OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS A88XM-A review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£70CPU socket:FM2+Chipset:AMD A88XForm factor:microATX

ASUS A88XM-A Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS A88XM-A
4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

40%

3.7

Technical score

20%

3.7

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.2

Sentiment score

10%

3.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 99% of motherboards
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
3.7

Technical score

Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

5.3

Platform

16%

3.1

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

1.6

Ports

8%

3.3

Expansion

8%

3.9

Power & Cooling

5%

5.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 97%
3.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

3.7

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 99%
3.7

User score

User score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models

3.7

Mark 8.3 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.3

Rating

30%

8.4

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 98%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asus-a88xm-a
asus-a88xm-a
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS A88XM-A

Technical score
Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

5.3

Platform

16%

3.1

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

1.6

Ports

8%

3.3

Expansion

8%

3.9

Power & Cooling

5%

5.9

Audio

3.7
Reviews score
3.7
User score
3.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.4
CPU socket
FM2+
This motherboard uses FM2+, which is less up-to-date than 97.7% of Motherboards and the same as 1.4% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD A88X
This motherboard uses AMD A88X, which is less capable than 98% of Motherboards and as capable as 1% of Motherboards.
Form factor
microATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DVI + VGA.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 87.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x1
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x1, which is less generous than 66.3% of Motherboards and the same as 4.9% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
12
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 12 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 16.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111G
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8111G LAN controller, which is slower than 60.4% of Motherboards and equal to 2.1% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC887
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC887, which is lower-end than 89.1% of Motherboards and the same as 7.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
95 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
3+2
This motherboard has 3+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 96.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.2% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
2
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 2 fan headers, which is fewer than 92% of motherboards and equal to 8% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS A88XM-A vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 2.14x cheaper
    ASUS A88XM-A is cheaper than the average motherboard (£70 vs £150).
    £70 vs £150
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2.14x cheaper
    ASUS A88XM-A is cheaper than the average motherboard (£70 vs £150).
    £70 vs £150
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860).
    AMD A88X vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 49.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    3.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    3.7

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    3.7 vs 7.3
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 49.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    3.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    3.7

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    3.7 vs 7.3
  • 50.0% lower user score
    User score
    3.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models

    3.7

    Mark 8.3 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.3

    Rating

    30%

    8.4

    Popularity

    3.7 vs 7.4
  • 19.4% worse value for money
    ASUS A88XM-A has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.44 vs 7.7).
    6.44 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860).
    AMD A88X vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (FM2+ vs LGA 1151).
    FM2+ vs LGA 1,151
  • Fewer BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers fewer BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 54.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 52% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 3 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (12 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    12 vs 15
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC897
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (3+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    3+2 vs 10
  • 3.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    2 vs 5.5
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
DGC Channel
≈ estimated
28/01/2017
Hands-on review · layout tour and BIOS update problems
Verdict
The ASUS A88XM-A is a cheap, basic board for novices, but its BIOS updates caused problems.
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
firstpost.com
≈ estimated
03/07/2014
Hands-on review · Budget microATX board
Verdict
The ASUS A88XM-A is a simple, affordable microATX board for Kaveri builds, a decent buy if you don't need CrossFire, but sparse on cooling and ports.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS A88XM-A

  • Budget-friendly price with a solid overall feature set for its class
  • Seamless compatibility with Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, OpenSUSE)
  • User-friendly and intuitive UEFI BIOS interface that supports mouse navigation
  • Reliable stability and smooth performance for general-purpose and HTPC builds
  • Good connectivity options, including native USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, and HDMI output
  • Supports a wide range of AMD FM2+ and FM2 processors, including Kaveri APUs
  • Compact Micro-ATX layout with 4 RAM slots, providing good memory upgrade flexibility

What customers don't like about ASUS A88XM-A

  • May require a BIOS update before it can recognize newer Kaveri APUs
  • SATA port placement (pointing upward) can be inconvenient for cable management in tight cases
  • Difficulty achieving high RAM overclocks (e.g., reaching 2400MHz) with certain modules
  • Lacks advanced enthusiast features like onboard power/reset buttons or high-end audio circuitry
  • Driver installation can be 'twitchy,' with some users reporting better results from the included disc than the website
  • Potential video output issues (HDMI/DVI) reported by some users when first setting up with specific APUs
  • The rear I/O shield (backplate) is noted to be somewhat thin and prone to bending easily

Verdict

The Asus A88XM-A is a budget-friendly Micro-ATX motherboard designed for AMD Socket FM2+ and FM2 A-series and Athlon processors, based on the high-end A88X chipset. It features four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of RAM with overclocked speeds up to 2400MHz, six SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support, and high-speed connectivity via USB 3.0 and HDMI for 4K output. Main pros include its durable 5X Protection hardware safeguards, a user-friendly UEFI BIOS, and a compact form factor that fits small builds without sacrificing memory expansion. However, it lacks a dedicated heatsink on the VRM power components and is limited to a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, which restricts advanced multi-GPU configurations.

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