Motherboard M4A77TD
E4944 First Edition V1 August 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........................................................................................ viii M4A77TD specifications summary............................................................. x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!...........................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-28 1.11.1 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-28 1.11.2 Support DVD information............................................... 1-28 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 iv Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.
Contents 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Power menu................................................................................. 2-17 2.5.1 Suspend Mode............................................................... 2-17 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support........................................................... 2-17 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support........................................................ 2-17 2.5.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-17 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration..
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.
Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package. • Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately. • To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry. • Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes.
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.
M4A77TD specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors Supports 45nm CPU AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology (depends on CPU type) 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.
M4A77TD specifications summary Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port 1 x RJ-45 port 1 x COM port 1x LPT port 1 x Optical S/PDIF_OUT port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio ports Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
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Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A77TD 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. 5200 MT/s 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.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save.
ASUS MyLogo2™ Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS.
1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
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.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 4 1 21.3cm(8.4in) KB_USB56 CHA_FAN ATX12V PRI_IDE 5 30.5cm(12.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series 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.
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 break on the socket. DIMM notch 1 1 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. CLRTC M4A77TD 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC M4A77TD Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 1 2 14 3 13 12 11 10 4 5 6 7 9 8 1. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects to 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 Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Gray – – – Side Speaker Out Ensure the audio device of sound playback is VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on
1.10.2 1. Internal connectors 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.
2. 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.
3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, and SATA6) 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 133MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
4. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. SPEAKER +5V Ground Ground Speaker PLED- PLED+ PLED PANEL M4A77TD IDE_LED PWRSW Reset Ground PWR Ground IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PIN 1 RESET * Requires an ATX power supply M4A77TD System panel connector • System power LED This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
5. 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.
6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) +5V M4A77TD SPDIFOUT GND This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. SPDIF_OUT M4A77TD Digital audio connector 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. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN and 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. CHA_FAN Rotation +12V GND CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M4A77TD M4A77TD fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 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.
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).
Updating the BIOS To update the BIOS: 1. From the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUS Update > ASUS Update to launch the ASUS Update utility. 2. From the dropdown list, select either of the following methods: Updating from the Internet a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then click Next. c.
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways: • Press + during POST. • Enter the BIOS setup program.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility 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. • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into M4A77TD.ROM. • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version.
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 General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time System Date Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 SATA5 SATA6 SATA Configuration 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. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.
The following items only appear when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Manual]. CPU Bus Frequency [200] Sets the CPU frequency. Configuration options: [Min.=200] [Max.=550] PCIE Frequency Sets the PCIe frequency. Configuration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] The following item only appears when you set Ai Overclock Tuner to [Overclock Profile]. Overclock Options [Auto] Selects the overclocking profile.
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. The values range from 1.5000V to 2.2050V with a 0.0150V increment. Use the <+> / <-> keys to adjust the value. Configuration options: [Auto] [Max. = 2.2050V] [Min. = 1.
TRFC0/TRFC1 [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] TREF [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms] DCT0:CKE drive strength/DCT1:CKE drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] DCT0:CS/ODT drive strength/DCT1:CS/ODT drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] DCT0:ADDR/CMD drive strength/DCT1:ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.
C1E Configuration [Disabled] Enables or disables the CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function, a CPU power-saving function in system halt state. When this item is enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during the system halt state to decrease power consumption. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Advanced Clock Calibration [Disabled] Adjusts the processor’s overclocking capability. When this item is set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically adjusts this function.
Primary Display Adapter [GFX-GPP-PCI] Selects the primary display adapter. Configuration options: [GFX-GPP-PCI] [GPP-GFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX-GPP] GFX: primary display adapter on the PCIe x16 slot GPP: primary display adapter on the PCIe x1 slot PCI: primary display adapter on the PCI slot 2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. USB Functions [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables USB 2.0 Controllers.
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 From S5 By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 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 Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] 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.
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When this item is set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] Enables or disables the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.
2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press . 2.
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 and/or numbers, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted.
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2.7.2 Express Gate [Auto] Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press to confirm your choice. Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. ASUS Express Gate is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet and Skype.
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 Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu.
