User Manual
Page 11
... and latest technologies, making it , check the items in the new 32nm manufacturing process. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-1 The motherboard delivers a host of ASUS quality motherboards! It features dual-channel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to...Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M5A78L/USB3 motherboard 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. ...
... and latest technologies, making it , check the items in the new 32nm manufacturing process. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-1 The motherboard delivers a host of ASUS quality motherboards! It features dual-channel DDR3 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to...Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M5A78L/USB3 motherboard 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. ...
User Manual
Page 13
... latent AMD® CPUwith just pressing a key. ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts the CPU fan speed according to system loading to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-3 After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts performances ...without performing complicated BIOS changes. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to ensure a quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is an auto-recovery tool that...
... latent AMD® CPUwith just pressing a key. ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts the CPU fan speed according to system loading to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-3 After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts performances ...without performing complicated BIOS changes. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to ensure a quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is an auto-recovery tool that...
User Manual
Page 15
... cord from the wall socket before removing or plugging in soft-off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. M5A78L/USB3 SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off M5A78L/USB3 Onboard LED ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-5 Onboard LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. 1.4 Before you...
... cord from the wall socket before removing or plugging in soft-off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. M5A78L/USB3 SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off M5A78L/USB3 Onboard LED ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-5 Onboard LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. 1.4 Before you...
User Manual
Page 19
... fit in place. Gold triangle 7. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-9 2. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that it is locked. 6. CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M5A78L/USB3 M5A78L/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT forget...
... fit in place. Gold triangle 7. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-9 2. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that it is locked. 6. CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M5A78L/USB3 M5A78L/USB3 CPU fan connector DO NOT forget...
User Manual
Page 21
... on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. Align the other end of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A78L/USB3 Channel Channel A Channel B M5A78L/USB3 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-11 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place. 4. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance...
... on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. Align the other end of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 M5A78L/USB3 Channel Channel A Channel B M5A78L/USB3 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-11 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place. 4. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance...
User Manual
Page 27
... DIMM from the socket. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. Locked Retaining Clip 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. DIMM notch ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-17 Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket. 2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining...
... DIMM from the socket. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. Locked Retaining Clip 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. DIMM notch ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-17 Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket. 2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining...
User Manual
Page 29
...! • If the steps above do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to pins 1-2. 3. For system failure due to pins 2-3. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-19 Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. You can automatically reset parameter settings to reenter data. Move the jumper cap from pins...
...! • If the steps above do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to pins 1-2. 3. For system failure due to pins 2-3. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-19 Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. You can automatically reset parameter settings to reenter data. Move the jumper cap from pins...
User Manual
Page 31
... Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Line In port (light blue). This port allows Gigabit connection to the audio configuration table below for a PS/2 mouse. 2. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-21 Microphone port (pink). 1.10 1.10.1 1 Connectors Rear panel ports 2 3 45 10 9 8 7 6 1. In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function of the audio ports in the...
... Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Line In port (light blue). This port allows Gigabit connection to the audio configuration table below for a PS/2 mouse. 2. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-21 Microphone port (pink). 1.10 1.10.1 1 Connectors Rear panel ports 2 3 45 10 9 8 7 6 1. In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function of the audio ports in the...
User Manual
Page 33
...you use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that the 20-pin power plug can provide at http://support.asus. ATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC M5A78L/USB3 GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby Power OK PIN 1 GND +5 Volts GND +5 Volts GND +3 ... power is inadequate. • DO NOT forget to use a PSU with higher power output when configuring a system with a minimum of 300W. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-23 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer ...
...you use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that the 20-pin power plug can provide at http://support.asus. ATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC M5A78L/USB3 GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby Power OK PIN 1 GND +5 Volts GND +5 Volts GND +3 ... power is inadequate. • DO NOT forget to use a PSU with higher power output when configuring a system with a minimum of 300W. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-23 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer ...
User Manual
Page 35
See 2.3.4 SATA Configuration for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-25 SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6 GND RSATA_TXP5 RSATA_TXN5 GND RSATA_RXP5 RSATA_RXN5 GND GND RSATA_TXP6 RSATA_TXN6 GND RSATA_RXP6 RSATA_RXN6 GND ...RSATA_RXN4 GND GND RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXN3 GND RSATA_RXP3 RSATA_RXN3 GND GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND M5A78L/USB3 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 M5A78L/USB3 SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors • Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA. •...
See 2.3.4 SATA Configuration for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-25 SATA3G_5 SATA3G_6 GND RSATA_TXP5 RSATA_TXN5 GND RSATA_RXP5 RSATA_RXN5 GND GND RSATA_TXP6 RSATA_TXN6 GND RSATA_RXP6 RSATA_RXN6 GND ...RSATA_RXN4 GND GND RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXN3 GND RSATA_RXP3 RSATA_RXN3 GND GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND M5A78L/USB3 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 M5A78L/USB3 SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors • Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA. •...
User Manual
Page 37
... connection speed. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) These connectors are for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND M5A78L/USB3 SPDIF_OUT M5A78L/USB3 Digital audio connector Ensure that supports up to a slot opening at the back of Sound playback is for USB 2.0 ports. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT... the audio device of the system chassis. 6. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 7. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-27
... connection speed. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) These connectors are for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND M5A78L/USB3 SPDIF_OUT M5A78L/USB3 Digital audio connector Ensure that supports up to a slot opening at the back of Sound playback is for USB 2.0 ports. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT... the audio device of the system chassis. 6. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 7. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-27
User Manual
Page 39
...into the optical drive. To run the DVD. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to change at www.asus.com for reference only. The following screen is NOT enabled on your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Double-click...your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD are subject to display their respective menus. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. 1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 Operating Systems (OS). ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-29
...into the optical drive. To run the DVD. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to change at www.asus.com for reference only. The following screen is NOT enabled on your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Double-click...your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD are subject to display their respective menus. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. 1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 Operating Systems (OS). ASUS M5A78L/USB3 1-29
User Manual
Page 41
The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-1 Place the support DVD into the optical drive. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update The ASUS Update is available in the support DVD that you need to restore the BIOS in case you ...8226; This utility is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. Click the Utilities tab, ...
The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-1 Place the support DVD into the optical drive. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update The ASUS Update is available in the support DVD that you need to restore the BIOS in case you ...8226; This utility is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. Click the Utilities tab, ...
User Manual
Page 43
You can cause system boot failure! Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and turn on the system. 2. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-3 Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn on again. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to the floppy disk drive, if ...Defaults item under the Exit menu. 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 contains the BIOS file. • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in...
You can cause system boot failure! Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and turn on the system. 2. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-3 Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn on again. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to the floppy disk drive, if ...Defaults item under the Exit menu. 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 contains the BIOS file. • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in...
User Manual
Page 45
...changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration Boot For changing the system boot configuration Tools For configuring options for that particular menu. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-5 Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends..., Inc. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields Main Advanced M5A78L/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE...
...changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration Boot For changing the system boot configuration Tools For configuring options for that particular menu. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-5 Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends..., Inc. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields Main Advanced M5A78L/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE...
User Manual
Page 47
..., LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). Select [CDROM] if you are not user-configurable. Main Advanced Main Settings M5A78L/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2.... Select a device item then press to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for each IDE/SATA device. Type [Auto] Selects the type of the basic system information. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-7
..., LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). Select [CDROM] if you are not user-configurable. Main Advanced Main Settings M5A78L/USB3 BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2.... Select a device item then press to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for each IDE/SATA device. Type [Auto] Selects the type of the basic system information. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-7
User Manual
Page 49
... [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the optical dirves connected to [IDE] instead of the general system specifications. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-9 Port6 [IDE] Setting this menu.
... [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the optical dirves connected to [IDE] instead of the general system specifications. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-9 Port6 [IDE] Setting this menu.
User Manual
Page 51
... unstable after changing the setting, set PCIE Overclocking to [Manual]. The values range from 1.20000V to adjust the value. Configuration options: [400MHz] [533MHz] [667MHz] [800MHz] ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-11 PCIE Clock [100] Sets the PCIE Clock. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Configuration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] CPU...
... unstable after changing the setting, set PCIE Overclocking to [Manual]. The values range from 1.20000V to adjust the value. Configuration options: [400MHz] [533MHz] [667MHz] [800MHz] ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-11 PCIE Clock [100] Sets the PCIE Clock. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Configuration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] CPU...
User Manual
Page 53
... [All Cores], the processor has the best overclocking performance. When this item is set to manually turn ON/OFF a process core. Configuration options: [On] [Off] ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-13 When this might make your system unstable depending on your processor's overclocking capability. However, this item is enhanced. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Active CPU...
... [All Cores], the processor has the best overclocking performance. When this item is set to manually turn ON/OFF a process core. Configuration options: [On] [Off] ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-13 When this might make your system unstable depending on your processor's overclocking capability. However, this item is enhanced. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Active CPU...
User Manual
Page 55
...: [Below 4G] [Above 4G] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-15 Surround View [Auto] Disables or enables the Surround View function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address...
...: [Below 4G] [Above 4G] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M5A78L/USB3 2-15 Surround View [Auto] Disables or enables the Surround View function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address...