Asus M4A77T User Manual

M4A77T/USB3

Motherboard

E5794

First Edition V1 April 2010

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.

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Contents

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

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

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

M4A77T/USB3 specications summary ................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................

1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................

1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

1.5.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

1.5.4 Layout contents ...............................................................

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................

1.7 System memory .........................................................................

1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................

1.7.2 Memory congurations (AM3, 2-channel) ......................

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................

1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................

1.10 Connectors .................................................................................

1.10.1 Rear panel ports ...........................................................

1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

1.11 MemOK!

switch .......................................................................... 1-26

1-1

1-3

1-4

1-5

1-6

1-7

1-9

1-10

1-11

1-15

1-16

1-17

1-18

1-19

iii

Contents

1.12 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................ 1-27

1.13 Software support ........................................................................

1.13.1 Installing an operating system ......................................

1.13.2 Support DVD information ..............................................

Chapter 2: BIOS information

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

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

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

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS ...................................................

2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ..........................................................

2.2.2 Menu bar .........................................................................

2.2.3 Navigation keys ...............................................................

2.2.4 Menu items .....................................................................

2.2.5 Submenu items ...............................................................

2.2.6 Conguration elds .........................................................

2.2.7 Pop-up window ...............................................................

2.2.8 Scroll bar .........................................................................

2.2.9 General help ...................................................................

2.3 Main menu ....................................................................................

2.3.1 System Time ...................................................................

2.3.2 System Date ...................................................................

2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1~6 .............................

2.3.4 SATA Conguration .........................................................

2.3.5 System Information .........................................................

2.4 Advanced menu ...........................................................................

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ..............................................

2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................

2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................

2.4.5 PCIPnP .........................................................................

2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................

2.5 Power menu ................................................................................

2.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ..........................................................

1-28

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-6

2-7

2-8

2-9

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-16

Contents

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

2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................

2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration .............................................

2.5.6 Anti Surge Support ........................................................

2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................

2.6.3 Security .........................................................................

2.7 Tools menu .................................................................................

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................

2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................

2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

2.7.4 AI NET 2

2.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................

........................................................................ 2-22

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-19

2-20

2-21

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

M4A77T/USB3 specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /

Sempron™ 100 series processors Supports AMD® 45nm CPU

Supports CPU up to 140W AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology (depending on CPU type) * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list

Chipset AMD® 770 / SB710

System bus Up to 5200MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 /

1066 MHz, ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory Dual-channel memory architecture * Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to

DDR3 1066MHz. With ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.

** 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.

Expansion slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot

2 x PCIe x1 slots 3 x PCI slots

Storage / RAID 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 connector

6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 10 and JBOD congurations

Audio VIA® VT1708S 8-channel* High Denition Audio CODEC

- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking technologies

- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O * Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support

an 8-channel audio output.

USB 10 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at the back

panel) 2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)

LAN Realtek® 8112L PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

ASUS exclusive overclocking features

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- Turbo Key

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- HT frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 550MHz at 1MHz increment

- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

M4A77T/USB3 specications summary

ASUS unique features Protect 3.0

Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port

Internal connectors / buttons

BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI 2.0a,

Accessories 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.4 in (30.5 cm x 21.3 cm)

Core Unlocker MemOK! 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Express Gate ASUS EPU-4 Engine ASUS O.C. Prole ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS AI NET 2 ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2

1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x COM port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports 4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports 3 x audio jacks (8-channel)

3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x IDE connector 1 x LPT connector 6 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x S/PDIF out connector 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x MemOK! button 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

SM BIOS 2.5

2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual

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

* Specications are subject to change without notice.

Chapter 1 Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A77T/USB3 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 M4A77T/USB3 motherboard Cables 2 x Serial ATA cables

1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 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 CPU

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-1

support

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 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® 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.

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.

Dual-Channel DDR3 1800(O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer

rates of 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher

bandwidth requirements of the latest operating system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology and RAID support

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

3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling

the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. It also supports

RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 congurations for Serial ATA hard drives.

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.

USB 3.0 support

Experience ultra-fast data transfer at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0 – the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10x faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the coaxial and optical S/PDIF_OUT (SONYPHILIPS Digital Interface) interface. The S/PDIF transfers digital audio without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

1 2

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.

Core Unlocker

ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—with

just a press of a button. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes.

MemOK!

MemOK! guickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires a mere push of the button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply (PSU).

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 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 M4A77T/USB3 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 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.

1.4 Before you proceed

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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4

M4A77T/USB3

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.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-5

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

M4A77T/USB3

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

VT1708S

Realtek

RTL8112L

ICS

9LPRS477

KBMS

8Mb BIOS

SB_PWR

PANEL

CLRTC

21.3cm(8.4in)

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM3

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA1

SATA4

SATA2

SATA5

SATA3

SATA6

AUDIO

SPDIF_O2

COM1

LAN1_USB12

USB_3.0_12

USB34

30.5cm(12.0in)

PRI_IDE

AMD

SB710

AMD

770

MemOK!

DRAM_LED

LPT

2 3 11

101112131415

1.5.4 Layout contents

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

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN and 3-pin CHA_FAN)

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

3. CPU Socket AM3

4. DDR3 DIMM slots

5. MemOK! switch

6. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED)

7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

8. SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6)

1-19 9. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-27

1-20 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-23

1-7 11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,

1-10 12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-17

1-26 13. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-25

1-27 14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-24

1-21 15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-24

1-22

USB1112)

1-25

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 CPU socket AM3

This motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 processors.

The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a

CPU designed for the AM3 socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT

force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

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.

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

in completely.

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.

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!

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-7

Socket lever

Small triangle

Gold triangle

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

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

Ensure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink ts properly

on the retention module base.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention bracket

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket lock

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-9

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B2

sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.

Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly ts the retention mechanism module

base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

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

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

This motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are

developed for better performance with less power consumption. The gure illustrates the

location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-10

1.7.2 Memory congurations (AM3, 2-channel)

You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better overclocking capability.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to CPU spec., AMD

ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.

• When overclocking, some AMD CPUs may not support DDR3 1600MHz or higher

frequency DIMMs.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:

- Install a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

- Use a 64-bit Windows® OS if you want to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 256 megabits (Mb) chips or less.

M4A77T/USB3 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3-1866(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

Kingston KHX14900D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-27 • •

100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With

OS, when you install 4GB

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. CL

DIMM support

A* B* C*

DDR3-1800(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DSChip

Corsair CM3X2G1800C8D 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • •

Kingston KHX14400D3K2/2G 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • •

Kingston KHX14400D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-27 • •

Kingston KHX14400D3K2/2GN(EPP) 4096MB(kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 •

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-11

Chip NO. CL DIMM support

Brand

A* B* C*

DDR3-1600(O.C.)MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-Data AD31600X002GMU 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 •

Corsair CM3X1G1600C9DHX 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

CRUCIAL BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

CRUCIAL BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-28 • • •

Crucial BL25664TB1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 •

Crucial BL25664TG1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

Crucial BL25664TR1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

kingmax FLGD45F-B8KG9 1024MB SS kingmax KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A N/A • • •

kingmax FLGE85F-B8KG9 2048MB DS kingmax KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A N/A • • •

Kingston KHX12800D3LLK3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

Kingston KHX12800D3K2/4G 4096MB(kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-27 • • •

Kingston KHX12800D3LLK3/6GX(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. CL

DIMM support

A* B* C*

DDR3-1333MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-Data AD31333001GOU 1024MB SS A-Data AD30908C8D-151C E0906 N/A • •

A-Data AD31333002GOU 2048MB DS A-Data AD30908C8D-151C E0903 N/A • •

Apacer 78.01GC6.9L0 1024MB SS Apacer AM5D5808AEWSBG0914E 9 • • •

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2048MB DS Apacer AM5D5808AEWSBG0908D 9 • • •

Corsair CM3X1024-1333C9DHX 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • •

Corsair CM3X1024-1333C9 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9

Corsair CM3X1024-1333C9DHX 1024MB DS Corsair Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

CRUCIAL BL12864TA1336.8SFB1

Crucial MT8JTF12864AY-1G4D1

Crucial BL25664ABA1336.16SFB1

Crucial MT16JTF25664AY-1G4D1

G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBPK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

G.SkiLL F3-10666CL7T-3GBPK

G.SkiLL F3-10666CL9T-3GBNQ

G.SKILL F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI 1024MB DS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

3072MB(Kit of 3)

2048MB(Kit of 2)

3072MB(Kit of 3)

4096MB(Kit of 2)

6144MB(Kit of 3 )

3072MB(Kit of 3)

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. CL

SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 • • •

SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-20 • • •

DS Micron 9FD22D9JNM 9 • • •

DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-20 • • •

DS Micron 8UD22D9JMN 9 • • •

SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18 • • •

SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

DIMM support

A* B* C*

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-12

DDR3-1333MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ 1024MB DS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-4GBPK 2048MB DS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

G.SkiLL F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK

G.SKILL F3-1066CL9T-6GBNQ

GEIL DDR3-1333 CL9-9-9-24 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 • • •

GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-24 • • •

GEIL DDR3-1333 CL9-9-9-24

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/1G 1024MB SS elpida J1108BABG-DJ-E 9 • • •

Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2048MB DS elpida J1108BABG-DJ-E 9 • • •

Micron MT8JTF12864AY-1G4D1 1024MB SS Micron 8LD22D9JNM N/A • • •

Micron MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2048MB DS Micron 8LD22 D9JNM N/A • • •

Micron MT8JTF12864AY-1G4D1

Micron MT16JTF25664AY-1G4D1

OCZ OCZ3P13334GK

Samsung M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 N/A • •

SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS SAMSUNG SEC 846 HCH9 K4B1G08460 N/A • • •

Samsung M378B2873EH1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung SEC 913 HCH9 K4B1G0846E N/A • • •

Samsung M391B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 N/A • • •

Samsung M378B5673DZ1-CH9 2048MB DS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 N/A • • •

Samsung M378B5673EH1-CH9 2048MB DS Samsung SEC 913 HCH9 K4B1G0846E N/A • • •

Samsung M391B5673DZ1-CH9 2048MB DS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 N/A • • •

Super Talent W1333X2GB8 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

Transcend SEC 813HCH9 K4B1G0846D 1024MB SS N/A TS128MLK64V3U N/A • • •

Transcend TS128MLK72V3U 1024MB SS N/A K4B1G0846D(ECC) N/A • • •

Transcend SEC816HCH9K4B1G0846D 2048MB DS N/A TS256MLK64V3U N/A • • •

Adata AD31333G002GMU 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

ASint SLY3128M8-EDJ 1024MB SS ASint DDRII1208-DJ 0844 N/A • • •

ASint SLY3128M8-EDJ 2048MB DS ASint DDRII1208-DJ 0844 N/A • •

CENTURY PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 9-9-9 1024MB SS Micron 8FD22D9JNM N/A •

Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-10666 2048MB DS Samsung SEC 904 HCH9 K4B1G0846D N/A •

Kingtiger KTG2G1333PG3 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A •

PATRIOT PSD31G13332H 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 • • •

Patriot PSD31G13332 1024MB DS Patriot PM64M8D38U-15 N/A • •

Takems TMS1GB364D081-107EY 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 • • •

Takems TMS1GB364D081-138EY 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •

6144MB(Kit of 3 )

6144MB(Kit of 3)

6144MB(Kit of 3 )

3072MB(Kit of 3)

6144MB(Kit of 3 )

4096MB(Kit of 2)

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO. CL

DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18 • • •

DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 • • •

DS Micron 9FD22D9JNM 9 • • •

DS Micron 8UD22D9JMN 9 • • •

DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 • •

DIMM support

A* B* C*

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-13

DDR3-1066MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

Elpida EBJ51UD8BAFA-AC-E 512MB SS elpida J5308BASE-AC-E N/A • • •

Elpida EBJ51UD8BAFA-AE-E 512MB SS elpida J5308BASE-AC-E N/A • • •

G.SKILL F3-8500CL6D-2GBHK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G 1024MB SS elpida J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G 1024MB SS elpida J5308BASE-AE-E S 7 • • •

Kingston KVR1066D3N7/2G 2048MB DS elpida J1108BABG-DJ-E 7 • • •

Micron MT8JTF12864AY-1G1D1 1024MB SS Micron 8ED22D9JNL N/A • • •

Micron MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2048MB DS Micron 8LD22D9JNL N/A • • •

OCZ OCZ3SOE10662GK 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-16 • • •

Samsung M378B2873CZ0-CF8 1024MB SS Samsung K4B1G0846C-ZCF8 N/A • • •

Samsung M378B2873CZ0-CG8 1024MB SS Samsung K4B1G0846C-ZCG8 N/A • • •

Samsung M378B2873EH1-CF8 1024MB SS Samsung SEC 901 HCF8 K4B1G0846E N/A • • •

SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8 4096MB DS SAMSUNG 846 K4B2G0846B-HCF8 N/A • • •

Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-8500 2048MB DS Hynix H5TQ1G83AFP G7C N/A • •

SS/DSChip

Brand

Chip NO. CL

DIMM support

A* B* C*

• Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to DDR3 1066MHz. With

ASUS design, this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1333MHz.

• When overclocking, some AMD CPU models may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or

higher frequency DIMMs.

SS: Single-sided / DS: Double-sided DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as single-channel memory conguration.

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots

as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports two pairs of modules inserted into both the blue slots and the black slots

as two pairs of dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-14

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DIMM socket.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket.

Unlocked retaining clip

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into

a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

Locked Retaining Clip

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

Support the DIMM lightly with your

ngers when pressing the retaining

clips. The DIMM might get damaged

when it ips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

DIMM notch

DIMM slot key

DIMM notch

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-15

1.8 Expansion 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.

1.8.1 Installing 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 rmly 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.

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure 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, conicts will arise between the two PCI

groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

1.8.3 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

comply with PCI specications.

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that

comply with the PCI Express specications.

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard supports a PCI Express x16 graphics card that complies with the PCI

Express specications.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-16

1.9 Jumpers

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the data.

<Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-17

1.10 Connectors

3 42

578

11 10

1.10.1 Rear panel ports

1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. LAN (RJ-45) port.

through a network hub.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1Gbps connection

3. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other

audio sources.

4. Line Out port (lime).

8-channel congurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

5. Microphone port (pink).

This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4, 6, and

This port connects to a microphone.

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Light Blue (Rear panel) Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center

Lime (Front panel) – – – Side Speaker Out

To congure an 8-channel audio output:

Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support 8-channel audio output.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-18

6. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 fan connectors

Rotation

+12V GND

CHA_FAN

USB 2.0 /1.1 devices.

7. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2

. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB

3.0 / 2.0 devices.

8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB

2.0 / 1.1 devices.

9. Serial port.

10. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port.

This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices.

This port connects to an external audio output device via

an optical S/PDIF cable.

11. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple).

This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 3-pin CHA_FAN)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside

the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors.

Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-19

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

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts

-5 Volts GND GND GND PSON# GND

-12 Volts +3 Volts

+3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND +3 Volts +3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

GND

These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are

designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

•

We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specication 2.0-compliant power supply unit

(PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.

•

If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300W. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when conguring a

system with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-20

3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

PRI_IDE

NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 IDE connector

The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following

modes to congure your devices:

Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Cable-Select

Two devices

Master Master

Slave Slave

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting.

Master Black

Slave Gray

Black or gray

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-21

4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6)

SATA4

SATA1

GND

RSATA_RXN4

RSATA_RXP4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA5

SATA2

GND

RSATA_RXN5

RSATA_RXP5

GND

RSATA_TXN5

RSATA_TXP5

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA6

SATA3

GND

RSATA_RXN6

RSATA_RXP6

GND

RSATA_TXN6

RSATA_TXP6

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 SATA connectors

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA

1.5Gb/s specication. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the

standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133). If you install Serial ATA hard

disk drives, you can create RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 congurations through the

onboard SB710 chipset.

• Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial ATA.

• If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the type of

the SATA connectors in the BIOS to [RAID]. See section 2.3.4 SATA Conguration for details.

• The motherboard does not provide a oppy disk drive connector. You could use a USB oppy disk drive when installing Windows® XP operating system on a hard disk drive

that includes a RAID/AHCI set.

• Due to Windows drive.

• For more details on RAID/AHCI, refer to the RAID/AHCI Supplementary Guide included in the folder named Manual in the support DVD.

XP limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-22

5. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

IDE_LED PWRSW RESET

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-23

6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 Digital audio connector

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 Front panel audio connector

AAFP

PIN 1

GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT2 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGND NC NC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port.

Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Denition Audio (the name

may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to congure the setting.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports

either High Denition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front

panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio]. See section 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration for details.

• The front panel audio I/O module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-24

8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 USB2.0 connectors

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB1112

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 LPT Connector

LPT

PIN 1

STB#

PD0

PD1

PD2

PD3

PD4

PD5

PD6

PD7

ACK#

BUSY

SLCT

AFD

ERR#

INIT#

SLIN#

GND

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

480Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

9. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)

The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT is

standardized as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible

computers.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-25

1.11 MemOK! switch

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 MemOK! switch

Onboard switch allows you to ne-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.

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.

• Refer to section 1.12 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

• 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 (Qualied 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.

OS environment.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-26

1.12 Onboard LEDs

SB_PWR

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 Onboard LED

M4A77T/USB3

M4A77T/USB3 DRAM LED

DRAM LED

1. Standby Power 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.

2. DRAM LED

DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 1-27

1.13 Software support

1.13.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 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 Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

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

The following screen is for reference only.

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled on your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to

locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run

the DVD.

Click an icon to display Support DVD/ motherboard information

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-28

Chapter 2 BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to

restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.

• ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The

2. Click the

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update.

Drivers menu appears.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS

To update the BIOS:

1. From the Windows

ASUS Update to launch the ASUS Update utility.

2. From the dropdown list, select either of the following methods:

Updating from the Internet

a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next.

b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto

Select

c. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you want to download then click

Next.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-1

desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUS Update >

then click Next.

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features.

Updating from a BIOS file

a. Select Update BIOS from a le, then click Next.

b. Locate the BIOS le from the

Open window, then click Open.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process.

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at

www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port, then launch

EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways:

• Press

• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the

press <Enter> to enable it.

Press

<Alt> + <F2> during POST.

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and

<Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.14

Current ROM

BOARD: M4A77T/USB3 VER: 0101 (H:00 B:00) DATE: 03/30/2010

PATH: C:\

Note

[Ent er] S ele ct or Lo ad [Ta b] Sw itc h [ V] Dri ve In fo [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

2. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process

and automatically reboots the system when done.

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS information

• This function supports USB ash disks with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le

when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS

le using the motherboard support DVD or a removable device that contains the updated BIOS le.

• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS le in the removable device into

M4A77TU3.ROM.

• The BIOS le in the support DVD may not be the latest version. Download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• The removable devices that ASUS CrashFree BIOS support vary with motherboard

models. For motherboards without the oppy connector, prepare a USB ash disk before

using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the removable device that contains the

BIOS le to the USB port or to the oppy disk drive, if supported.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and turn on again.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.8 Exit menu for details.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-3

2.2 BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or congure its parameters. The BIOS

screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program.

Entering BIOS Setup at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup:

• Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

• Press

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you

<Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

failed to enter BIOS Setup using the rst two options.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend that you always shut down the system properly from the operating system.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply to most conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 2.8 Exit Menu.

• The BIOS setup screens in this chapter are for reference only. They may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website at motherboard.

www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le for this

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Tue 01/01/2002]

Primary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected] SATA1 :[Not Detected] SATA2 :[Not Detected] SATA3 :[Not Detected] SATA4 :[Not Detected] SATA5 :[Not Detected] SATA6 :[Not Detected]

SATA Conguration

System Information

Submenu items

Menu bar

Conguration elds

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

Navigation keys

2.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings.

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.

2.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-5

2.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their

respective menu items.

2.2.5 Submenu items

A solid triangle before each item on a menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

2.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up

window.

2.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

2.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that

do not t on the screen. Press the <Up> / <Down> arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page Down> keys to display the other items on

the screen.

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.55 AGESA Version: 3.5.2.0

AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor Revision: C2 Cache L1: 512KB Cache L2: 2048KB Cache L3: 6MB Speed : 3000MHz, NB Cl Able to Change Freq.: Yes uCode Patch Level: 0x1

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled] Cool ‘n‘ Quiet [Enalbed]

C1E Conguration [Disabled]

Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options Disabled

Enabled

Pop-up window

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose.

Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

Scroll bar

2.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

Select Screen

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Tue 01/01/2002]

SATA Conguration

System Information

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1~6

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE/SATA devices. There is a separate submenu for each IDE/SATA device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE/SATA device information.

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size,

LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These

values are not user-congurable. These items show Not Detected if no IDE/SATA device is

installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE/SATA drive. Setting this item to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE/SATA device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a

ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

This item only appears in the Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA5/6 menus.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-7

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode

disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When this item is set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multisector transfer feature. When this item is set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the

device occurs one sector at a time. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.3.4 SATA Conguration

The SATA Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following two items only appear when you set OnChip SATA Channel to [Enabled].

SATA Port1 – Port4 [IDE]

Congures SATA 1/2/3/4. Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]

SATA Port5 – Port6 [IDE]

Congures SATA 5/6. Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]

• When SATA 1/2/3/4 are congured as [IDE], SATA 5/6 can only be congured as [IDE].

• When SATA 1/2/3/4/5/6 are congured as

under OS. Ensure to install the AHCI driver, so that you can use SATA 1/2/3/4/5/6 in AHCI mode under OS.

• When SATA 1/2/3/4 are congured as

can access the devices on SATA 5/6 before entering OS.

[AHCI], only SATA 1/2/3/4 can be detected

[AHCI] and SATA 5/6 are congured as [IDE], you

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.3.5 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

BIOS Information

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

2.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Advanced Settings

JumperFree Conguration

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

Adjust System Frequency/Voltage

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration

The items and conguration options in this menu may vary depending on the AMD CPU

type.

CPU Level Up [Auto]

Selects the desired CPU level, and other relevant parameters will be adjusted automatically

based on the selected CPU level. Conguration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-955] [Phenom II-3.4G] [Phenom II-3.6G]

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-9

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Selects the CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency.

Conguration options: [Manual] [Auto] [Overclock Prole] [CPU Level Up] [Test Mode]

The following items only appear when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual].

OC From CPU Level Up [Auto]

Selects the desired CPU level, and other relevant parameters will be adjusted

automatically based on the selected CPU level. Conguration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-955] [Phenom II-3.4G] [Phenom II-3.6G]

CPU Bus Frequency [200]

Sets the CPU frequency. Conguration options: [Min.=200] [Max.=550]

PCIE Frequency

Sets the PCIe frequency. Conguration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150]

The following item only appears when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Overclock Prole].

Overclock Options [Auto]

Selects the overclocking prole. Conguration options: [Auto] [Overclock 2%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]

CPU Ratio [Auto]

Sets the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model.

The following two items only appear when you install a 6-core CPU.

AMD Turbo CORE technology [Enbaled]

Enables or disables the AMD Turbo Core technology. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Turbo CORE Ratio [Auto]

Sets the Turbo Core ratio. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges

vary depending on your CPU model. Conguration options: [Auto]

CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Sets the ratio between NorthBridge (in CPU) Clock and the CPU Bus Frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

CPU Over Voltage [Auto]

Sets the CPU over voltage. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Use

<+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. Conguration options: [Auto]

VDDNB Over Voltage [Auto]

Sets the VDDNB over voltage. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model.

Use <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. Conguration options: [Auto]

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information

LoadLine Calibration [Auto]

Sets LoadLine. The values range from 0% to 100% with a 3.225% increment. Use the <+> /

<-> keys to adjust the value. Conguration options: [Auto] [Max. = 100%] [Min. = 0%]

HT Link Speed [Auto]

Sets the HyperTransport link speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHZ] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

HT Link Width [Auto]

Sets the HyperTransport link width. Conguration options: [Auto] [4 Bit] [8 Bit] [16 Bit]

HT Over Voltage [Auto]

Sets the HT over voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.38000V with a 0.01000V

increment. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the value. Conguration options: [Auto] [Max. =

1.38000V] [Min. = 1.20000V]

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Selects the DRAM frequency programming method. If this item is set to [Auto], the DRAM

speed depends on the SPDs. Conguration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1067MHz] [1333MHz] [1600MHz]

Memory Over Voltage [Auto]

Sets the memory over voltage. The values range from 1.2000V to 2.4450V with a

0.0750V(1.2V~1.5V) or 0.0150V(1.5V~2.445V) increment. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust

the value. Conguration options: [Auto] [Max. = 2.4450V] [Min. = 1.2000V]

DRAM Timing/Driving Conguration

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you

install on the motherboard.

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]

TCL [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [12 CLK]

TRCD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] ~ [12 CLK]

TRP [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] ~ [12 CLK]

TRAS [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [15 CLK] ~ [30 CLK]

TRTP [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [7 CLK]

TRC [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] ~ [41 CLK]

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-11

TWR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK]

TRRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [7 CLK]

TRWTTO [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [17 CLK]

TWRRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] ~ [10 CLK]

TWTR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [7 CLK]

TWRWR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK]

TRDRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK]

TRFC0/1 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]

TREF [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]

DCT0:CKE drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:CKE drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

DCT0:CS/ODT drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

DCT0:ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

DCT0:MEMCLK drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DCT0:Data drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:Data drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DCT0:DQS drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:DQS drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DCT0:Processor ODT [Auto] / DCT1:Processor on-die terminat [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]

Chipset Over Voltage [Auto]

Sets the chipset over voltage. The values range from 1.10000V to 1.60000V with a 0.01000V

increment. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the value. Conguration options: [Auto] [Max. = 1.60000V] [Min. = 1.10000V]

PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled]

Enables or disables the clock for PCI/PCIe slots. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.4.2 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may

enable it for testing purpose. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

Enables or disables Microcode Updation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM) Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]

Enables or disables the building of ACPI SRAT table. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

C1E Support [Disabled]

Enables or disables the CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function, a CPU power-saving function in system halt state. When this item is enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be

reduced during the system halt state to decrease power consumption. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled]

Adjusts the processor’s overclocking capability. When this item is set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically adjusts this function. When this item is set to [All Cores], the processor has the best overclocking performance. When this item is set to [Per Core], the processor’s

overclocking capability is enhanced. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [All Cores] [Per Core]

2.4.3 Chipset

NorthBridge Conguration

DRAM Controller Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Channel Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12] [Auto] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]]

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-13

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Always]

Allows you to select the unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width).

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct

memory errors automatically. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User]

Primary Display Adapter [GFX-GPP-PCI]

Allows you to set the primary display adapter. Conguration options: [GFX-GPP-PCI] [GPP-GFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX-GPP]

GFX: primary display adapter on the PCIe x16 slot GPP: primary display adapter on the PCIe x1 slot PCI: primary display adapter on the PCI slot

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Selects the Serial Port1 base address. Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

HDAudio Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the high denition audio controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

Selects the front panel type. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Enables or disables the Onboard LAN Boot ROM. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 3.0 Port [Enabled]

Enables or disables the USB 3.0 controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.4.5 PCIPnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA

devices and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

When this item is set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When this item is set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

2.4.6 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Enables or disables the USB functions. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the USB 2.0 controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Enables or disables support for Legacy USB storage devices including USB ash drives and

USB hard drives. Setting this item to [Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device

is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Congures the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480Mbps) mode or FullSpeed (12Mbps) mode. Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

The following items only appear when a USB storage device is plugged in.

USB Mass Storage Device Conguration

USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec]

Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize. Conguration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec]

Emulation Type [Auto]

Allows you to set the emulation type. Conguration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM]

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-15

2.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and

Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Power Settings

Suspend Mode [Auto]

ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration HW Monitor Conguration

Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Selecta the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend. Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]

Enables or disables the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Enables or disables the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the

Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When this item is set to [Enabled], the

ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.4 APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Always Off]

When this item set to [Always Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When this item set to [Always On], the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to [Last State], the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

before the AC power loss. Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]

Power on From S5 By PME# [Disabled]

Enables or disables PME wake from sleep states. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled]

Enables or disables ring to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS information

Power on By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Ctrl + Esc to Wake up] [Ctrl + F1 to Wake up] [Ctrl + Space to Wake up]

Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration

CPU / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not want the detected temperatures to be displayed.

CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU / Chassis fan

speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld

shows N/A. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan function. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the low limit of the CPU fan speed over which a warning message will show up.

Conguration options: [500 RPM] [400] [300] [200] [1.00%] [Ignored]

CPU Fan Prole [Standard]

This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Function feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.

[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on

the CPU temperature.

[Silent Mode] Sets to [Silent Mode] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation. [Turbo] Set to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. [Manual] Allows you to individually set the CPU fan parameters.

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage [xx.xxxV] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want the detected voltage to be displayed.

2.5.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Anti-Surge protection feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-17

2.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices

installed in the system. Conguration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.

• To access Windows

• Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.

• Press <F8> after POST.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot

Device Priority sequence.

A virtual oppy disk

drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the

rst boot device.

Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:

Select Screen

Select Item

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When this item is set to [Disabled], BIOS

performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

Enables or disables the full screen logo display feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Conguration options: [Off] [On]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When this item is set to [Enabled], the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.6.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Change Supervisor Password

Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the

2. In the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters or numbers, or

both, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a supervisor password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press

<Enter> twice. The message Password uninstalled appears.

Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility. View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld. Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-19

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. In the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters or numbers, or

both, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

When this item is set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When this item is set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when

accessing Setup and booting the system. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

2.7 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Tools Settings

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate [Auto] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No]

ASUS O.C. Prole

AI NET2

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility supports:

1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)

2.NTFS (read only)

3.CD-DISC (read only)

Select Screen

Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to

conrm your choice.

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information

2.7.2 Express Gate [Auto]

Enables or disables the ASUS Express Gate feature. ASUS Express Gate is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet and Skype.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]

Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the rst screen of Express Gate for user action. Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds] [10 seconds] [15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]

Reset User Data [No]

Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data. Conguration options: [No] [Reset]

When setting this item to [Reset], ensure to save the setting to the BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser (bookmarks, cookies, browsing history, etc.). This is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.

The rst time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after

clearing its settings.

2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Add Your CMOS Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, key in your prole name and press <Enter>, and then choose a prole number to save your CMOS

settings in the Save to sub-item.

Load CMOS Proles.

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to

load the le.

Start O.C. Prole

Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and

single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/CPU conguration and BIOS version.

• Only the CMO le can be loaded.

ASUS M4A77T/USB3 2-21

Exit system setup after saving the changes.

F10 key can be used for this operation.

2.7.4 AI NET 2

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test

(POST). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.8 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup after saving the changes.

F10 key can be used for this operation.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this

option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup

program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS information

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798

E-mail info@asus.com.tw

Web site www.asus.com.tw

Technical Support

Telephone +86-21-38429911 Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA Telephone +1-510-739-3777 Fax +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com

Technical Support

Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany Fax +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales

Technical Support

Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923 Telephone (System/Notebook/Eee/LCD) +49-1805-010920 Support Fax +49-2102-9599-11 Online support support.asus.com

* EUR 0.14/minute from a German xed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.

* *

EC Declaration of Conformity

We, the undersigned,

Manufacturer:

ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.

Address, City:

No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.O.C.

Country:

TAIWAN

Authorized representative in Europe:

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH

Address, City: HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN

Country:

GERMANY

declare the following apparatus:

Product name : Motherboard

Model name : M4A77T/USB3

conform with the essential requirements of the following directives:

2004/108/EC-EMC Directive

EN 55022:2006+A1:2007

EN 61000-3-2:2006

EN 55013:2001+A1:2003+A2:2006

EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003

EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001+A2:2005

EN 55020:2007

1999/5/EC-R &TTE Directive

EN 300 328 V1.7.1(2006-05)

EN 300 440-1 V1.4.1(2008-05)

EN 300 440-2 V1.2.1(2008-03)

EN 301 511 V9.0.2(2003-03)

EN 301 908-1 V3.2.1(2007-05)

EN 301 908-2 V3.2.1(2007-05)

EN 301 893 V1.4.1(2005-03)

EN 50360:2001

EN 50371:2002

EN 62311:2008

EN 50385:2002

EN 301 489-1 V1.8.1(2008-04)

EN 301 489-3 V1.4.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-4 V1.3.1(2002-08)

EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1(2005-11)

EN 301 489-9 V1.4.1(2007-11)

EN 301 489-17 V1.3.2(2008-04)

EN 301 489-24 V1.4.1(2007-09)

EN 302 326-2 V1.2.2(2007-06)

EN 302 326-3 V1.3.1(2007-09)

EN 301 357-2 V1.3.1(2006-05)

2006/95/EC-LVD Directive

EN 60950-1:2001+A11:2004

EN 60950-1:2006

EN60065:2002+A1:2006

EN 60950-1:2006+A11:2009

2009/125/EC-ErP Directive

Regulation (EC) No. 1275/2008

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 642/2009

EN 62301:2005

Regulation (EC) No. 278/2009

EN 62301:2005

CE marking

Declaration Date: Apr. 14, 2010

Year to begin affixing CE marking:2010

Position : CEO

Name : Jerry Shen

Signature : __________

EC conformit

markin

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC Part 2 Section 2. 1077(a)

Address: 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539.

hereby declares that the product

Product Name : Motherboard

Conforms to the following specifications:

FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Unintentional Radiators

FCC Part 15, Subpart C, Intentional Radiators

FCC Part 15, Subpart E, Intentional Radiators

Supplementary Information:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Signature :

Date : Apr. 14, 2010

Asus M4A77T User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notices

Safety information

About this guide

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

1.4 Before you proceed

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Placement direction

1.5.2 Screw holes

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

1.5.4 Layout contents

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

1.8 Expansion slots

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

1.8.3 PCI slots

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

1.9 Jumpers

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel ports

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1.11 MemOK! switch

1.12 Onboard LEDs

1.13 Software support

1.13.1 Installing an operating system

1.13.2 Support DVD information

Chapter 2

BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS

2.2 BIOS setup program

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

2.2.2 Menu bar

2.2.3 Navigation keys

2.2.4 Menu items

2.2.5 Submenu items

2.2.7 Pop-up window

2.2.8 Scroll bar

2.2.9 General help

2.3 Main menu

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Tue 01/01/2002]

2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1~6

2.3.5 System Information

2.4 Advanced menu

2.4.3 Chipset

2.4.5 PCIPnP

2.5 Power menu

ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

2.5.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]

2.6 Boot menu

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

2.6.3 Security

2.7 Tools menu

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

2.7.4 AI NET 2

2.8 Exit menu