Biostar A780L3C2 User guide

A780L3C2 Setup Manual
FCC Information and Copyright
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of 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
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
The vendor makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
here and specially disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any purpose. Further the vendor reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes to the contents here without obligation to notify any party
beforehand.
Duplication of this publication, in part or in whole, is not allowed without first
obtaining the vendor’s approval in writing.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without notice and we
will not be responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the brand
and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Dichiarazione di conformità
sintetica
Ai sensi dell’art. 2 comma 3 del D.M.
275 del 30/10/2002
Si dichiara che questo prodotto è
conforme alle normative vigenti e
soddisfa i requisiti essenziali richiesti
dalle direttive
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE e
1999/05/CE
quando ad esso applicabili
Short Declaration of conformity
We declare this product is complying
with the laws in force and meeting all
the essential requirements as specified
by the directives
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE and
1999/05/CE
whenever these laws may be applied

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction.......................................... 3
1.1 Before You Start ................................................................................3
1.2 Package Checklist ............................................................................3
1.3 Motherboard Specifications .............................................................4
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors....................................................................5
1.5 Motherboard Layout..........................................................................6
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation ........................... 7
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)............................................7
2.2 Install a Heatsink...............................................................................8
2.3 Connect Cooling Fans......................................................................9
2.4 Installing System Memory..............................................................10
2.5 Expansion Slots...............................................................................11
2.6 Jumper Setting ................................................................................12
2.7 Headers & Connectors...................................................................13
Chapter 3: BIOS & Software ................................. 17
3.1 BIOS Setup ......................................................................................17
3.2 BIOS Update....................................................................................17
3.3 Software............................................................................................22
Chapter 4: Useful Help ......................................... 25
4.1 Driver Installation.............................................................................25
4.2 Troubleshooting...............................................................................26
4.3 RAID Functions ...............................................................................28
Appendix: Specifications In Other Languages ...... 30
German .................................................................................................................30
French ...................................................................................................................32
Italian .....................................................................................................................34
Spanish..................................................................................................................36
Portuguese ...........................................................................................................38
Polish.....................................................................................................................40
Russian .................................................................................................................42
Arabic.....................................................................................................................44
Japanese...............................................................................................................46

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Before You Start
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the
motherboard, please make sure you follow the instructions below:
Prepare a dry and stable working environment with sufficient
lighting.
Always disconnect the computer from power outlet before
operation.
Before you take the motherboard out from anti-static bag,
ground yourself properly by touching any safely grounded
appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to remove the static
charge.
Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the rear
side of the board unless necessary. Hold the board on the
edge, do not try to bend or flex the board.
Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the case after
installation. Loose parts will cause short circuits which may
damage the equipment.
Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat
source, humid air and water.
The operating temperatures of the computer should be 0 to
45 degrees Celsius.
To avoid injury, be careful of:
Sharp pins on headers and connectors
Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit
1.2 Package Checklist
Serial ATA Cable x2
Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case x1
Installation Guide x1
Fully Setup Driver CD x1
Note: The package contents may be different due to the sales region or models in which it was
sold. For more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your
dealer or sales representative.

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1.3 Motherboard Specifications
SPEC
CPU
Socket AM3
AMD Sempron / Phenom II / Athlon II
processors (Maximum Watt: 95W)
AMD 64 Architecture enables 32 and 64 bit
computing
Supports Hyper Transport 2.0
FSB
Support Hyper Transport 3.0
Supports up to 3.2 GT/s Bandwidth
Chipset
AMD 890GX
AMD SB710
Super I/O
ITE 8728F-BX
Provides the most commonly used legacy
Super I/O functionality
Low Pin Count Interface
Environment Control initiatives
H/W Monitor
ITE's "Smart Guardian" function
Main
Memory
DDR3 DIMM Slots x 2
Max Memory Capacity 16GB
Each DIMM supports 512MB/1GB/
2GB/4GB/8GB DDR3
Dual Channel Mode DDR3 memory module
Supports DDR3 800/1066/1333/1600(OC)
Registered DIMM and ECC DIMM is not supported
Graphics Integrated in AMD 890GX Chipset HD4290, Max Shared Video Memory is 1024MB
SATA II Integrated Serial ATA Controller
Data transfer rates up to 3 Gb/s
SATA Version 2.0 specification compliant
LAN Realtek RTL 8106E 10 / 100 Mb/s auto negotiation
Sound ALC662
5.1 channels audio out
High Definition Audio
Slots
PCI Express X16 slot x1 Supports PCI-E X16 expansion card
PCI slot x1 Supports PCI expansion cards
On Board
Connectors
SATA Connector x4 Each connector supports 1 SATA device
IDE Connector x1 Each connector supports 2 IDE device
Front Panel Connector x1 Supports front panel facilities
Front Audio Connector x1 Supports front panel audio function
CPU Fan Header x1 CPU Fan power supply (with Smart Fan function)

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SPEC
System Fan Header x1 System Fan Power supply
CMOS Clear Jumper x1 Restore CMOS data to factory default setting
USB Connector x2 Each connector supports 2 front panel USB ports
Power Connector (24pin) x1 Connects to Power supply
Power Connector (4pin) x1 Connects to Power supply
Printer Port Connector x1 Each connector supports 1 Printer port
Back Panel
I/O
PS/2 Keyboard x1
PS/2 Mouse x1
VGA port x1
LAN port x1
USB Port x4
Audio Jack x3
Connects to PS/2 Keyboard
Connects to PS/2 Mouse
Connect to D-SUB monitor
Connect to RJ-45 Ethernet cable
Connect to USB devices
Provide Audio-In/Out and microphone connection
Board Size 182 mm(W) x 225 mm(L)
Special
Features RAID 0 / 1 / 10 support
OS
Support Windows XP / Vista / 7
Biostar reserves the right to add or remove support
for any OS With or without notice.
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors

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1.5 Motherboard Layout
Note: ■represents the 1st pin.

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CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Step 1: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard
Step 2: Pull the socket locking out from the socket and then raise the lever up to a
90-degree angel.
Step 3: Look for the white triangle on socket, and the gold triangle on CPU should
point towards this white triangle. The CPU will fit only in the correct
orientation.
Note: The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. Do not force the CPU into the socket
to prevent damaging the CPU.

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Step 4: Hold the CPU down firmly, and then close the lever to locked the position
2.2 Install a Heatsink
Step 1: Place the heatsink and fan assembly onto the retention frame. Match the
heatsink clip with the socket mounting-lug. Hook the spring clip to the
mounting-lug.
Step 2: On the other side, push the retention clip straight down to lock into the
plastic lug on the retention frame, and then press down the locker until it
stops.
Note1: Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector.
Note2: For proper installation, please kindly refer to the installation manual of your CPU
heatsink.

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2.3 Connect Cooling Fans
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan cable and
connector may be different according to the fan manufacturer. Connect the fan
cable to the connector while matching the black wire to pin#1.
CPU_FAN1: CPU Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
4 Smart Fan Control (By Fan)
SYS_FAN1: System Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 +12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
Note: CPU_FAN1, SYS_FAN1 support 4-pin and 3-pin head connectors. When
connecting with wires onto connectors, please note that the red wire is the positive and
should be connected to pin#2, and the black wire is Ground and should be connected to
GND.

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2.4 Installing System Memory
A. DDR3 Memory Modules
Step 1: Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM
on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the slot.
Step 2: Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
Note: If the DIMM does not go in smoothly, do not force it. Pull it all the way out and try again.

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B. Memory Capacity
DIMM Socket
Location DDR3 Module Total Memory Size
DDR3_A1 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB Max is 16GB.
DDR3_B1 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB
C. Dual Channel Memory installation
Please refer to the following requirements to activate Dual Channel function:
Install memory module of the same density in pairs, shown in the table.
Dual Channel Status DDR3_A1 DDR3_B1
Disabled O X
Disabled X O
Enabled O O
(O means memory installed, X means memory not installed.)
Note: When installing more than one memory module, we recommend to use the same
brand and capacity memory on this motherboard.
2.5 Expansion Slots
PEX16_1: PCI-Express X16 Slot
-PCI-Express 2.0 compliant.
-Maximum theoretical realized bandwidth of 4GB/s simultaneously per
direction, for an aggregate of 8GB/s totally.
-PCI-Express supports a raw bit-rate of 2.5Gb/s on the data pins.
PCI1: Peripheral Component Interconnect Slot
-This motherboard is equipped with 1 standard PCI slot. PCI stands for
Peripheral Component Interconnect, and it is a bus standard for expansion
cards. This PCI slot is designated as 32 bits.

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2.6 Jumper Setting
The illustration shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is “open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin1-2 closed
JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Jumper
Placing the jumper on pin2-3 allows user to restore BIOS safe setting and
CMOS data. Pease carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging the
motherboard.
13
Pin 1-2 Close:
Normal Operation
(default).
13
Pin 2-3 Close:
Clear CMOS data.
※Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 close”.
3. Wait for five seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 close”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Load Optimal Defaults and save settings in CMOS.

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2.7 Headers & Connectors
ATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
This connector allows user to connect 24-pin power connector on the ATX
power supply.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
13 +3.3V 1 +3.3V
14 -12V 2 +3.3V
15 Ground 3 Ground
16 PS_ON 4 +5V
17 Ground 5 Ground
18 Ground 6 +5V
19 Ground 7 Ground
20 NC 8 PW_OK
21 +5V 9 Standby Voltage+5V
22 +5V 10 +12V
23 +5V 11 +12V
24 Ground 12 +3.3V
ATXPWR2: ATX Power Source Connector
This connector provides +12V to CPU power circuit.
Pin Assignment
1 +12V
2 +12V
3 Ground
4 Ground
Note1: Before you power on the system, please make sure that both ATXPWR1 and
ATXPWR2 connectors have been plugged-in.
Note2: Insufficient power supplied to the system may result in instability or the peripherals
not functioning properly. Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when
configuring a system with more power-consuming devices.

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PANEL1: Front Panel Header
This 16-pin connector includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, and
speaker connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s front panel switch
functions.
Pin Assignment Function Pin Assignment Function
1+5V
Speaker
Connector
9 N/A N/A
2N/A 10N/A
3 N/A 11 N/A N/A
4 Speaker 12 Power LED (+)
Power LED
5 HDD LED (+) Hard drive
LED
13 Power LED (+)
6 HDD LED (-) 14 Power LED (-)
7 Ground Reset button 15 Power button Power-on button
8 Reset control 16 Ground
SATA1~SATA4: Serial ATA Connectors
These connectors connect to SATA hard disk drives via SATA cables. It satisfies
the SATA 2.0 spec and with transfer rate of 3Gb/s.
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 TX+
3 TX-
4 Ground
5 RX-
6 RX+
7 Ground

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IDE1: Hard Disk Connector
The motherboard has a 32-bit Enhanced IDE Controller that provides PIO Mode
0~4, Bus Master, Multi-word DMA, and Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 functionality.
F_USB1/F_USB2: Headers for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
These headers allow user to connect additional USB cable on the PC front panel,
and also can be connected with internal USB devices, like USB card reader.
Pin Assignment
1 +5V (fused)
2 +5V (fused)
3 USB-
4 USB-
5 USB+
6 USB+
7 Ground
8 Ground
9 NC
10 Key

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F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio Header
This header allows user to connect the front audio output cable with the PC front
panel. This header allows only HD audio front panel connector; AC’97 connector
is not acceptable.
Pin Assignment
1 Mic Left in
2 Ground
3 Mic Right in
4 GPIO
5 Right line in
6 Jack Sense
7 Front Sense
8 Key
9 Left line in
10 Jack Sense
J_PRINT1: Printer Port Connector
This header allows you to connector printer on the PC.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 -Strobe 14 Ground
2 -ALF 15 Data 6
3 Data 0 16 Ground
4 -Error 17 Data 7
5 Data 1 18 Ground
6 -Init 19 -ACK
7 Data 2 20 Ground
8 -Scltin 21 Busy
9 Data 3 22 Ground
10 Ground 23 PE
11 Data 4 24 Ground
12 Ground 25 SCLT
13 Data 5 26 Key

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CHAPTER 3: BIOS & SOFTWARE
3.1 BIOS Setup
For better system performance, the BIOS firmware is being continuously
updated. The BIOS information described below in this manual is for your
reference only and the actual BIOS information and settings on board may
be different from this manual
For further information of setting up the BIOS, please refer to the BIOS
Manual in the Setup DVD.
3.2 BIOS Update
There are three ways to update the BIOS:
BIOS Update Utility, BIOS Online Update Utility and BIOS Flasher.
1. BIOS Update Utility
1. Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.
2. Download the proper BIOS from www.biostar.com.tw .
Update BIOS
with a BIOS file
Clear CMOS function
(Only for AWARD BIOS)
Show current BIOS information
Save current BIOS
to a .bin file
AWARD BIOS AMI BIOS

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<Backup BIOS>
Once click on this button, the saving
dialog will show. Choose the position to
save file and enter file name. (We
recommend that the file name should be
English/number and no longer than 7
characters.) Then click Save.
After the saving process, finish dialog
will show. Click on OK to complete the
BIOS Backup procedure.
<Update BIOS>
Before doing this, please download the proper BIOS file from the website.
For AWARD BIOS, update BIOS
procedure should be run with Clear
CMOS function, so please check on
Clear CMOS first.
Then click Update BIOS button, a
dialog will show for asking you backup
current BIOS. Click Yes for BIOS
backup and refer to the Backup BIOS
procedure; or click No to skip this
procedure.
After the BIOS Backup procedure, the
open dialog will show for requesting the
BIOS file which is going to be updated.
Please choose the proper BIOS file for
updating, then click on Open.

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The utility will update BIOS with the
proper BIOS file, and this process may
take minutes. Please do not open any
other applications during this process.
After the BIOS Update process, click on
OK to restart the system.
While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows, press <Delete>
key to enter BIOS setup.
In the BIOS setup, use the Load Optimized Defaults function and then Save and
Exit Setup to exit BIOS setup. BIOS Update is completed.
2. Online Update Utility
1. Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.
2. Please make sure the system is connected to the internet before using this
function.
3. Open BIOS Update Utility and
click the Online Update button
on the main screen.
4. An open dialog will show up to
request your agreement to
start the BIOS update. Click
Yes to start the online update
procedure.

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5. If there is a new BIOS version,
the utility will ask you to
download it. Click Yes to
proceed.
6. After the download is
completed, you will be asked
to program (update) the BIOS
or not. Click Yes to proceed.
7. After the updating process is
finished, you will be asked you
to reboot the system. Click
OK to reboot.
8. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press
<Delete> key to enter BIOS setup.
After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the Save & Exit, using the Restore
Defaults function to load Optimized Defaults, and select Save Changes and
Reset to restart the computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.