User Manual
Page 3
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications 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 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-10 1.7 System memory...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications 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 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-10 1.7 System memory...
User Manual
Page 4
... 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 Configuration fields 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 SATA3G_1/2/3/4/5/6 2-7 2.3.4 SATA Configuration 2-8 2.3.5 System Information 2-9 2.4 Advanced menu 2-10 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration 2-10 2.4.2 CPU Configuration...
... 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 Configuration fields 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 SATA3G_1/2/3/4/5/6 2-7 2.3.4 SATA Configuration 2-8 2.3.5 System Information 2-9 2.4 Advanced menu 2-10 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration 2-10 2.4.2 CPU Configuration...
User Manual
Page 9
... system may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. ****Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** When you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications summar CPU Chipset System bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio AMD® Socket AM3+ for...
... system may not support DDR3 1600 MHz or higher frequency DIMMs. ****Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** When you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications summar CPU Chipset System bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio AMD® Socket AM3+ for...
User Manual
Page 10
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. (CPU Parameter Recall) 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/...
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. (CPU Parameter Recall) 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/...
User Manual
Page 11
...motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M5A78L-M/USB3 motherboard! Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 motherboard 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Chapter 1 ...features Product 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...
...motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M5A78L-M/USB3 motherboard! Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 motherboard 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Chapter 1 ...features Product 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...
User Manual
Page 12
... Built to different destinations. 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 smoother and faster computing environment. Dual-Channel DDR3 2000(O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that simultaneously sends different audio streams...
... Built to different destinations. 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 smoother and faster computing environment. Dual-Channel DDR3 2000(O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that simultaneously sends different audio streams...
User Manual
Page 13
... 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 personalize your favorite photos into an overclocking button. ASUS MyLogo2™ Turn your system. Enjoy an instant performance...boot logos to ensure a quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-3 ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from switching power supply unit (PSU). ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Turbo Key allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using...
... 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 personalize your favorite photos into an overclocking button. ASUS MyLogo2™ Turn your system. Enjoy an instant performance...boot logos to ensure a quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-3 ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from switching power supply unit (PSU). ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Turbo Key allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using...
User Manual
Page 14
... Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements in line with ASUS vision of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction eliminates the need to their default settings. ... and clear the RTC data. ErP ready The motherboard is in regards to energy consumptions. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system hangs due to reduce carbon footprint of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient...
... Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements in line with ASUS vision of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction eliminates the need to their default settings. ... and clear the RTC data. ErP ready The motherboard is in regards to energy consumptions. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system hangs due to reduce carbon footprint of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient...
User Manual
Page 18
...CPU fits in place. M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 CPU socket AM3+ 2. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90°-100° angle. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it fits in only one correct orientation. Small triangle Gold triangle 1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Carefully insert the CPU... processors. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Right 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a small triangle. 4. The CPU fits only in completely. 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold...
...CPU fits in place. M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 CPU socket AM3+ 2. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90°-100° angle. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it fits in only one correct orientation. Small triangle Gold triangle 1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction Carefully insert the CPU... processors. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Right 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a small triangle. 4. The CPU fits only in completely. 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold...
User Manual
Page 19
... package. CPU_FAN M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to plug this connector. Connect the CPU fan cable to connect the CPU fan connector! CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-9 When the CPU is locked. ...6. The lever clicks on the motherboard. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that ...
... package. CPU_FAN M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT forget to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to plug this connector. Connect the CPU fan cable to connect the CPU fan connector! CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-9 When the CPU is locked. ...6. The lever clicks on the motherboard. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that ...
User Manual
Page 20
...applied to the retention module base. 1 2 3 4 5 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on top... of the retention bracket to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly. Place the heatsink on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not ...
...applied to the retention module base. 1 2 3 4 5 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on top... of the retention bracket to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly. Place the heatsink on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not ...
User Manual
Page 21
... of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A78L-M/USB3 Channel Channel A Channel B M5A78L-M/USB3 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-11 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you cannot snap the retention bracket in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the retention mechanism... module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is in place. 4. The figure illustrates the location of the retention bracket to connect the CPU fan connector! 3.
... of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A78L-M/USB3 Channel Channel A Channel B M5A78L-M/USB3 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-11 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you cannot snap the retention bracket in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the retention mechanism... module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is in place. 4. The figure illustrates the location of the retention bracket to connect the CPU fan connector! 3.
User Manual
Page 22
...may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. • Due to the CPU specification, AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up of ...; DS - - - 1.65V • DS - - - 1.65V • DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • 1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboards Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000(O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. The system maps the total size of memory, we recommend that you obtain...
...may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. With ASUS design, this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency. • Due to the CPU specification, AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up of ...; DS - - - 1.65V • DS - - - 1.65V • DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.65V • DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V • 1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction M5A78L-M/USB3 Motherboards Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000(O.C.) MHz capability Vendors Part No. The system maps the total size of memory, we recommend that you obtain...
User Manual
Page 26
... two pairs of modules inserted into both the blue slots and the black slots as its standard memory frequency. • Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to install it on this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1066MHz. Visit... the ASUS website at www.asus.com for better overclocking capability. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • • ...
... two pairs of modules inserted into both the blue slots and the black slots as its standard memory frequency. • Due to CPU spec., AMD® 100 and 200 series CPUs support up to install it on this motherboard can support up to DDR3 1066MHz. Visit... the ASUS website at www.asus.com for better overclocking capability. Timing Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 - • • ...
User Manual
Page 29
...8226; You do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the cap back to overclocking. CLRTC 12 23 M5A78L-M/USB3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC M5A78L-M/USB3 Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Keep the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Except when ...CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. You can automatically reset parameter settings to reenter data. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to default values. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3...
...8226; You do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the cap back to overclocking. CLRTC 12 23 M5A78L-M/USB3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC M5A78L-M/USB3 Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Keep the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Except when ...CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. You can automatically reset parameter settings to reenter data. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to default values. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3...
User Manual
Page 37
... (10-1 pin COM1) This connector is purchased separately. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-27 DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the... black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the system chassis. COM1 PIN 1 M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 Serial port (COM1) connector The COM module is for a serial (COM) port. CPU and...
... (10-1 pin COM1) This connector is purchased separately. CPU_FAN CHA_FAN M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 1-27 DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the... black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the system chassis. COM1 PIN 1 M5A78L-M/USB3 M5A78L-M/USB3 Serial port (COM1) connector The COM module is for a serial (COM) port. CPU and...
User Manual
Page 47
ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 2-9 Port6 [IDE] Setting this menu. BIOS information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. SATA Port5 - The BIOS automatically detects the items in this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the ...
ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 2-9 Port6 [IDE] Setting this menu. BIOS information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. SATA Port5 - The BIOS automatically detects the items in this item to [IDE] instead of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the ...
User Manual
Page 48
... item only appears when you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you set CPU Overclocking to [Overclock Profile]. Main Advanced Advanced Settings M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Version 0201...
... item only appears when you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you set CPU Overclocking to [Overclock Profile]. Main Advanced Advanced Settings M5A78L-M/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Version 0201...
User Manual
Page 49
...[Auto] Configures the PCIE overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz] CPU Over Voltage [Auto] Sets the CPU over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHZ] [1000MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz] HT Over... Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 2-11 Configuration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] CPU Ratio [Auto] Sets the CPU ratio. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Use / keys to adjust the value. The valid value ...
...[Auto] Configures the PCIE overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz] CPU Over Voltage [Auto] Sets the CPU over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHZ] [1000MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz] HT Over... Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 2-11 Configuration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] CPU Ratio [Auto] Sets the CPU ratio. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Use / keys to adjust the value. The valid value ...
User Manual
Page 51
...overclocking capability. Unleashing Mode [Disabled] Enable the Unleashing Mode to adjust the value. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in system halt state. When this item is set Advanced Clock Calibration to [Auto], the BIOS automatically ...power consumption. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 2-13 Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Active CPU Cores [Auto] Allows you set to [Per Core], the processor's overclocking capability is enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during the ...
...overclocking capability. Unleashing Mode [Disabled] Enable the Unleashing Mode to adjust the value. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in system halt state. When this item is set Advanced Clock Calibration to [Auto], the BIOS automatically ...power consumption. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3 2-13 Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Active CPU Cores [Auto] Allows you set to [Per Core], the processor's overclocking capability is enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during the ...