Foxconn A78AX 3.0 Series User manual

A78AX 3.0 Series Motherboard
User’s Manual

Statement:
This manual is the intellectual property of Foxconn, Inc. Although the information
in this manual may be changed or modied at any time, Foxconn does not obligate
itself to inform the user of these changes.
Trademark:
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Version:
User’s Manual V1.0 for A78AX 3.0 Series motherboard.
P/N: 3A2225900-000-G
Symbol description:
Caution : refers to important information that can help you to use motherboard
better, and tells you how to avoid problems.
Warning : indicating a potential risk of hardware damage or physical injury
may exist.
WEEE:
The use of this symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as household
waste. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could other-
wise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. For more detailed
information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city ofce, your
household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased this product.
More information:
If you want more information about our products, please visit Foxconn’s
website: http://www.foxconnchannel.com
CAUTION
!
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© All rights reserved.
All trade names are registered trademarks of respective manufacturers listed.
All images are for reference only, please refer to the physical motherboard for specic features.

Declaration of conformity
HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY COMPANY LTD
66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT,
TAIPEI HSIEN, TAIWAN, R.O.C.
declares that the product
Motherboard A78AX 3.0
is in conformity with
(reference to the specication under which conformity is declared in
accordance with 89/336 EEC-EMC Directive)
■ EN 55022:1998/A2: 2003 Limits and methods of measurements of radio
disturbance characteristics of information technology
equipment
■ EN 61000-3-2/:2000 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Part 3: Limits
Section 2: Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current <= 16A per phase)
■ EN 61000-3-3/A1:2001 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Part 3: Limits
Section 2: Limits of voltage uctuations and icker in low
voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current
<= 16A
■ EN 55024/A2:2003 Information technology equipment-Immunity
characteristics limits and methods of measurement
Signature : Place / Date : TAIPEI/2010
Printed Name : James Liang

Declaration of conformity
Trade Name: FOXCONN
Model Name: A78AX 3.0
Responsible Party: PCE Industry Inc.
Address: 458 E. Lambert Rd.
Fullerton, CA 92835
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: 714-738-8838
Equipment Classication: FCC Class B Subassembly
Type of Product: Motherboard
Manufacturer: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY
COMPANY LTD
Address: 66 , CHUNG SHAN RD., TU-CHENG
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TAIPEI HSIEN,
TAIWAN, R.O.C.
Supplementary Information:
This 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.
Tested to comply with FCC standards.
Signature : Date : 2010

Installation Precautions
Please carefully read the following procedures to install your computer :
■ It is suggested to select high-quality, certied fans in order to avoid damage
to the motherboard and CPU due to high temperature. Never turn on the
computer if the CPU fan is not properly installed.
■ We cannot guarantee that your system can operate normally when your
CPU is overclocked. Normal operation depends on the overclocking capac-
ity of your device.
■ If there is any, when connecting USB, audio, 1394a, RS232 COM, IrDA or
S/PDIF cables to the internal connectors on the motherboard, make sure
their pinouts are matching with the connectors on the motherboard. Incorrect
connections might damage the motherboard.
■ When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connec-
tors.
■ If there is a PCI Express x16 graphics card installed in your system, we
recommend using a 24-pin ATX power supply to get the best performance.
■ Before turning on the power, please make sure the power supply AC input
voltage setting has been congured to the local standard.
■ To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact
with the motherboard circuit or its components. Also, make sure there are no
leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or within the
computer casing.
■ If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to
the use of the product, please consult a certied computer technician.
CAUTION
!
■ Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden and momentary electric current
that ows between two objects at different electrical potentials. Normally it
comes out as a spark which will quickly damage your electronic equipment.
Please wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling
components such as a motherboard, CPU or memory.
■ Ensure that the DC power supply is turned off before installing or removing
CPU, memory, expansion cards or other peripherals. It is recommended to
unplug the AC power cord from the power supply outlet. Failure to unplug
the power supply cord may result in serious damage to your system.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Product Introduction
Product Specications..............................................................................2
Layout.......................................................................................................4
Back Panel Connectors............................................................................5
Chapter 2 Hardware Install
Install the CPU and CPU Cooler ..............................................................7
Install the Memory....................................................................................9
Install an Expansion Card ......................................................................11
Install other Internal Connectors ............................................................12
Jumpers..................................................................................................15
Chapter 3 BIOS Setup
Enter BIOS Setup...................................................................................18
Main Menu..............................................................................................18
System Information ................................................................................20
Advanced BIOS Features.......................................................................22
Fox Central Control Unit.........................................................................23
Advanced Chipset Features...................................................................27
Integrated Peripherals............................................................................30
Power Management Setup.....................................................................34
PC Health Status....................................................................................36
BIOS Security Features..........................................................................37
Load Optimal Defaults............................................................................37
Save Changes and Exit..........................................................................37
Discard Changes and Exit......................................................................37
Chapter 4 CD Instruction
Utility CD content....................................................................................39
Install driver and utility............................................................................40
FOX ONE
Main Page ........................................................................................42
CPU Control .....................................................................................46
Frequency Control............................................................................48
Limit Setting......................................................................................49
Voltage Control.................................................................................51
Fan Control.......................................................................................52
FOX LiveUpdate
Local Update ....................................................................................53
Online Update ..................................................................................55

Congure .........................................................................................58
About & Help ....................................................................................60
FOX LOGO.............................................................................................61
FOX DMI ................................................................................................62
Chapter 5 RAID Conguration
RAID Conguration Introduction.............................................................65
FastBuild Driver......................................................................................67
Create a RAID Driver Diskette ...............................................................69
RAID Enable in BIOS .............................................................................71
Select a RAID Array for Use...................................................................71
Install a New Windows XP .....................................................................84
Setting Up a Non-Bootable RAID Array..................................................88
Technical Support :
Website :
http://www.foxconnchannel.com
Support Website :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com
Worldwide online contact Support :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/inquiry.aspx
CPU Support List :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpusupportlist.aspx
Memory, VGA Compatibility List :
http://www.foxconnsupport.com/complist.aspx
Support

Thank you for buying Foxconn A78AX 3.0 Series motherboard.
Foxconn products are engineered to maximize computing power,
providing only what you need for break-through performance.
With advanced overclocking capability and a range of connec-
tivity features for today multi-media computing requirements,
A78AX 3.0 Series enables you to unleash more power from your
computer.
This chapter includes the following information:
■ Product Specications
■ Layout
■ Back Panel Connectors

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1-1 Product Specications
CPU Support AMD AM3 processor
Max Power of processor no more than 125W
HyperTransport HT3.0 up to 5.2GT/s running at 2.6 GHz
Chipset North Bridge: AMD 770
South Bridge: AMD SB710
Memory 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets
Support up to 16 GB of system memory
DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz architecture
Audio Realtek 6-channel audio chip
High Denition Audio
2/4/5.1-channel
Support Jack-Sensing function
LAN Realtek Gigabit LAN chip
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
Onboard Serial ATA 6 x SATA connectors
300MB/s data transfer rate
Support hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
USB Support hot plug
Support up to 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 rear panel ports, 3 onboard USB
headers providing 6 extra ports)
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480Mb/s
Internal Connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
6 x SATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors (supporting 6 x USB devices)
1 x CPU-FAN header (4-pin)
1 x SYS-FAN header (4-pin)
1 x NB-FAN header (3-pin)
1 x Front panel connector
1 x CD_IN connector
1 x Front Audio connector
1 x Chassis intrusion alarm header (INTR)
1 x BUZ Speaker
1 x CIR Connector
1 x Clear CMOS Jumper
4 x USBPWR Jumpers
1 x IDE Connector
Back Panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Connectors 1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x Serial port
6 x USB 2.0 ports

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1 x RJ-45 LAN port
6-channel Audio ports
Hardware Monitor CPU/System temperature detection
CPU/System fan speed detection
CPU/System overheating warning
CPU/System fan speed control
PCI Express x1 Support 500MB/s (1GB/s concurrent) bandwidth
Low power consumption and power management features
PCI Express x16 Support 8GB/s (16GB/s concurrent) bandwidth
Low power consumption and power management features
Green Function Support ACPI (Advanced Conguration and Power Interface)
Support S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(suspend to disk), and S5 (soft - off)
Bundled Software FOX ONE
FOX LiveUpdate
FOX LOGO
FOX DMI
Operating System Support for Microsoft® Windows® 7/Vista/XP
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 30.5cm x 21.9cm (12 inches x 8.6 inches)

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1-2 Layout
1. 4-pin ATX 12V Power Connector
2. USBPWR Jumpers
3. NB-FAN Header
4. CIR Header
5. PCI Express x1 Slots
6. PCI Slots
7. CD_IN Connector
8. Front Audio Connector
9. Chassis Intrusion Alarm Header(INTR)
10. PCI Express x16 Slot
11. Clear CMOS Jumper
12. Front USB Connectors
13. Front Panel Connector
14. SATA Connectors
15. IDE Connector
16. South Bridge: AMD SB710
17. BUZ Speaker
18. SYS-FAN Header
19. 24-pin ATX Power Connector
20. DDR3 DIMM Slots
21. CPU-FAN Header
22. North Bridge: AMD 770
23. AM3 CPU Socket
Note : The above motherboard layout is for reference only, please refer to the physical
motherboard for detail.
1
5
6
7
8
10
22
21
12
13
14
3 2
4
11
2 19
20
17
23
15 18
16
9

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1. PS/2 Mouse Port
Use the upper port (green) to connect a PS/2 mouse.
2. PS/2 Keyboard Port
Use the lower port (purple) to connect a PS/2 keyboard.
3. Serial Port
This is output of RS232 COM port.
4. USB Ports
The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices such as an
USB keyboard/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.
5. RJ-45 LAN Port
The Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 10/100/1000Mb/s data rate.
6. Audio Ports
For the denition of each audio port, please refer to the table below :
* : Please refer to Chapter 4, and install the Realtek audio driver (in CD) to assign the audio
output ports for different applications of 2/4/5.1 channels. The fundamental audio outputs are
depicted in the table above.
1-3 Back Panel Connectors
USB Ports
LAN Port
PS/2 Keyboard Port
PS/2 Mouse Port
Serial Port Audio Ports
4
2
Line Out
Microphone In
Line In
3
51
6
Active
LED
Link
LED
LAN Type Left: Active Right: Link
Status Description Status Description
1000M
Off No Link Off No Link
Green
Blinking
Data Activ-
ity
Off 10Mb/s Connection
Green 100Mb/s Connection
Orange 1000Mb/s Connection
Port 2-channel 4-channel 5.1-channel
Blue Line In Rear Speaker Out* Rear Speaker Out*
Green Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Microphone In Microphone In Center/Subwoofer Out*

Please visit this website for more supporting information about CPU, Memory and
VGA for your motherboard :
http://www.foxconnchannel.com/product/Motherboards/compatibility.aspx
This chapter introduces the hardware installation process, in-
cluding the installation of the CPU, memory, power supply, slots,
pin headers and the mounting of jumpers. Caution should be
exercised during the installation of these modules. Please refer
to the motherboard layout prior to any installation and read the
contents in this chapter carefully.
This chapter includes the following information :
■ Install the CPU and CPU Cooler
■ Install the Memory
■ Install an Expansion Card
■ Install other Internal Connectors
■ Jumpers

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2-1 Install the CPU and CPU Cooler
Install the CPU
Locate the pin-1 CPU triangle mark and the pin-1 corner of the CPU socket.
Pin-1 triangle
marking of CPU
Pin-1 corner of the
CPU socket
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the CPU :
■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.
■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply before
installing the CPU to prevent hardware damage.
■ Locate the pin one of the CPU. The CPU cannot be inserted if oriented incorrectly.
■ Apply an even and thin layer of thermal grease on the surface of the CPU.
■ Do not turn on the computer if the CPU cooler is not installed, otherwise overheating
and damage of the CPU may occur.
■ Set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the CPU specications. It is not
recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specications
since it does not meet the standard requirements for the peripherals. If you want to
set the frequency beyond the standard specications, please do so according to your
hardware specications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.
CAUTION
!
1. Release the CPU socket lever. 2. Align pin one of the CPU with the
CPU socket, and gently put the
CPU onto the socket.

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3. When CPU is properly seated,
push the CPU socket lever back
to its locked position.
Install the CPU Cooler
Follow the steps below to correctly install the CPU cooler. It is very simple to fasten and seat the
CPU cooler onto your motherboard.
(The following procedures use Foxconn cooler as the example.)
1. Apply and spread an even thermal
grease on the surface of CPU.
2. Buckle the heatsink rmly at one
side of the stand.
3. Buckle the heatsink at another
side, and press the fasten lever
down to tightly seat the cooler.
4. Attach the 3-wire CPU cooler
connector to the CPU fan header
on the motherboard .
Use extreme care when removing the CPU cooler because the thermal grease may
adhere to the CPU. Inadequately removing the CPU cooler may damage the CPU.
CAUTION
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2-2 Install the Memory
Dual Channel Memory Conguration
This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology.
When memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically check the memory in your system.
Four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory
sockets as following:
Channel 0 : DIMM1, DIMM2
Channel 1 : DIMM3, DIMM4
The combinations of DIMM modules are :
It is recommended that memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be
used and please select dual channel rst to achieve optimum performance.
CAUTION
!
Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory :
■ Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory
of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.
■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing the memory to prevent hardware damage.
■ Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only
one direction. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.
CAUTION
!
DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4
Single Channel SS SS - -
Single Channel - - SS SS
Single Channel DS/SS - - -
Single Channel - - DS/SS -
Single Channel - DS/SS - -
Single Channel - - - DS/SS
Dual Channel DS/SS DS/SS - -
Dual Channel - - DS/SS DS/SS
Dual Channel SS SS SS SS
(DS : Double Side, SS : Single Side, - : No Memory)

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Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the
power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module. Be sure
to install DDR2 DIMMs on this motherboard.
CAUTION
!
Installing a Memory
If you take a look at front side of memory module, it has asymmetric pin counts on both sides separated
by a notch in the middle, so it can only t in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly install
your memory modules into the sockets.
Step 1:
Spread the clips at both ends of the memory socket.
Place the memory module onto the socket, then put
your ngers on top edge of the module, and push
it down rmly and seat it vertically into the memory
socket.
Step 2:
The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place
when the memory module is securely inserted.
144-Pin
96-Pin
Notch

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2-3 Install an Expansion Card
Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.
1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis
back panel.
2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.
3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.
4. Secure the card's metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover.
6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for
your expansion card(s).
7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.
Installing and Removing a PCI Express x16 Graphics Card :
• Installing a Graphics Card:
Gently insert the graphics card into the PCI Express x16 slot.
Make sure the graphics card is locked by the latch at the end of
the PCI Express x16 slot.
• Removing the Card:
Push the latch at the end of the PCI Express x16 slot to release
the card and then pull the card straight up from the slot.
PCI
PCI Express x1
■ Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual
that came with your expansion card.
■ Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before
installing an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.
CAUTION
!
PCI Express x16

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2-4 Install other Internal Connectors
Power Connectors
This motherboard uses an ATX power supply. In order not to damage any device, make sure all the
devices have been installed properly before applying the power supply.
24-pin ATX power connector : PWR1
PWR1 is the ATX power supply connector. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are
properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power supply cable into the
connector and make sure it is secure.
4-pin ATX 12 V Power Connector : PWR2
Connect the 4-pin ATX 12V power supply to PWR2 and provides power to the CPU.
We recommend you using a 24-pin power supply.
If you are using a 20-pin power supply, you need
to align the ATX power connector according to
the picture.
CAUTION
!
Pin # Denition
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4+12V
3 1
GND
+12V
4 2
PWR2
Pin # Denition Pin # Denition
1 3.3V 13 3.3V
2 3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4+5V 16 PS_ON(Soft On/Off)
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 Power Good 20 NC
9 +5V SB(Stand by +5V) 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 3.3V 24 GND
PWR1
24 13
12 1
20-Pin Power
Pin No. 24

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Front Panel Connector : FP1
This motherboard includes one connector for connecting
the front panel switch and LED Indicators.
Hard Disk LED Connector (HDD-LED)
Connect to the chassis front panel IDE indicator LED. It
indicates the active status of the hard disks. This 2-pin
connector is directional with +/- sign.
Reset Switch (RESET-SW)
Attach the connector to the Reset switch on the front
panel of the case; the system will restart when the
switch is pressed.
Power LED Connector (PWR-LED)
Connect to the power LED indicator on the front panel
of the chassis. The Power LED indicates the system’s
status. When the system is in operation (S0 status),
the LED is on. When the system gets into sleep mode
(S1) , the LED is blinking; When the system is in S3/S4
sleep state or power off mode (S5), the LED is off. This
2-pin connector is directional with +/- sign.
Power Switch Connector (PWR-SW)
Connect to the power button on the front panel of the
chassis. Push this switch allows the system to be turned
on and off rather than using the power supply button.
Serial ATA Connectors : SATA_1/2/3/4/5/6
The Serial ATA connector is used to connect with SATA
Hard Disk or CD devices which supporting this feature.
The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to 300MB/s
data transfer rate.
CIR Connector : CIR
This header supports infrared wireless transmitting and
receiving device.
Chassis Intrusion Alarm Connector : INTR
The connector can be connected to a security switch on
the chassis. The system can detect the chassis intrusion
through the function of this connector. If eventually the
chassis was closed, the system will send a message out.
EMPTY
HDD-LED
RESET-SW
NC
+
-
PWR-SW
+
-PWR-LED
12
10
9
FP1
INTR
GND
INTRUDERJ
1
+5V
EMPTY
IRRX
GND
IRTX
+5VSB
CIRRX
CIRTX
GND
EMPTY
CIR
1 2
9 10
SATA_1/2/3/4/5/6
GND
TX+
TX-
GND
RX-
RX+
GND
1