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Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi A78M-A specifications summary vi Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-2 1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-10 1.6 Jumpers 1-12 1.7 Connectors 1-14 1.8 Software support 1-23 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS...menu 2-10 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.6 Advanced menu 2-16 2.7 Monitor menu 2-22 2.8 Boot menu 2-25 2.9 Tools menu 2-32 2.10 Exit menu 2-33 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-3 iii
Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi A78M-A specifications summary vi Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-2 1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-10 1.6 Jumpers 1-12 1.7 Connectors 1-14 1.8 Software support 1-23 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS...menu 2-10 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.6 Advanced menu 2-16 2.7 Monitor menu 2-22 2.8 Boot menu 2-25 2.9 Tools menu 2-32 2.10 Exit menu 2-33 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-3 iii
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...all power cables from the existing system before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before using an adapter or extension cord. If you are using ...chapter describes the features of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on a stable surface. • If you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. ...
...all power cables from the existing system before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before using an adapter or extension cord. If you are using ...chapter describes the features of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on a stable surface. • If you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. ...
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...2G - Integrated AMD Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 Series Graphics in the market. • Refer to www.asus.com for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS A78M-A motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of the ...above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are using a Windows® 32-bit...
...2G - Integrated AMD Radeon™ HD 8000/7000 Series Graphics in the market. • Refer to www.asus.com for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS A78M-A motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of the ...above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once the DIMMs are using a Windows® 32-bit...
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...Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circui damage prevention ASUS ESD Guard - ASUS Network iControl* - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS motherboards safeguard your PC with 5X Protection: DIGI+VRM,... component lifespan ASUS High-Quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x Long Lifespan with excellent durability ASUS Stainless Steel Back I /O to support an 8- Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution ASUS EZ DIY - A78M-A specifications summary Storage LAN Audio USB ASUS unique features ...
...Enhanced DRAM overcurrent protection and short circui damage prevention ASUS ESD Guard - ASUS Network iControl* - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS motherboards safeguard your PC with 5X Protection: DIGI+VRM,... component lifespan ASUS High-Quality 5K-Hour Solid Capacitors - 2.5x Long Lifespan with excellent durability ASUS Stainless Steel Back I /O to support an 8- Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution ASUS EZ DIY - A78M-A specifications summary Storage LAN Audio USB ASUS unique features ...
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...damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to indicate that you install motherboard components or change any motherboard component. SB_PWR A78M-A ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off A78M-A Onboard LED ASUS A78M-A 1-1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. The illustration below shows... or plugging in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the...
...damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to indicate that you install motherboard components or change any motherboard component. SB_PWR A78M-A ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off A78M-A Onboard LED ASUS A78M-A 1-1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. The illustration below shows... or plugging in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the...
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...side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. 1.2 Motherboard overview Before you physical injury and damage to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, place it into the chassis in the image. 1.2.2 Screw holes Place six screws... into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis A78M-A 1-2 Chapter 1:...
...side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. 1.2 Motherboard overview Before you physical injury and damage to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, place it into the chassis in the image. 1.2.2 Screw holes Place six screws... into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis A78M-A 1-2 Chapter 1:...
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...17 1-4 1-8 1-12 1-1 1-18 1-19 1-19 1-21 1-13 1-21 1-22 1-20 1-20 1-13 1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) This motherboard comes with a FM2+ socket designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU fits in only one correct orientation. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 6....8482; processors. SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 8. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 13. Keyboard wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 12. A78M-A A78M-A CPU socket FM2+ 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 DIMM slots 5. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 7. AMD FM2+ socket 4. 1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers...
...17 1-4 1-8 1-12 1-1 1-18 1-19 1-19 1-21 1-13 1-21 1-22 1-20 1-20 1-13 1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) This motherboard comes with a FM2+ socket designed for the FM2+ socket. The APU fits in only one correct orientation. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 6....8482; processors. SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~6) 8. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 13. Keyboard wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) 12. A78M-A A78M-A CPU socket FM2+ 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR3 DIMM slots 5. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 7. AMD FM2+ socket 4. 1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers...
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...install DIMMs with the retailer to get the correct memory modules. • Due to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 ...and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 A78M-A A78M-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB ...
...install DIMMs with the retailer to get the correct memory modules. • Due to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 ...and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 A78M-A A78M-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB ...
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.... 3. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you intend to the chassis with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that came with the slot ...To remove a DIMM B A A 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Keep the screw for the card. 2. Turn on the slot. 5. ...
.... 3. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you intend to the chassis with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that came with the slot ...To remove a DIMM B A A 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Keep the screw for the card. 2. Turn on the slot. 5. ...
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...EHCI 1/2/3 - SATA controller - - - ASUS A78M-A 1-11 PCI1 slot - - - - shared - - - - 1.5.3 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI ...cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. shared - ...
...EHCI 1/2/3 - SATA controller - - - ASUS A78M-A 1-11 PCI1 slot - - - - shared - - - - 1.5.3 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI ...cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. shared - ...
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CPU_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND A78M-A CHA_FAN CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND A78M-A Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. • The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan .... DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • The 4-pin CPU_FAN and chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin...
CPU_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND A78M-A CHA_FAN CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND A78M-A Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. • The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan .... DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • The 4-pin CPU_FAN and chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin...
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...end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to [HD]. See section 2.6.4 Onboard Devices Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND A78M-A SPDIF_OUT A78M-A Digital audio...PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R SENSE_SEND PORT2 L A78M-A HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC'97 pin definition compliant definition A78M-A Front panel audio connector • We recommend that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 ...
...end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to [HD]. See section 2.6.4 Onboard Devices Configuration for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V SPDIFOUT GND A78M-A SPDIF_OUT A78M-A Digital audio...PIN 1 MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R SENSE_SEND PORT2 L A78M-A HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC'97 pin definition compliant definition A78M-A Front panel audio connector • We recommend that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 ...
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... USB_P5USB_P5+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P3USB_P3+ GND NC A78M-A PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND USB+5V USB_P4USB_P4+ GND A78M-A USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to 480Mbps connection speed. Doing so will damage the motherboard! These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0. Connect the...GND IntA_P1_D+ IntA_P1_D- USB3+5V A78M-A USB3.0 Front panel connector You can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of the system chassis. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) These connectors allow you can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket ...
... USB_P5USB_P5+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P3USB_P3+ GND NC A78M-A PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND USB+5V USB_P4USB_P4+ GND A78M-A USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to 480Mbps connection speed. Doing so will damage the motherboard! These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0. Connect the...GND IntA_P1_D+ IntA_P1_D- USB3+5V A78M-A USB3.0 Front panel connector You can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.0 including faster data transfer speeds of the system chassis. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) These connectors allow you can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 bracket ...
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...are subject to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. To run the DVD. The following screen is NOT enabled on your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to install If ...Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. The contents of your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to change at www.asus.com for updates. ASUS A78M-A 1-23 Refer to your computer, ...
...are subject to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. To run the DVD. The following screen is NOT enabled on your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to install If ...Click an icon to display Support DVD/motherboard information Click an item to run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. The contents of your computer, browse the contents of the Support DVD to change at www.asus.com for updates. ASUS A78M-A 1-23 Refer to your computer, ...
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Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to... update the BIOS EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). ASUS A78M-A 2-1 Click to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. To launch EZ Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu ...
Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to... update the BIOS EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). ASUS A78M-A 2-1 Click to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. To launch EZ Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu ...
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... BIOS in the support DVD may not be the latest version. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A78MA.CAP. • The BIOS file... file to load default BIOS values. Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Before updating BIOS 1. The succeeding utility screens are for the BIOS file. ASUS A78M-A 2-3 The utility automatically checks the devices for reference only. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters...
... BIOS in the support DVD may not be the latest version. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into A78MA.CAP. • The BIOS file... file to load default BIOS values. Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Before updating BIOS 1. The succeeding utility screens are for the BIOS file. ASUS A78M-A 2-3 The utility automatically checks the devices for reference only. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters...
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...to ensure optimum performance. We recommend to always shut down the system properly from the operating system. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this motherboard apply for most conditions to enter BIOS Setup using the BIOS Setup program. Refer to section 1.6 Jumpers on your screen. • Ensure that ...the BIOS setup program. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program. • The default BIOS settings for this section are for ...
...to ensure optimum performance. We recommend to always shut down the system properly from the operating system. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this motherboard apply for most conditions to enter BIOS Setup using the BIOS Setup program. Refer to section 1.6 Jumpers on your screen. • Ensure that ...the BIOS setup program. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program. • The default BIOS settings for this section are for ...
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Scroll down to malfunction. 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you installed on the CPU and DIMM model you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to display the following items: 2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information The configuration options for this section vary depending on the motherboard.
Scroll down to malfunction. 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you installed on the CPU and DIMM model you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to display the following items: 2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information The configuration options for this section vary depending on the motherboard.
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.... 2.7.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows...xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU / chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). ASUS A78M-A 2-23 Select Ignore if you do not wish to 100%. The values range from 0% to display the detected speed. 2.7.3 [Disabled] [Enabled] ...
.... 2.7.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows...xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU / chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). ASUS A78M-A 2-23 Select Ignore if you do not wish to 100%. The values range from 0% to display the detected speed. 2.7.3 [Disabled] [Enabled] ...