ASROCK FM2A78M Pro3+ User manual

FM2A78M Pro3+FM2A78M Pro3+
FM2A78M Pro3+FM2A78M Pro3+

Version 1.0
Published September 2014
Copyright©2014 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
Copyright Notice:
No part of this documentation may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or
translated in any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of
documentation by the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of
ASRock Inc.
Products and corporate names appearing in this documentation may or may not
be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used
only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to
infringe.
Disclaimer:
Specications and information contained in this documentation are furnished for
informational use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be
constructed as a commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for
any errors or omissions that may appear in this documentation.
With respect to the contents of this documentation, ASRock does not provide
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to
the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular
purpose.
In no event shall ASRock, its directors, ocers, employees, or agents be liable for
any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for
loss of prots, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like),
even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any
defect or error in the documentation or product.
e terms HDMI™ and HDMI High-Denition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI
logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United
States and other countries.
is 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.
CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY
e Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic substance
controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations passed by the
California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in California, USA, please
follow the related regulations in advance.
“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”
ASRock Website: http://www.asrock.com

Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................ 1
1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 1
  ............................................................................. 2
1.3 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 6
1.4 I/O Panel .................................................................................. 8
2. Installation .................................................................. 9
Pre-installation Precautions ................................................................ 9
2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 10
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ...................................... 11
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) .................................... 12
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)......................................... 14
2.5 Jumpers Setup........................................................................... 15
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors ....................................... 16
2.7 Dual Graphics Operation Guide ................................................ 20
3. Software and Utilities Operation............................... 22
3.1 Installing Drivers ........................................................................ 22
3.2 A-Tuning .................................................................................... 23
3.3 ASRock APP Shop .................................................................... 29
3.4 Start8 ......................................................................................... 35
4. UEFI SETUP UTILITY.................................................. 38
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 38
4.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar................................................................ 38
4.1.2 Navigation Keys............................................................... 39
4.2 Main Screen............................................................................... 39
4.3 OC Tweaker Screen................................................................... 40
4.4 Advanced Screen ...................................................................... 43
   ........................................................... 44
    .............................................. 45
    ............................................. 46
   ...................................................... 47
   .......................................................... 48
   ........................................................... 50
4.4.7 Trusted Computing .......................................................... 51
4.5 Tool ............................................................................................ 52
4.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ............................... 55
4.7 Boot Screen ............................................................................... 56
4.8 Security Screen ......................................................................... 58

4.9 Exit Screen ................................................................................ 59

1
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock FM2A78M Pro3+ motherboard, a reliable moth-
erboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers
excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to
quality and endurance.
In this documentation, Chapter 1 and 2 contains the introduction of the motherboard
and step-by-step installation guides. Chapter 3 contains the operation guide of the

         
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
-
sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may
  
well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit

www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.1 Package Contents
ASRock FM2A78M Pro3+ Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor)
ASRock FM2A78M Pro3+ Quick Installation Guide
ASRock FM2A78M Pro3+ Support CD
2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield

2

Platform - Micro ATX Form Factor
- Solid Capacitor design
- High Density Glass Fabric PCB
CPU - Supports Socket FM2+ 95W / FM2 100W processors
Chipset - AMD A78 FCH (Bolton-D3)
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM Slots
- Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/2133/1866/1600/1333/1066
non-ECC, un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 1)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 64GB (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports Intel®
 
2400
Expansion Slot - 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1 @ x16 mode)
* PCIE 3.0 is only supported with FM2+ CPU. With FM2
CPU, it only supports PCIE 2.0.
- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slots
- Supports AMD Dual Graphics
Graphics - Integrated AMD RadeonTM R7/R5 Series Graphics in
A-series APU
- DirectX 11.1, Pixel Shader 5.0 with FM2+ CPU. DirectX 11,
Pixel Shader 5.0 with FM2 CPU.
- Max. shared memory 2GB
 
Ports
- Supports Triple Monitor
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution up to 4K × 2K
(4096x2160) @ 24Hz
* Only FM2+ APU can support up to 4096x2160 resolution
display via HDMI port
 
2560x1600 @ 60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @
60Hz
- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and
HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI Port (Compliant HDMI
monitor is required) (see CAUTION 3)
- Supports Blu-ray Stereoscopic 3D with HDMI Port

3
 TM 2.0: New video post
processing capability for automatic jitter reduction on
home/online video
 
 
and HDMI Ports
Audio - 5.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC662 Audio Codec)
- Supports Surge Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection)
- ELNA Audio Caps
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Realtek RTL8111GR
- Supports Wake-On-WAN
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports Lightning/ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike
Protection)
- Supports LAN Cable Detection
 
- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O - 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x D-Sub Port
 
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 4 x USB 2.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full
Spike Protection))
- 2 x USB 3.0 Ports (AMD A78 FCH (Bolton-D3)) (Supports
ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
- HD Audio Jacks: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone
Storage - 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1 and RAID 10), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug
Connector - 1 x Chassis Intrusion Header
- 1 x TPM Header
- 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)
- 1 x Chassis Fan Connector (4-pin)
- 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector
 
- 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports) (Supports
ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))

4
WARNING
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking,
including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking
Technology, or using third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may
affect your system’s stability, or even cause damage to the components
and devices of your system. It should be done at your own risk and
expense. We are not responsible for possible damage caused by
overclocking.
- 1 x USB 3.0 Header by AMD A78 FCH (Bolton-D3) (Supports
2 USB 3.0 ports) (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full
Spike Protection))
BIOS Feature - 64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliant wake up events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 support
 
Hardware - CPU temperature sensing
Monitor - Chassis temperature sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer
- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan
- CPU/Chassis Fan multi-speed control
- CASE OPEN detection
 
OS - Microsoft® Windows®8.1 32-bit / 8.1 64-bit / 8 32-bit /
8 64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit
 - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

5
CAUTION!
1. Whether 2400/2133/1866/1600MHz memory speed is support-
ed depends on the CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3
2400/2133/1866/1600 memory module on this motherboard,
please refer to the memory support list on our website for the
compatible memory modules.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
2. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size
may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage
under Windows®8.1 / 8 / 7. For Windows®64-bit OS with 64-bit
CPU, there is no such limitation.
3. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Windows®8.1
64-bit / 8.1 / 8 64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7. Deep Color mode will be
enabled only if the display supports 12bpc in EDID. HBR is sup-
ported under Windows®8.1 64-bit / 8.1 / 8 64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7.

6
1.3 Motherboard Layout
FM2A78M Pro3+
CMOS
BATTERY
ATXPWR1
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
64Mb
BIOS
CPU_FA N1
1
CLRCMOS 1
HDL ED RE SET
PLE D PWR BTN
1
PANE L 1
SPE AKE R1
1
1
USB _6_7
HD_AUDIO1
1
PCIE1
RoHS
HDMI1
VGA1
DVI1
USB 3.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T: USB2
B: USB3
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
1
USB_1 0_11
PCIE2
CI1
1
SOCKET FM2b
AMD
A78 FCH
(Bolton-D3)
Chipset
CHA_FAN1
TPMS1
1
PCI Express 3.0
PCIE3
PS2
Keyboard
PS2
Mouse
USB 2.0
T: USB4
B: USB5
ATX12V1
SATA_ 1 SATA_ 2 SATA_3 SATA_ 4 SATA_ 5 SATA_6
1
USB _8_9

7
No. Description
1
2 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
3 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)
4 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2)
5 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
6 TPM Header (TPMS1)
7 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1)
8 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
9 SATA3 Connector (SATA_6)
10 SATA3 Connector (SATA_5)
11 SATA3 Connector (SATA_4)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA_3)
13 SATA3 Connector (SATA_2)
14 SATA3 Connector (SATA_1)
15 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
16 USB 2.0 Header (USB_6_7)
17 USB 2.0 Header (USB_8_9)
18 USB 3.0 Header (USB_10_11)
19 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
20 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
21 Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1)

8
1.4 I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 PS/2 Mouse Port 7 USB 2.0 Ports (USB4_5)**
2 D-Sub Port 8 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)**
3 LAN RJ-45 Port* 9 USB 3.0 Ports (USB_01)
(AMD A78 FCH (Bolton-D3))
4 Line In (Light Blue) 10 HDMI Port
5 Front Speaker (Lime) 11 
6 Microphone (Pink) 12 PS/2 Keyboard Port
* There are two LEDs on the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indica-
tions.
Activity / Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
** It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB23 or
USB4_5) instead of USB 3.0 ports.
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
1 2 5
6
3
8 79101112
4

9
2. Installation
This is a Micro ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard,

Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard
components or change any motherboard settings.
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the
power 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.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static elec-

like. Also remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safety
grounded object before you handle components.
3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded anti-
static pad or in the bag that comes with the component.
5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the mother-
board to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing
so may damage the motherboard.

10
2.1 CPU Installation
Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up
to a 90oangle.
Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the
socket such that the CPU corner with
the golden triangle matches the socket
corner with a small triangle.
Step 3. Carefully insert the CPU into the
 

orientation. DO NOT force the CPU
into the socket to avoid bending of
the pins.
Step 4. When the CPU is in place, press it
   
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.

11
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a
larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray
thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis-
sipation. Make sure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened
and in good contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the
CPU FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 6, No. 2). For proper instal-
lation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and
the heatsink.

12
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM
slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology.

-
age to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into the slot at
incorrect orientation.
Priority DDR3_A1 DDR3_A2 DDR3_B1 DDR3_B2
1Populated Populated
2Populated Populated
3Populated Populated Populated Populated
1. 

2. It is unable to activate Dual Channel Memory Technology with only one or
three memory module installed.
3. 

4. -

slots.

13
1
2
3

14
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)
There are 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCIE Slots:
PCIE1 (PCIe 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graph-
ics cards.
PCIE2 / PCIE3 (PCIe 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1
lane width cards.

is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documenta-

card before you start the installation.

15
2.5 Jumpers Setup
The illustration shows how jumpers are
setup. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap
is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The
illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose
pin1 and pin2 are “Short” when jumper cap
is placed on these 2 pins.
Jumper Setting Description
Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.6, No. 20)
Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. To clear and reset the
system parameters to default setup, please turn off the computer and unplug
the power cord from the power supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a
jumper cap to short pin2 and pin3 on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However,
please do not clear the CMOS right after you update the BIOS. If you need
             
-

GUID and MAC address will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is removed.
Clear CMOSDefault
If you clear the CMOS, the case open may be detected. Please adjust the
BIOS option “Clear Status” to clear the record of previous chassis intrusion
status.

16
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place
jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps
over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the
motherboard!
Serial ATA3 Connectors These six Serial ATA3
(SATA_1: see p.6, No. 14) (SATA3) connectors support
(SATA_2: see p.6, No. 13) SATA data cables for internal
(SATA_3: see p.6, No. 12) storage devices. The current
(SATA_4: see p.6, No. 11) SATA3 interface allows up to
(SATA_5: see p.6, No. 10) 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.
(SATA_6: see p.6, No. 9)
USB 2.0 Headers Besides four default USB 2.0
(9-pin USB_6_7) ports on the I/O panel, there
(see p.6 No. 16) are two USB 2.0 headers on
(9-pin USB_8_9) this motherboard. Each USB 2.0
(see p.6 No. 17) header can support two USB
2.0 ports.
USB 3.0 Header Besides two default USB 3.0
(19-pin USB_10_11) ports on the I/O panel, there is
(see p.6, No. 18) one USB 3.0 header on this
motherboard. This USB 3.0
header can support two USB 3.0
ports.
SATA_1
SATA_2
SATA_3
SATA_4
SATA_5
SATA_6
DUMMY
GND
GND
P+
P-
USB_PWR
P+
P-
USB_PWR
1
1
ID
IntA_P_D+
IntA_P_D-
GND
IntA_P_SSTX+
IntA_P_SSTX-
GND
IntA_P_SSRX+
Vbus
IntA_P_D+
IntA_P_D-
GND
IntA_P_SSTX+
IntA_P_SSTX-
GND
IntA_P_SSRX+
IntA_P_SSRX-
Vbus
IntA_P_SSRX-