Preface Copyright This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of the author. Version 1.0 Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Declaration of Conformity This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface i Chapter 1 1 Introducing the Motherboard 1 Introduction...........................................................................................1 Pakage Contents..................................................................................1 Specifications......................................................................................2 Motherboard Components................................................................4 I/O Ports...................................
Chapter 4 49 Using the Motherboard Software 49 Auto-installing under Windows 7/8/8.1.......................................49 Running Setup........................................................................49 Manual Installation..........................................................................51 ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................51 Chapter 6 53 Trouble Shooting 53 Start up problems during assembly..............................................
Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Introducing the Motherboard Thank you for choosing the A78F2P-M2 motherboard. This motherboard is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket FM2+ 906P Kaveri/FM2 904P Richland for AMD processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets. The motherboard is based on AMD A78 Bolton express chipset for best desktop platform. The memory controller supports DDR3 memory DIMM frequencies of 2133MHz (FM2+) *1/1866MHz (FM2) *1.
Chapter 1 Specifications CPU • • Socket FM2+906P Kaveri/FM2 904P Richland for AMD processors Supports CPU up to 125W TDP Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list. Chipset • AMD A78 Bolton Chipset Memory • • • Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DDR3 UDIMM sockets support up to 32 GB Supports DDR3 2133MHz (FM2+)*/1866MHz (FM2)* DDR3 SDRAM Note: *Due to the limitation of chipset spec, it supports up to 2133/1866 MHz, 1.5V memory with a single DIMM per channel.
1 x Speaker header 1 x Parallel port header(LPT) 1 x Clear CMOS jumper System BIOS • AMI BIOS with 32Mb SPI Flash ROM - Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3)/STD (S4) - Supports ACPI & DMI - Supports Hardware Monitor - Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS - F7 hot key for boot up devices option - Supports PaUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2 KB Model only) AP/Bundled Software Support • • Supports eBLU*1/eDLU/eSF*1/EZ Charger 3rd Party Bundled Software: Cyberlink Media Suite*2/Norton Anti Virus*2/Muzee*2/MAGIX*2
Chapter 1 4 Motherboard Components A78F2P-M2 USER MANUAL
LABEL 1. CPU Socket 2. SYS_FAN2 3. CPU_FAN 4. DDR3_1~2 5. ATX_POWER 6. SATA1~6 7. F_PANEL COMPONENTS FM2+ 906P Kaveri/FM2 904P Richland for AMD processors 4-pin System cooling fan connector 4-pin CPU cooling fan connector 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots Standard 24-pin ATX power connector Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors Front panel switch/LED header Front panel USB 2.0 headers 8. F_USB1~2 (F_USB1 supports EZ Charger function) 9. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header 10. SYS_FAN1 4-pin System cooling fan connector 11.
Chapter 1 I/O Ports Or 1. PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse combo connector Use the PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 mouse or a PS2 keyboard. 2. USB 2.0 Ports Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices. 3. VGA Port Connect VGA display device to the VGA port. 4. DVI Port Connect DVI display device to the DVI port. 5. HDMI Port (Co-lay with DP port) Connect HDMI or DP display device to the HDMI or DP port. 6. USB 3.0 Ports Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices. 7.
Chapter 2 Installing the Motherboard Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard: • • • • Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity. Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded object before working on the motherboard. Leave components in the static-proof bags.
2-3. Checking Jumper Settings The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is labeled.
2-4. Installing Hardware • • • • This motherboard has an FM2+ socket. When choosing a processor, consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory. You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We strongly recommend you do not over-clock processor or other components to run faster than their rated speed.
2-4-2. Installing the CPU Cooler • • • Chapter 2 • Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the motherboard and processor socket. Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components. To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least.
• • • • This motherboard accommodates two memory modules. It can support two 240-pin DDR3 2133MHz (FM2+)*/1866MHz (FM2)*. Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules. You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Total memory capacity is 32 GB.
2-4-4. Installing Add-on Cards The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are not part of the basic system.
1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot you are going to use. 2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot. Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot. 3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw. 1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the add-on card.
2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional devices: Chapter 2 No. Components No. 1 SATA1~6 6 Components TPM 2 F_USB1~2 7 CASE 3 USB3F 8 SPDIFO 4 LPT 9 F_AUDIO 5 COM —— —— 1. SATA1~6: Serial ATA III connectors SATA1~6 connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA device for the highest data transfer rates (6.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly.
The motherboard has two USB 2.0 headers supporting four USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, some computer cases have USB 2.0 ports at the front of the case. If you have this kind of case, use auxiliary USB 2.0 connector to connect the front-mounted ports to the motherboard. F_USB1 supports EZ Charger technology, provides 3 times current than general USB 2.0 port in off mode for USB devices.
4. LPT: Onboard parallel port Header This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices. Chapter 2 5. COM: Onboard serial port header Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your system.
6. TPM: Trusted Platform Module header Chapter 2 Trusted platform module (TPM) is a published specification detailing a micro controller that can store secured information, and implementations of that specification. 7. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis equipped with intrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.
8. SPDIFO: SPDIF out header This is an optional header that provides an SPDIFO (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector. Chapter 2 9. F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio Header The front panel audio header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and line-out ports for easier access. This header supports HD audio by default. If you want connect an AC’ 97 front panel audio to HD onboard headers, please set as below picture.
AC’ 97 Audio Configuration: To enable the front panel audio connector to support AC97 Audio mode. Chapter 2 If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please tick off the option of “ Disabled Front Panel Detect ”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Disabled Front Panel Detect ” . * For reference only If you use AC’ 97 Front Panel, please don’ t tick off “Using Front Jack Detect ”. If you use HD Audio Front Panel, please tick off the option of “Using Front Jack Detect ”.
2-4-6. Installing a SATA Hard Drive This section describes how to install a SATA Hard Drive. About SATA Connectors Chapter 2 Your motherboard features six SATA connectors supporting a total of six drives. SATA refers to Serial ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) is the standard interface for the IDE hard drives which are currently used in most PCs. These connectors are well designed and will only fit in one orientation.
2-4-7. Connecting Case Components Chapter 2 After you have installed the motherboard into a case, you can begin connecting the motherboard components. Refer to the following: No. Components No. Components 1 SYS_FAN2 5 SYS_FAN1 2 CPU_FAN 6 SPK 3 ATX_POWER 7 ATX_12V 4 F_PANEL —— —— 1 & 2 & 5. SYS_FAN (System Cooling FAN Connector) & CPU_FAN (CPU cooling FAN Connector) Connect the CPU cooling fan cable to CPU_FAN. Connect the System cooling fan connector to SYS_FAN.
3 & 7. ATX_POWER (ATX 24-pin Power Connector) & ATX12V (ATX 12V Power Connector) Connect the standard power supply connector to ATX_POWER. Connect the auxiliary case power supply connector to ATX12V. Chapter 2 Connecting 24-pin power cable The ATX 24-pin connector allows you to connect to ATX v2.x power supply. With ATX v2.x power supply, users please note that when installing 24-pin power cable, the latches of power cable and the ATX match perfectly.
4. Front Panel Header Chapter 2 The front panel header (F_PANEL) provides a standard set of switch and LED headers commonly found on ATX or Micro ATX cases. Refer to the table below for information: Hard Drive Activity LED Connecting pins 1 and 3 to a front panel mounted LED provides visual indication that data is being read from or written to the hard drive. For the LED to function properly, an IDE drive should be connected to the onboard IDE interface.
6. SPK: Speaker header Connect the case speaker cable to SPK. Chapter 2 This concludes Chapter 2. The next chapter covers the BIOS.
Chapter 3 Using BIOS About the Setup Utility The BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) Setup Utility displays the system’s configuration status and provides you with options to set system parameters. The parameters are stored in battery-backed-up CMOS RAM that saves this information when the power is turned off. When the system is turned back on, the system is configured with the values you stored in CMOS.
Press the delete key to access BIOS Setup Utility. Chapter 3 Resetting the Default CMOS Values When powering on for the first time, the POST screen may show a “CMOS Settings Wrong” message. This standard message will appear following a clear CMOS data at factory by the manufacturer. You simply need to Load Default Settings to reset the default CMOS values. Note: Changes to system hardware such as different CPU, memories, etc. may also trigger this message.
In this manual, default values are enclosed in parenthesis. Submenu items are denoted by an icon . The default BIOS setting for this motherboard apply for most conditions with optimum performance. We do not suggest users change the default values in the BIOS setup and take no responsibility to any damage caused by changing the BIOS settings.
Main Menu This menu shows the information of BIOS and enables you to set the system language, date and time. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III System Date System Time Security Exit Choose the system default language BIOS Information System Language Boot English Fri 02/14/2014 00:06:24 Chapter 3 : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Advanced Menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system. Advanced LAN Configuration PC Health Status Power Management Setup ACPI Settings CPU Configuration SATA Configuration USB Configuration Super IO Configuration Trusted Computing Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit LAN Configuration Parameters : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
LAN Configuration The item in the menu shows the LAN-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot LAN Configuration Onboard LAN Controller Enabled Security Exit Enabled/Disabled Onboard LAN Controller : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Chapter 3 Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
PC Health Status On motherboards support hardware monitoring, this item lets you monitor the parameters for critical voltages, temperatures and fan speeds. Main Advanced PC Health Status Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit : : : : : : : : +54 +27OC 3296RPM N/A N/A +1.656 V +1.564V +1.298V : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Smart Fan Mode (Normal) This item allows you to select the fan mode (Normal, Quiet, Silent, or Manual) for a better operation environment. If you choose Normal mode, the fan speed will be auto adjusted depending on the CPU temperature. If you choose Quite mode, the fan speed will be auto minimized for quiet environment. If you choose Silent mode, the fan speed will be auto restricted to make system more quietly. If you choose Manual mode, the fan speed will be adjust depending on users’ parameters.
Power Management Setup This page sets up some parameters for system power management operation. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit About Resume by Ring Resume By RING Resume By PME Resume By USB Resume By PS2 KB (S3) Resume By PS2 MS (S3) Resume By RTC Alarm EUP Function Power LED Type Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Disabled Enabled Dual Color LED : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
ACPI Settings The item in the menu shows the highest ACPI sleep state when the system enters suspend. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot ACPI Settings ACPI Sleep State S3 only (Suspend to RAM) Security Exit Select ACPI sleep state the system will enter when the SUSPEND button is pressed. : Select Screen Chapter 3 /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
CPU Configuration The item in the menu shows the CPU. Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit Enabled /disable C6. --------- Cache per Core --------L1 Instruction Cache : 48 KB/~way L1 Data Cache : 16 KB/4-Way L2 Cache: 1024 KB/16-way No L3 Cache Present C6 Mode AMD Turbo Core AMD C&Q Enabled Auto Enabled : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
SATA Configuration Use this item to show the mode of serial SATA configuration options. Main Advanced SATA Configuration OnChip SATA Channel SATA Mode SATA Port 1 SATA Port 2 SATA Port3 SATA Port 4 SATA Port 5 SATA Port 6 Chipset M.I.B.
USB Configuration Use this item to show the information of USB configuration. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit USB Configuration Enabled Enabled : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt. F1: General Help F2: Previous Values F3: Optimized Defaults F4: Save & Exit ESC/Right Click: Exit Chapter 3 All USB Devices Legacy USB Support All USB Devices (Enabled) Use this item to enable or disable all USB devices.
Super IO Configuration Use this item to show the information of Super IO configuration. Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit Set Parameters of Serial Port 0 (COMA) Super IO Configuration Serial Port 0 Configuration Parallel Port Configuration : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Chapter 3 Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Parallel Port Configuration Scroll to this item and press to view the following screen: Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Parallel Port Device Settings Security Exit Enabled or Disabled Parallel Port (LPT/LPTE) Enabled IO=378h; IRQ=5; Change Settings Device Mode Auto IDE Mode : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Trusted Computing Use this item to show the information of trusted computing configuration. Main Advanced Chipset Configuration TPM SUPPORT M.I.B. III Boot Enabled Current Status Information SUPPORT TURNED OFF Security Exit Enables or Disables BIOS support for security device. O.S. will not show Security Device. TCG EFI protocol and INT1A interface will not be available. : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Chapter 3 Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Chipset Menu The chipset menu items allow you to change the settings for the North Bridge chipset, South Bridge chipset and other system. Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot North Bridge South Bridge Security Exit North Bridge Parameters. : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
South Bridge Scroll to this item and press to view the following screen: Main Advanced Chipset M.I.B. III Boot South Bridge Restore AC Power Loss Power Off Audio Configuration Azalia HD Audio Azalia Internal HDMI codec Enabled Enabled Chapter 3 Case Open Warning Chassis Opened Security Exit Select What state to go to when power is re-applied after a power failure (G3 state). Disabled : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
M.I.B. III (MB Intelligent BIOS III) Menu This page enables you to set the clock speed and system bus for your system. The clock speed and system bus are determined by the kind of processor you have installed in your system.
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) (9) This item specifies the RAS# to CAS# delay to Rd/Wr command to the same bank. Row Precharge Time (tRP) (9) This item specifies the Row Precharge to Active or Auto-Refresh of the same bank. RAS# Active Time (tRAS) (26) This item specifies the RAS# active time . Read CAS# Precharge (tRTP) (6) This item controls the Read to PRECHARGE delay for memory devices, in memory clock cycles. Row Cycle Time (tRC) (37) Chapter 3 This item specifies the row cycle time.
Boot Menu This page enables you to set the keyboard NumLock state. Advanced Operation System Select Launch PXE OpROM Launch Storage OpROM Chipset M.I.B.
Security Menu This page enables you to set setup administrator password and user password. Main Advanced Administrator Password Status User Password Status Chipset M.I.B. III Not Install Not Install Boot Security Exit Set Administrator Password Administrator Password Platform Mode Secure Boot Chapter 3 Secure Boot Setup Disabled Disabled : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Exit Menu This page enables you to exit system setup after saving or without saving the changes. Main Advanced Back to EZ Mode Chipset M.I.B. III Boot Security Exit Go back to EZ Mode Save Options Save Changes Discard Changes Restore Defaults Save as User Defaults Restore User Defaults Boot Override : Select Screen /Click: Select Item Enter/Dbl Click : Select +/- : Change Opt.
Updating the BIOS You can download and install updated BIOS for this motherboard from the manufacturer’s Website. New BIOS provides support for new peripherals, improvements in performance, or fixes for known bugs. Install new BIOS as follows: Chapter 3 1 If your motherboard has a BIOS protection jumper, change the setting to allow BIOS flashing. 2 If your motherboard has an item called Firmware Write Protect in Advanced BIOS features, disable it.
Chapter 4 Using the Motherboard Software Auto-installing under Windows 7/8/8.1 The auto-install DVD-ROM makes it easy for you to install the drivers and software. The support software DVD-ROM disc loads automatically under Windows 7/8/8.1. When you insert the DVD-ROM disc in the DVD-ROM drive, the auto-run feature will automatically bring up the installation screen. The screen has four buttons on it: Setup, Utilities, Browse CD and Exit. Click “Exit” button to close the Auto-Setup window.
Click Next. The following screen appears: 3. Check the box next to the items you want to install. The default options are recommended. 4. Click Next to run the Installation Wizard. An item installation screen appears: 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the items. Chapter 4 2. Drivers and software are automatically installed in sequence. Follow the onscreen instructions, confirm commands and allow the computer to restart a few times to complete the installation.
Manual Installation Chapter 4 Windows 7/8/8.1 will appear below UAC (User Account Control) message after the system restart. You must select “Yes” to install the next driver. Continue this process to complete the drivers installation. If the auto-install DVD-ROM does not work on your system, you can still install drivers through the file manager for your OS (for example, Windows Explorer).
eSF eSF(Smart Fan) utility provides easy and safe way to adjust fan speed in accordance with your PC’s system loading and temperature. It has five modes to adjust fan speed in a safe range without entering the BIOS to optimize your system cooling environment. Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 is required. eDLU Chapter 4 ECS eDLU utility makes updating drivers fast and easy. eDLU saves time and hassle by listing all the latest drivers online.
Chapter 5 Trouble Shooting Start up problems during assembly After assembling the PC for the first time you may experience some start up problems. Before calling for technical support or returning for warranty, this chapter may help to address some of the common questions using some basic troubleshooting tips. You may also log onto our ECS website for more information: http:// www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Support/Support_FAQ.
2. From the BIOS setting, try to disable the Smartfan function to let the fan run at default speed. Doing a Load Optimised Default will also disable the Smartfan. Start up problems after prolong use After a prolong period of use your PC may experience start up problems again. This may be caused by breakdown of devices connected to the motherboard such as HDD, CPU fan, etc. The following tips may help to revive the PC or identify the cause of failure. 1. Clear the CMOS values using the CLR_CMOS jumper.
55 If fail, contact RMA CLR CMOS and restart. Yes Halt at POST screen Yes Check if monitor has display Yes Check if Power Supply Unit (PSU) is working Power Bu on is pressed but PC fails to start. - need to CLRCMOS. HDD problem.
Memo Chapter 5 56 A78F2P-M2 USER MANUAL
