ASUS M4A78-VM User Manual

M4A78-VM

Motherboard

E4735

Second Edition V2

April 2009

Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing byASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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

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

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

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Contents

Notices.........................................................................................................	vi
Safety information......................................................................................	vii
About this guide.........................................................................................	vii
M4A78-VM specifications summary..........................................................	ix

Chapter 1		Product introduction
1.1	Welcome!.......................................................................................		1-1
1.2	Package contents.........................................................................		1-1
1.3	Special features............................................................................		1-1
	1.3.1	Product highlights............................................................	1-1
	1.3.2	InnovativeASUS features................................................	1-3
1.4	Before you proceed......................................................................		1-5
	Onboard LED..................................................................................		1-5
1.5	Motherboard overview.................................................................		1-6
	1.5.1	Placement direction.........................................................	1-6
	1.5.2	Screw holes.....................................................................	1-6
	1.5.3	Motherboard layout..........................................................	1-7
	1.5.4	Layout contents...............................................................	1-7
1.6	Central Processing Unit (CPU)....................................................		1-8
	1.6.1	Installing the CPU............................................................	1-8
	1.6.2	Installing the heatsink and fan.......................................	1-10
1.7	System memory..........................................................................		1-11
	1.7.1	Overview.........................................................................	1-11
	1.7.2	Memory configurations..................................................	1-12
	1.7.3	Installing a DIMM...........................................................	1-17
	1.7.4	Removing a DIMM.........................................................	1-17
1.8	Expansion slots..........................................................................		1-18
	1.8.1	Installing an expansion card..........................................	1-18
	1.8.2	Configuring an expansion card......................................	1-18
	1.8.3	PCI slots........................................................................	1-18
	1.8.4	PCI Express x1 slot.......................................................	1-18
	1.8.5	PCI Express x16 slot.....................................................	1-18
1.9	Jumpers	.......................................................................................	1-19

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Contents

1.10	Connectors..................................................................................		1-21
	1.10.1	Rear panel connectors..................................................	1-21
	1.10.2	Internal connectors........................................................	1-23
1.11	Software support........................................................................		1-31
	1.11.1	Installing an operating system.......................................	1-31
	1.11.2	Support DVD information...............................................	1-31

Chapter 2		BIOS information
2.1	Managing and updating your BIOS.............................................		2-1
	2.1.1	ASUS Update utility.........................................................	2-1
	2.1.2	ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility...................................................	2-2
	2.1.3	ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.......................................	2-3
2.2	BIOS setup program.....................................................................		2-4
	2.2.1	BIOS menu screen..........................................................	2-5
	2.2.2	Menu bar.........................................................................	2-5
	2.2.3	Navigation keys...............................................................	2-6
	2.2.4	Menu items......................................................................	2-6
	2.2.5	Submenu items................................................................	2-6
	2.2.6	Configuration fields..........................................................	2-6
	2.2.7	General help....................................................................	2-6
	2.2.8	Pop-up window................................................................	2-6
	2.2.9	Scroll bar.........................................................................	2-6
2.3	Main menu.....................................................................................		2-7
	2.3.1	System Time....................................................................	2-7
	2.3.2	System Date....................................................................	2-7
	2.3.3	Primary IDE Master/Slave...............................................	2-7
	2.3.4	SATA1~6 ........................................................................	2-8
	2.3.5	SATAConfiguration..........................................................	2-9
	2.3.6	System Information..........................................................	2-9
2.4	Advanced menu............................................................................		2-9
	2.4.1	JumperFree Configuration.............................................	2-10
	2.4.2	CPU Configuration.........................................................	2-12
	2.4.3	Chipset..........................................................................	2-13

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Contents

	2.4.4	Onboard Devices Configuration....................................	2-14
	2.4.5	PCI PnP.........................................................................	2-14
	2.4.6	USB Configuration.........................................................	2-15
2.5	Power menu................................................................................		2-16
	2.5.1	Suspend Mode..............................................................	2-16
	2.5.2	ACPI 2.0 Support...........................................................	2-16
	2.5.3	ACPIAPIC Support.......................................................	2-16
	2.5.4	APM Configuration........................................................	2-16
	2.5.5	HW Monitor Configuration.............................................	2-17
2.6	Boot menu...................................................................................		2-18
	2.6.1	Boot Device Priority.......................................................	2-18
	2.6.2	Boot Settings Configuration...........................................	2-18
	2.6.3	Security..........................................................................	2-19
2.7	Tools menu..................................................................................		2-20
	2.7.1	ASUS EZ Flash 2..........................................................	2-20
	2.7.2	Express Gate.................................................................	2-21
	2.7.3	AI NET 2........................................................................	2-21
2.8	Exit menu.....................................................................................		2-22

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

•This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications 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.

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Safety information

Electrical safety

•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical 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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified 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 qualified service technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring 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.

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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 find 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 flyers, 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>
Command	Means that you must type the command exactly as shown,
	then supply the required item or value enclosed in
	brackets.
	Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
	afudos /i[filename]
	afudos /iM4A78VM.ROM

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M4A78-VM specifications summary

	CPU	Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 /Athlon™ X2 /Athlon™ /
			Sempron™ processors (socketAM2+ /AM2)
		Compatible with Phenom™ II /Athlon™ X4 /Athlon™ X3
			/Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU)
		Support 45nm CPU
		AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
		Support CPU up to 125W
		*	Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD CPU support list
	Chipset	AMD 780G / SB700
	System bus	Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface forAM3 /
			AM2+ CPU
		2000 / 1600 MT/s forAM2 CPU
	Memory	Dual-channel memory architecture
		2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 8GB unbuffered
			ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667MHz
		*	memory modules
			DDR2 1066 is supported byAM2+ /AM3 CPU only.
		** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
			(Qualified Vendors List).
		*** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity 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 PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 slot
		1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
		2 x PCI slots
	Storage	1 x UltraDMA133/100 connector
		6 x SerialATA3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, and
			RAID 0+1 configurations (* For Windows® Vista only)
	Graphics	ATI Radeon HD3200
		Maximum shared memory of 256 MB
		Supports DVI-D with HDCP compliant with max. resolution
			2560 x 1600 @60Hz dual-link
		Supports HDMI™ Technology with max. resolution up to
			1920 x 1200 (1080P)
		Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 @85Hz
		Hybrid CrossFireX™ Support (for Windows® Vista only)
		Dual VGA out support: RGB & DVI and RGB & HDMI
		*	Refer to www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossFireX selected
		**	GPUs.
			To playback the HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc, we recommend
			system configuration: Graphic shared memory 256MB/Dual-
			Core CPU minimum/maximum 1GB memory of Dual-channel
			DDR2 667 or Single-channel DDR2 800.
	ASUS	SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 550MHz
	overclocking		at 1 MHz increment
	fetures	Adjust DRAM Voltage
		ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

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M4A78-VM specifications summary

	ASUS special features	ASUS Q-Fan
		ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
		ASUS EZ Flash2
		ASUSAI NET 2
		ASUS EPU-4 Engine
		ASUS Express Gate
		ASUS MyLogo2
		ASUS Q-Button (AI NAP / Turbo Key)
	LAN	PCIe Gb LAN
	Audio	ALC887 High DefinitionAudio 8-channel CODEC
		- Supports Jack-detect and Multistreaming technology
		- Supports S/PDIF out interface
	USB	Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 port at mid-board,
		6 ports at back panel)
	Back panel I/O ports	1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port
		1 x RJ45 port
		1 x S/PDIF Out port (Optical)
		6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
		8-channel Audio ports
		1 x DVI port
		1 x HDMI port
		1 x VGA port
	Internal I/O connectors	3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional
		6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
		1 x LPT connector
		1 x IDE connector
		1 x COM connector
		6 x SATA connectors
		1 x High Definition Front panel audio connector
		1 x system panel connector
		1 x CD audio-in connector
		1 x S/PDIF Out connector
		1x CPU/Chassis/Power Fan connectors
		24-pinATX power connector
		4-pinATX 12V power connector
	BIOS	8Mb Flash ROM,AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM2.0,
		ACPI2.0a, SM BIOS v2.5
	Accessories	1 x Serial ATA cable
		1 x UltraDMA133/100/66 cable
		1x I/O Shield
		User manual
	Form Factor	microATX form factor: 9.6’’ x 8.8’’ (24.4cm x 22.4cm)
	Support DVD	Drivers
		ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
		ASUS PC Probe II
		Anti-Virus software (OEM version)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78-VM 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.

1.2Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard	ASUS M4A78-VM motherboard
Cables	1 x Serial ATA cable
	1 x Ultra DMA133/100/66 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.

1.3Special features

1.3.1Product highlights

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU)

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 DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via

HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports

AMD® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-1

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

This motherboard supports AMD® SocketAM2+ multi-core processors. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support, data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus, andAMD®

Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology.

AMD® 780G chipset

TheAMD 780G Northbridge is the latestAMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and external graphics in PCI Express 2.0 standard. It features the integrated ATI RV610-based graphics and supports Directx 10.0.

Hybrid CrossFireX™ Support

Boosted performance with onboard GPU and discrete graphics card ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology is a unquie hybrid multi-GPU technology. It takes your gaming experience to the next level boosting PC performance by enabling the chipset’s integrated graphics processor and a discrete GPU to operate simultaneously with combined output

for blisteringly-fast frame rates unleashing the graphics performance (Windows Vista OS only).

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment.

DDR2 1200 (O.C. ) support

This motherboard supports DDR2 1200 (O.C.). It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.

Ensure that you download the latest BIOS version at www.asus.com and purchase the memory modules on theASUS Official Memory Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL).

PCI Express 2.0 support

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

1-2	ASUS M4A78-VM

HDMI Support

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. Support HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with anACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard SB700 southbridge allows RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations for

Serial ATA drives.

1.3.2Innovative ASUS features

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. It automatically provides the most appropriate power usage to save power and money!

Turbo Key

ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into an overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts

performances without interrupting ongoing work or games, simply through pressing the button.

ASUS Express Gate

Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS, and lets you access the Internet and key applications before entering Windows® OS.

• ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from SATAHDDs, ODDs and USB drives and downloading to USB drives only.

•The actural boot time is subject to hardware configuration and product models.

•For SSD version, Express Gate is built into the motherboard, so you can access the Internet without entering Windows® or hard devices.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-3

ASUS MyLogo2™

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

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD, or USB disk that contains the BIOS file.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.

ASUS Q-Fan

ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.

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.

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.

1-4	ASUS M4A78-VM

1.4Before 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.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down

the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-5

1.5Motherboard overview

1.5.1Placement 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.

1.5.2Screw 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.

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ASUS M4A78-VM

1.5.3Motherboard layout

1.5.4Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots		Page		Connectors/Jumpers/Slots	Page
1.	Keyboard/mouse power (3-pin KBPWR)	1-20	10.	Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)	1-19
2.	ATX power connectors	1-23	11.	System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)	1-26
	(24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pinATX12V)
3.	USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-6 and	1-20	12.	Onboard LED	1-5
	USBPW7-12)
4.	CPU/Chassis/Power fan connectors (4-pin	1-30	13.	Serial ATA connectors [red]	1-25
	CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN)			(7-pin SATA1-6)
5.	AMD CPU socketAM2+	1-8	14.	USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,	1-27
				USB1112)
6.	DDR2 DIMM slots	1-11	15.	Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)	1-28
7.	Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)	1-29	16.	Front panel audio connector (10-1 pinAAFP)	1-29
8.	LPT connector	1-28	17.	Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD)	1-27
9.	IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)	1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-7

1.6Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a CPU socket designed for AMD® AM3 Phenom™ II /Athon™ X4 /Athon™ X3 /Athlon™ X2 / processors andAM2+ /AM2 Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 /Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors.

The CPU socket is not compatible with AMD® Opteron™ processors. Do not install an Opteron™ processor on this motherboard.

1.6.1Installing 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°- Socket lever 100° angle.

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely.

1-8	ASUS M4A78-VM

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 fits in place.

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

Small triangle

Gold triangle

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

1-9

1.6.2Installing the heatsink and fan

Ensure that you use onlyAMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1.Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits 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.

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