Asus M5A78L User Manual

M5A78L/USB3

Motherboard

E8022

Second Edition (V2) January 2013

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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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”) and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,

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In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code

we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the

product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address).

Contents

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

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

About this guide ....................................................................................... viii

M5A78L/USB3 specications summar ..................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.5.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 1-8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-21

1.10.1 Rear panel ports ........................................................... 1-21

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

iii

Contents

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

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

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

Chapter 2: BIOS information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................... 2-7

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ......................................... 2-7

2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA3G_1/2/3/4/5/6 ............ 2-7

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

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

2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-10

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 2-10

2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-13

2.4.3 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-14

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 2-15

2.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-16

2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-16

2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-17

2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 2-17

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] .......................................... 2-17

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-17

2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-17

2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration ............................................. 2-18

2.5.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-18

2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-19

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-19

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-19

2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-20

2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-22

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-22

2.7.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-22

2.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-23

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.

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services

ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling information in different regions.

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://csr.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.

vii

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.

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

M5A78L/USB3 specications summar

CPU AMD

Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Supports CPU up to 140W * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list

Chipset AMD® 760G (780L) / SB710 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

4 x DIMM, max. 32GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O.

C.) / 1600(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz, ECC and non-ECC, un-

buffered memory Dual-channel memory architecture * AMD® FX™ Series CPU on this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. ** 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. **** 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 2.0 x16 slot

2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots 3 x PCI slots

Storage 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

LAN

Realtek® 8111E PCle Gigabit LAN controller

Audio ALC887 8-channel* High Denition Audio CODEC

* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to

support an 8-channel audio output.

USB AMD® SB710 chipset:

- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at the mid-board, 2 ports at the back panel) Asmedia USB 3.0 controller:

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

(continued on the next page)

M5A78L/USB3 specications summary

ASUS unique features

Other features

Back panel I/O ports

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI v2.0a,

Accessories 2 x Serial ATA cables

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor

Core Unlocker ASUS EPU-4 Engine ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Anti-Surge protection ASUS Q-Fan ASUS AI Charger ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

100% All high quality conductive polymer capacitors

1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 1 x COM port 1 x LPT port 3 x Audio jacks 2 x USB 3.0 ports 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6 x SATA connectors 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

SM BIOS v2.6

1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual 1 x Support DVD

ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ATX form factor: 12.0 in x 8.5 in (30.5 cm x 21.6 cm)

* Specications are subject to change without notice.

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A78L/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 M5A78L/USB3 motherboard Cables 2 x Serial ATA cables Accessories 1 x I/O shield Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD Documentation User Manual

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

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

AMD® FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series

ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-1

CPU 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 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 32nm manufacturing process.

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.

HyperTransport™ 3.0 support

HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth

than HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother and

faster computing environment.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2000(O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 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.

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.

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.

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.

8-channel high denition audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel High

Denition Audio CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio

output, jack-sensing feature, and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing multichannel network games.

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

Core Unlocker

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

with just pressing a key. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes.

ASUS EPU

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

ASUS Turbo Key

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

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

ASUS EZ Flash 2

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

before entering the OS.

ASUS Q-Fan

ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts the CPU fan speed

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

operation.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

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

ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-3

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.

ErP ready

The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP)

ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efciency

requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with

ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient

products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-4

1.4 Before you proceed

SB_PWR

Standby Power Powered Off

OFF

M5A78L/USB3

M5A78L/USB3 Onboard LED

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onboard LED

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

ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-5

M5A78L/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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-6

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

M5A78L/USB3

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCI1

PCI2

PCI3

PRI_IDE

USB56 USB78 USB910

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

ICS

9LPRS483

ALC 887

EPU

RTL

8111E

ASM 1042

KBMS

16Mb BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

USBPW5-10

21.6cm(8.5in)

AMD

RS780L

AMD

SB710

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM3+

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2

SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4

SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6

AUDIO

LAN1_USB12

USB34

CHA_FAN

PANEL

SPDIF_OUT

30.5cm(12.0in)

USBPW1-4

KBPWR

ATX12V

LPT

COM1

3 54 41 2 6

1013 12 11 214

ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-7

1.5.4 Layout contents

M5A78L/USB3

M5A78L/USB3 CPU socket AM3+

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

1. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-20 8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-24

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-10)

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

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

5. AMD CPU socket 1-8 12. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) 1-19

6. DDR3 DIMM sockets 1-11 13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-27

7. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6) 1-25 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-22

1-20 9. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-5

1-23 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-26

1-28 11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78,

USB910)

1-27

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series 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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8

2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M5A78L/USB3

M5A78L/USB3 CPU fan connector

socket, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

Socket lever

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!

Small 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 comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing

heatsink and fan for instructions.

Gold triangle

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

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

ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-9

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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction1-10

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