Asus M4A77 User Manual

M4A77

Motherboard

E5121

First Edition V1

October 2009

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents

Notices ......................................................................................................... vi

Safety information ..................................................................................... vii

About this guide ........................................................................................ vii

M4A77 specications summary ................................................................ ix

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-1

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3

1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5

1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-6

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-6

1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-6

1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-7

1.5.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 1-7

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ...................................... 1-10

1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-11

1.7.1 Overview ........................................................................1-11

1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 1-12

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-17

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-17

1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-18

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-18

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-18

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-18

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 1-18

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ..................................................... 1-18

1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-19

1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-20

1.10.1 Rear panel ports ........................................................... 1-20

1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-22

iii

Contents

1.11 Software support ........................................................................ 1-29

1.11.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-29

1.11.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-29

Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-1

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................ 2-2

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS ................................................... 2-3

2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-4

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 2-5

2.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 2-5

2.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 2-5

2.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 2-6

2.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 2-6

2.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 2-6

2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 2-6

2.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 2-6

2.2.9 General help ................................................................... 2-6

2.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 2-7

2.3.1 System Time ................................................................... 2-7

2.3.2 System Date ................................................................... 2-7

2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1/2/3/4/5/6 .................. 2-7

2.3.4 SATA Conguration ......................................................... 2-8

2.3.5 System Information ......................................................... 2-9

2.4 Advanced menu ........................................................................... 2-9

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration .............................................. 2-9

2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-12

2.4.3 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-13

2.4.4 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 2-14

2.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-14

2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-15

2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-16

2.5.1 Suspend Mode .............................................................. 2-16

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................... 2-16

Contents

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 2-16

2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-16

2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration ............................................. 2-17

2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-18

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-18

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-18

2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-19

2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-20

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-20

2.7.2 Express Gate ............................................................... 2-21

2.7.3 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-21

2.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-22

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed

and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference

to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required

to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority

to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

Safety information

Electrical safety

•

To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet

before relocating the system.

•

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it

supports.

• Chapter 2: BIOS information

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.

Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

vii

Conventions used in this guide

To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software

products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means that you must press the enclosed key. Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

viii

M4A77 specications summary

CPU AMD® AM3/AM2+/AM2; Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Phenom™ /

Chipset AMD® 770 / SB710

Front Side Bus Up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for AM2+ /AM3 CPU

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot

Storage 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 connector

Audio VT1818S High Denition Audio 8-channel CODEC

USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at

LAN Realtek® RTL8112L PCIe Gigabit LAN controller

ASUS unique features

Athlon™ / Sempron™ Family processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

* Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list.

2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU

4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1200(O.C.)*/1066/800/667MHz memory

modules

* DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066 is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU for one

DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List). *** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system.

2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots 3 x PCI slots

6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, and JBOD congurations

– Blu-ray disc audio layer Content Protection – Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O – Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking technologies

the back panel)

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS AI NET2

ASUS Turbo Key ASUS MyLogo 2 ASUS EPU-4 Engine ASUS Express Gate

(continued on the next page)

M4A77 specications summary

Back panel I/O ports

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM2.0,

Accessories 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.4 in (30.6 cm x 21.4 cm)

* Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x PS/2 Keyboard port

1 x LPT port 1 x COM port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio I/O ports

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

1 x IDE connector 6 x SATA connectors 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector

1 x S/PDIF Out connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

SM BIOS v2.5, ACPI v2.0a

2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield

1 x User Manual

ASUS Update ASUS PC Probe II Anti-Virus software (OEM version)

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A77 motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another

standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in

your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS M4A77 motherboard

Cables 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable

Accessories 1 x I/O shield

Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD Documentations User Manual

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series (AM3

ASUS M4A77 1-1

CPU)

This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power

consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0-

based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2)

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors.

It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support, data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology.

AMD® 770 Chipset

The AMD® 770 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s

HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD’s latest AM3 multi-core CPUs to

provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

HyperTransport™ 3.0 support

HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother and

faster computing environment.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

This motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology which

monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment.

DDR2 1200(O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR2 1200 (O.C.) that provides faster

data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing

efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other

memory demanding applications.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home

theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF_OUT (SONYPHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks. The S/PDIF transfers digital audio

without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

64-bit CPU support

64-bit computing replaces the current 32-bit architecture, delivers

advanced system performance, faster memory access, and increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and

exibility by supporting both 64-bit and 32-bit architecture.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)

3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced salability and doubling

the bus bandwidth for high-speed data saving and retrieval.

8-channel high denition audio

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties

users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is

enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power

management for advanced operating systems.

PCI Express 2.0 support

This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed

and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet. Five seconds after powering on your computer, you can instantly surf the Internet without entering the Windows® OS.

• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and ash drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or ash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the

computer.

• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.

• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drives. It supports le downloading to USB drives only.

• ASUS Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. Refer to support.asus.com for Express Gate source codes.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to

restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD or a USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le.

ASUS M4A77 1-3

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB ash disk

before entering the OS.

ASUS EPU

ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.

ASUS Turbo Key

ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into an overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts performances without interrupting ongoing work or games, simply through pressing the button.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your

system.

ASUS Q-Fan

ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according

to system loading to ensure a quiet, cool, and efcient operation.

ASUS AI NET 2

ASUS AI NET 2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after

you turn on the system and any faulty cable connections are reported

back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line

with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable

products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the

impact on the environment.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4

1.4 Before you proceed

SB_PWR

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

M4A77

M4A77 Onboard LED

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS M4A77 1-5

M4A77

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.2 Screw holes

Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

M4A77

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCI2

PCI3

PCI1

USB910USB78 USB1112

SPDIF_OUT

AAFP

ATX12V

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

VIA

VT1818S

Realtek

RTL8112L

ICS

9LPRS482

KB_USB56

8Mb BIOS

SB_PWR

PANEL

CLRTC

21.4cm(8.4in)

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM2+

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA1 SATA4

SATA2 SATA5

SATA3 SATA6

AUDIO

LPT

COM

SPDIF_O

LAN1_USB12

USB34

30.5cm(12.0in)

PRI_IDE

AMD

SB710

AMD

770

1 2

79 8101112

1.5.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

2. AMD CPU socket 1-8 8. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) 1-19

3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin

CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)

4. DDR2 DIMM sockets 1-11 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-25

5. Onboard LED 1-5 11. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-27

6. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2,

SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, SATA6)

ASUS M4A77 1-7

1-22 7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-23

1-28 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,

1-24 12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin

USB1112)

SPDIF_OUT)

1-26

1-27

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

M4A77 CPU socket AM2+

M4A77

This motherboard supports AM3/AM2/AM2+ CPUs including AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II/ Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors.

The AM2/AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Use a CPU that is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket.

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place.

Socket lever

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t

in completely.

The CPU ts only in one correct orientation.

DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

Small triangle

Gold triangle

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket

M4A77

M4A77 CPU fan connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions.

7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

ASUS M4A77 1-9

+ 43 hidden pages