Asus M5A78L-M USB3, User Manual, Page: 3 / 64

iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M5A78L-M/USB3 specifications summar ................................................. ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-6
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-6
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-7
1.5.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ...................................... 1-10
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-11
1.7.1 Overview ........................................................................1-11
1.7.2 Memory configurations .................................................. 1-12
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-17
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-17
1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-18
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-18
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-18
1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-18
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot ....................................................... 1-18
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ..................................................... 1-18
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-19
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-20
1.10.1 Rear panel ports ........................................................... 1-20
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-22