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Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M4A78L-M specifications summary x 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 1-11...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M4A78L-M specifications summary x 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 1-11...
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... the party responsible for radio noise emissions from that the battery should not be placed in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. Canadian Department of...
... the party responsible for radio noise emissions from that the battery should not be placed in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. Canadian Department of...
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...cables from the system, ensure that your area. Take it to a hazardous material collection point. • Never replace the battery with your motherboard) and is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. These devices could explode and release harmful substances into the environment. •... disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables from the existing system before you are using an adapter or extension cord. If possible, disconnect all power...
...cables from the system, ensure that your area. Take it to a hazardous material collection point. • Never replace the battery with your motherboard) and is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. These devices could explode and release harmful substances into the environment. •... disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables from the existing system before you are using an adapter or extension cord. If possible, disconnect all power...
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...• Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the motherboard and the new technology it may become wet. viii Do not place the product in environments with ambient temperatures between 5ºC (41... on it, carefully read all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are also provided. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems with the package. • Before using the product,...
...• Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the motherboard and the new technology it may become wet. viii Do not place the product in environments with ambient temperatures between 5ºC (41... on it, carefully read all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are also provided. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems with the package. • Before using the product,...
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... your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M4A78L-M motherboard! Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ASUS M4A78L-M 1-1 Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M4A78L-M motherboard 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of the above items is...
... your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M4A78L-M motherboard! Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ASUS M4A78L-M 1-1 Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M4A78L-M motherboard 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard Support DVD User Manual If any of the above items is...
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...bandwidth than HT1.0 that support Hybrid CrossFireX™. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR2 1200(O.C.) support To attain top performance, ASUS engineers have successfully unleashed DDR2 1200(O.C.) MHz to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs that radically improves system efficiency for a... requirements of the latest operating system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. 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 ...
...bandwidth than HT1.0 that support Hybrid CrossFireX™. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction DDR2 1200(O.C.) support To attain top performance, ASUS engineers have successfully unleashed DDR2 1200(O.C.) MHz to www.amd.com for the discrete GPUs that radically improves system efficiency for a... requirements of the latest operating system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. 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 ...
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When installing it on USB HDDs or flash drives, connect the drives to USB drives only. • ASUS Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. ASUS M4A78L-M 1-3 ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drives. It supports file...
When installing it on USB HDDs or flash drives, connect the drives to USB drives only. • ASUS Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. ASUS M4A78L-M 1-3 ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drives. It supports file...
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... to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS AI NET2 ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after you to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to overclocking failure...
... to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS AI NET2 ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after you to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to overclocking failure...
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... OFF Standby Power Powered Off M4A78L-M Onboard power LED ASUS M4A78L-M 1-5 This is a reminder that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any ... you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in soft-off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. P5KPL-AM/PS • Hold components by the edges to avoid... touching the ICs on them due to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. Failure to do so may cause ...
... OFF Standby Power Powered Off M4A78L-M Onboard power LED ASUS M4A78L-M 1-5 This is a reminder that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any ... you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in soft-off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. P5KPL-AM/PS • Hold components by the edges to avoid... touching the ICs on them due to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. Failure to do so may cause ...
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1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. M4A78L-M 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. DO NOT overtighten the screws!
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. M4A78L-M 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. DO NOT overtighten the screws!
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...) 1-25 15. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 7. PCIe x16 / PCIe x1 / PCI slots 1-19 Page 1-27 1-5 1-26 1-28 1-29 1-23 1-18 ASUS M4A78L-M 1-7 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 2. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 24 3 4 5 22.4cm(8.8in) KB_USB56 SPDIFO_ HDMI ATX12V CHA_FAN CPU_FAN COM1 Super I/O 6 LPT SOCKET AM2+ DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module...
...) 1-25 15. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 7. PCIe x16 / PCIe x1 / PCI slots 1-19 Page 1-27 1-5 1-26 1-28 1-29 1-23 1-18 ASUS M4A78L-M 1-7 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 2. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 24 3 4 5 22.4cm(8.8in) KB_USB56 SPDIFO_ HDMI ATX12V CHA_FAN CPU_FAN COM1 Super I/O 6 LPT SOCKET AM2+ DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module...
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... a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2+ / AM2 socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard supports AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ Family processors. M4A78L-M M4A78L-M CPU socket AM2+ 2. Locate the CPU socket on the...
... a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2+ / AM2 socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard supports AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ Family processors. M4A78L-M M4A78L-M CPU socket AM2+ 2. Locate the CPU socket on the...
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... DO NOT forget to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to secure the CPU. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND ASUS M4A78L-M 1-9 You can occur if you fail to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Hardware monitoring errors can also refer to plug this connector. 5. Connect... the instructions that it is in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that comes with the heatsink package. The lever clicks on the motherboard. When the CPU is locked. 6.
... DO NOT forget to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to secure the CPU. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND ASUS M4A78L-M 1-9 You can occur if you fail to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Hardware monitoring errors can also refer to plug this connector. 5. Connect... the instructions that it is in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that comes with the heatsink package. The lever clicks on the motherboard. When the CPU is locked. 6.
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1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2. CPU Fan CPU Heatsink Retention bracket Retention Module Base Retention bracket lock ... heatsink and fan: 1. If the instructions in this section 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 you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2. CPU Fan CPU Heatsink Retention bracket Retention Module Base Retention bracket lock ... heatsink and fan: 1. If the instructions in this section 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 you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
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...retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to plug this connector. 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you... installation on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to connect the CPU fan connector! Align the other end of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 Channel Channel A Channel B M4A78L-M M4A78L-M 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 ASUS M4A78L-M 1-11 When ...
...retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to plug this connector. 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you... installation on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to connect the CPU fan connector! Align the other end of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 Channel Channel A Channel B M4A78L-M M4A78L-M 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 ASUS M4A78L-M 1-11 When ...
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...-bit �W�i�nd�o�w��s® OS if you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the following: I�n�s�ta�l�l�a��m�a�x...the total size of the lower-sized channel for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. M4A78L-M Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1200(O.C.)MHz capability Vendor Part No. Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-...
...-bit �W�i�nd�o�w��s® OS if you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of the following: I�n�s�ta�l�l�a��m�a�x...the total size of the lower-sized channel for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. M4A78L-M Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1200(O.C.)MHz capability Vendor Part No. Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-...
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DO NOT force a DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in only one direction. ASUS M4A78L-M 1 1-17 Failure to do so can cause severe damage to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Support the DIMM lightly with extra force. 1 2 DIMM notch 2. The ... break on the socket such that it flips out with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket to unlock the DIMM. Locked Retaining Clip 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Remove the...
DO NOT force a DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in only one direction. ASUS M4A78L-M 1 1-17 Failure to do so can cause severe damage to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Support the DIMM lightly with extra force. 1 2 DIMM notch 2. The ... break on the socket such that it flips out with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket to unlock the DIMM. Locked Retaining Clip 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Remove the...
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...support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the screw you removed earlier. 6. Assign an IRQ to the ... is already installed in a chassis). 3. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that the cards do so...
...support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the screw you removed earlier. 6. Assign an IRQ to the ... is already installed in a chassis). 3. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that the cards do so...
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... VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on your motherboard: Dual display outputs DVI + D-Sub DVI + HDMI HDMI + D-Sub Supported • • Not supported • • During POST, only the monitor connected to USB 2.0 devices. 13. ASUS M4A78L-M 1-21 The dual display function works only under Windows. Go to Start...
... VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on your motherboard: Dual display outputs DVI + D-Sub DVI + HDMI HDMI + D-Sub Supported • • Not supported • • During POST, only the monitor connected to USB 2.0 devices. 13. ASUS M4A78L-M 1-21 The dual display function works only under Windows. Go to Start...