1.6Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.6.1Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1.Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2.Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3.Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4.Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

5.Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6.Replace the system cover.

1.6.2Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1.Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2.Assign an IRQ to the card.

3.Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

1.6.3PCI slot

The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications.

1.6.4PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

ASUS F2A85-M

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Asus F2A85-M Expansion slots, Installing an expansion card, Configuring an expansion card, PCI slot, PCI Express x1 slot
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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.
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