ASUS A78M-A User Manual

ASUS A78M-A Motherboard manual cover
Pages 70
Year 2013
Language(s)
English en

ASUS A78M-A Motherboard Specification

The ASUS A78M-A motherboard is a micro ATX board designed to support AMD processors using the FM2+ socket, providing compatibility with a range of A-Series and Athlon processors. It is built around the AMD A78 chipset, ensuring robust performance and efficient data processing. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR3 memory technology with a capacity of up to 32GB, allowing for significant multitasking capabilities and improved system responsiveness.

Connectivity options include a PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot for graphics card integration, enhancing gaming and graphic-intensive application performance. Additional expansion is supported through two PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots and a legacy PCI slot, catering to various peripheral and expansion card needs. The integrated graphics support via AMD Radeon HD 8000/7000 series graphics ensures reliable visual output for everyday tasks.

Storage connectivity is facilitated by four SATA 6Gb/s ports, offering ample support for high-speed data transfer and storage configurations. The motherboard features Realtek ALC887 audio codec, delivering high-quality 8-channel HD audio for an immersive sound experience. Networking is handled by a Realtek 8111G Gigabit Ethernet controller, providing reliable and fast internet connectivity.

Rear I/O ports include a mix of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for peripheral connectivity, along with HDMI, DVI, and VGA outputs to accommodate various display connections. The ASUS A78M-A incorporates ASUS-exclusive features such as AI Suite 3, which offers a user-friendly interface for system optimization, featuring tools for performance tuning and energy efficiency. The motherboard's design emphasizes reliability and durability, with high-quality components and industry-leading safeguards to ensure stable and long-lasting operation.

ASUS A78M-A Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS A78M-A Motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website. Save it to a USB drive. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'DEL' key during boot. Navigate to 'Advanced Mode' > 'Tool' > 'EZ Flash Utility'. Select the BIOS file from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to update.

What should I do if my ASUS A78M-A motherboard doesn't power on?

Check all power connections to the motherboard, including the 24-pin ATX and 4/8-pin CPU power connectors. Ensure the power supply is switched on and functioning. Verify that the power button on the case is connected to the motherboard correctly. If issues persist, try a different power supply or test the motherboard outside the case to rule out short circuits.

Can I use DDR4 RAM with the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

No, the ASUS A78M-A motherboard only supports DDR3 RAM. It has four DIMM slots compatible with DDR3 memory, supporting up to 64GB total.

How do I reset the BIOS settings on the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

To reset the BIOS, turn off the computer and unplug it from the power source. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for about 5 minutes, then reinsert it. Alternatively, use the 'Clear RTC RAM' jumper by moving it from pins 1-2 to 2-3 for a few seconds and then back to 1-2. Power the system back on and enter the BIOS to reconfigure your settings.

What are the supported CPU types for the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

The ASUS A78M-A motherboard supports AMD Socket FM2+ processors, including A-Series APUs and Athlon CPUs. Refer to the ASUS CPU support list for specific models and compatibility.

Why is my ASUS A78M-A motherboard not detecting the hard drive?

Ensure that the SATA cables are properly connected to both the motherboard and the hard drive. Check the BIOS to see if the hard drive is recognized under 'Boot' > 'Boot Option Priorities'. If not, try a different SATA port or cable. Ensure that the hard drive has power and is functioning correctly.

How can I enable XMP for RAM on the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

Enter the BIOS by pressing 'DEL' during boot. Navigate to 'AI Tweaker' or 'Advanced Mode', depending on your BIOS version. Look for 'D.O.C.P.' (Direct Overclock Profile) and enable it to use the XMP profile for your RAM. Save and exit the BIOS to apply the settings.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

The ASUS A78M-A motherboard supports a maximum of 64GB of DDR3 RAM across its four DIMM slots.

Can I use integrated graphics with the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

Yes, if you are using an AMD A-Series APU that includes integrated graphics, you can use the onboard video outputs of the ASUS A78M-A motherboard, such as HDMI, DVI, and VGA.

How do I troubleshoot audio issues on the ASUS A78M-A motherboard?

First, ensure that the audio output device is correctly connected and selected as the default in Windows. Check the 'Device Manager' for any issues with audio drivers and update them if necessary. Verify that the onboard audio is enabled in the BIOS. If issues persist, try using the rear audio ports or test with different speakers or headphones.