M2N78-LA ASUS Pegatron Manual Rev 3

M2N78-LAMotherboard Reference

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ContentsContents ............................................................................ 2

Notices............................................................................... 3

Safety information ............................................................ 4

Specifications summary .................................................. 5

1. Product Introduction1.1 Beforeyouproceed......................................................................... 81.2 Motherboardlayout......................................................................... 91.3 CentralProcessingUnit(CPU)..................................................... 10

Installling the CPU heatsink and fan.................................................11

1.4 Systemmemory............................................................................. 12Installing a DIMM ............................................................................. 13Removing a DIMM ........................................................................... 13

1.5 Expansionslots............................................................................. 14Installing an expansion card ............................................................ 14

1.6 Jumpers.......................................................................................... 151.7 Connectors..................................................................................... 16

M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference 3

NoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa-tion. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications StatementThis digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Cana-dian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

4

Safety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electri-

cal 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.

• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

• Ifthepowersupplyisbroken,donottrytofixitbyyourself.Contactaqualifiedservice technician or your retailer.

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, make sure 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 con-nectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• Ifyouencountertechnicalproblemswiththeproduct,contactaqualifiedser-vice technician or your retailer.

IMPORTANT: This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in mu-nicipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference �

Specifications summary

*Specificationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

CPU Socket: Socket AM2 Supports: Athlon64/64X2, Sempron, AM2+, AM3 FSB: 2000 MHz

Chipset North Bridge : nVidia MCP78OV South Bridge: n/a

Memory DDR2-667(PC2-5300/6400) unbuffered 4 DIMM slots, max. up to 16GB

Expansion slots 1x PCI Express Graphic slot (x16) 3x PCIEX1 slots

Audio Realtek ALC888S (8-channel)

LAN 10/100M: Realtek RTL8201 N (PHY)

Graphic Integrated Graphic in chipest (MCP78OV)

Storage/RAID 4x SATA 300/150 ports

USB 1�x USB �.0 ports (8 onboard, 4 rear panel)

Rear panel I/O ports 1x PS/2 Mouse port + 1x PS/2 Keyboard port 1x SPDIF audio output 1x VGA port + 1x DVI port 1x1394 port + 2x USB ports 1x LAN port + 2x USB ports 6x Audio ports (8-channel)

Internal connectors 1x CPU FAN connector 1x System FAN connector 1x Front Panel connector 1x Front Panel Audio connector 1x Front Panel 1394a connector �x USB �.0 dual connectors (4 ports) 4x USB �.0 single connectors (4 ports) 1x microfit ATX Power connector 1x ATX 1�V connector 4x SATA connectors 1x SPDIF Audio out connector 1x Audio Input connector 1x Floppy connector 1x SPI (ROM programming) connector

BIOS SPI 8Mb (AMI)

Form factor uATX form factor 9.6 in. x 9.6 in.

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1. Product Introduction

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it sup-ports.

8 M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference

1.1 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 compo-nent.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling compo-nents to avoid damaging them due to static electricity

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

• Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chas-sis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.

• Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

M2N78-LA Motherboard Reference �

1.2Motherboardlayout

DVI + VGA

AUDIO

LAN • USB

KB • MS

SPDIF_I/O

1394 • USB

PCIE X16

PCIE X1_1

PCIE X1_2

PCIE X1_3

F_LINE_IN

F_AUDIO

BUZZER

BATTERY

F_1394

F_PANEL

RO

MR

EC

OV

ER

YC

MO

S •

PW

F_USB3 4 5 6

F_USB1 F_USB2

SATA

3 41 2

ATX

PO

WE

R

CPU_FAN

ATX_CPU

FLO

PP

Y

XM

M1

XM

M2

XM

M3

XM

M4

SPDIF_OUT

SYS_FAN

Socket AM2

Rearpanelconnectors


Installling the CPU

1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount socket designed for various proces-sors.

• Your boxed processor package should come with installation instruc-tions for the CPU, fan and heatsink assembly. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket pins are not bent. Contact your retailer im-mediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket pins/motherboard components.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. It is required for product returns or repairs.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket pins resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

�. Press the load lever down and move it away from the socket until it is released from the retention tab.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow.

Load lever

Retention tab

1. Locate the CPU socket as shown.


When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard.

Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU and secure the latch. (Your CPU fan may use a different latching design.)

The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent damaging the delicate CPU!

InstalllingtheCPUheatsinkandfanThe processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. When you buy a boxed processor, the package includes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

• Install the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly

• If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you use only certified multi‑directional heatsink and fan and make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

CPU FANSYS_FAN_TACH

+12VGround

Position the CPU over the socket as shown.

AMD

B

AA

A

Pull the load lever down until it snaps into the retention tab.

AMD

Load lever

Retention tab

1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1� M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference

1.4 System memory

• For dual‑channel configuration, the total size of memory module(s) installed per channel must be the same (DIMM_A1 = DIMM_B1).

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compati-bility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. Refer to the DDR2 Qualified Vendors List on next page for details.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb chips or double‑sided x16 memory modules. .

The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

ThefigureillustratesthelocationoftheDDR2DIMMsockets:

Channel SocketsChannel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A�Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B�

A1/A� B1/B�


Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

InstallingaDIMM

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.

To install a DIMM:

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is prop-erly seated.

RemovingaDIMMFollow these steps to remove a DIMM.

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

DDR� DIMM notch

21

1

Unlocked retaining clipDDR� DIMM notch

21

1

3

1.4 System memory


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.

InstallinganexpansioncardTo install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4. Alignthecardconnectorwiththeslotandpressfirmlyuntilthecardiscom-pletely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.6. Replace the system cover.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage mother-board components.

PCI Express x1PCI Express x16

M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference 1�

1.6 Jumpers

Clear RTC password (CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) password in CMOS.

Except when using this function, do not remove the jumper cap from the default position or else there may be a system boot failure!

ToerasetheCMOSRTCRAMusersettings:1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power

cord.�. Move the cap to clear for � to 10 secs, then move

the cap back to default.3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.4. During the boot process, enter BIOS setup to

re-enter user settings.

ToerasetheCMOSRTCRAMpassword:1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power

cord.�. Move the cap to Clear, then move the cap back

to Default.3. Turn ON computer and enter BIOS setup to

verify or reconfig.

Clear RTC RAM (CMOS)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, system setup parameters, and pass-words by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.

Except when using this function, do not remove the jumper cap from the default position or else there may be a system boot failure!

(Default) Clear CMOS1

32

1

32

(Default) Clear Password1

32

1

32

1� M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference

1.7 Connectors

Serial ATA connectorsThese connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives.

F_1394

TPB

2(+)

Gro

und

TPA

2(+)

(+)1

2V

Gro

und

Gro

und

TPB

2(-)

TPA

2(-)

(+)1

2VSATA1

SATA3

Gro

und

Gro

und

Gro

und

RS

ATA

_RX

P*

RS

ATA

_RX

N*

RS

ATA

_TX

N*

RS

ATA

_TX

P*

SATA2

SATA4

Front panel IEEE1394 connectorThis connector is for a system chassis mounted IEEE1394 port. Connect the 1394 module cable to this connector, then install the module to the system chassis.


CPU fan connectorThe fan connectors support cooling fans of a total of 1A~2.2A (26.4W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

System fan connectorsThese fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~740 mA (8.88 W max.) or a total of 1 A~2.22 A (26.64 W max.) at +12 V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

CPU FANSYS_FAN_TACH

+12VGround

SYS_FAN

GN

D+1

2VR

otat

ion

1.7 Connectors


ATX power connectors (24‑pin EATXPWR and 4‑pin ATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designedtofittheseconnectorsinonlyoneorientation.Findtheproperorientationandpushdownfirmlyuntiltheconnectorscompletelyfit.

• Do not forget to connect the 4‑pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when config-uring a system with more power‑consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system.

• If you intent to use a PSU with 20‑pin and 4‑pin power plugs, make sure that the 20‑pin power plug can provide at least 15A on +12V and that the PSU has a minimum power rating of 350 W. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install additional devices.

+3 Volts

Power OKGround

Ground

Ground

Ground GroundGroundGround

GroundPSON#

+5 Volts+5 Volts

+5 Volts 5 Volts

12 Volts

+3 Volts+12 Volts+12 Volts

+5V Standby

+5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts+3 Volts

ATX PWR

ATX12VGroundGround

+12V DC +12V DC

1.7 Connectors


USB connectors (dual ports)These connectors are for USB �.0 ports. Connect a 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 �.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

F_USB2F_USB1

US

B4-

US

B4+

GN

D

SB

V

US

B5+

US

B5-

GN

D

SB

V

NC

Ground

USB P5-USB P5+

USB+5V

SA

TA3

SA

TA5

SA

TA6

SA

TA4

USB connectors (single ports)

1.7 Connectors

�0 M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference

Floppy disk drive connector (34‑2 pin FLOPPY)Thisconnectorisfortheprovidedfloppydiskdrive(FDD)signalcable.Insertoneend of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connec-toratthebackofthefloppydiskdrive.

Pin 3 and 5 on the connector are removed to prevent incorrect cable con-nection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 3 and 5.

FLOPPY

1.7 Connectors

M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference �1

System panel connectordThese connectors support several chassis-mounted functions.

Internal chassis speaker (4‑1 pin SPKR)

This connector is for the internal chassis-mounted speaker. Connect the chassis speaker cable to this connector. The chassis speaker allows the system to produce warnings sounds and basic audio by applications.

System power LED (2‑pin PWRLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

Hard disk drive activity LED (2‑pin HDLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector.TheIDELEDlightsuporflasheswhendataisreadfromorwrittentotheHDD.

ATX power button/soft‑off button (2‑pin PWRBTN)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

Reset button (2‑pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.

F_PANEL

GroundGround

HDLED(+)HDLED(-)

+HDL

EDRE

SET

PLED(+)PLED(-)PWR

ResetReset

PW

RB

TNP

LED

1.7 Connectors

�� M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference

Front panel audio connectorThis connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC’97 audio standard.

• It is recommended that you connect a high‑definition front panel audio module to this connector to utilize this motherboard’s high‑definition audio capability.

• By default, this connector is set to AC97 Audio. If you want to connect a High Definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Support Type item in the BIOS to [HD Audio].

Digital Audio connectorThis connector is for the S/PDIF audio module to allow digital sound output. Con-nect one end of the S/PDIF audio cable to this connector and the other end to the S/PDIF module (may require separate purchase).

+5VSPDIF Out

Ground

SPDIF_OUT

MIC

*_L

MIC

*_R

LIN

E*_

RG

roun

d

Gro

und

LIN

E*_

LLI

NE

*_R

TU

MIC

*_R

TUA

UD

IO_P

RE

S#

F_AUDIO

1.7 Connectors

M�N78-LA Motherboard Reference �3

Internal audio connectorThis connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as an optical drive, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

F_LINE_IN

AU

X_L

CR

AU

X_R

CR

GN

DS

EN

SE

ROM Recovery

GND3VSB

SPI_CS# SPI_CS#SPI_MCSISPI_MISOSPI_CLK

ROM recovery connectorThisconnectorallowsqualifiedtechnicianstoreloadfirmwareintotheSPIbootflashincasethereisproblemwiththedata.

1.7 Connectors

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M2N78-LA ASUS Pegatron Manual Rev 3