to the scope. But if they save, there is enough difference, for example, to buy A8-7600 instead of A4-7300 - as it seems to us, extended comments are not required :)
And the second potential scope of application, where the fee will have to be very close to the place, it was mentioned above - the use of equipment with outdated interfaces. The latter fee is provided quite generously: there are PCI, pair of PS / 2 ports and even serial and parallel ports. In this case, the high performance of the platform in these segments, too, is usually not needed, but the price of the solution is very much - not so if it would be possible to replace the "antiques" on something more modern or with a clean conscience to spend on, for example , multicart with PCIE interface. But it is worth such a card as a third of our today's heroine, which also does not need in the expanded comments.
The board is provided for testing by the manufacturer
Preface
If you are interested in the Socket FM2 + platform, then it is best to read "AMD A10-7850K Processor Overview (Kaveri): Step forward, two steps ago". The article consistently considered all innovations and features of new processors, a detailed comparison with predecessor and competitors was carried out. Unfortunately, the appearance of all the latest AMD and Intel desktop processors leaves a disappointing feeling, the difference lies only to the degree of disappointment. It would be happy that the Kaveri processors were produced according to a reduced to 28-nm technical process, and the kernels were redesign, thanks to which the new Steamroller microarchitecture exceeds the previous PILEDRIVER. However, innovations ensured a slight increase in speed, and the significantly increased complexity of the crystal not only did not allow to increase frequencies, it was not possible to even retain the previous one. As a result, it is not surprising that the FM2 + processors still lose the Intel competing solutions, but it is very sad that even the predecessor of Socket FM2 is often in front. New HUMA and HQ technologies included in the HSA heterogeneous computing system are theoretically able to provide the advantage of processors, but can hardly kaveri, because by the time these technologies are implemented in practice we will use other models of AMD processors.So the only indisputable advantage of new processors is the integrated graphics core. It used to be quite good, and now it became even better, even faster. Of course, no comparison with the discrete video cards of high or medium level can not even be, it is possible to compete, except that with the elementary class models, but by the standards of integrated graphics, the performance does not have equal. As a result, although new processors have become more expensive, the favorable opportunity has remained a favorable way to assemble the playing system without an external video card if your requests are not too large, and the budget is limited. Such a feature will certainly be interesting to our readers, and therefore it was decided to test the Socket FM2 + motherboards. Senior models are not suitable for dating, as they will use limited demand, but did not want to disappoint once again, faced with the lack of cheapest cards. As a result, similar by the characteristics and price of the ASUS A88XM-Plus model and Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H were selected. Both boards are manufactured by the largest manufacturers with the name, both are based on the AMD A88X logic, both are made in the MICROATX form factor, which is best suited for the entry-level system. It remains only to find out how these two models are comparable.
ASUS A88XM-PLUS Board Overview
Sometimes motherboard manufacturers use different options for designing boxes for models that are designed for AMD or Intel processors. Even the packaging for different platforms is often noticeably different, but in this case, we see the ASUSTEK version characteristic of modern motherboards. On the front side, the name of the model and logos of processors, a set of logic and technology, and on the reverse image of the board, a short list of technical characteristics and a story about some features. If you do not count the logos and model names, then the ASUS A88XM-PLUS packaging looks just like the Asus Z87M-Plus board, for example.A lot of places on the front side of the box occupies the emblem of the 5X Protection technology set - this is a set of engineering solutions that provide reliability and long service life. It includes stable nutrition due to the digital stabilizer "Digi +", protection against overloads, from closures and from static electricity. Durable solid-state capacitors and resistant oxidation and corrosion, covered with a thin layer of chromium oxide steel rear connector panel, will allow you to operate this model for a long time.
From packages of other manufacturers of the box with junior models, Asustek's motherboards are distinguished by a significant lesser thickness, which is due to a special compact way to place components. The cardboard sheet shakes and accessories is longer than usual, its edge is wrapped, forming a separate compartment, where there are relatively thick SATA cables. The remaining components and documentation do not occupy a lot of space and are located at the bottom, under the board. The difference in sizes, weight and quantity of packaging materials compared to standard boxes may seem insignificant, but when the currency account goes to millions, the total savings and reduction of the environment should be substantial.
The set of accessories attached to the board is expected to be rich and includes everything just necessary:
two Serial ATA cables with metal strings, one with two straight, other with one direct and second M-shaped connector, cables are specifically designed to connect SATA 6 Gb / s devices (differ in white inserts on connectors);
user's manual;
folding sheet containing brief assembly instructions;
memo with electrical safety information and general rules work;
DVD with software and drivers;
sticker "Powered by ASUS" on the system unit.
The appearance of the ASUS A88XM-PLUS board also seems like a long acquaintance, even if you see it for the first time, because for all modern models of Asustek, which are not included in the special series, is used the same design option. The yellow color causes associations with gold, and the nobility of the valuable metal should emphasize the quality, reliability, productivity and manufacturability of motherboards. The beauty of gilding is doubtful, but the designation color of key connections simplifies the system assembly. For example, those two connectors are allocated with yellow, in which the memory modules should be installed if it is the only pair of modules. The same color is distinguished by the main connector for the discrete video card from the secondary.
The digital power supply system "ASUS DIGI + VRM", built according to formula 4 + 2, will be equally efficient not only for new Socket FM2 + processors, but also for old Socket FM2. The board developers considered that the processor will have enough four-contact ATX12V power connector, however, the heating elements of the power converter are still covered with an additional radiator, which is attached by spring-loaded strings. But the main PCI EXPRESS 3.0 2.0 X16 connector will provide an external video card on a third version of the protocol only when using new processors. The second PCI EXPRESS 2.0 X16 connector is based on chipset pCI-E lines and supports the speed x4, which, however, even allows you to combine video cards for collaboration in AMD CrossFirex mode. In addition, there is one PCI Express 2.0 X1 connector for the extension cards and one PCI. Various options for eight SATA 6 Gb / s connectors, which the board provides AMD A88X logic set, will allow you to select the most convenient option to connect drives.
The available area of \u200b\u200bthe rear panel is not fully used, which is also characteristic of the initial level models. Here you can detect the next set of connections:
two PS / 2 connectors for connecting the keyboard and mouse;
video outputs HDMI, D-SUB and DVI-D;
four USB 2.0 ports, and six more can be output with three internal connections on the board;
local network connector ( network adapter built on a gigabit controller REALTEK RTL8111G);
three analog sound connections, the work of which ensures the eight-channel codec of Realtek Alc887.
The element layout scheme allows you to detect parallel and serial LPT and COM connectors, count three four-pin connections for connecting the fans, find the "Memok!" Button, allowing you to successfully start even if there are problems with RAM and switch " GPU Boost."Designed for automatic acceleration integrated in the processor core graphics. The Q-Design technologies complex, which simplifies the assembly and operation of Asustek's boards, the ASUS A88XM-PLUS model is equipped with comfortable wide links on connectors for the "Q-Slot" video cards.
Save your impressions and evaluations motherboard ASUS A88XM-PLUS until it is comparable to its capabilities with today's rival, and to get acquainted with it immediately.
Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Board Overview
Upon clearance, the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H motherboard is practically no different from the packages of other models of the company. On the front side we see the name of the board and logos of supported processors and technologies.
On the back of the package, you can detect a short list of the technical characteristics of the board and its image indicating individual features, about the same as in the illustration below.
The set of incoming accessories is expected to be designed, but sufficient to start:
four Serial ATA cables with metal strings, one pair with two straight, other with one straight and second M-shaped connector, cables are specifically designed to connect SATA 6 Gb / s devices;
plug to the rear panel (I / O Shield);
user's manual;
brochure with brief assembly instructions in several languages;
Software DVDs and drivers.
If the ASUS board was familiar with "golden", then the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H model is as traditionally monochrome, only those Gigabyte boards are attractive, which belong to the game and overclocking series. Do not notice this is simply impossible, but since such a gray-black design is used by most Gigabyte boards over all recent years, it seems that this situation is quite satisfied with the company.
Asustek's boards use 5x Protection technology, providing reliability and long service life, the Ultra Durable 4 Plus complex is intended for similar purposes. "Ultra Performance" - the use of durable solid-state capacitors and MOS transistors with reduced resistance LOW RDS (ON) MOSFET. "Ultra Safe" is an increased reliability that the DualBiOS brand function provides. In addition, the complex includes a number of other functions, such as protection against closures and static discharges, the stability of the boards to high humidity due to textolite from tightly woven fibers.
The fee is deprived of an additional radiator on the heating elements of the processor converter, but the power to it fails the ATX12V eight-contact connector. The remaining characteristics are exactly the same as the previously considered ASUS fees. Four connections for DDR3 memory modules are able to accommodate up to 64 GB of total volume with frequencies from 1333 to 2400 MHz, there are support for AMD Memory Profile (AMP) profiles and Extreme Memory Profile (XMP). For an external video card, the PCI Express 3.0 / 2.0 x16 connector is designed, and for collaboration, video cards in AMD CrossFirex mode, you can use the second PCI Express 2.0 x16 connector, which provides the maximum speed x4. In addition, one PCI Express 2.0 X1 connector and one PCI can be used for expansion cards. Additional drive controllers are not applicable, eight SATA 6 Gb / s ports are implemented using AMD A88X logic set, but all connectors are oriented vertically, "lying" no.
Just like the ASUS board, the area area is not fully used completely, close, but not the same set of derived connections:
four USB 2.0 ports and only four can be displayed using two internal connections on the board;
universal PS / 2 connector for connecting the keyboard or mouse;
video outputs D-sub, DVI-D and HDMI;
two USB 3.0 ports (blue connectors) appeared due to the capabilities of the AMD A88X logic set, and two more additional USB 3.0 ports can be displayed using one internal connector;
local network connector (network adapter is built on a Gigabit RealTek RTL8111F controller);
optical S / PDIF and three analog sound connections, the work of which provides the eight-channel codec of the REALTEK ALC887.
What I always liked Gigabyte motherboards, so it is flawlessly performed schematic images in the manuals. Compare with a diagram of any other model of any other manufacturer. It will be drawn less gently, a table with explanations must be attached to it, it is necessary to use an enlarged image to consider all the elements. The schemes of the Gigabyte boards do not require this, everything can be seen, even the nomenclature of controllers, everything is clear, the schemes can be admired, this is a real work of technological art.
The scheme allows you to detect COM and LPT connectors, although the place for the latter is selected non-standard, and three four-pin connections for connecting fans. For most other platforms, I would record the shortcomings of the inconvenient location of the connector for the processor and first system fans. Access to them is limited to the processor cooling system on one side and discrete video card with another. However, the Socket FM2 + processors will mainly use the built-in graphics core, without an external video card, so that this minus is not too significant.
Comparative Features of Platforms
All the main technical characteristics of the boards were connounced in the table for the convenience of comparison.
Each board has its own individual features. Asustek's fee is slightly smaller in width and boast an additional radiator on the heating elements of the processor converter, but the power to it is supplied with a four-pin ATX12V connector. Three internal connections allow you to withdraw six additional USB 2.0 ports, against the four Gigabyte fees. From additional features you need to mark the "Memok!" Button and switch "GPU BOOST". The Gigabyte fee is beneficial to the presence of two BIOS chips and the optical output of S / PDIF on the rear panel. In general, the technical characteristics of the boards are almost the same, which is not at all surprising, because the models with close price and capabilities specifically selected.
ASUS A88XM-PLUS BIOS Boards
More than a year ago, we studied the Socket FM2 motherboards and since then ASUSTEK's BIOS has changed markedly. Unification applies not only to design packaging and boards themselves, but also on the possibilities of BIOS. For Socket FM2 + models, it is now almost exactly the same as for LGA1150 boards, except for individual individual characteristics of various platforms. As before, by default, when you enter the BIOS, we are simplified "EZ MODE" mode, but it is no longer useless, because it allows not only to learn the basic characteristics of the system, but also to conduct its initial setting. The "F5" key loads the standard set of parameters, besides the ability to set the correct time and date, as well as select the operation mode of the fans, you can apply acceleration profiles for memory modules and familiarize yourself with information about the connected drives. If you have several drives, you can set the order of the survey of the loading devices, simply dragging their emblem with the mouse. The "F7" key serves to switch from EZ MODE to the Advanced Mode mode, or you can use the "F3" key, which allows you to quickly move to one of the most frequently used BIOS sections.
You can switch from the "EZ MODE" mode into the "Advanced Mode" mode, you can use the F3 key, which, by the way, works in all other BIOS sections, but it will be much more convenient if the "Advanced Mode" mode is done Starting in the settings. In this case, the familiar section "Main" will appear first before our eyes. It reports basic information about the system, allows you to specify the current date and time, it is possible to change the BIOS interface language, including Russian. In the SECURITY subsection, you can set user and administrator access passwords.
However, the "Main" section is no longer the first in the list, a new section "My Favorites" appeared before him. It is intended to collect in one place all the most frequently used parameters. Initially, the section is empty and contains only reference informationexactly how to add or remove options with a mouse or keyboard.
It must be said that there are a number of prohibitions for selecting parameters, and they apply not only to entire partitions or subsections, the guide to the board still reports that it is impossible to add separate parameters that contain the submenu, but the check showed that this annoying restriction has already been removed. In addition, the list of options displayed by pressing the "F3" key, which, too, can also be edited, deleting the unnecessary and adding the necessary items, was originally delivered from such prohibitions. Maximum flexibility can be obtained from a combination of the options of the "My Favorites" section and the menu with the most common links, however, the "My Favorites" section turned out to be as if, it cannot be selected as a start, as, however, and any other section, so this The disadvantage is still preserved.
The main mass of the options necessary for overclocking is concentrated in the "AI TWEAKER" section. The number of parameters is very large, and initially you see far from a complete list, since all of them are automatically set by the board, but as soon as you go to the manual setting, a lot of previously hidden options appear. You can change the value of the "AI Overclock Tuner" parameter on "d.c.p.p." to automatically change the parameters of the memory subsystem, or on "Manual" to manage all options. The EPU Power Saving Mode parameter saved the ability to select the power saving mode between the light, medium and maximum. To restrict power consumption due to the performance of the processor, you can use the "Target TDP" option by setting the required value in the range from 45 to 65 W. The "GPU Boost" parameter will allow you to select the preset overclocking modes of the built-in graphics core "Turbo Mode" or "Extreme Mode", or manually set the desired frequency. Option "OC TUNER" is designed to automatically overclock the system.
To control current voltage values, you do not need to go to the monitoring section, they are immediately indicated, next to each of the parameters that allow you to change these voltages, which is very convenient. Voltages can be defined both above and below the nominal. It is impossible not to notice a large number of options related to nutrition and power consumption that appeared due to the digital power system "Digi +". Directly in the BIOS can be controlled by branded energy-saving technologies, allowing you to change the number of active processor power phases depending on the level of loading it. Technologies to counteract the voltage drop under the load on the processor and the integrated part of the Northern Bridge, you can not simply include or disconnect, but also dose the degree of opposition.
Part of the parameters is traditionally submitted to the subsections to excessively not clutch the main one. In particular, a change in memory timings was made to a separate page, their number is very large, but it is quite convenient to use the capabilities of this subsection. Taking advantage of the scroll bar, it is not difficult to see all the timings that are set by the board for two memory channels. You can only change a few of them, for example, only the main, leaving for the remaining default values.
At this feature of the Ai Tweaker section, they are completed, meanwhile, we have not yet found a whole group of very important options that manage the work of processor technologies. This is a characteristic drawback not only asustek boards, but also most boards of other manufacturers. The root problem lies in AMI BIOS, which is based on UEFI BIOS modern plants and in its irrational base layout.
The capabilities of the subsections of the "Advanced" section are generally familiar to us and are clearly understood by their names. They allow you to configure the operation of the logic set and additional controllers, various interfaces.
In the "CPU Configuration" subsection, we learn basic information about the processor and finally we get access to the management of the most important processor technologies related to energy saving, performance, virtualization and security.
The "Monitor" section reports the current temperatures, voltages and the speed of rotation of the fans. For all fans, you can select the preset modes for adjusting the number of revolutions from standard Set: "Standard", "Silent" or "Turbo", leave the full speed of rotation, or choose the appropriate parameters in manual mode. Unfortunately, only two system connectors can adjust the speed of rotation of the three-contact fans, this ability has not yet returned to the processor.
Next is the section "BOOT", where we select the parameters that will be applied at the start of the system. Here, by the way, you need to change the start mode "EZ MODE" to "Advanced Mode". At the same time, on the setup time, you can disable the "Fast Boot" parameter so as not to encounter problems when entering the BIOS due to the fact that the board starts very quickly and just do not have time to press the key on time.
The next section "Tool" contains a pair of extremely important and regularly used subsections, as well as one almost useless.
Built-in utility for updating the ASUS EZ Flash 2 firmware is one of the most convenient and functional programs of this kind. As one of the advantages, you can note the reading support from sections formatted in the NTFS system. Such a feature is still possessed by asustek and Intel fees. Unfortunately, the ability to save the current version of the firmware before the update was generally liquidated. The "ASUS OverClocking Profile" subsection allows you to save and quickly download eight full BIOS settings profiles. Each profile can be brief, reminiscent of its contents. Profiles can be exchanged by keeping them on external media. The minus is that the error has not yet been fixed, in which the profiles are not remembered to disable the output of the starting picture.
In addition, in the "Tools" section there is a subsection "ASUS SPD Information", in which you can familiarize yourself with the information covered in SPD memory modules, including XMP profiles (Extreme Memory Profile). However, the place for this subsection was chosen unsuccessfully, because the memory delays change completely in another subsection, very far from here and use the information provided uncomfortable.
In the center of the right side of the screen, over a constantly resembling a list of hot keys, two buttons are visible - "Quick Note" and "Last Modified".
The first allows you to write down and leave some important reminder, and the second outputs the list of recent changes, it is saved even when it is rebooting or turned off the system. You can always look and remember which changes in the BIOS settings were made for the last time, and now it is not even necessary to enter the BIOS for this, since the "Save to USB" button allows you to save a list of changes on the outer medium.
Extremely convenient turned out to be similar to "Last Modified" The BIOS Setting Change pop-up window, which automatically shows the list of changes each time the settings are saved. Looking at the list, you can easily monitor the correctness of the specified values \u200b\u200bbefore applying changes, make sure there are no erroneous or forgotten options. In addition, it is easy to find out the difference between the current settings and values \u200b\u200brecorded in BIOS profiles. By downloading the profile, you will instantly see all its main differences from the set parameters in the "BIOS Setting Change" window that appears.
Summing up, it can be said that the possibilities of ASUS EFI BIOS were very good, and therefore there was no need for deep processing, only a certain correction was required to eliminate deficiencies. It was carried out in the new BIOS modification, you can detect a lot of changes to the better. Some are not too significant, for example, an increase in functionality to the almost very useless mode "EZ MODE". Others are more important, including the new section "My Favorites", the appearance of the possibility to leave notes and edit the list of the most commonly used BIOS sections, which can be displayed at any time by pressing the "F3" key. The list of last modified changes "Last Modified" is useful and it turned out to be an extremely useful BIOS Setting Change pop-up window with a list of current changes that will be applied.
At the same time, the error has not yet been fixed, on which the profiles are not remembered to disconnect the output of the starting picture. Playing a very important role in the system of the system, the parameters controlling processor technologies have not yet been made to the "AI Tweaker" section, to them too long and inconvenient to get. Wide use of the "My Favorites" section interferes with separate restrictions on adding parameters and the impossibility of its choice as a starting, as, however, and any other partition. It is a pity that the costs for Socket FM2 + processors have not yet returned the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of three-contact processor fans.
BIOS Boards Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H
The first entrance to the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H card BIOS can cause a lightweight disappointment, because there is no new "Dashboard" mode, which provides unprecedentedly rich customization capabilities external view. Traditional, classic Gigabyte UEFI. Dualbios, removed even 3D-mode, which was at the Socket FM2 boards, apparently because they have few people used.
Unlike many other manufacturers who have most of the most necessary performance settings and for overclocking options are collected in one very large section, in the BIOS Gigabyte boards they are divided into many pages in categories. Separate subsections grouped parameters related to the processor to the memory subsystem, to a voltage change, and each subsection in turn is additionally divided into separate pages. There is a plus in this approach - all the parameters immediately before your eyes, they usually fit on one screen, there is no need to find the necessary in the long list. There are also cons - constant resetting from one section in another and from the page tired, it is easy to accidentally skip a whole group of settings.
For example, in the Advanced Frequency Settings subsection, we control frequencies and multipliers, and a number of information parameters will allow you to be aware of the results of the changes made.
However, for more detailed settings The work of the processor, the multiplication coefficients of its cores, various technologies and energy-saving modes, must go to a separate page "Advanced CPU Core Settings".
A similar way to change the parameters of the memory operation, where the frequency changes on one screen, and the delays on the other. Timings can be installed the same or individual for each of the two channels.
The subsection with voltages cost without dividing separate pages, for the few options there is no need. Another minus is that the voltages can only be raised, the decline is impossible, although the use of low-voltage memory DDR3 is still permissible, since the interval begins with 1.2 V. As with the ASUS board, you can independently choose the degree of countering voltage drop on the processor and the integrated part of the northern bridge.
The PC Health Status subsection reports information on current voltages, temperatures, as well as fan speed. Unfortunately, only two system connections are capable of lowering the speed of rotation of the fans during three-contact connections, and the processor ones of this useful ability lost.
The System Information section is a close analogue of the previous section "Standard Cmos Features", here we learn basic information about the system, we can change the date, time and language of the BIOS interface. In chapter " Bios Features."We will specify the order of the poll of the loading devices, turn off the output of the picture at startup, manage other parameters, for example, you can enable the function of the accelerated start, a special mode windows downloads 8, assign passwords of access. The Peripherals section allows you to control the operation of peripheral devices and additional charge controllers. In chapter " Power Management»There is a conventional set of parameters related to the start of the board, energy saving and nutrition.
In the "Save & Exit" section, you can remember the changes made, exit without saving, or download the default settings. Here are two parameters designed to work with BIOS settings profiles. As before, the boards allow you to save or upload eight different settings profiles, each can be given a name for its contents, it is possible to save profiles on external media and download from them. A unique feature of the company's boards is the ability to automatically save the current set of settings when the starting procedure is successful, even the number of successful starts is remembered. Thus, it is subsequently possible to return to the use of a workable profile, although it has not been specifically preserved by a user.
Finally, it is impossible not to recall the existence of the built-in utility to update the "Q-Flash" firmware, which is called when the "F8" key in the BIOS or the "END" key when starting the board. Unlike the built-in utilities on the boards of ASRock and Asustek, it allows you to pre-save the current firmware version.
We have repeatedly considered the possibilities of Gigabyte motherboard BIOS and, it seemed that the pages unknown for us simply did not exist, but pleasant surprises were still possible. It accidentally found out that in classic mode, too, there is a list of frequently used pages, it can be displayed if you press the "F11" key to the undocumented key. Unlike a similar list in "Dashboard" mode, it cannot be edited.
In the absence of a custom mode "Dashboard" in the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H card BIOS, there is nothing critical. A little sorry, but the classic appearance of BIOS boards Gigabyte contains the same set of parameters as the new mode, I personally continued to use the same. It also allows you to successfully configure the necessary options and dispersed the system. But there is no possibility of automatic acceleration of the processor and there are no predetermined profiles to increase the frequency of memory, as in the Gigabyte LGA1150 boards. It is impossible to reduce the voltages and the number of parameters controlling voltages are noticeably modest than the Asustek fee. There is no ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the three-contact processor fan for the Gigabyte boards. So a lung feeling of disappointment, which appeared at the beginning of acquaintance with the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H card BIOS, remains and does not disappear.
Configuration of the test system
All experiments were carried out on the test system, including the following set of components:
Motherboards:
ASUS A88XM-PLUS REV. 1.02 (Socket FM2 +, AMD A88X, version BIOS 1302);
Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H REV. 3.0 (Socket FM2 +, AMD A88X, BIOS F6C version);
Processor - AMD A10-7850K (3.7-4.0 GHz, 4 kernels (2 modules), Kaveri, 28 Nm, 95 W, Socket FM2 +);
Memory - 4 x 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM G.SKILL TRIDENTX F3-2133C9Q-32GTX, (2133 MHz, 9-11-11-31-2N, supply voltage 1.6 V);
Video card - built-in graphic core AMD. Radeon R7 Graphics (GCN 1.1, Spectre, 28 Nm, 720 MHz, 8 clusters, 512 shaders);
Disk subsystem -Crucial M4 SSD (CT256M4SSD2, 256 GB, SATA 6 Gb / s);
Cooling system - NOCTUA NH-D14;
Thermalcase - Arctic MX-2;
Power supply - ENHANCE EPS-1280GA, 800 W;
The case is an open test stand based on the Antec Skeleton housing.
As an operating system used Microsoft Windows. 8.1 ENTERPRISE 64 BIT (Microsoft Windows, Version 6.3, Build 9600), AMD Catalyst 14.4 Drivers Set.
In the process of preparing for the tests of a new platform, by installing updates, the Microsoft Windows 8.1 Enterprise 64 bit operating system was covered, although it has not changed its version number or the assembly number. From using an external video card, it was immediately decided to refuse, because powerful by the standards of the built-in graphic core is the main advantage of new Kaveri processors. Certain doubts about the correctness left only the choice of cooling system. It is unlikely that many will acquire a cooler, which is more expensive than the motherboard, but Noctua NH-D14 is not new, but is still very effective. We also did not acquire it specifically, it remained from previous tests, the same situation could develop the users of the new platform when updating the former. So it was decided to use this particular cooler, I did not want to further limit the already not too high the potential of new processors of any more suitable, but less efficient cooling system.
ASUS A88XM-PLUS Board Access Nuances
Asus A88XM-PLUS The Asus A88XM-PLUS motherboard assembly did not have any difficulty, the first launch was successful, and the firmware without problems was updated to the most recently at the time of checking the version with the "ASUS EZ Flash 2" utility built into the BIOS. In general, no significant difficulties in working with the board were found, but small minuses, as always, turned out to be more than enough.When starting, Asustek's motherboards start a bootable picture on which it is prompted to enter the BIOS by pressing the "Del" or "F2" keys. However, these are standard features that do not require reminders, and the remaining keys, individual for different manufacturers, are stubbornly hidden. For example, to display a menu that allows you to select the starting device for an extraordinary load, the ASUS board use the "F8" key. Information about this is in the manual, but the tip would be more appropriate and would be very useful at the start of the board, that's just for some reason it is traditionally forgotten.
The output of the boot picture can be disabled forever with the appropriate setting in the BIOS or temporarily, only for the current start using the TAB key, but we will not wait for the appearance of the prompts, but we will see another characteristic flaw. As the starting procedure passes, the board will display a lot on the screen useful information On the name of the model, the BIOS version, the name of the processor, the volume and frequency of memory, the quantity and type of USB devices, as well as the list of connected drives. However, instead of the actual frequency of the AMD A10-7850K processor, the board reports only the nominal, which is 3700 MHz. In fact, its frequency will rise up to 4 GHz when working in normal mode, since under load it will increase the technology "Turbo Core".
Modern motherboards start very quickly, but this dignity of Asustek's boards has become another drawback. Only when you first start, this starter speed is used that the user has the opportunity to enter the BIOS, but the subsequent reboots occur so quickly that it is already very difficult to do it and will be far from the first attempt. On some models, you can use the "DirectKey" button, but it is not too convenient, because instead of a reboot, with the subsequent immediate input in the BIOS, first turn off the system, after which it must be turned on again and only then "automatically" will be in the BIOS. In addition, this button on the ASUS A88XM-PLUS board is simply not. Instead of a button, you can use the "ASUS Boot Setting" utility, there is no such remarks to the functionality, but the program you need to pre-install, in addition, it will only suit users of Microsoft Windows operating systems. So, at the setup stage, it is easier to do without buttons and utilities at all, it is enough to disable the "Fast Boot" parameter in the Boot section, which works by default to save yourself from extra difficulties at the BIOS entrance.
When working in nominal mode, the ASUS A88XM-Plus fee has not caused problems, but the difficulties appeared at the very first attempts to overclock and increase frequencies. To begin with, very an unpleasant surprise It turned out to be an unstable operation of the system when using the acceleration profiles of the memory modules "x.m.p.". In accordance with the data recorded in the profiles, the memory frequency increased and timings changed, but in this mode, the system worked unreliable and did not endure testing test programs. It was easy to liquidate this disadvantage, it is enough to increase the working voltage of the northern bridge, but the fact itself is unpleasant, I still have not come across similar problems. By the way, in the pictures of the BIOS, it was possible to note that by default, the memory on the board for some reason works with a high to 1.6 voltage, instead of the nominal DDR3 1.5 V. modules, is it made specifically? The board really is unstable working with memory and is required to raise the voltage even in normal mode or is it a random error in the nominal settings?
Unstable When increasing the frequency of memory or processor, it causes "blue death screens" or system hang, but quickly adjust the incorrect parameters of the work turned out to be not easy. Almost after each unscheduled reboot, the fee refused to start, because it could not detect the boot drive. After a few minutes of inaction, SSD Crucial M4 was usually returned to work again, but sometimes the delay could last a few hours. Experiment in such conditions is simply impossible, but fortunately, the CRUCIAL website there has been an update of the storage firmware to version 070H, which eliminated its shutdown. In fact, this update appeared more than a year ago, but I did not know about it, because no troubles and disabilities were observed during the work of the drive.
The problem is solved, however, you can recall that earlier I have already faced with the disconnection of SSD CRUCIAL M4. Do you know when? During last year's AMD Socket FM2 platform tests. Of course, most likely, this is a lack of a drive, because with updating its flash firmware stopped. However, it seems very strange that SSD worked flawlessly for more than a year with various boards for the LGA2011 and LGA1155 processors, but turned off while testing Socket FM2 boards. No recommended ways were unable to return it to life, so that we had to temporarily replace the drive, but he earned again as soon as we returned to the Motherboard reviews for Intel processors. Again, more than a year of trouble-free work with various boards, on various logic sets, for different platforms, but SSD immediately began to disconnect as soon as we started tests. aMD cards Socket FM2 +. Coincidence? It is possible, but it does not look random and constant shutdown of the drive when working with boards on AMD logic sets seems very suspicious.
After eliminating memory problems and the drive, experiments on acceleration no longer caused any difficulties and were quickly completed. The OC TUNER option in the BIOS allows you to automatically dispersed the system, while the processor frequency increases to 4.1 GHz, and the graphics core up to 900 MHz. It is difficult to rejoice in such results, because they are not maximal, and the frequency of memory does not increase at all, although it gives a noticeable speed gain, and almost without increasing the energy consumption of the system. When you accelerate manually without increasing the voltage, my instance of the AMD A10-7850K processor was capable of working at a frequency of 4.2 GHz, and with an increase at 4.4 GHz. The GPU Boost parameter allows you to automatically dispersed only the built-in schedule. When choosing a pre-installed overclocking mode "Turbo Mode", the frequency will be increased to 900 MHz with increasing voltage on the North Bridge by 0.1 V, and Extreme Mode up to 960 MHz with adding already 0.15 V. I could also raise the frequency of the built-in graphic nuclei up to 960 MHz, limiting the addition of 0.1 V, it turned out to be enough for stable work Memory at a frequency of 2133 MHz.
Animated image fixes the results achieved, and pay attention to two points. First of all, it raises questions the frequency of the Northern Bridge. In the nominal mode, it decreases to 1400 MHz in the absence of a load and increases to 1800 MHz when it appears. When accepted, everything should have remained the same, but usually I saw only the frequency of 1400 MHz, both under load and alone. A short-term increase of up to 1800 MHz was observed only in the transition period, when the load only appeared or already disappeared. The frequency of the northern bridge has a minor effect on performance, but the total speed of the system is made up of a plurality of individual factors, so developers should pay attention to the correct change in the frequency of the northern bridge during acceleration.
The second drawback concerns the frequency of the built-in graphics core. In the denomination, it rises to 720 MHz under load and decreases to 350 MHz alone, but during overclocking this energy-saving technology ceases to work and the frequency remains constantly increased to 960 MHz, and at the same time the voltage supplied to the graphics core. Later we will see how negatively this deficiency is affected by the power consumption of the system, but as long as I will talk about the features of the work and acceleration of the Gigabyte board.
Nuances of work and acceleration of Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H boards
Assembling the test system based on the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H motherboard, passed without the slightest difficulties, which is not surprising at all. You must install the processor, consolidate its cooling system, add memory modules and connect to the board. Everything quickly and simple, that's just starting the system and could not. The motherboard fell on tests with an early BIOS version, which does not yet support Socket FM2 + processors, you need to update any Socket FM2 processor. This problem is also familiar to users of AMD platforms. New logic sets usually appear a few months earlier, as a result, after the release of new processors, motherboards are incompatible with them, the old one is required to update the firmware. Especially for such cases by Asustek, the technology "USB BIOS Flashback" was developed. It allows you to update the firmware without the system assembly, even without processor and memory, it is enough to bring meals to the board. That's just need to notice that the ASUS A88XM-PLUS board supports this technology is not implemented, probably just lucky that this model came to tests already with respect to new version BIOS, which supported Socket FM2 + processors.For professional assemblers of computers and for the authors of reviews, get a briefly necessary processor for updating the firmware is not a lot of work, only time is lost, but I wonder how ordinary buyers do the usual buyers? Agree with the store, return the fee or turn to the technical support of the manufacturer? Moreover, it should be borne in mind that to use the "Q-Flash" built-in BIOS utility will not work, you will see a message that the utility is outdated. To update, you should independently create a bootable USB flash drive and unpack the contents of the downloaded archive with the new version of the BIOS. After that, at the start of the board, you must press the "F12" key, select the desired USB flash drive from the proposed drive list, and everything else will be done automatically. The firmware will be updated not only in the main, but also in the BIOS backup chip, after which the fee will be ready to work with new processors.
When starting, the board shows the familiar boot picture, on which, unlike ASUSTEK boards, did not forget to remind the full list of active "hot" keys. Log in to BIOS by pressing the "DEL" key; The "F9" key will show a window with system information, the same as when you press this button in the BIOS; "F12" will display a start menu for an extraordinary selection of the download source; Using the "End" key, you can run the built-in utility to update the Q-Flash firmware.
The list does not accidentally miss the Tab key, which usually removes the starting picture. Conclusion of the picture can be turned off in the BIOS, but it is useless to do it, since the Gigabyte boards do not withdraw any information about the passage of the starting procedure. This is a disadvantage, but not too significant, because modern motherboard models are launched very quickly, you have little time to see. You can additionally speed up the start step using the Fast Boot option in the BIOS.
Last at the time of checking the board, the official firmware firmware is much more like a beta version than the F6C test firmware. When it is used, the frequency of the northern bridge has not been reduced, and the diagnostic utilities could not even determine which board set the delays for memory. After updating the firmware before the beta version of the F6C, these problems disappeared, the parameters available to the configuration appeared in BIOS, so that most of the experiments we spent exactly with it and its pictures are given in the chapter about the possibilities of the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H board of the BIOS boards.
Unlike the Asustek board, there are no parameters in BIOS to automatically overclock the processor, its graphic kernel or memory. There are no other opportunities, like the switch "GPU Boost", so all actions will have to spend on their own. I pleased that to use the work profiles "X.M.P." For memory modules, you just need to select the desired profile, no additional raising voltage required, as it should be. But it is very uncomfortable to change the graphics core frequency, although, unlike the ASUS A88XM-PLUS board, even when overclocked, the energy saving continued to work, and the frequency of the graphics core decreased in the absence of a load. The graph of the graph of graphics remains exactly the same as it was a year and a half ago at the Gigabyte Socket FM2 boards, nothing has changed. The BIOS has an "Processor Graphics Clock" parameter for which you can set any value in the range from 300 to 2000 MHz in 1 MHz increments. It seems that everything is fine, that's just the final value of the frequency, most likely, will differ from the specified one, and sometimes quite significantly, since it is discrete, with a variable step. Please choose the right numbers at random is very difficult, so when accelerating graphs on the GIGABYTE board, I used the ASUS BIOS BIOS tip, where the change in the frequency of the graphics core is simply implemented and convenient. No need to guess, the board offers only workable options.
However, these are all the flowers, these problems began when trying to disperse the processor, since it was found that under load it drops to the nominal 3700 MHz or even lower to 3500 MHz, and not only during overclocking, but also when working in nominal mode. This disadvantage is also known for a long time. AMD processors do not differ high performance to disguise the backlog from a competitor, the manufacturer specifies the excessively high rated frequencies for them, on which the processor is not able to work with significant loads. Even the AMD processors operating in normal mode are originally redesigned.
When the system is not able to keep the specified frequency of the processor, it disperses the meaning. There is no difference to set the frequency, you can not check stability, because the frequency will be discarded under load. Previously, when overclocked Socket FM2 processors, it was necessary to disable the "Core Performance Boost" technology. In this case, their frequency no longer increased above the standard, but did not fall below the nominal, but this option did not work with the Socket FM2 processor. Up to 4 GHz turbo-mode frequency did not rise, but up to 3.5 GHz, it was calmly decreased instead of retaining the nominal 3.7 GHz.
To see the fall, the easiest way is to watch out for the multiplication factor of the processor, and for the voltage supplied to it, since there is a certain dependence between them. Alone when energy-saving technologies reduce the frequency of the processor to 1700 MHz, the voltage is less than 1 V, and under load, when the "Core Performance Boost" technology increases the frequency above the nominal value of 3700 MHz, the voltage rises over 1.3 V. if under load The voltage falls below 1.3 V, then be sure that the frequency also fell to the nominal or even less. After a while, the diagnostic utility will fix this reduction, the voltage change allows you to control the drop in frequency more quickly.
After a series of experiments, spending some time, it was possible to find out that the drop in the frequency under load can still be prevented if you turn off the APM (Application Power Management) parameter in the BIOS. It seems to be everything, now the problem is solved, you can now easily begin acceleration. It turned out, but it did not give any results. I checked stability using the utility "Prime95", and its cyclical calculations. The first stage ends after about 15 minutes, after which the following begins - it was exactly the length of the time, which motherboard Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H could work when accelerating the processor. Most often after 15-20 minutes, very rarely after half an hour, but the test invariably ended with an error or even led to a spontaneous reboot, after which the board was usually unable to start independently.
Dozens, and maybe hundreds of fifteen-minute tests, lasted a few days. Many different changes in settings, a variety of combinations of parameters, frequencies and stresses - all unsuccessful. The board was checking only at the rated frequency of the 3700 MHz processor, just up to 3,800 could not be lifted. I even returned to the version of the BIOS F5, but it is almost inoperable, when it is used, it was impossible to avoid a frequency drop, and after returning to the F6C version I had to remove the battery to return normal functionality. Somewhat painfully long days I could not believe that the motherboard Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H is not able to disperse the processor, but it was not so difficult to make sure that it was not difficult to verify this. It took to replace the board with another model, also produced by Gigabyte, its review will have to appear on our site later. Another fee easily coped with the first cautious attempt to overclock the processor to 4.2 GHz, after which it was possible to confirm its ability to maximize the overclocking of this instance to 4.4 GHz. It is very sad that our instance of the GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-D3H board cannot normally accelerate the processors, holding the specified frequency. As a result, the performance tests had to be carried out without disconnecting the APM parameter, that is, under the load increased to 4.4 GHz, the frequency dropped to the nominal 3.7 GHz or even lower, but only this could be checked in test programs.
Comparison of productivity
We traditionally spend the motherboard comparison in two modes - when the system works in nominal conditions, as well as during acceleration. The first option is interesting from the point of view, which allows you to find out how well motherboards work with default parameters. It is known that a significant part of the users is not engaged in a thin setting of the system, they are only installed in Standard BIOS The values \u200b\u200bof the parameters that are not optimal, and nothing else changes. So we first measure the speed of the systems in the programs of various purposes and in computer games, almost in no way intervening in the default settings specified by default. The results in diagrams are sorted by performance.In the test for measuring the speed of photorealistic three-dimensional rendering Cinebench 15, we are five times spending processor tests and average the results obtained.
The Fritz Chess Benchmark utility is used in tests for a long time and has proven itself well. It gives well repetitive results, performance is well scaled depending on the number of computing streams used.
Test X264 FHD Benchmark v1.0.1 (64bit) allows you to evaluate the system performance in video coding speeds compared to the results available in the database. Unlike the original program with the coder version R2106, the executable libraries were updated to the R2334 version. The average results of five passes are presented in the diagram.
Measuring performance in Adobe Photoshop CC We carry out using your own test, which is a creative recycled Retouch Artists Photoshop Speed \u200b\u200bTest, which includes typical processing of four 24 megapixel images made by a digital camera.
The Popular Archiver WinRAR 5.10 Beta 3 has its built-in performance test, which we first benefited, and the results obtained averaged.
Computer game Metro: Last Light is very beautiful, but strongly depends on the performance of the video card. When using an integrated graphics kernel integrated in the processor, it was necessary to set the minimum quality settings "Low Quality" and reduce the resolution up to 1366x768. The diagram presents the results of the five-time passage of the built-in test.
F1 2013 races are much less demanding of the computer's graphics subsystem. When resolving 1920x1080, we installed close to the maximum all the settings by selecting the "High Quality" mode, although all additional functions Image quality improvements had to be disabled. The integrated test is carried out five times, and the results are averaged.
The new version of the Thief Game did not receive high marks, but the graphics are made very high quality, there is a built-in performance test, and additionally can use AMD MANTLE technology. In addition to reducing the resolution, I had to install the lowest quality settings "Very Low Quality", but the speed still leaves much to be desired.
In all the tests, the Asus A88xm-Plus motherboard is ahead of his opponent, sometimes slightly, but sometimes very noticeable. Apparently, the lag of the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H board is due to not so much the fact that it is stronger than the frequency under load, how much the fact that reluctantly increases. In order for the processor on the Gigabyte board according to the "Core Performance Boost" technology, more often raised the frequency of the processor from 3.7 to 4.0 GHz, the "Turbo Performance Boost Ratio" parameter should be enabled, but it is turned off with the nominal settings.
Now let's see which results will demonstrate the systems when increasing the frequencies of the processor, graphics and memory. On the ASUS A88XM-PLUS board, the processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4.4 GHz, the graphic core operated on 960 MHz, and the frequency of memory is raised to 2133 MHz during the timings of 9-11-11-31-2N according to the "x.m.p." profile. It is only necessary to clarify that the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H model is able to provide only a similar increase in graphics and memory frequencies, and it is unable to accelerate the processor. We asked exactly the same frequency of 4.4 GHz processor, as on the Asustek board, but under load it fell to a nominal 3.7 GHz or even lower.
The result is predictable - the company Asustek is naturally always ahead of a rival, which is noticeably slower due to the frequency discharge under load in all tests, with the exception of one. In the test WinRAR 5.10 Beta 3, the speed of the systems is almost the same, but the Gigabyte board is even a little faster. It seems that the built-in archiving test is inadequate, if trying to deny the obvious. In the future, it will be necessary to abandon its use and find a replacement.
Measurement of power consumption
Measuring the power consumption of systems when working in nominal mode and during overclocking is carried out using the EXTECH POWER ANALYZER 380803. The device is turned on in front of the computer power supply, that is, measures the consumption of the entire system "from the outlet" system, with the exception of the monitor, but including losses in the power supply itself. When measuring consumption, the system is inactive, we are waiting for a complete cessation of post-leader and lack of contacts to the drive. Results in diagrams are sorted as consumption grows.
The first comparative diagram shows that the power consumption of boards in the absence of a load is almost the same, but Gigabyte model is a little more economical. Next, the gap between the boards even increases, however, it turns into a lack of Gigabyte fees. If you download only the processor or provide a comprehensive load, as in games when built-in graphics are involved simultaneously with the processor cores, the Gigabyte board does not raise the frequency of the processor using the "Core Performance Boost" technology, but the frequency drop has ever been observed. In the previous chapter of the article when comparing boards with nominal settings, the ASUSTEK model is always ahead, the Gigabyte fee cost is provided by the performance of the Socket FM2 + platform and so much.
Now it's time to check the power consumption of systems when overclocking and increasing the processor frequencies, a built-in graphics core and memory. The diagram clearly illustrates how negatively affects the ASUS fee of its inability to reduce the frequency and voltage supplied to the graphics core during acceleration and lack. Consumption of the Gigabyte board compared to the nominal settings increased slightly, and Asustek's boards are very noticeable. If the difference between the systems at rest was almost not visible, now it has increased significantly.
In processor tests and with a comprehensive loading, the Gigabyte board still remains more economical, but now it is impossible to accurately determine what exactly its advantage is due. Only partly in priority economy, the Asustek's unnecessary Watt is spending in vain due to the refusal when overclocking energy-saving technologies belonging to the graphical core. The remaining and, probably, the main difference is explained by the fact that the Gigabyte board under load drops the frequency of the processor to a nominal or even lower, and the voltage decreases with it. As a result, it is noticeably slower than the ASUS card, so in this case, less energy consumption is a lack of Gigabyte board, and not dignity.
Socket FM2 + power consumption numbers during acceleration are particularly depressing. The Thief appeared recently appeared, so it was not previously used in tests, however, it is possible to look at the power consumption of LGA1150 systems under load in the form of the Fritz Chess Benchmark utility in previous reviews. Despite the presence of an external video card, it turns out that the power consumption of platforms is quite comparable, but the productivity of overclocked to 4.5 GHz processor Intel Core i5-4670k almost twice as high.
Afterword
Already for the first time, when choosing two, such as identical motherboards, with a similar set of technical characteristics, with a close price, they are incomparable. The ASUS A88xm-Plus board works normally in the nominal mode, it dismisses the processors without difficulty, so it looks better than its rival. At the same time, the model is far from perfect, in reproach it can be put in many different flaws. We are not even characteristic of ASUSTEK minuses, such as unreliable information about the processor frequency on the start screen, not too convenient BIOS structure or not memorable in the profiles of the settings disabling the boot picture, on which, by the way, there is still no full list of active " Hot "keys. I really did not like the unstable work of the board when choosing a memory profile "x.m.p.", stressed and noticeably affected the power consumption during the acceleration of the refusal of energy-saving technologies belonging to the graphical core, leaves questions a strange algorithm for changing the frequency of the northern bridge again during acceleration. However, in general, except for individual troubles, work with the fee did not give any significant problems. Its set of opportunities is sufficient, BIOS looks modern and possesses large quantity Parameters for configuring, the impression of the ASUS A88XM-PLUS board remains purely positive, unlike its rival.Despite the close technical characteristics, the GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-D3H board of Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H fee is noticeably modest - there are no opportunities for automatic acceleration of the processor or memory, you cannot reduce voltages. In addition, the BIOS did not get the most relevant modern possibilities of customization of the appearance, there was a very uncomfortable system for changing the frequency of the graphics core and even lost one of the characteristics of the company's fees - the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the three-contact processor fans. However, all small disadvantages are fused before the main - the fee is not able to overclock the processors. The sentence would be fatal for any other model, but let's remember that we are talking about the Socket FM2 + board, and therefore is far from being lost. In general, I think that in the acceleration of Socket FM2 + processors and their graphic nuclei there is no need. During the tests of motherboard, the processors accelerate only in order to ensure maximum load, identify differences that are not visible when working in the nominal mode. No overclocking of the processor nuclei you do not achieve the level of performance that is provided by the Intel competing processors, and the overclocking of the built-in graphics kernel will not be able to replace the external video card even the middle level. An increase in productivity is noticeable, but the processors do not fundamentally change the processors, but heavily increases the already considerable energy consumption. The acceleration of the Socket FM2 processors + is economically and environmentally unprofitable, but an increase in the frequency of memory work is very noticeably reflected at the speed, but it almost does not affect energy consumption. Meanwhile, it was that the GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-D3H board did not have any comments on the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H board, she calmly copes with this task. Thus, this model can be used, if you do not impose any requirements for it if you limit the increasing memory frequency.
The Socket FM2 + platform as a whole remained the same - this is a niche proposal for those who have a desire to play, but there is no finance to acquire a discrete video card. When I want to be able to try out all the modern games, it is not necessary to do without an external video card, if the games are not interested, the platform with the Intel processor will be faster and more economical. The Socket FM2 + platform allows you to save when buying, refuse to acquire a discrete video card, although it is necessary to pay per minute thrift, limiting yourself in speed and quality, the pleasure of games. However, the integrated Socket FM2 + graphics processors still allows you to play, just do not be mistaken, soberly appreciate your needs, because the appetite comes during meals. It is very likely that high on the standards of built-in graphics, but incomparable with outer card and insufficient speed for many games will soon cease to arrange you. Do not soothe yourself by the fact that if necessary for the Socket FM2 + board, you can later buy and install a discrete video card. It is better to immediately find the opportunity to purchase intel Platform With a video card, you will get more returns from invested funds.
A good impression of the Socket FM2 + platform did not leave yet because it was not possible to detect anything new, almost all of us had already seen before. AMD AMD APU Relevant in Review FM2 platform - GIGABYTE GA-F2A85X-UP4 board and AMD A10-5800K processor"One and a half years have passed, but since then has not had the reasons to change the opinion. It seems that new sets of logic, but their characteristics do not differ from the previous one. New motherboards, but they are as incompatible with new processors before firmware update. Old problems with the drive failure, with a discharge of the processor frequency, even when working in a nominal mode, a small speed of systems, but at the same time high power consumption. Kaveri processors are undoubtedly new, but the increased power of the graphics core in combination with the decreased frequency of the work of the processor nuclei in the amount gives approximately the same level of productivity as it was before. Only in separate applications, new processors are faster than old, often they are even slower and is still very far from competitors, and their price even increased. So it makes no sense to argue, the revolutionary processors turned out, as the AMD company believes itself, or evolutionary, as independent observers believes. When nothing varies, except for the names, this is not a revolution and not even evolution is stagnation.
Recently, due to the financial crisis and prices, when assembling a home computer, more and more solutions on the AMD platform. For a smaller price, you can get sufficient performance for most tasks. And in this background, the platform on the FM2 + socket is confidently gaining popularity. Previously, it was chosen to build a multimedia computer, because the APU is under this socket - this is a successful combination of central and video processor, two in one, so to speak. And today, on this socket, you can collect gaming computers With a limited budget, with a discrete video card. For example, on the Athlon 860K processor, the four-core processor under the FM2 + socket is only about 5,000 rubles. A couple of hundred is more expensive than you will cost you APU A8-7650K with GPU Radeon R7 on board, this is if you want to save on the video card.
For budget assembly, you will choose a budget motherboard on the flagship chipset AMD A88X.. This chipset will allow us to overclock the processors with the index of K.
Today we will look at one of the applicants who want to settle in your home computer. It will be a compact format motherboard ASUS A88XM-E.
Why exactly she? The fact is that budget parents always have any restrictions: competitors may have a HDMI interface (for multimedia build, it is a big minus - do not connect to a TV or receiving), there may be no output USB 3.0 on the front panel ( An unpleasant moment), often there is no PCI slot (not to stick his old TV tuner). In the same motherboard, all this is, but the restrictions of course are not going anywhere: there are only 4 USB sockets on the back panel, only two slots for RAM, an inconvenient connection of 7.1 acoustics.
If you are interested, let's get acquainted with the motherboard more and in order.
Specifications
Chipset: MD A88X (Bolton D4)
Processor: AMD Socket FM2 + Athlon ™ / A- SERIES PROSESSORS
RAM: 2 x DIMM, MAX. 32GB, DDR3 2400 (O.C.) / 2133/1866/1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-Buffered Memory
Graphics: HDMI Maximum resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
DVI maximum 2560 x 1600 @ 60 hz
RGB maximum 1920 x 1600 @ 60 hz
Maximum Memory Use 2048 MB
AMD Dual Graphics Technology
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 / 2.0 x16, 1 x PCIE 2.0, 1 x PCI
Ports for drives: 6 x SATA 6GB / S, RAID 0, 1, 10, JBOD
LAN: REALTEK 8111GR, 1 x Gigabit LAN
Sound: REALTEK ALC887-VD 8-Channel High Definition Audio Codec
USB ports: 4 x USB 3.0 (two on the rear panel), 6 x USB 2.0 (two on the rear panel)
Connectors on the back panel:
1 x PS / 2 Keyboard (Purple)
1 x PS / 2 Mouse (Green)
3 x Audio Jack (s)
Connectors on the board:
1 x USB 3.0 Connector for 2 USB 3.0 Port
2 x USB 2.0 Connector on 4 USB 2.0 Port
1 x CPU Fan 4-pin
1 x chassis fan 4-pin
1 x S / PDIF output
1 x 4-Pin ATX 12V
1 x audio connector
1 x Front Panel System Connector
BIOS: 64 MB Flash Rom, UEFI AMI BIOS
Form factor: MATX (22.6 cm x 18.8 cm)
Packaging and equipment
The usual compact box of dense cardboard with color printing. Made in black and yellow tones. Despite the budget, compliance with the ASUS 5X Prptection branded concept providing for all sorts of protection (overload, corrosion, etc.) and high-quality components.
On the back of the English language, all the advantages and features are painted, as well as supported technologies. Someone may be interested in AMD Dual Graphics technology and the ability to display images in 4K Ultra HD.
Complete set is minimal possible: disk with software, instruction, plank on the interface panel and two SATA loops.
Appearance
Dark brown printed circuit board with a size of 226 × 188 mm. because of compact size Perhaps someone layout elements will seem uncomfortable.
For example, the PCI Express × 16 connector is close to the latches of the DIMM slots, when installing a video card with a snapple of the latch no longer disappear. The video card will overlap the only PCI Express X1 slot.
A block for connecting USB 3.0 is located below, and not on a convenient right edge.
There are only two 4-pin contact for connecting fans. But the originally accommodated SATA ports - three horizontally and three vertically. It is possible to create RAID arrays.
From radiators there is only one - a small aluminum, for cooling the chipset, it is attached on plastic clips.
To install the memory planks only two slots. If somewhere you can purchase a 16 GB planks, you can install 32 GB of RAM. You can put a plank with a frequency of 2133 MHz or overclock up to 2400 MHz. I want to draw your attention: if you plan to use the built-in video card, it is better to install memory in two-channel mode.
Power to the board is connected through a 24-pin connector and an additional 4-pin. Power was built on five phase system 3 + 2, reliable solid-state capacitors are used.
The network controller is represented as REALTEK 8111GR, and the sound system is based on the REALTEK ALC887 codec.
Now let's look at the interfaces of this motherboard. There are archaic ports PS / 2 for mouse and keyboard, three video interface: HDMI, DVI-D, and D-Sub. Total four USB ports, two of them version 3.0. Gigabit LAN port and three audio ports 3.5 mm. To connect 7.1, acoustics will have to use the audio output on the front panel.
You can expand the number of USB ports with additional planets: You can connect another 2 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 to the motherboard. Plus there is the ability to connect the COM port.
Also expand the number of USB can buy this controller:
The reverse side of the textolite is not worth a detailed consideration, here only the fastening plate for coolers.
Bios.
When entering the BIOS, we are encountered a friendly UEFI interface, you can enable Russian. On the main screen all information about devices, temperatures, speeds of system fans and priorities for loading drives. It is possible to make screenshots of the BIOS: it is enough to insert a USB flash drive and press F12.
Of course, we will make more interested the features of the AI \u200b\u200bTweaker tab. Memory frequency multiplier can be changed from 800 to 2400 MHz, and change memory delays.
To overclock the processor, we can change the multiplier, voltage, frequency of the system tire and chipset.
In the Monitor tab, you can adjust the speed of rotation of the system fans.
The download tab has the ability to install fast loading. At the same time, the initial stage of the download is really faster, but it naturally does not affect the speed of the OS load.
And another additional tab to start the BIOS Update Update utility. I used this opportunity, the site had a fresh version of the BIOS. The procedure is pretty simple: download the new BIOS from the manufacturer's website, you extract it from the archive, write it on a flash drive formatted in FAT. Next, run the utility in the BIOS, specify the file you need, and wait for the completion of the procedure.
Assembly and test booth
On the motherboard was installed APU A8-7650K.
As a thermal interface, I used not quite ordinary paste: HY710 with the stated thermal conductivity of 3.17 W / M-K. In store stores you will not meet - the thermalcase was discharged from China, complete the special plastic spatula.
For cooling, a compact cooler Zalman CNPS8X Optima was used - you can't meet it in the DNS catalog, although the cooler is quite effective for its sizes.
Stand Outdoor, the rest of the components are not so important, unfortunately the memory was available only by one bar, it is desirable to use two-channel mode with this processor.
Early installed Windows 7 installed without any problems, all drivers from the manufacturer and branded utilities were installed.
Utilities
On branded software, it will be stopped in more detail. ASUS AI Suite 3 Consists of several tabs. The speed control panel of the system fans is remarkable in that it can pre-test fans connected to the motherboard, determine their minimum and maximum speeds. You can use automatic modesAnd you can manually configure everything.
The following tab allows you to use the USB 3.0 BOOST function. The fact is that the Motherboard implements support for the UASP protocol.
When switching to acceleration mode, your drive is turned off and is reinstated, but unfortunately, the speed is growing only when using the corresponding peripheral device. There were no noticeable changes on my flash drive.
The most interesting tab allows you to overclock the processor from under the operating system. I will say this is a bad idea. At first, everything goes well: increase the multiplier to test, but when the computer hangs, the values \u200b\u200bdo not drop off, and when the utility is loaded automatically loaded with the latest values, which leads to hang again. You need to have time when loading, turn off the utility earlier than the computer hangs.
Acceleration
On the Motherboard ASUS A88X-PRO, this processor worked at a frequency of 4.4 GHz. Here, the frequency managed to lift only to 4.0 GHz.
And the restriction was the motherboard - overheated chipset, the temperature of the radiator on it during acceleration rose above 86 ° C. Most likely, it was precisely this led to the system freezing.
BIOS allows you to overclock the processors with a blocked multiplier. In this case, acceleration is possible in frequency. This processor has been steadily worked with a tire frequency of 115 MHz.
Conclusion
Choosing a motherboard under the FM2 + socket, it is worth seeing to motherboards on the A88X chipset. Model ASUS A88XM-E Noticeably stands out among competitors for the minimum budget. Despite a number of compromise solutions, this board has a lot of advantages: a reliable component base, a variety of video interfaces, ample opportunities for overclocking both processors and memory.
Pros:
Brand Concept 5X Protection
Five-phase Digi + VRM power system
Six SATA 6 Gbps ports
Availability USB 3.0, including withdrawal to the front panel
AMD Dual Graphics Support
BIOS Opportunities
HACE HDMI Connector
Branded utilities complete
Low cost
Minuses:
Only two slots for RAM
When installing the video card, the PCI-E slot will turn
Few USB connectors On the back panel
The radiator of the chipset during acceleration
Only two connectors for connecting fans
In our laboratory, motherboards on the database of AMD A88X system logic set were already considered, but these were advanced solutions of manufacturers. It is clear that, for example, ASRock Fatal1ty F2A88X + Killer and Biostar Hi-Fi A88W 3D will cause different emotions and they are incomparable, but inside the product lines producers they belong to the best. But with the rates of lower-level boards are somewhat more complicated: the price of their low and each separately does not use good demand, here the volumes are made up from the number of models.
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Low demand for each of the models separately leads to the fact that vendors sometimes do not even bring samples and do not provide them for writing reviews. In addition, Russian representative offices of foreign manufacturers often are within certain quotas and "choose" these quotas through the order of flagship decisions. Most often it turns out that there are only two or three models samples budget classwhich are almost always on tests from a domestic collector company of finished computers. Moreover, samples are very often related to those models that have an ordinary user interested in self-assembling their computer, it is unlikely to call any interest at all.
The same low demand also explains the fact that various Internet editions are practically not interested in them to engage: there is little that there are no samples in vendors, low demand for individual models leads to a low interest from readers, which in turn leads to a small number Transitions to reviews specific models. But this fee can often "receive", acquiring it in retail, then the author spends time testing, in the end, he needs to pay the fee for the written article, and the final "exhaust" in the form of an increase in the interest of readers and attendance of the review is not even close justifies attachments.
A closed circle is obtained with a circular disadvantage of reviews, breakthroughs from which sometimes occur: in cases where the Russian office of any company comes "order from above" to more active promotion and it is accompanied by a stack of samples on tests. This is where the work begins ...
Among the reviews that me, I repeatedly met requests to try to "fit" as part of a single review at once several motherboards of different manufacturers on one set of system logic and about the same cost.
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Several models in one material - it is also the ability to compare them directly and immediately. In this case comprehensive review It will also lead to an increase in the flow of "parishes" from search engines, as a result, the situation with a small number of interests becomes less acute. And thanks to cooperation with the company "Rearth", the problem with the "mining" of samples becomes less pressing.
A little lyrics
After some pondays and the analysis of price lists, I have selected three motherboards on AMD A88X, related to the budget segment: ASUS A88XM-A, GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-HD3 and MSI A88XM-E35.
Yes, the models are not the most new (ASUS and Gigabyte - August 2013; MSI - November 2013), but it is possible to expect cure from "childhood diseases" both at the microcode level and at the element base level.
The price of these motherboards is generally in the range of 2100-2200 rubles. In particular, in the price list of the company "RARD" (at the time of their issuing to me) the first cost 2150 rubles, the second - 2140 rubles, and the third one was cheaper than a hundred with small rubles - 2020 rubles. According to Yandex.Market, the price variation was even less.
AMD A88X system logic kit with Bolton-D4 code name.
Although it is listed as a new one, differences from, say, A85X ("Hudson-D4") almost no: the same eight SATA, the same amount of USB (two 1.1, ten 2.0, four 3.0), the same four PCI-E 2.0 For additional expansion slots, or connect controllers. Even the technical process is the same: 65 nm. But AMD declares, there is still differences: it is indicated for the appearance of PCI-E 3.0 support.
However, the logic is actually strange: for support for PCI-E in platforms under Socket FM2 / FM2 + corresponds to the processor, not chipset. And PCI-E lines supported by the AMD A88X itself and remained the second version. It is quite obvious that in fact, we are all the same A85X with small improvements that regular users never hurt (for example, USB 3.0 XHCI has grown from version 0.96 to 1.0). Small optimization and refinement of the crystal, change "Scheldika" and here - in front of us a new product.
Specifications
To begin with, I will give a table of technical characteristics, where differences in the specifications will be highlighted in bold (pictures in the table clickable, a full-sized snapshot will open by clicking).
Earlier, we represented an overview of the budget motherboard Gigabyte GA-F2A78M-DS2 at a cost of $ 70 under the FM2 + socket. Today we offer to familiarize yourself with the quality board of ASUS, which is also released under the Kaveri AMD processors, Trinity and Richland, but worth $ 20 more expensive. The price is not the only difference between this fee from the previously represented competitor. ASUS A88XM-PLUS has received many advantages, namely: the presence of SATA 6 Gb / s ports, the PCI Express X16 expansion slot, the ability to install AMD processors of the new line and use AMD CrossFirex technology.
Specifications of motherboard
According to the official data of the manufacturer, the ASUS A88XM-PLUS motherboard specification:
| Manufacturer | ASUS | |
| Official page of the manufacturer | A88XM-PLUS (Rev 1.03) | |
| Chipset | AMD A88X (BOLTON D4) | |
| Processor connector | Socket FM2 +. | |
| Supported processors | AMD A / AMD Athlon | |
| Frequency of memory used | 2400 * / 2250 * / 2200 * / 2133/1866 / 1600/1333 MHz (* OC) | |
| Memory support | 4 x DDR3 DIMM slot with support up to 64 GB of memory | |
| Expansion slots | 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 | x16 |
| 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 | x16 + x4 | |
| 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 | ||
| 1 x PCI | ||
| Disk subsystem | AMD A88X chipset supports: | |
| 8 x SATA 6 Gbps | ||
| RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, JBOD | ||
| Lan. | 1 x Realtek 8111g (10/100/1000 MB / s) | |
| Sound subsystem | REALTEK ALC887 codec | |
| 2/4 / 5.1 / 7.1-channel sound | ||
| S / PDIF OUT | ||
| Food | 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Connector | |
| 1 x 4-pin power connector ATX12V | ||
| Fans | 1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin) | |
| 2 x Connector Connecting System Fans (4-Contact) | ||
| Cooling | Aluminum radiator on chipset | |
| Aluminum radiator on the elements of the subsystem of the power subsystem | ||
| External ports I / O | 1 x HDMI | |
| 1 x DVI-D | ||
| 1 x D-Sub | ||
| 1 x LAN (RJ45) | ||
| 2 x USB 3.0 | ||
| 4 x USB 2.0 | ||
| 3 x Audioport | ||
| 2 x PS / 2 (for connecting the mouse and keyboard) | ||
| Internal ports I / O | 1 x USB 3.0 with support for connecting two USB 3.0 (19-pin) | |
| 3 x USB 2.0, each with support for connecting two USB 2.0 | ||
| 8 x SATA 6 Gbps | ||
| 1 x COM connector | ||
| 1 x LPT connector | ||
| 1 x TPM connector | ||
| 1 x Sound Output Connector on Front Panel | ||
| 1 x s / pdif out | ||
| 1 x front panel connectors block | ||
| 1 x Jumper for reset CMOS | ||
| 1 x Memok button! | ||
| 1 x Switch GPU Boost | ||
| Bios. | 64 MB Flash Rom UEFI AMI BIOS | |
| PNP, ACPI 4.0A, SM BIOS 2.6, DMI 2.0, WFM 2.0 | ||
| Equipment | user's manual | |
| brochure with a description of the warranty | ||
| drivers and utilities disc | ||
| 2 x SATA cable | ||
| 1 x Plug Interface Panel | ||
| Form factor | microatx, 9.6 Inch x 9.2 Inch (24.4 cm x 23.4 cm) | |
| Supported OS | Windows 7 32bit / 64bit Windows® 8.1 32bit / 64bit Windows® 8 32bit / 64bit Windows XP 32bit |
|
| Dimensions | 244 x 234 mm | |
| Cost | 90$ | |
Packaging, Design and Interior Layout
The ASUS A88XM-Plus motherboard comes in a dense cardboard box of black color, on the main side of which the device name is applied, the manufacturer, the chipset and type of supported graphic processors. Also, the emphasis was made on the new concept of production of 5x Protection, which includes 5 protective mechanisms, namely:
- Special fuses against overflow, short circuits and voltage drops.
- Digital PWM controllers that are used in accordance with the DIGI + VRM concept.
- Japanese solid-state capacitors that can work up to 5 thousand hours at temperatures up to 105 degrees Celsius.
- The enhanced interface panel, which is made with stainless steel and covered with chromium oxide. Such material is not oxidized, does not rust and serves 3 times longer than usual.
- A new feature of protection against electrostatic discharges.
On the reverse side there is a brief technical characteristics of the motherboard in the form of a schema, as well as a list of supported technologies. Among the latter, the focus is made on the AI \u200b\u200bSuite III, Fan Xpert, Network Icontrol, USB 3.0 Boost.
In the set with the motherboard go:
- Instructions for installing and operating the device;
- Drive with drivers and brand software;
- Two SATA 6 Gb / sec cables;
- Circuit for assembling board and connecting components;
- Cap to the back panel.
The appearance of the device is next. The ASUS A88XM-PLUS motherboard is made of dark brown textolite on which the elements of bright yellow color are located, which is characteristic of the company's corporate identity.
Set of elements of this board standard. However, the location of the TPM connector that the manufacturer placed over the expansion slots is deserved. Also changed the location of the port of connecting the remote panel with USB 3.0 ports. Now it is placed in the lower right side of the board. Separately, it is worth highlighting the lack of connections for fastening the motherboard on the right side. Given this nuance, it is necessary to install the device with extreme caution to not break anything. To install RAM directs under DDR3 there are 4 DIMM slots. The total amount of RAM can be 64 GB.
There are no electronic components on the back of the board. We note the presence of a powerful amplifying plate, which is intended for installation of the processor and cooling system.
The possibilities of the fee for the organization of the graphic subsystem are quite broad. The board has a PCI Express 3.0x16 connector, as well as PCI Express 2.0 x16 and PCI Express 2.0 x4. Also here, on the bottom of the board there are elements such as:
- Pad connection of the audio parts of the front panel;
- Shoe connection of the front panel;
- COM and LPT ports;
- Three USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0.
The data storage subsystem is organized by SATA ports 6 Gb / s. Their location is the following:
- 3 ports are perpendicular;
- 5 ports are horizontally.
For RAM on this motherboard there are four DIMM slots under the DDR3 standard modules. All slots have latches on both sides. The RAM installation is carried out according to the principle: 1-3rd slot or 2-4th. For the convenience of installing a pair of slots are indicated by different colors. Such a fee will be able to 64 GB of memory. However, in fact, the maximum volume will be not higher than 32 GB, since there are no planks with a capacity above 8 GB.
It is worth noting a useful novelty - a Memory OK button that allows you to select necessary parameters for planks.
The cooling system consists of two parts:
- Aluminum radiator for heat removal from chipset;
- Aluminum radiator for cooling the elements of the subsystem of the power subsystem.
The processor power is implemented according to the 4 + 2-phase diagram for computing nuclei and additional nodes. The converter is based on the ASP1106 DIGI + VRM PWM controller. Also, the system includes high-quality solid-state capacitors and chokes with a ferrite core. Voltage supply is carried out in 24- and 4-pin connectors.
Multi I / O features are implemented thanks to the NuVoton NCT6791D chip. It controls the operation of fans, COM, LPT and PS / 2 ports, and is also responsible for monitoring.
The audio subsystem is implemented by 8-channel HDA-codec Realtek ALC887. This codec supports audio systems of formats 2/4 / 5.1 / 7.1.
In accordance with the concept of 5x Protection, the following connectors were made to the interface panel of high-quality steel:
- 1 x DVI-D;
- 1 x D-Sub;
- 1 x LAN (RJ45);
- 2 x PS / 2;
- 2 x USB 3.0;
- 3 x audio.
- 4 x USB 2.0;
The organization of the cooling system inside the building is standard. There are three 4-pin connections for connecting fans.
Review UEFI BIOS.
The firmware of this motherboard is characterized by a convenient interface and the presence of a simplified mode, which is designed specifically for inexperienced users.
After downloading to the UEFI BIOS, the "My Favorites" section will appear on the screen, which presents the most popular system settings. There is also a "Quick Note" feature, which allows you to add notes on the fields.
In the "Main" section there are language settings, time and dates, security.
In the AI \u200b\u200bTweaker section, there are settings for computing modules, a built-in northern bridge, as well as a processor control mode. Also, this section is intended for overclocking components.
Settings for the system board, disk and network subsystem are in the Advances tab.
You can control the operation of the temperature sensors and the fan in the "Monitor" section.
Finally, the EZ Mode mode allows you to set the basic configuration of the system board. With it, you can activate X.M.P profiles for RAM schedule, adjust the operation of the fans, set the time and date, select the speed mode, specify the prioritization of the downloads of the drives.
New technologies and branded utilities
New technologies have been implemented in this motherboard, which produced special utilities. Among them will highlight the most useful.
GPU BOOST technology allows you to dispersed the built-in graphics core with the help of the ASUS AI Suite 3. Therefore, despite the democratic price of $ 90, this fee can be used to build a budget game PC.
If you prevent you from the noise that comes from the fans, it can be reduced. For this purpose, the ASUS Fan Xpert utility is designed. This program allows you to control fans and adjust the cooling system.
It is worth noting and Ai Suite 3 is a software shell to work with the motherboard. Through a single interface, you can easily easily configure, perform a computer overclocking and control it parameters.
It is also worth noting the easy setting of RAM and troubleshooting problems that may arise with system memory. To do this, MEMORYOK technology is designed. It is activated by pressing a special button on the motherboard. It also allows in case of errors to boot into the BIOS.
The principle of operation of this button can be viewed in video:
AMD Eyefinity and AMD Dual Graphics technologies are designed to create a more complete and high-quality picture. Thanks to the first technology, two video cards can be connected to one motherboard. And the second technology allows you to create a more powerful tandem from the AMD processor and the AMD video card and increase productivity in games.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among advantages This motherboard is worth highlighting:
- Democratic price;
- The presence of a high-quality 6-phase Power subsystem GPU Digi + VRM;
- Improved element base due to concept 5 Protection;
- The presence of the MemoryOK button, which allows you to solve problems with system memory;
- The presence of SATA ports 6 Gb / s;
- AMD Eyefinity and AMD Dual Graphics Technology Support, as well as USB Branded Utilities 3.0 Boost, Ai Suite 3, Fan Xpert, Network Icontrol, Ai Charger, Disk Unlocker;
- Good overclocking potential;
- Support for COM and LPT ports.
Disadvantages:
- Uncomfortable connection of sound acoustics;
- Lack of holes under fasteners on the right side of the board.
conclusions
The ASUS A88XM-PLUS motherboard can be called an acceptable option for assembling stationary PCs for study, office work and even for games at minimum settings, as it is released under the AMD Kaveri processors, Trinity, Richland and has opportunities for overclocking components.
It is also worth noting that this fee fully reveals the capabilities of the AMD A88X chipset. It has USB 2.0 ports, USB 3.0, as well as SATA 6 Gb / s.
Additionally, it is worth highlighting the quality of the board assembly and its components that are selected specifically under the concept of 5x Protection and are completely protected from voltage drops, high temperature modes, corrosion, oxidation and other negative factors.
Motherboard video review:
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