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• Page 1
  M5A78L M5A78L LE…
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  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 by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

• Page 3: Table Of Contents

  Contents Notices ………………….vi Safety information ………………vii About this guide ………………viii M5A78L Series specifications summar ………… ix Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ………………1-1 Package contents …………….. 1-1 Special features …………….1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights …………1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ……….

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  Chapter 2: BIOS information 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 BIOS setup program …………..2-4 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen …………2-5 2.2.2…
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  Boot menu ……………… 2-20 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority …………2-20 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration ………. 2-20 2.6.3 Security …………….. 2-21 Tools menu …………….. 2-23 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 …………2-23 2.7.2 ASUS O.C. Profile …………2-23 Exit menu ………………2-24…

• Page 6: Notices

  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.

• Page 7: Safety Information

  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.

• Page 8: About This Guide

  Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

• Page 9: M5A78L Series Specifications Summar

  ** 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.

• Page 10
  ASUS MyLogo 2 ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS Anti Surge ASUS AI Charger ASUS Turbo Key 100% All high quality conductive polymer capacitors (M5A78L only) Back panel I/O 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port ports 1 x PS/2 Mouse port…

• Page 11: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

  Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD Documentation User Manual • M5A78L Series motherboards include M5A78L and M5A78L LE two models. The package contents vary from models. • If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. Special features 1.3.1…

• Page 12
  You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing multi- channel network games. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors (M5A78L only) This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

• Page 13: Innovative Asus Features

  BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS Q-Fan…

• Page 14
  ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

• Page 15: Before You Proceed

  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. SB_PWR M5A78L Series Standby Power Powered Off M5A78L Series Onboard LED ASUS M5A78L Series…

• Page 16: Motherboard Overview

  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. M5A78L Series Chapter 1: Product introduction…

• Page 17: Motherboard Layout

  AUDIO ® 760G 8111E PCIEX1_1 M5A78L Series Lithium Cell PCIEX16 CMOS Power PCIEX1_2 SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6 Super ® SB710 SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4 PCI1 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 PCI2 PRI_IDE 16Mb BIOS PCI3 SB_PWR USBPW5-10 PANEL SPDIF_OUT AAFP CLRTC USB56 USB78 USB910 ASUS M5A78L Series…

• Page 18: Layout Contents

  CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M5A78L Series M5A78L Series CPU socket AM3+ Chapter 1: Product introduction…

• Page 19
  Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M5A78L Series M5A78L Series CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

• Page 20: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

  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: Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. •…

• Page 21: System Memory

  The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets M5A78L Series Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 M5A78L Series 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS M5A78L Series 1-11…

• Page 22: Memory Configurations

  • Due to the CPU specification, 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 CPUs may not support DDR3 1600MHz or higher frequency DIMMs.

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  M2Y2G64CB8HA9N-DG(XMP) • • • Kingtiger KTG2G1600PG3 • • Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) 9-9-9-24 • • Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • • PATRIOT PGS34G1600LLKA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 7-7-7-20 1.7V • • • ASUS M5A78L Series 1-13…
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  DDR3-1333MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size Chip Chip Voltage DIMM Brand support A* B* A-Data AD31333001GOU A-Data AD30908C8D-151C • • • E0906 A-Data AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V • • • A-Data AD31333002GOU A-Data AD30908C8D-151C • • • E0903 Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1…
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  • TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-107EY 7-7-7-20 1.5V • • • TAKEMS TMS2GB364D081-138EY 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • • TAKEMS TMS2GB364D082-138EW 8-8-8-24 1.5V • • • UMAX E41302GP0-73BDB UMAX U2S24D30TP-13 • • • V-Color TD2G16C9-Z8 HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFP • • • ASUS M5A78L Series 1-15…
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  • 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.

• Page 27: Installing A Dimm

  DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. DIMM notch Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS M5A78L Series 1-17…

• Page 28: Expansion Slots

  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.

• Page 29: Jumpers

  Normal Clear RTC (Default) M5A78L Series Clear RTC RAM 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.

• Page 30: Usb Device Wake-Up

  USBPW5-10 +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series USB device wake-up Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a key on the keyboard.

• Page 31: Connectors

  Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center Lime (Front panel) – – – Side Speaker Out To configure an 8-channel audio output: Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support 8-channel audio output. ASUS M5A78L Series 1-21…

• Page 32: Internal Connectors

  Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition M5A78L Series Front panel audio connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio].

• Page 33: Atx Power Connectors

  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. ASUS M5A78L Series…

• Page 34
  If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting. PRI_IDE M5A78L Series PIN1 NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. M5A78L Series IDE connector 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction…
• Page 35
  SATA3G_4 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 M5A78L Series M5A78L Series SATA connectors • Install the Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA. ® • If you intend to create a SATA RAID set, set the type of the SATA connectors to [RAID] in the BIOS.

• Page 36: System Panel Connector 20-8 Pin Panel

  IDE_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply M5A78L Series System panel connector • 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.

• Page 37: Usb Connectors

  This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. M5A78L Series SPDIF_OUT M5A78L Series Digital audio connector Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices >…

• Page 38
  DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow 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. 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction…

• Page 39: Software Support

  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 into the optical drive.

• Page 40
  1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction…

• Page 41: Chapter 2: Bios Information

  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. ®…

• Page 42: Asus Ez Flash 2

  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 file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• Page 43: Asus Crashfree Bios 3

  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.

• Page 44: Bios Setup Program

  • 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 www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. Chapter 2: BIOS information…

• Page 45: Bios Menu Screen

  2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Version 0202 Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings Use [ENTER], [TAB] System Time [16:34:30] or [SHIFT-TAB] to System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] select a field.

• Page 46: Menu Items

  A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, 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 M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Version 0202 Main Advanced Power…

• Page 47: 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. M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Version 0202 Main Advanced…

• Page 48: Sata Configuration

  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.

• Page 49: System Information

  This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. ASUS M5A78L Series…

• Page 50: 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. M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Version 0202 Main Advanced…

• Page 51
  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. Configuration options: [Auto] [Max. = 1.38000V] [Min. = 1.20000V] Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Sets the memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] ASUS M5A78L Series 2-11…

• Page 52: Dram Timing Configuration

  The following item only appears when you set Memory Clock Mode to [Manual]. Memclock Value [400MHz] Selects the DRAM 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.

• Page 53: Cpu Configuration

  [All Cores], or [Per Core]. Unleashing Mode [Disabled] Enable the Unleashing Mode to get full computing power of the processor. However, this might make your system unstable depending on your processor’s overclocking capability. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M5A78L Series 2-13…

• Page 54: Chipset

  Active CPU Cores [Auto] Allows you to manually turn ON/OFF a process core. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] 2nd / 3rd / 4th 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].

• Page 55: Onboard Devices Configuration

  Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] ASUS M5A78L Series 2-15…

• Page 56: Pcipnp

  Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the high definition audio controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.5…

• Page 57: Usb Mass Storage Device Configuration

  Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec] Emulation Type [Auto] Allows you to set the emulation type. Configuration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] ASUS M5A78L Series 2-17…

• Page 58: 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 <Enter> to display the configuration options. M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Version 0202 Main…

• Page 59: Hw Monitor Configuration

  CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled] Enables or disables the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

• Page 60: Boot Menu

  Configuration 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 OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following: Press <F5>…

• Page 61: Security

  View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-21…

• Page 62: Change User Password

  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: Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

• Page 63: Tools Menu

  2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. See section 2.1.2 for details.

• Page 64: Exit Menu

  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. Version 0202 M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Main Advanced Power Boot…

• Page 65: Asus Contact Information

  +1-510-739-3777 +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 +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923*…

M5A78L M5A78L LE

Motherboard

Contents

Contents

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.

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 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.

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

M5A78L Series specifications summar

(continued on the next page)

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M5A78L Series 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.

• M5A78L Series motherboards include M5A78L and M5A78L LE two models. The package contents vary from models.

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

1.3Special features

1.3.1Product highlights

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

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 and RAID support

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

3Gb/s storage specification, 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 configurations for SerialATAhard drives.

8-channel high definition audio

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

DefinitionAudio 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 (M5A78L only)

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

1.3.2Innovative ASUS features

Core Unlocker

ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latentAMD® 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. 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 file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB flash 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 efficient 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).

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

ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

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.

SB_PWR

M5A78L Series

ON OFF

Standby Power Powered Off

M5A78L Series Onboard LED

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.

M5A78L Series

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1.5.4Layout contents

1.6Central 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 theAM3+ 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!

1.6.1Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1.Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

M5A78L Series

M5A78L Series CPU socket AM3+

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, 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.

•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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