Motherboard M5A78L-M/USB3
E6594 First Edition (V1) April 2011 Copyright © 2011 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”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide........................................................................................ viii M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications summar.................................................. ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!..............................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-28 1.11.1 1.11.2 Chapter 2: 2.1 ASUS Update................................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3................................................. 2-3 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-5 2.2.3 Navigation keys................................................................ 2-5 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.
2.5.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-17 2.5.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled]........................................ 2-18 2.5.5 2.6 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-19 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-19 2.6.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-20 2.6.2 2.7 2.8 HW Monitor Configuration.......
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.
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.
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.
M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications summar CPU Chipset System bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio 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 AMD® 760G (780L) / SB710 Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O. C.) / 1600(O.C.
M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications summary USB ASUS unique features Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form factor AMD® SB710 chipset: - 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports at the back panel) Asmedia USB 3.0 controller: - 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue, at the back panel) Core Unlocker ASUS EPU 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.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A78L-M/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.
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 efficiency for a smoother and faster computing environment. Dual-Channel DDR3 2000(O.C.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features Core Unlocker ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD® CPUwith 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.
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 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.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes 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. Place eight 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.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 1 3 4 5 24.4cm(9.6in) KB_USB56 CPU_FAN Super I/O EPU ATX12V DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module) COM1 6 24.4cm(9.
Right 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 fits 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.
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. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified 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 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.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits 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.
1.7.2 Memory configurations 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 configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR3-1866(O.C.)MHz capability DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* 8-8-8-24 1.55V-1.75V • • 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • • 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • 1.65V • • • 1.65V • • • 9-9-9-28 1.65V • • Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip DS Brand Chip NO.
DDR3-1333MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip DS Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage A-Data AD31333001GOU 1GB SS AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - A-Data AD31333002GOU 2GB DS A-Data A-Data Apacer Apacer CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR AD31333G002GMU 78.A1GC6.9L1 78.A1GC6.
DDR3-1333MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip DS Brand Chip NO. Timing OCZ OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK OCZ3X1333LV6GK(XMP) DS DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65V 8-8-8-20 1.
DDR3-1066MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Crucial Crucial Crucial Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF CT12872BA1067.9FF CT25664BA1067.16FF CT25672BA1067.
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. 2 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. DIMM notch 1 1 DIMM slot key Unlocked retaining clip A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
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.
1.9 1. Jumpers 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. CLRTC 1 M5A78L-M/USB3 2 2 Normal (Default) Clear RTC 3 M5A78L-M/USB3 Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 1 2 3 15 14 13 4 12 11 5 6 7 8 10 9 1. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard/mouse. 2. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Black Gray Headset 2-channel Line In Line Out Mic In – – – 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In – Rear Speaker Out – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out 11. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices. 12. USB 3.0 ports 3 and 4.
1.10.2 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR 1.
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~6) 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 specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133MB/s (Ultra DMA133). If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 set through the onboard chipset.
5. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 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 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed.
8. 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. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND CPU_FAN M5A78L-M/USB3 Rotation +12V GND CHA_FAN M5A78L-M/USB3 Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 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.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash 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 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).
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 3. a. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. 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.
• This function supports USB flash 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 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file.
2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure 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 during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). If you do not press , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Configuration fields General help M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Advanced Version 0201 Main Settings System Time System Date SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4 SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6 SATA Configuration [16:34:30] [Tue 01/11/2011] :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
2.2.4 Menu items 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 Pop-up window The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific 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. 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 .
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.
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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) Mode [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.
SATA Port5 - Port6 [IDE] Setting this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the optical dirves connected to the SATA connectors 5 or 6 when installing OS. If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that you install the optical dirve to the SATA connectors 5/6 and set them to [IDE] mode. 2.3.5 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications.
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 field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings Version 0201 Adjust System Frequency/Voltage etc.
The following item only appears when you set GPU Overclocking to [Manual]. GPU Engine Clock [350] Sets the GPU Engine Clock. Configuration options: [Min.=200] [Max.=350] PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Configures the PCIE overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following item only appears when you set PCIE Overclocking to [Manual]. PCIE Clock [100] Sets the PCIE Clock. Configuration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] CPU Ratio [Auto] Sets the CPU ratio. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.
The following items only appear when you set Memory Clock Mode to [Manual]. Memory Clock Speed [400MHz] Selects the memory clock frequency programming method. Configuration options: [400MHz] [533MHz] [667MHz] [800MHz] DRAM Timing Configuration The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard.
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. PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled] Enables or disables the clock for PCI/PCIe slots. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
2nd / 3rd / 4th / 6th / 8th Core [On] These items only appear when you set Active CPU Cores to [Manual]. Configuration options: [On] [Off] Value (All Cores) [-2%] This item only appears when you set Advanced Clock Calibration to [All Cores]. It allows you to set the overclocking percentage for all the processor cores as a whole.
UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] This item appears only when the previous item is set to [Enabled]. Selects the UMA frame buffer size. Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB] [1GB] • The [512MB] option only appears when you install 1GB system memory or more. • The [1GB] option only appears when you install 2GB system memory or more. Surround View [Auto] Disables or enables the Surround View function.
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 field values can cause the system to malfunction. Plug and Play O/S [No] When this item is set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Main Advanced Power M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.
Power on By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Power Key] [Ctrl-Esc] Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the submenu. Main Advanced Power M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Version 0201 Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
Bootup Num-Lock [On] Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration 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. Configuration 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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.
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 . 2. On the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters, or numbers, or both, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted.
2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power Version 0201 M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Tools Settings ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS O.C. Profile 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.
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 Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Version 0201 Exit system setup after saving the cahnges. F10 key can be used for this operation. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu.
2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw www.asus.com.tw +86-21-38429911 support.asus.
(510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Signature : Date : Representative Person’s Name : May 3, 2011 Steve Chang / President 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.
