Motherboard M4A77T
E5248 First Edition V1 December 2009 Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii M4A77T specifications summary............................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!.......................
Contents 1.12 Software support......................................................................... 1-27 1.12.1 1.12.2 Chapter 2: 2.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS.................................................... 2-3 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-5 2.2.3 Navigation keys................................................................ 2-5 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.
Contents 2.5.4 2.6 2.5.5 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-18 2.6.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-19 Boot Settings Configuration........................................... 2-18 Tools menu.................................................................................. 2-20 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2........................................................... 2-20 2.7.3 AI NET 2.......................
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • • This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Safety information Electrical safety • • • • • • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system. When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
M4A77T specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors Supports AMD® 45nm CPU Supports CPU up to 140W * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list Chipset AMD® 770 / SB710 Front Side Bus Up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 1800(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066MHz memory modules * Refer to www.asus.
M4A77T specifications summary ASUS exclusive overclocking features Intelligent overclocking tools: – Turbo Key SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): – FSB frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 550MHz at 1MHz increment – PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking protection: – ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port 1 x LPT port 1 x COM port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A77T motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
AMD® 770 Chipset The AMD® 770 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD’s latest AM3 multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities. HyperTransport™ 3.0 support HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efficiency for a smoother and faster computing environment.
MemOK! Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more. MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve your system booting success.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU parameters to their default settings. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below. Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.
1-6 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN and 3-pin CHA_FAN) 1-20 8. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-24 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-21 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 1-26 3. CPU Socket AM3 1-7 10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-17 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-10 11. Onboard power LED (SB_PWR) 1-4 5.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 processors. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2.
5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. 5.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR3-1600(O.C.)MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. CL A-Data AD31600X002GMU 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 • Corsair CM3X1G1600C9DHX 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 CRUCIAL BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 CRUCIAL BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package Crucial BL25664TB1608.
DDR3-1333MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. CL G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ 1024MB DS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-4GBPK 2048MB DS G.SKILL G.SkiLL F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS G.
DDR3-1066MHz capability Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. CL Elpida EBJ51UD8BAFA-AC-E 512MB SS elpida J5308BASE-AC-E Elpida EBJ51UD8BAFA-AE-E 512MB SS elpida G.SKILL F3-8500CL6D-2GBHK 1024MB SS Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G 1024MB Kingston KVR1066D3N7/1G Kingston DIMM support A* B* C* N/A • • • J5308BASE-AC-E N/A • • • G.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket. DIMM notch 1 1 DIMM slot key Unlocked retaining clip A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
1.10 MemOK! switch Onboard switch allows you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or opencase system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. MemOK! switch Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously.
1.11 Connectors 1.11.1 Rear panel ports 1. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue (Rear panel) Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center Lime (Front panel) – – – Side Speaker Out To configure an 8-channel audio output: Use the chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support 8-channel audio output.
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. • We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1~6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133). If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations through the onboard SB710 chipset.
5. 1-24 System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (2-pin PLED) • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) • ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW) • Reset button (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to configure the setting. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 7.
8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
1.12 Software support 1.12.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating from a BIOS file 3. a. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility.
• This function supports USB flash disks with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS The ASUS CrashFree BIOS is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a removable device that contains the updated BIOS file.
2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Configuration fields Power Main Settings System Time System Date Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 SATA5 SATA6 SATA Configuration General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit [19:34:30] [Tue 01/01/2002] :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] System Information Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.
2.2.4 Menu items 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 Pop-up window The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. A solid triangle before each item on a menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press .
2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When this item is set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multisector transfer feature.
2.3.5 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] Selects the CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Configuration options: [Manual] [Auto] [Overclock Profile] [Test Mode] [CPU Level Up] The following items only appear when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual]. OC From CPU Level Up [200] Selects the desired CPU level, and other relevant parameters will be adjusted automatically based on the selected CPU level. Configuration options: [Auto] [Phenom II-955] [Phenom II-3.4G] [Phenom II-3.
HT Over Voltage [Auto] Sets the HT over voltage. The values range from 1.20000V to 1.38000V with a 0.01000V increment. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the value. Configuration options: [Auto] [Max. = 1.38000V] [Min. = 1.20000V] DRAM Frequency [Auto] Selects the DRAM frequency programming method. If this item is set to [Auto], the DRAM speed depends on the SPDs. Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1067MHz] [1333MHz] [1600MHz] Memory Over Voltage [Auto] Sets the memory over voltage.
TWTR [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] ~ [7 CLK] TWRWR [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK] TRDRD [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] ~ [10 CLK] TRFC0/1 [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] TREF [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms] DCT0:CKE drive strength [Auto] / DCT1:CKE drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.
Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled] Enables or disables the building of ACPI SRAT table. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Adjusts the processor’s overclocking capability. When this item is set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically adjusts this function. When this item is set to [All Cores], the processor has the best overclocking performance.
ECC Configuration ECC Mode [Disabled] Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors automatically. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] Primary Display Adapter [GFX-GPP-PCI] Allows you to set the primary display adapter.
2.4.5 PCIPnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Plug And Play O/S [No] When this item is set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC support [Auto] [Enabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.
Power on By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Power Key] [Ctrl - Esc] Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration CPU / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
Bootup Num-Lock [On] Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When this item is set to [Enabled], the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.
Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press . 2. In the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters or numbers, or both, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted.
2.7.2 Express Gate [Auto] Enables or disables the ASUS Express Gate feature. ASUS Express Gate is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet and Skype. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the first screen of Express Gate for user action.
2.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exitsystem systemsetup setup Exit aftersaving savingthe the after changes. changes. F10key keycan canbe beused used F10 forthis thisoperation. operation.
