Onboard switches, MemOK! switch | Asus F2A85-M guide

1.9Onboard switches

Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case

system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.

1.MemOK! switch

Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

F2A85-M

F2A85-M MemOK! switch

•Refer to section 1.10 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

•The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

•The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment.

•During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

•Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

•If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

•If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot and load BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

•We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

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F2A85-M specifications

The Asus F2A85-M is a micro-ATX motherboard tailored for AMD A-Series processors, making it an excellent choice for users who seek a compact yet powerful computing solution. Designed with performance and versatility in mind, this motherboard supports the FM2 socket and is capable of accommodating Ryzen processors with an applicable BIOS update.

One of the standout features of the F2A85-M is its support for AMD's Richland and Trinity A-series APUs, which integrate both CPU and GPU capabilities, providing excellent performance for gaming and multimedia tasks without the need for a discrete graphics card. The board supports up to 64GB of DDR3 memory across four DIMM slots, operating at speeds up to 2400 MHz, allowing for a smooth multitasking experience.

Connectivity is a strong point for the F2A85-M, featuring USB 3.0 ports for lightning-fast data transfers and extensive I/O options. It includes HDMI, DVI, and VGA outputs, enabling users to connect multiple displays easily, which is particularly beneficial for graphic designers and video editors. The onboard 8-channel HD audio with ASUS’ exclusive Crystal Sound technology delivers impressive audio quality for a more immersive gaming experience or lifelike media playback.

The motherboard incorporates ASUS' proprietary UEFI BIOS, which simplifies the overclocking process and allows users to easily customize their computing experience. With features like Dual Intelligent Processors 4 (DIP4), users can optimize power consumption and improve overall system stability.

For storage, the F2A85-M provides six SATA III ports, facilitating rapid data transfer with modern SSDs and HDDs. Its RAID support further enhances data security and performance, catering to users who require redundancy or speed boosts in their storage solutions.

In terms of build-quality, the F2A85-M utilizes high-quality capacitors and components, ensuring longevity and reliability for system builders seeking stability in their setups.

Overall, the Asus F2A85-M is a feature-rich motherboard that combines performance and reliability, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of computing needs, from casual gaming to professional workloads. With its blend of modern technologies and thoughtful design, it stands out as a solid option in the micro-ATX motherboard market.