ECS A78F2P-M User manual

A78F2P-M
USER GUIDE
Version:1.0
40-012-KF6101
®

A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Preface
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufac-
turer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publica-
tion and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation
of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
AMD, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron, Turion, and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD
Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
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 instal-
lation. 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. However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence 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 the receiver
•Connect the equipment onto 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
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits govern-
ing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian Department of Communications
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement
sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
The manual consists of the following:
Describes features of the
motherboard.
Hpage 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
Hpage 7
Hpage 25
Installing the Motherboard
Introducing the Motherboard
Provides information on us-
ing the BIOS Setup Utility.
Chapter 5 page 55
H
Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance char-
acteristics of information technology equipment
EN 55022
EN 61000-3-2 Disturbances in supply systems caused
EN 61000-3-3 Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appli-
ances and similar electrical equipment “ Voltage fluctuations”
EN 55024 Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristics-
Limits and methods of measurement
EN 60950 Safety for information technology equipment including electri-
cal business equipment
CE marking
About the Manual
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This device is in conformity with the following EC/EMC directives:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
Chapter 6
Setting Up AMD A78 RAID
Configuration
Provides information about
SATA RAID Setup
page 63
H
Trouble Shooting
Provides basic trouble
shooting tips.
Hpage 51
Describes the motherboard
software.
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions..............................................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis.......................................7
Checking Jumper Settings..................................................................8
Installing Hardware...........................................................................9
Installing the Processor............................................................9
Installing the CPU Cooler........................................................10
Installing Memory Modules...................................................11
Installing Add-on Cards..........................................................12
Connecting Optional Devices.................................................14
Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................20
Connecting Case Components........................................................21
Front Panel Header................................................................23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction...........................................................................................1
Pakage Contents..................................................................................1
Specifications......................................................................................2
Motherboard Components................................................................4
I/O Ports...............................................................................................6
Chapter 3 25
Using BIOS 25
About the Setup Utility......................................................................25
The Standard Configuration........................ ...........................25
Entering the Setup Utility.......................................................25
Using BIOS.........................................................................................26
BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................27
Main Menu.............................................................................28
Advanced Menu..........................................................................29
Chipset....................................................................................43
M.I.B.III....................................................................................45
Boot........................................................................................47
Security Menu.........................................................................48
Exit Menu...............................................................................49
Updating the BIOS......................................................................50

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Chapter 6 63
Trouble Shooting 63
Start up problems during assembly..............................................63
Start up problems after prolong use............................................64
Maintenance and care tips..............................................................64
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart.....................................................65
Chapter 5 55
55
Setting Up a Bootable RAID Array..................................................55
Chapter 4 51
Using the Motherboard Software 51
Auto-installing under Windows 7/8/8.1..........................................51
Running Setup........................................................................51
Manual Installation..........................................................................53
Setting Up AMD A78 RAID Configuration

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Your motherboard package ships with the following items:
Package Contents
A78F2P-M Motherboard
User Manual
DVD
I/O Shield
2 SATA Cables
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The package contents above are for reference only, please take the actual
package items as standard.
Thank you for choosing the A78F2P-M motherboard. This motherboard is a high per-
formance, enhanced function motherboard that supports FM2+ socket for AMD
FM2(+) APU processors for high-end business or personal desktop markets.
The motherboard is based on AMD A78 express chipset for best desktop platform. It
supports up to 32GB of system memory with dual channel DDR3 1866/1600/1333.
One PCI Express x16 Gen2 or Gen3*1slot and one PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (runs at
x4 mode) intended for Graphics Interface, are fully compliant to the PCI Express
Gen2 (version 2.0). In addition, one PCI Express x1 slot and one PCI slot are for ex-
tending usage.
It integrates USB 2.0 and 3.0 interface, supporting up to six USB 2.0 ports (two USB
2.0 ports at the real panel and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB
2.0 ports) and six USB 3.0 ports (four USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel and one USB
3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports).
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and
keyboard connectors, one D-SUB (VGA) port, one DVI*2port, one DP port, one HDMI*2
port, four USB 3.0 ports, one LAN port, two USB 2.0 ports and audio jacks for micro-
phone, line-in and line-out.
In addition, this motherboard supports four SATA 6Gb/s connectors for expansion.
*1FM2+ APU supports PCI Express Gen3, FM2 APU supports PCI Express Gen2.
*2FM2(+) supports only 3 display outputs simultaneously, 3 display methods
are either D-Sub/DP/HDMI or D-Sub/DP/DVI.
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CPU
Specifications
• AMD A78
Chipset
• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets support up to 32 GB
• Supports DDR3 1866/1600/1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Memory
• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen2 or Gen3*slot
• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (runs at x4 mode)
• 1 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slot
• 1 x PCI slot
Expansion
Slots
Storage
• 1 x PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse connectors
• 1 x D-Sub port (VGA)
• 1 x DVI port
• 1 x DP port
• 1 x HDMI port
• 4 x USB 3.0 ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x Audio port (Line in, Line out, Mic_in Rear)
Rear Panel I/O
LAN
• Socket FM2+ for AMD FM2(+) APU processors
• Supports CPU up to 125W TDP
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 1 x 4-pin 12V Power connector
• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin SYS_FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin PWR_FAN connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports
• 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
• 2 x COM headers
• 1 x Case open header
• 1 x USB 3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports by
ASM1042 IC
• 1 x Buzzer
• 1 x Mono & Stereo switch jumper
• 1 x Front Panel audio header
• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers
Audio
• Supported by AMD A78
• 4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s Host Controllers
• RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 Configuration
• Realtek ALC662 6-ch High Definition audio CODEC
• Compliant with HD audio specification
• Realtek RTL8111EPV Gigabit LAN supporting DASH function
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list.
Note: *FM2+ APU supports PCI Express Gen3, FM2 APU supports
PCI Express Gen2.
Note: FM2(+) supports only 3 display outputs simultaneously,
3 display methods are either D-Sub/DP/HDMI or D-Sub/DP/DVI.
• Support TPM onboard

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Chapter 1
System BIOS
Form Factor • mATX Size, 244mm x 244mm
• 1 x TPM header (optional)
• 1 x Parallel port header(LPT)
• 1 x CLR_CMOS header
• 1 x Speaker header
• AMI BIOS with 32Mb SPI Flash ROM
• Supports Plug and Play, STR(S3)/ STD(S4)
• Supports Hardware Monitor
• Supports ACPI & DMI
• Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
• Supports Dual/Triple Display
• F7 hot key for boot up devices option
• Supports Multi-language
• Supports PaUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2KB Model only)
• Supports DASH and TPM (optional)
• Supports AC’97/HD Audio auto detect (default)
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Motherboard Components

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Table of Motherboard Components
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket
FM2+ socket for AMD APU processors
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. BZ Buzzer
4. DDR3_1~4 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots
5. COM1~2 Onboard serial port headers
6. LPT Onboard parallel port header
7. CASE Case open header
8. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
9. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header by ASM1042 IC
10. TPM Trusted Platform Module header (optional)
11. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
12. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
13. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers
14. SATA1~4 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
15. PCIE16X_S PCI Express x16 Gen2 slot (runs at x4 mode)
16. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector
17. PWR_FAN Power cooling fan connector
18. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
19. JP1 Mono & Stereo switch jumper
20. SPKR Speaker header
21. PCI 32-bit add-on card slot
22. PCIE1X PCI Express x1 slot
24. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector
23. PCIE16X PCI Express slot for graphics interface

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
I/O Ports
1. PS/2 Mouse
Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 mouse.
2. PS/2 Keyboard
Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard.
3. D_SUB (VGA) Port
You can connect the monitor to the VGA port.
4. DVI Port
You can connect the monitor to the DVI port.
6. HDMI Port
You can connect the display device to the HDMI port.
LAN LED Status Description
OFF No da ta
Orange blinking Active
OFF No link
Green Link
Activity LED
Link LED
Link LED
LAN Port
5. DP Port
You can connect the display device to the DP port.
10. Line-in(blue)
It can be connected to an external CD/DVD player, Tape player or other audio
devices for audio input.
11. Line-out(lime)
It is used to connect to speakers or headphones.
12. Microphone(pink)
It is used to connect to a microphone.
8. LAN Port
Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.
7. USB 3.0 Ports
Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.
9. USB 2.0 Ports
Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
2-1. Safety Precautions
2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis
This motherboard carries a mATX form factor of 244 x 244 mm. Choose a chassis that
accommodates this form factor. Make sure that the I/O template in the chassis
matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard. Most system
chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis, which corresponds to the
holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and
secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard:
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage
from static electricity.
• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded
object before working on the motherboard.
• Leave components in the static-proof bags.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power
outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware
components.
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to
enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save
and Exit Setup”.
2-3. Checking Jumper Settings
JP1: Mono & Stereo Switch jumper

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
2-4. Installing Hardware
2-4-1. Installing the Processor
• This motherboard has an FM2+ socket.
• When choosing a processor, consider the performance requirements of
the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed
and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal
cache memory and external cache memory.
• You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We
strongly recommend you do not over-clock processor or other compo-
nents to run faster than their rated speed.
• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
A. Pull up the lever away from the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle.
B. Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with the pin hold noticeably
missing). Align and insert the CPU correctly.
C. Press the metal lever back into its original position.

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A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the
heatsink and the CPU, and make it to be a thin layer.
B. Put the CPU Fan down on the retention module and flip the levers
over the heat sink in place.
C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.
2-4-2. Installing the CPU Cooler
• Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the
motherboard and processor socket.
• Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the
clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.
• To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heat sink instal-
lation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied.
The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
• The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan.

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules
• This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support
four 240-pin DDR3 1866/1600/1333.
• Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until
you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only
by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always wear
a grounding strap when you handle the modules.
• You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Total memory
capacity is 32 GB.
• Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the
DIMM.
A. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
B. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge
connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.
Based on AMD official specification: If there is only 2 memory modules, please
install them into DDR3_2 and DDR3_4 slots for system operation.

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2-4-4. Installing Add-on Cards
The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect
them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the
motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can
increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks
that are not part of the basic system.
PCIE16X Slot The PCI Express x16 slot Gen2 or Gen3*is used to install an
external PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the
PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0.
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the card care-
fully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have to manually configure the
card before installation.
The PCI Express x1 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base
Specification revision 2.0.
PCIE1X Slot
This motherboard is equipped with one standard PCI slot. PCI
stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus
standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a
supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slots on this
board are PCI v2.3 compliant.
PCI Slot
PCIE16X_S Slot The PCI Express x16 slot runs at x4 mode which is fully compli-
ant to the PCI Express Base Specification revision 2.0.
*FM2+ APU supports PCI Express Gen3, FM2 APU supports PCI Express Gen2.

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1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot
you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapt-
ers, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the
add-on card.
2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards.
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:
Install the VGA Card in the PCIE X16 slot
Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot Install the LAN Card in the PCIE X1 slot

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2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
No. Components No. Components
1COM1~25 TPM
2LPT 6F_USB1~2
3CASE7SATA1~4
4USB3F8F_AUDIO
1. COM1~2: Onboard serial port headers
Connect a serial port extension bracket to this header to add a serial port to your
system.

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A78F2P-M USER MANUAL
2. LPT: Onboard parallel port Header
This is a header that can be used to connect to the printer, scanner or other devices.
3. CASE: Chassis Intrusion Detect Header
This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis
equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.