Asus a88xm a maximum amount of RAM. ASUS A88XM-E motherboard review

Enough time has passed since the announcement of the next generation of AMD Kaveri hybrid processors for users to appreciate all the advantages of the new products. As practice has shown, the best option is the use of APUs in configurations without discrete video cards, namely as part of economical compact system units. As for the platform, these requirements are best met by microATX motherboards, which combine small size and sufficient functionality with an affordable price. Today we would like to introduce you to just such a product – the ASUS A88XM-PLUS motherboard.

This model is based on the older AMD chipset A88X and is equipped with Socket FM2+, which ensures compatibility with both the latest Kaveri APUs and Trinity and Richland APUs. You will learn about all the key features of the ASUS A88XM-Plus from today's review, but for now, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the new product.

Model
Chipset	AMD A88X (Bolton D4)
CPU socket	Socket FM2+
Processors	AMD Series A10, A8, A6, A4, Athlon
Memory	4 DIMM DDR3 SDRAM 1333/1600/1866/2133/2200*/2400*/ (*—OC), 64 GB maximum
PCI-E slots	1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16@x4 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1
PCI slots	1
Built-in video core (in processor)	Radeon HD 7000/8000/R7 Series
Video connectors	D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI
Number of connected fans	3x 4pin
PS/2 ports	2
USB ports	4 x 3.0 (2 connectors on the rear panel, AMD A88X) 10 x 2.0 (4 rear panel, AMD A88X)
Serial ATA	8 x SATA 6 Gb/s (A88X)
RAID	0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD (A88X)
Built-in sound	Realtek ALC887 (7.1, HDA)
S/PDIF	Optic
Networking capabilities	Realtek RTL8111G (Gigabit Ethernet)
FireWire	-
LPT	1 (internal)
COM	1 (internal)
BIOS/UEFI	AMI UEFI
Form factor	mATX
Dimensions, mm	244 x 234
Additional features	GPU Boost switch, MemOK! button, AMD CrossFireX

Contents of delivery

The packaging in which the A88XM-Plus motherboard is supplied is designed in a recognizable corporate style, characteristic of most modern ASUS products.

The front surface of the box is not particularly informative, but its reverse side can tell you about the configuration of expansion slots and the specifications of the motherboard, as well as its key design solutions. For example, the new product is equipped with a function to increase the speed of the integrated video core GPU Boost, advanced software capabilities for controlling ASUS Fan Xpert 2 fans, as well as a number of features called 5X Protection, which increase the reliability of the motherboard.

The set of additional accessories offered with the ASUS A88XM-Plus is extremely modest:

• plug on back panel I/O Shield;
• two SATA 6 Gb/s cables;
• DVD with drivers and software;
• user guide;
• Quick assembly instructions.

Design

The motherboard is made in the mATX form factor, but its dimensions differ from the standard, as a result of which the right edge will remain unfixed, so extra care is recommended when assembling it yourself. To install DDR3 memory modules, the new product has four DIMM slots, the total amount of RAM can reach 64 GB. In case of overclocking, the MemOK! function will come to the rescue, which, by pressing the button of the same name, will allow you to boot with safe UEFI settings.

There are no electronic components on the back side of the printed circuit board; a powerful reinforcement plate is used to secure the cooling system, capable of supporting the weight of massive coolers.

The motherboard's capabilities for organizing the graphics subsystem are quite wide: ASUS A88XM-Plus is equipped with a PCI Express 3.0 x16 connector and a PCI Express 2.0 x16@x4 slot connected to the system logic, so users can organize AMD CrossFireX configurations. To install expansion cards, the heroine of today’s review has one PCI-E 2.0 x1 and one PCI.

The storage subsystem is represented by eight SATA 6 Gb/s ports connected to the system logic. Three connectors are located perpendicular to the PCB, and the remaining five have a horizontal orientation. This ensures easy connection of interface cables regardless of the housing configuration system unit.

On the rear panel of the A88XM-Plus there is room for:

• two PS/2 connectors;
• HDMI, D-Sub and DVI-D video outputs;
• four USB 2.0 ports and USB pairs 3.0;
• RJ-45 network socket;
• three analog audio outputs.

The set of interfaces reveals the budget nature of the new product: there is no S/PDIF port, the number of audio outputs is limited to three, and the outdated Realtek ALC887 chip is used as an audio codec. Thanks to the presence of the Realtek RTL8111G network controller, the motherboard can operate in Gigabit Ethernet networks, while there is no Wi-Fi support, but for an inexpensive product the presence of the latter is an attribute of luxury.

Of all the design solutions aimed at optimizing the overclocking process, the A88XM-Plus only has a GPU Boost microswitch, which enables automatic overclocking of the built-in video core. Therefore, users who value the presence of hardware power and overload buttons should LED indicator POST codes and so on, you should take a closer look at older ASUS models.

The cooling system of the chippet consists of a compact flat radiator. It copes with its duties perfectly thanks to the low power consumption of the system logic.

The heat from the VRM power elements is removed by a small cooler; its efficiency is quite sufficient not only in normal mode, but also during moderate overclocking; however, we should not forget about organizing ventilation inside the system unit.

Individual parts of the cooling system are attached to the motherboard with spring-loaded plastic latches, which, alas, are not capable of providing strong, uniform pressure.

To connect fans, the ASUS A88XM-Plus is equipped with three four-pin connectors that support rotation speed control via PWM. The power supply subsystem of the new product is built according to a six-channel scheme, using field effect transistors with low open channel resistance, and the role of the PWM controller is played by the VRM DIGI+ chip.

Voltage is supplied to the power subsystem via a four-pin connector, which does not at all help to increase the safety margin. So, the new product is unlikely to be suitable for serious overclocking. UEFI Setup

The firmware of the A88XM-Plus motherboard is based on the UEFI control microcode developed by AMI. The setup menu has an original user interface, familiar from previous reviews of ASUS products. Immediately after entering the firmware, the My Favorites section opens, which users can fill at their discretion with the most popular UEFI items. It is impossible not to note the Quick Note function, which allows you to make “notes in the margins,” as well as the option Last Modified, which displays the history of recent changes.

The Main tab is used to set the date and time, configure security options, and also display brief information about installed components and the version of the control microcode.

The functions responsible for overclocking are concentrated in the Ai Tweaker menu. Here you can control the frequency of the reference oscillator, the multiplication factors of the computing modules and the built-in north bridge, as well as the operating modes of the integrated graphics accelerator and the RAM subsystem.

You can activate X.M.P. profiles for memory modules; to do this, set the Ai Overclock Tuner parameter to D.O.C.P.

In mode manual settings frequencies up to 2400 MHz inclusive are available for RAM, and the DRAM Timing Control tab contains numerous timing settings.

The new firmware has developed tools for automatic overclocking: enabling the OC Tuner option increases the performance of the computing cores, and GPU Boost, as the name suggests, allows you to increase the frequency of the built-in video core. For the latter, a mode for manually increasing productivity is provided.

Owners of the latest Kaveri APUs can take advantage of the TDP Configuration feature to limit heat dissipation.

UEFI Setup's power management capabilities are quite varied.

The list of voltages, their ranges and step of change are presented in the following table:

Parameter	Adjustment range, V	Step, B
CPU Offset Voltage	-0,375…+0,375	0,00625
VDDNB Offset Voltage	-0,4125…+0,4125	0,00625
DRAM Voltage	1,35-1,7	0,005
SB 1.1V Voltage	1,1-1,2	0,01
1.1VSB Voltage	1,1-1,4	0,1
APU1.2V Voltage	1,05-1,25	0,01
VDDA Voltage	1,8-2,1	0,1

In principle, for moderate overclocking, the proposed tools will be enough, however, to set the voltages on the processor cores and the built-in server bridge, only one mode is provided - Offset, which allows you to specify an increase to the standard value. On the one hand, this allows you to maintain the operation of energy-saving technologies during overclocking, but it somewhat complicates the selection of the required voltage.

For driving fine adjustments The power supply subsystem is served by the DIGI+ VRM block of the Ai Tweaker section, where there are options responsible for counteracting voltage drops, adjusting overcurrent protection, operating frequency of power elements and turning off unused phases.

Settings for numerous expansion options for the motherboard are concentrated in the Advanced tab, where users can configure the operation of peripherals, disk and network subsystems, as well as the built-in graphics accelerator.

For settings of processor functions of energy saving, hardware virtualization, virus protection and AMD Turbo Core technology, there is a separate CPU Configuration submenu.

System monitoring and fan control functions are located in the Monitor section. Here the readings of two temperature and three tachometer sensors are displayed, and the voltages on the processor and the main power buses are also displayed.

For three fans, it is possible to automatically adjust the rotation speed; to do this, simply select one of three preset profiles. Advanced users can adjust the operation of the impellers themselves depending on the temperature of the processor.

Among additional features ASUS firmware A88XM-Plus has: a utility for updating the control microcode EZ Flash 2, a function for viewing information about RAM modules SPD Information, and in the O.C. tab. Profile users can save up to eight sets of UEFI settings.

Finally, the setup menu has an EZ Mode graphics mode, which is useful for basic motherboard configurations. With it you can set the date and time, activate X.M.P. profiles. for RAM modules, adjust the operation of fans, select a performance mode, and also set the order of initialization of boot devices.

Bundled software

Together with motherboard ASUS A88XM-Plus buyers receive a high-quality and multifunctional Ai Suite 3 product, designed for overclocking, system monitoring and additional features. At the bottom of the window interface there is an information panel, which displays current mode processor operation and system monitoring sensor readings.

The software allows you to control the digital power subsystem, configure the operation of energy-saving functions, set parameters for increased performance, and also activate automatic overclocking technologies.

To control fan rotation speeds, use the Fan Xpert 2 software module, which allows you to flexibly configure the operation of each fan, both in automatic and manual modes.

Among the additional features of Ai Suite 3 is the USB 3.0 Boost utility, which speeds up work with external drives by activating the UASP protocol, and the Network iControl routine, which allows you to manage bandwidth network connection depending on the type of traffic.

Overclocking potential

Since ASUS A88XM-Plus is an inexpensive model, it would be naive to expect outstanding overclocking results from it. In practice, for our AMD A10-7850K hybrid processor, we managed to achieve stability only at a frequency of 4300 MHz, while the slightest excess of it led to the system freezing. To achieve such an overclock, the voltage on the computing cores and the built-in northbridge was increased by 0.075 V, and the Load Line Calibration options were set to High. The RAM modules operated at a frequency of 2400 MHz with delays of 10-12-12-31-1T in accordance with the X.M.P. profile.

An unpleasant feature of the overclocking process of the new product was the incorrect display of Vcore in most diagnostic utilities. The exception was the branded software Ai Suite 3, which showed true meaning voltage. However, judging by the acceptable temperature conditions, the factors holding back the overclocking were firmware flaws or flaws in the design of the power subsystem of the motherboard. Let's hope that with the release of updated UEFI versions the situation will change for the better.

As for overclocking the built-in video core, ASUS A88XM-Plus made it possible to increase the frequency to 1029 MHz. To do this, it was necessary to increase the APU1.2V Voltage, which is responsible for powering the integrated graphics accelerator, by 0.15 V.

In terms of increasing the reference frequency, the new product showed very modest results - only 15 MHz above the nominal. It seems that it's all about using the integrated video core, whereas with discrete graphics accelerators, motherboards for hybrid AMD processors a priori achieve much better values.

Beginners and users who do not want to understand the intricacies of overclocking will be interested in the automatic overclocking functions. Activating the OC Tuner option in the menu UEFI settings increased the frequency of the hybrid processor to 4100 MHz, while the RAM modules were set to 1600 MHz with delays of 9-9-9-24-1T.

To speed up the built-in video core, you can use the GPU Boost function, the inclusion of which increases clock frequency up to 960 MHz. Together with automatic overclocking of computing modules, this will allow you to get a noticeable increase in performance in games and application programs.

Test stand

To test system performance ASUS boards A88XM-Plus was assembled with the following configuration:

• processor: AMD A10-7850K (3.7 GHz);
• cooler:
  • ASUS A88XM-Plus UEFI Setup 1102 from 01/20/2014;
  • ASUS A88X-Pro UEFI Setup 0802 from 01/29/2014;
  • Gigabyte G1.Sniper A88X UEFI Setup F8b from 02/06/2014;
  • MSI A88X-G45 Gaming UEFI Setup V1.1B1 from 02/20/2014.
  The following set was used for testing software:
  • AIDA64 4.20.2800 (Cache & Memory benchmark);
  • Futuremark PCMark 8 v2.0.204 (OpenCL Accelerated);
  • Futuremark 3DMark v1.2.250;
  • Batman: Arkham City;
  • F1 2012;
  • Total War: Rome II.
  Each test was repeated at least three times, from which the average value was calculated.

  Test results

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  In the Cache & Memory benchmark, the new product took second place in the reading test, losing only to ASUS A88X-Pro, and also showed the lowest latency among all participants. At the same time, when writing and copying data to RAM, the heroine of today's review was inferior to Gigabyte and MSI motherboards.

  

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  Results from the Futuremark PCMark 8 benchmark application show the level of performance when performing everyday tasks. applied problems. In the script home use ASUS A88XM-Plus has the second result; when creating digital content, the board was slightly behind its older sister, while in the subtest simulating work in office applications, the new product deserved victory.
  
  Testing in computer games was held in Full resolution HD at high, but not maximum settings quality. In such ASUS mode The A88XM-Plus provided high performance, so the poor performance in semi-synthetic 3DMark can be attributed to a suboptimal firmware version.

  Energy consumption

  To measure the power consumption of the test benches, a Basetech Cost Control 3000 device was used. It was used to estimate the peak values ​​of power consumption during the Prime95 stress test and the 3DMark graphics benchmark, as well as the average power consumption of the test benches when idle.

  

  
  The new product showed excellent energy efficiency when idle, and became the second most economical at maximum load on the computing modules, while in games its energy consumption turned out to be higher than that of system ones MSI boards and Gigabyte.

  conclusions

  During today's review, the ASUS A88XM-Plus motherboard showed itself on the most positive side. The new product demonstrated an excellent combination of functionality, performance and workmanship. Unexpectedly, the motherboard showed a good margin of safety, although the overclocking results turned out to be somewhat more modest than those of the best models for the Socket FM2+ platform. Traditionally, ASUS products have not the slightest complaints about the quality of control microcode and software. In a word, the A88XM-Plus looks great even compared to more expensive motherboards, but at the same time it has a very affordable price of about $90, thanks to which the new product has every reason to purchase an inexpensive but productive system unit based on the Kaveri APU.

Motherboard ASUS A88XM- A, as its name suggests, is based on the flagship AMD A88X chipset, with key features whom we have already introduced to you earlier. Thanks to the compact microATX format, as well as good equipment, in theory, this new product is perfect for assembling small-sized entry- and mid-level home systems with AMD Kaveri series processors or AMD Trinity / Richland line solutions. Separately, we note that its undeniable advantages include its very affordable price, which at the time of writing the review averages $70.

Since you can familiarize yourself with all the key features of the system logic set and supported processors using the links above, we suggest going directly to the review of the motherboard, studying in more detail all its advantages and disadvantages, if any.

All prices for Asus+A88XM-A

Packaging and equipment

The processor is powered using a 3+2-phase circuit for computing cores and additional nodes. The converter itself is based on an ASP1206 digital PWM controller with a built-in DIGI+ energy management subsystem. All components of the processor power supply are different high degree reliability: Japanese solid-state capacitors and chokes with ferrite core are used. The main 24-pin and additional 4-pin connectors are used to supply power voltage.

Multi I/O capabilities are implemented using the ITE IT8603E chip, which controls system fans, COM and PS/2 ports, and also provides monitoring.

In accordance with the 5X PROTECTION concept, the interface panel of the ASUS A88XM-A is made of high-quality stainless steel with a chromium oxide coating, which makes it more wear-resistant. It includes the following ports:

• 1 x HDMI;
• 1 x DVI-D;
• 1 x D-Sub;
• 2 x PS/2 for connecting a mouse and keyboard;
• 1 x LAN (RJ45);
• 2 x USB 3.0;
• 2 x USB 2.0;
• 3 x audio ports.

This interface panel layout can be safely called quite worthy for affordable solutions: there is not only a good set of video outputs, but also modern USB ports 3.0. Additionally, we note support for connecting peripherals with a PS/2 connector, as well as the ability to place a COM port on the PC interface panel using the corresponding connector on the printed circuit board. As features, we note the not-so-convenient connection of multi-channel acoustics, as well as our desire to see large quantity USB ports.

The ASUS A88XM-A has very standard cooling capabilities inside the system case. There are two 4-pin fan connectors, one of which is used to cool the CPU, while the second is intended for the system fan.

UEFI BIOS

ASUS A88XM-A motherboard uses a modern preloader based on GUI UEFI, in which you can make settings using the mouse. The UEFI BIOS main screen displays temperature and voltage monitoring on the processor. Also in this section you can see the BIOS version, processor model and amount of installed random access memory.

All system overclocking-related settings are located in the “Ai Tweaker” tab.

The memory frequency multiplier allows you to set the speed of connected modules in the range from 800 to 2400 MHz.

You can also access memory delay adjustments if necessary.

To increase stability during overclocking, the DIGI+ digital power subsystem control settings can be used.

The settings required for overclocking and optimizing the system are summarized in the table:

Parameter	Menu name	Range
Frequency system bus
Chipset frequency
CPU multiplier
	CPU Voltage Frequency
RAM frequency	System Memory Multiplier
RAM timings		CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS Pre Time, RAS ACT Time, COMMAND Mode, Row Cycle Time, READ to PRE Time, RAS to RAS Delay, WRITE to READ Delay, CAS Write Latency, WRITE Recovery Time, FOUR ACT WIN Time REF Cycle Time
Permissible deviation from the set voltage on the processor	CPU Offset Voltage	0,00625 - 0,50000
	VDDNB Offset Voltage	0,35000 - 0,50000
Voltage on RAM modules		1,35000 - 1,65000
Chipset voltage		1,10000 - 1,22000

The “Monitor” section provides access to monitoring the temperature of the processor and chipset, as well as the rotation speed of installed fans. Additionally, in this section you can monitor the voltage on the processor core and on the +12V, +5V and +3.3V power lines.

Unfortunately, the ability to monitor the supply voltage of memory modules is not implemented.

Separately, it is worth noting the ability to take “screenshots” in the BIOS and support for the Russian language.

Overclocking options

IN manual mode, by simply increasing the multiplier, it was possible to achieve stable operation of the system at an AMD A10-5800K 4500 MHz APU frequency and a voltage of 1.464 V, which is good result for a quality motherboard.

Despite the declared support for a frequency of 2400 MHz, even with the help of manually adjusting the timings, the speed of the RAM modules could only be increased to 2133 MHz. This may be due to the use of the AMD Trinity line of APUs, because the RAM controller in AMD Kaveri series solutions has been significantly improved.

Testing

To test the capabilities of the ASUS A88XM-A motherboard, the following equipment was used:

	Scythe Mugen 3 Rev. B PCGH Edition
RAM	2 x 4 GB DDR3-2400 TwinMOS TwiSTER 9DHCGN4B-HAWP
Video card		AMD Radeon HD 7660D
Video capture device		AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable
HDD	Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS, 500 GB, SATA-300, NCQ
Optical drive	ASUS DRW-1814BLT SATA
power unit	Seasonic X-560 Gold (SS-560KM Active PFC)
	CODEGEN M603 MidiTower (2x 120 mm in/out fans)

Test results

In progress ASUS testing The A88XM-A showed performance on par with its competitors. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that the board is of high quality, the selection of effective components and good optimization of BIOS settings.

Testing the audio path based on the Realtek ALC887 codec

Test report in RightMark Audio Analyzer

16-bit, 44.1 kHz

Noise level, dB (A)
Dynamic range, dB (A)
Harmonic distortion, %		Very good
		Very good
		Very good
Intermodulation at 10 kHz, %		Very good
Overall rating		Very good

Operating mode 24-bit, 192 kHz

Frequency response unevenness (in the range 40 Hz - 15 kHz), dB
Noise level, dB (A)		Very good
Dynamic range, dB (A)		Very good
Harmonic distortion, %		Very good
Harmonic distortion + noise, dB(A)
Intermodulation distortion + noise, %		Very good
Interpenetration of channels, dB
Intermodulation at 10 kHz, %		Very good
Overall rating		Very good

Features preinstalled sound subsystem based on the Realtek ALC887 audio codec will be quite sufficient for everyday use, due to the high sound quality. If you want to install a discrete sound card, then it’s worth remembering that if you have a video card with a dual-slot cooling system, you can only use the PCI slot.

conclusions

Summing up our acquaintance with the motherboard ASUS A88XM- A, a well-balanced solution with an affordable price of about $70, it can be noted that it is quite capable of competing for the attention of buyers. Such a conclusion is quite easy to substantiate by the presence large quantity SATA 6 Gb/s ports, support for modern USB interface 3.0, in accordance with the 5X PROTECTION concept, good opportunities By manual overclocking processor, as well as overall high quality performance and support for a number of proprietary technologies and utilities.

However, it is quite obvious that affordable cost almost always goes hand in hand with a number of disadvantages and features. And if the first in this case were not noticed, then the second is the inconvenient connection of multi-channel acoustics, the lack of holes for mounting screws on the right side of the motherboard, as well as the availability of only one PCI connector in the case of installing a dual-slot video card.

As a result, the ASUS A88XM-A motherboard can be safely recommended for purchase due to its excellent price ratio and good equipment, which is complemented by the absence of critical flaws. In our opinion, the most popular this model may be in the segment of inexpensive multimedia centers and home PCs with one video card.

Advantages:

• reliable 5-phase digital power subsystem for the DIGI+ VRM processor;
• improved element base and compliance with the 5X PROTECTION concept for more reliable and stable operation of the motherboard;
• support for a large number of SATA 6 Gb/s ports;
• support for AMD Eyefinity and AMD Dual Graphics technologies;
• support for a number of useful proprietary technologies and utilities (AI Suite 3, Ai Charger, Network iControl, USB 3.0 Boost, Disk Unlocker, Fan Xpert and others);
• good overclocking potential;
• affordable price.

Peculiarities:

• no mounting holes in the corners right side printed circuit board;

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Our laboratory has already reviewed motherboards based on the AMD A88X system logic set, but these were advanced solutions from manufacturers. It is clear that, for example, ASRock Fatal1ty F2A88X+ Killer And Biostar Hi-Fi A88W 3D will evoke different emotions and they are incomparable, however, within the product lines of manufacturers they are considered to be advanced. But with reviews of lower-level boards it is somewhat more difficult: their price is low and each individually is not in good demand; here the volumes are the sum of 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 are often within certain quotas and “choose” these quotas by ordering flagship solutions. More often than not, it turns out that there are literally only two or three samples of budget-class models available, which are almost always being tested by some domestic company that assembles ready-made computers. Moreover, the samples very often refer to those models that are unlikely to arouse any interest at all for the average user interested in assembling their own computer.

The same low demand also explains the fact that various online publications are practically not interested in dealing with them: not only do vendors not have samples, the low demand for individual models also leads to low interest on the part of readers, which in turn leads to a small number navigation to reviews specific models. But such a board can often be “obtained” by purchasing it at retail, then the author spends time testing, in the end, he needs to pay a fee for the written article, and the final “exhaust” in the form of increased reader interest and review traffic is not even close justifies the investment.

It turns out to be a vicious circle with a circular disadvantage of reviews, breakthroughs from which sometimes occur: in cases when the Russian representative office of a company receives an “order from above” for more active promotion and it is accompanied by a stack of samples for testing. This is where the work begins...

Among the reviews I received, I repeatedly came across requests to try to “fit” several motherboards into one review. different manufacturers on the same set of system logic and approximately the same cost.

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Several models in one material also provide an opportunity to compare them directly and at once. At the same time, such a comprehensive review will also lead to an increase in the flow of “arrivals” from search engines, as a result, the situation with a small number of interested people becomes less acute. And thanks to cooperation with the Regard company, the problem of “mining” samples becomes less pressing.

Some lyrics

After some thought and analysis of price lists, I selected three AMD A88X motherboards belonging to the budget segment: ASUS A88XM-A, Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 and MSI A88XM-E35.

Yes, the models are not the newest (ASUS and Gigabyte - August 2013; MSI - November 2013), but you can expect a cure from “childhood diseases” both at the microcode level and at the element base level.

The price for these motherboards in general is in the range of 2100-2200 rubles. In particular, in the price list of the Regard company (at the time they were issued to me), the first cost 2,150 rubles, the second – 2,140 rubles, and the third – a little over a hundred rubles cheaper – 2,020 rubles. In Yandex.Market, the price range was even smaller.

AMD A88X chipset codenamed “Bolton-D4”.

Although it is listed as new, there are almost no differences from, say, the A85X (“Hudson-D4”): the same eight SATA, the same number of USB (two 1.1, ten 2.0, four 3.0), the same four PCI-E 2.0 for additional expansion slots or connecting controllers. Even the technical process is the same: 65 nm. But AMD says there are still differences: it indicates the appearance of support for PCI-E 3.0.

However, the logic is actually strange: the processor, not the chipset, is responsible for PCI-E support in platforms for Socket FM2/FM2+. And the PCI-E lines supported by AMD A88X itself remained in the second version. It is quite obvious that in fact this is the same A85X with minor improvements that regular users will never be noticed (for example, USB 3.0 xHCI has grown from version 0.96 to 1.0). Minor optimizations and improvements to the crystal, a change of the “nameplate” and now we have a new product.

Specifications

First, let me give you a table technical characteristics, where differences in specifications will be highlighted in bold (photos in the table are clickable; clicking will open a full-size photo).

Recently, due to the financial crisis and rising prices, when assembling a home computer, there are more and more solutions on the AMD platform. For a lower price you can get enough performance for most tasks. And against this background, the platform on the FM2+ socket is confidently gaining popularity. Previously, it was chosen for assembling a multimedia computer, because the APU for this socket is a successful combination of a central and video processor, two in one, so to speak. And for today, on this socket, you can collect gaming computers on a limited budget, with a discrete video card. For example, on Athlon processor 860K, quad-core processor for socket FM2+ costs only about 5,000 rubles. An APU A8-7650K with a Radeon R7 GPU on board will cost you a couple of hundred more, if you also want to save on a video card.

For budget build Let's also choose a budget motherboard with a flagship chipset AMD A88X. This chipset will allow us to overclock processors with the K index.

Today we will consider one of the applicants who wants to live in your home computer. This will be a compact format motherboard ASUS A88XM-E.

Why her? The fact is that budget motherboards always have some limitations: competitors at this price may not have an HDMI interface (for a multimedia assembly this is a big disadvantage - it cannot be connected to a TV or receiver), there may be no USB 3.0 output on the front panel ( unpleasant moment), often absent PCI slot(there will be no place to plug in your old TV tuner). This same motherboard has all this, but the limitations, of course, have not gone away: only 4 USB sockets on the rear panel, only two slots for RAM, inconvenient connection of 7.1 speakers.

If you are interested, then let's get acquainted with the motherboard in more detail and in order.

Specifications

Chipset: MD A88X (Bolton D4)

Processor: AMD Socket FM2+ Athlon™/A- Series Processors

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 usage 2048 MB

AMD Dual Graphics technology

Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0, 1 x PCI

Drive ports: 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 rear), 6 x USB 2.0 (two on rear)

Rear panel connectors:

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 ports

2 x USB 2.0 connectors for 4 USB 2.0 ports

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

An ordinary compact box made of thick cardboard with color printing. Made in black and yellow colors. Despite the budget, it is declared to comply with the ASUS 5X Prptection proprietary concept, which provides for all kinds of protection (overload, corrosion, etc.) and high-quality components.

On the reverse side English language all the advantages and features, as well as supported technologies, are described. Some may be interested in AMD Dual Graphics technology and the ability to output images in 4K Ultra HD.

The package contents are the minimum possible: a disk with software, instructions, a bracket for the interface panel and two SATA cables.

Appearance

Dark brown printed circuit board measuring 226 × 188 mm. Due to its compact size, some may find the layout of the elements inconvenient.

For example, the PCI Express ×16 connector is located close to the latches of the DIMM slots; when installing a video card with a backplay, the latches cannot be opened. The video card will cover the only PCI Express x1 slot.

Block for USB connections The 3.0 is located at the bottom rather than on the convenient right edge.

There are only two 4-pin contacts for connecting fans. But the SATA ports were placed in an original way - three horizontally and three vertically. Maybe RAID creation arrays.

Of the radiators, there is only one - a small aluminum one, for cooling the chipset, it is attached to plastic clips.

There are only two slots for installing memory sticks. If you can buy 16 GB sticks somewhere, you can install 32 GB of RAM. You can install sticks with a frequency of 2133 MHz or overclock to 2400 MHz. I would like to draw your attention: if you plan to use the built-in video core, then it is better to install the memory in dual-channel mode.

Power is connected to the board via a 24-pin connector and an additional 4-pin connector. The power supply is built on a five-phase 3+2 system, using reliable solid-state capacitors.

The network controller is presented in the form of 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 PS/2 ports for mouse and keyboard, three video interfaces: HDMI, DVI-D, and D-Sub. Just four USB port, two of them are version 3.0. Gigabit LAN port and three 3.5 mm audio ports. To connect 7.1 speakers, you will also have to use the audio output on the front panel.

You can expand the number of USB ports with additional brackets: you can connect 2 more USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 to the motherboard. Plus it is possible to connect a COM port.

You can also expand the number of USBs by purchasing this controller:

The reverse side of the PCB is not worth a detailed look; there is only a mounting plate for coolers.

BIOS

When entering the BIOS, we are greeted by a friendly UEFI interface; you can enable the Russian language. The main screen contains all information about devices, temperatures, system fan speeds and drive boot priorities. It is possible to take BIOS screenshots: just insert the USB flash drive and press F12.

We will of course be more interested in the capabilities of the Ai Tweaker tab. The memory frequency multiplier can be changed from 800 to 2400 MHz, and the memory delays can be changed.

To overclock the processor, we can change the multiplier, voltage, system bus and chipset frequencies.

In the Monitor tab you can adjust the rotation speed of system fans.

In the download tab there is an option to set fast download. At the same time, the initial loading stage is indeed faster, but this naturally does not affect the loading speed of the OS.

And one more additional tab to launch the utility BIOS updates. I took advantage of this opportunity; there was a new version of the BIOS on the website. The procedure is quite simple: download the new BIOS from the manufacturer’s website, extract it from the archive, write it to a flash drive formatted in FAT. Next, we launch the utility in the BIOS, specify the file we need, and wait for the procedure to complete.

Assembly and test stand

The APU A8-7650K was installed on the motherboard.

As a thermal interface, I used an unusual paste: HY710 with a declared thermal conductivity of 3.17 W/m-k. You won't find anything like this in stores - the thermal paste was imported from China and comes with a special plastic spatula.

For cooling, we used a compact Zalman CNPS8X Optima cooler - you also won’t find it in the CSN catalog, although the cooler is quite efficient for its size.

The stand is open, the other components are not so important, unfortunately the memory was available only with one stick, it is advisable to use dual-channel mode with this processor.

Loaded without problems earlier installed Windows 7, all drivers from the manufacturer’s website and proprietary utilities were installed.

Utilities

It’s worth dwelling in more detail on proprietary software. ASUS AI Suite 3 consists of several tabs. The system fan speed control tab is notable because it can pre-test the fans connected to the motherboard and determine their minimum and maximum speeds. Can be used automatic modes, or you can configure everything manually.

The next tab allows you to use USB function 3.0 Boost. The fact is that the motherboard supports the UASP protocol.

Switching to boost mode disconnects and reconnects your drive, but unfortunately speeds only increase if you use the appropriate peripheral device. There were no noticeable changes on my flash drive.

The most interesting tab allows you to overclock the processor from under operating system. Let me tell you right away this is a bad idea. At first, everything goes well: you increase the multiplier and test it, but when the computer freezes, the values ​​are not reset, and when loading, the utility automatically loads with the latest values, which again leads to a freeze. You need to have time to disable the utility during boot before the computer freezes.

Overclocking

On the ASUS A88X-PRO motherboard, this processor operated at a frequency of 4.4 GHz. Here, the frequency was only raised to 4.0 GHz.

And the limitation was precisely the motherboard - the chipset overheated, the temperature of the radiator on it rose above 86 ° C during overclocking. Most likely this is what led to the system freezing.

BIOS allows you to overclock processors with a locked multiplier. In this case, frequency overclocking is possible. This processor worked stably with a bus frequency of 115 MHz.

Conclusion

When choosing a motherboard for the FM2+ socket, you should take a closer look at motherboards based on the A88X chipset. Model ASUS A88XM-E stands out noticeably among competitors for a minimal budget. Despite a number of compromise solutions, this board has many advantages: a reliable component base, a variety of video interfaces, and ample overclocking capabilities for both processors and memory.

Pros:

Corporate concept 5X PROTECTION

Five-phase power system DIGI+ VRM

Six SATA 6 Gb/s ports

Availability of USB 3.0, including output to the front panel

Supports AMD Dual Graphics technology

BIOS overclocking capabilities

Availability of HDMI connector

Branded utilities included

Low cost

Minuses:

Only two slots for RAM

When installing a video card, the PCI-E slot will be blocked

Few USB connectors on the back panel

Chipset heatsink gets hot during overclocking

Only two fan connectors