Software support, Installing an operating system

1.11Software support

1.11.1Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 / 8 Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

•Ensure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

1.11.2Support DVD information

The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.

To run the Support DVD

Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which contains the unique features of ASUS motherboard. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to display their respective menus.

The following screen is for reference only.

Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.

ASUS F2A85-M

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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.