Motherboard M4A78LT PLUS
E6445 First Edition (V1) February 2011 Copyright © 2011 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 M4A78LT PLUS specifications summary.................................................. ix Chapter 1: 1.1 1.2 Motherboard overview....................................
Contents Chapter 2: 2.1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3................................................. 2-3 2.1.2 2.2 2.1.4 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-8 2.2.3 Navigation keys................................................................ 2-8 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.2.9 Menu items......................................................................
Contents 2.6 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-18 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-19 2.6.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-19 2.6.2 2.7 2.8 Boot Settings Configuration........................................... 2-19 Tools menu.................................................................................. 2-21 2.7.1 2.7.
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.
REACH Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction • This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
M4A78LT PLUS specifications summary CPU AMD® socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors Supports 45nm CPU Supports AMD® 95W CPU AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list Chipset AMD® 760G / SB710 System Bus Up to 4400MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for AM3 CPU Memory 2 x DIMMs, max.
M4A78LT PLUS specifications summary Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Mouse port (green) 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple) 1 x COM port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 3 x Audio jacks Internal connectors 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x Chassis intrusion connector 4 x Serial ATA 3.
Chapter 1 Product introduction Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78LT PLUS motherboard! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your motherboard package. Refer to page x for the list of accessories. If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Placement direction 1.2.2 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.
1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 4 5 3 6 20.3cm(8.0in) KBMS CPU_FAN EPU USB34 LAN1_USB12 30.5cm(12.
1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-6, USBPW7-10) 1-15 8. 2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) Page System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) 1-20 Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-19 3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) 1-17 10. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910) 1-21 4. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-18 11.
3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! Small triangle Gold triangle 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.
1.3.2 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.
1.4.2 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.
DDR3-1333MHz capability DIMM socket support (Optional) 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs A-Data AD31333001GOU 1GB SS A-Data AD30908C8D-151C E0906 • • A-Data AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V • • A-Data AD31333002GOU 2GB DS A-Data AD30908C8D-151C E0903 • • A-Data AD31333G002GMU 2GB DS 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V • • Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS APACER AM5D5808DEWSBG • • Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808FEQSBG 9 • • CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9 1GB SS 9-9-9-24 1.
DDR3-1333MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ Chip DS Brand Chip NO.
1.4.3 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.
1.4.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Remove the screws on the iCafe Memory Anti-theft locks. Put them aside for later use. 2. Remove the iCafe Memory Anti-theft locks. 1 1 2 2 3. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. 4 Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. 3 3 1-12 4. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 5.
1.5 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. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.6 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 M4A78LT PLUS 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC M4A78LT PLUS Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-6, USBPW7-10) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set these jumpers to +5VSB to wake up the compurer from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode). 1 2 2 3 USBPW1-6 +5V (Default) +5VSB USBPW7-10 M4A78LT PLUS 1 2 3 2 +5V (Default) +5VSB M4A78LT PLUS USB device wake-up 3.
1.7 Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel ports 1 2 8 6 7 3 4 5 1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description ORANGE Linked OFF BLINKING No link Data activity Speed LED ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED Status Description ORANGE 100Mbps connection OFF GREEN 10Mbps connection 1Gbps connection LAN port 3.
1.7.2 1. Internal connectors CPU and chassis connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN) 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. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND CPU_FAN CHA_FAN GND +12V Rotation M4A78LT PLUS M4A78LT PLUS fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
3. 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.
AMD® SB710 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB710 controller.
6. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PWRBTN PLED+ PLEDPWR GND PLED PIN 1 IDE_LED+ IDE_LEDGround Reset F_PANEL M4A78LT PLUS +HDLED RESET M4A78LT PLUS System panel connector • • • • 1-20 System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910) USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC 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. USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC M4A78LT PLUS USB78 USB910 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND 7. M4A78LT PLUS USB2.
1.8 Software support 1.8.1 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).
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 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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 USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown. Before updating BIOS 1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and single partition. 2.
Backing up the current BIOS To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has enough free space to save the file. 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press . D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom Filename Extension The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension. 2.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press . D:\>bupdater /pc /g 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 Current ROM BOARD: M4A78LT PLUS VER: 0202 (H:00 B:00) DATE: 02/21/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ M4A78TPL.ROM A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up/Down/Home/End] Move 3.
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 General help M4A78LT PLUS BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Power Version 0202 Main Settings System Time System Date SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 SATA Configuration Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. [19:34:30] [Tue 01/08/2002] :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
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.
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. When this item is set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode.
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. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power M4A78LT PLUS BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings Version 0202 Configure CPU.
2.4.2 Chipset NorthBridge Configuration DRAM Controller Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.
Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Selects the front panel type. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the onboard LAN controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Enables or disables the Onboard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.4 PCIPnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.
The following items only appear when a USB storage device is plugged in. USB Mass Storage Device Configuration USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec] Sets the maximum time that the BIOS waits for the USB storage device to initialize. Configuration options: [10 Sec] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec] Emulation Type [Auto] Allows you to set the emulation type. Configuration options: [Auto] [Floppy] [Forced FDD] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] 2.
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] 2.5.4 APM Configuration Enables or disables the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When this item is set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When this item set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled] Enables or disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled]. CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] Allows you to manually set a lower limit for the CPU fan speed. If the CPU fan speed is below the specified limit, the system sends out warning beeps.
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority 1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive] These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] • To select the boot device during system startup, press when ASUS Logo appears.
To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor 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. The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password. To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a supervisor password.
2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. Main Advanced Power Version 0202 M4A78LT PLUS BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Tools Settings ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS O.C. Profile Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility supports: 1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w) 2.NTFS (read only) 3.
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 M4A78LT PLUS BIOS Setup Boot Tools Exit Version 0202 Exitsystem systemsetup setup Exit aftersaving savingthe the after changes. changes. F10key keycan canbe beused used F10 forthis thisoperation. operation.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw www.asus.com.tw +86-21-38429911 support.asus.
(510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Signature : Date : Representative Person’s Name : Mar. 12, 2011 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
