User Manual
Page 4
Contents 1.11 Software support 1-29 1.11.1 Installing an operating system 1-29 1.11.2 Support DVD information 1-29 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 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 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...
Contents 1.11 Software support 1-29 1.11.1 Installing an operating system 1-29 1.11.2 Support DVD information 1-29 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 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 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...
User Manual
Page 8
...names are linked with a plus sign (+). Refer to select. Typography Bold text Italics ++ Indicates a menu or an item to the ASUS contact information. 2. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following symbols used in the less-than and greater-than sign means.... Used to complete a task. Example: means that you MUST follow to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. If you must press two or more information Refer to complete a task. About...
...names are linked with a plus sign (+). Refer to select. Typography Bold text Italics ++ Indicates a menu or an item to the ASUS contact information. 2. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following symbols used in the less-than and greater-than sign means.... Used to complete a task. Example: means that you MUST follow to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. If you must press two or more information Refer to complete a task. About...
User Manual
Page 9
...Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O. M5A78L Series specifications summar CPU Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio USB AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom...series processors AMD® Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology Supports CPU up to 125W * 32nm AM3+ CPU is supported by BIOS version 0401 and later. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** When you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system...
...Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1800(O. M5A78L Series specifications summar CPU Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Storage LAN Audio USB AMD® Socket AM3+ for AMD® FX™ / Phenom...series processors AMD® Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology Supports CPU up to 125W * 32nm AM3+ CPU is supported by BIOS version 0401 and later. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). ***** When you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system...
User Manual
Page 10
...Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form factor Core Unlocker ASUS EPU-4 Engine ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Fan 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) 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port... 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS v2.5 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12...
...Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form factor Core Unlocker ASUS EPU-4 Engine ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Fan 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) 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port... 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS v2.5 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12...
User Manual
Page 13
... ongoing work or games, simply through pressing the button. ASUS M5A78L Series 1-3 Enjoy an instant performance boost by power surges from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is a unique power saving technology that contains the BIOS file. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features Core Unlocker ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD®...
... ongoing work or games, simply through pressing the button. ASUS M5A78L Series 1-3 Enjoy an instant performance boost by power surges from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is a unique power saving technology that contains the BIOS file. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features Core Unlocker ASUS Core Unlocker simplifies the activation of a latent AMD®...
User Manual
Page 14
...European 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 Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the... BIOS automatically restores the CPU parameters to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default...
...European 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 Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the... BIOS automatically restores the CPU parameters to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default...
User Manual
Page 28
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on BIOS setup. 2. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it and make the necessary hardware settings ...card. 2. Assign an IRQ to do not need to install expansion cards. When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with the screw you may cause you physical injury and damage...
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on BIOS setup. 2. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it and make the necessary hardware settings ...card. 2. Assign an IRQ to do not need to install expansion cards. When using PCI cards on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with the screw you may cause you physical injury and damage...
User Manual
Page 29
1.9 Jumpers 1. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, ... failure! • If the steps above do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. ASUS M5A78L Series 1-19 Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Keep the cap on CLRTC jumper default...
1.9 Jumpers 1. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, ... failure! • If the steps above do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. ASUS M5A78L Series 1-19 Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Keep the cap on CLRTC jumper default...
User Manual
Page 30
... supply at least 1A on the keyboard. KBPWR 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series M5A78L Series Keyboard power setting 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction USBPW1-4 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series USBPW5-10 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series USB device wake-up feature. Set these jumpers to +5V to pins 2-3 (+5VSB...
... supply at least 1A on the keyboard. KBPWR 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series M5A78L Series Keyboard power setting 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction USBPW1-4 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series USBPW5-10 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) M5A78L Series USB device wake-up feature. Set these jumpers to +5V to pins 2-3 (+5VSB...
User Manual
Page 32
... AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to this connector. Serial port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 1.10.2 Internal connectors 1. 7. Connect one end of the front panel ...MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R SENSE_SEND PORT2 L HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC'97 pin definition compliant definition M5A78L Series Front panel audio connector • We recommend that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. These two 4-pin Universal...
... AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to this connector. Serial port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 1.10.2 Internal connectors 1. 7. Connect one end of the front panel ...MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R SENSE_SEND PORT2 L HD-audio-compliant Legacy AC'97 pin definition compliant definition M5A78L Series Front panel audio connector • We recommend that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. These two 4-pin Universal...
User Manual
Page 35
... The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. ASUS M5A78L Series 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_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 Series SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 M5A78L Series SATA connectors • Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions ... included in the folder named Manual in the BIOS. 4.
... The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. ASUS M5A78L Series 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_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 Series SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 M5A78L Series SATA connectors • Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions ... included in the folder named Manual in the BIOS. 4.
User Manual
Page 41
... (ISP). • This utility is a utility that allows you update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update The ASUS Update is available in the future. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you want to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then...BIOS version that you to download then click Next. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using this utility. Place the support DVD into the optical drive. Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the following methods: Updating from the Internet, then click Next. ASUS M5A78L...
... (ISP). • This utility is a utility that allows you update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update The ASUS Update is available in the future. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you want to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then...BIOS version that you to download then click Next. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using this utility. Place the support DVD into the optical drive. Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the following methods: Updating from the Internet, then click Next. ASUS M5A78L...
User Manual
Page 42
...Press + during POST. • Enter the BIOS setup program. Always update the utility to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.44 FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25X/Q16 Current ROM BOARD: M5A78L Series VER: 0202 (H:00 B:00) DATE: ...03/07/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C:\ C: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [V] Drive Info [ESC] Exit 2. The ASUS...
...Press + during POST. • Enter the BIOS setup program. Always update the utility to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.44 FLASH TYPE: WINBOND W25X/Q16 Current ROM BOARD: M5A78L Series VER: 0202 (H:00 B:00) DATE: ...03/07/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C:\ C: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [V] Drive Info [ESC] Exit 2. The ASUS...
User Manual
Page 43
.... • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the USB flash drive into M5A78L.ROM (for M5A78L) or M5A78LL.ROM (for M5A78L LE). • Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to the floppy disk drive, if supported. 3. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-3 Turn on again. Insert the...
.... • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the USB flash drive into M5A78L.ROM (for M5A78L) or M5A78LL.ROM (for M5A78L LE). • Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to the floppy disk drive, if supported. 3. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-3 Turn on again. Insert the...
User Manual
Page 44
... at startup To enter BIOS Setup at www.asus.com to turn the system off then back on your data or system. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to update the BIOS or configure its routines. They may not exactly match what ...you see on . The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you failed to your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). If you always shut down ...
... at startup To enter BIOS Setup at www.asus.com to turn the system off then back on your data or system. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to update the BIOS or configure its routines. They may not exactly match what ...you see on . The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you failed to your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). If you always shut down ...
User Manual
Page 45
... to configure system Time. Use [+] or [-] to another. Select Screen Select Item +- Use the navigation keys to select a field. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields Main Advanced M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE... change the settings. Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-5
... to configure system Time. Use [+] or [-] to another. Select Screen Select Item +- Use the navigation keys to select a field. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields Main Advanced M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE... change the settings. Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2011, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-5
User Manual
Page 46
...configurable, you can change the value of a field, select it then press to display a list of the selected item. 2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window. 2.2.7 Pop-up window with the configuration options for the menu items. If an item is highlighted... when selected. Use [+] or [-] to select a field. Main Advanced M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC support APM Configuration HW Monitor Configuration Anti Surge Support [...
...configurable, you can change the value of a field, select it then press to display a list of the selected item. 2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window. 2.2.7 Pop-up window with the configuration options for the menu items. If an item is highlighted... when selected. Use [+] or [-] to select a field. Main Advanced M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC support APM Configuration HW Monitor Configuration Anti Surge Support [...
User Manual
Page 47
... to set the system time. 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to navigate through them. Main Advanced Main Settings M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave ... the type of the basic system information. These values are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you are not user-configurable. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-7 Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for each IDE/SATA device.
... to set the system time. 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to navigate through them. Main Advanced Main Settings M5A78L Series BIOS Setup Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [16:34:30] System Date [Tue 01/11/2011] Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave ... the type of the basic system information. These values are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you are not user-configurable. ASUS M5A78L Series 2-7 Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for each IDE/SATA device.
User Manual
Page 48
... LBA mode disabled. When this item is set to [AHCI], the information of the SATA connectors 1-6 can be seen only under the OS environment. 2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.4 SATA Configuration The SATA Configuration menu allows you want...
... LBA mode disabled. When this item is set to [AHCI], the information of the SATA connectors 1-6 can be seen only under the OS environment. 2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.4 SATA Configuration The SATA Configuration menu allows you want...
User Manual
Page 49
... detects the items in this item to the SATA connectors 5 or 6 when installing OS. BIOS information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that ... an overview of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the optical dirves connected to [IDE] instead of the general system specifications. SATA Port5 - ASUS M5A78L Series 2-9 Port6 [IDE] Setting this menu. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification.
... detects the items in this item to the SATA connectors 5 or 6 when installing OS. BIOS information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. If you use a SATA optical drive to run the OS installation disk, we strongly recommend that ... an overview of [RAID] or [AHCI] allows the system to recognize the optical dirves connected to [IDE] instead of the general system specifications. SATA Port5 - ASUS M5A78L Series 2-9 Port6 [IDE] Setting this menu. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification.