Asus A78M-A User Guide

Asus A78M-A Manual

Asus A78M-A manual content summary:

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    A78M-A Motherboard
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    service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL from http://support.asus.com/download problems
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    this guide iv Package contents vi A78M-A specifications summary vi Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-2 1.3 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU 1-4 1.4 System memory 1-8 1.5 Expansion slots 1-10 1.6 Jumpers 1-12 1.7 Connectors 1-14 1.8 Software support
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    qualified service technician or your retailer. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding components, carefully read all the manuals that technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. About this guide This user guide contains
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    , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when completing a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when completing a task IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE
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    Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS A78M-A motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. A78M-A specifications summary APU Chipset Memory Graphics Expansion slots AMD® FM2
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    BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Fan Xpert - Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 - ASUS My Logo 2 * ASUS Network iControl feature is not supported on Windows® XP/Vista operating
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    A78M-A specifications summary Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS features Operating System Support DVD Form factor 1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 64-bit Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit Windows® XP Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) MicroATX form factor: 9.3
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    system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR A78M-A ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off A78M-A Onboard LED ASUS A78M-A 1-1
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    the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A78M-A 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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    ) DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module) EATXPWR 23.6cm(9.3in) VGA DVI USB3_12 LAN_USB12 AUDIO RTL 8111GR Super I/O KB_USBWB CHA_FAN A78M-A PCIEX16 PCIEX1_1 BATTERY PCI1 2 5 SB_PWR 6 AMD® A78 SATA6G_5 SATA6G_6 64Mb BIOS ALC 7 887 SPDIF_OUT COM USBPWF USB3_34 CLRTC SPEAKER SATA6G_3
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    . The APU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the APU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the APU! A78M-A A78M-A CPU socket FM2+ 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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    1.3.1 APU installation 1 2 3 4 ASUS A78M-A 1-5
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    1.3.2 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary. To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly 1 2 3 4 5 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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    To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly 1 2 3 4 5 ASUS A78M-A 1-7
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    A78M-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel
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    Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 1 Installing a DIMM 2 3 ASUS A78M-A 1-9
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    Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. 3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the
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    supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards - - - - - OnChip USB OHCI - - shared - - - - - ASUS A78M-A 1-11
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    RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. A78M-A CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) A78M-A Clear RTC RAM Clear RTC To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the
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    least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS. KB_USBPWB 12 23 A78M-A +5V +5VSB (Default) A78M-A Keyboard and USB device wake up 3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWF) Set this jumper capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode. ASUS A78M-A 1-13
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    allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. 3. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status
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    audio output: Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. 8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4- only be used under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data . ASUS A78M-A 1-15
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    FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND A78M-A CHA_FAN CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND A78M-A Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the . • The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 2A (24W) fan power. • The 4-pin CPU_FAN and chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. 1-16
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    and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. ATX12V EATXPWR +12V DC +12V DC A78M-A GND GND +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby Power OK PIN 1 Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details
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    GND RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4 GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND A78M-A SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 GND RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_TXN1 GND to [RAID]. See section 2.6.2 SATA Configuration for details. • You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID
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    This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL +PWR LED PWR BTN PWR_LED+ PWR_LEDPWR GND HDD_LED+ HDD_LED- Ground HWRST# (NC) A78M-A PIN 1 +HDD_LED RESET A78M-A System panel . +5V GND GND Speaker Out SPEAKER A78M-A PIN 1 A78M-A Speaker Out Connector ASUS A78M-A 1-19
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    -A SPDIF_OUT A78M-A Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front
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    connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. USB56 USB34 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND A78M-A PIN 1 GND IntA_P1_D+ IntA_P1_D- GND IntA_P1_SSTX+ GND IntA_P1_SSTXIntA_P1_SSRX+ IntA_P1_SSRX- USB3+5V A78M-A USB3.0 Front panel connector You can connect the ASUS
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    . Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. COM PIN 1 A78M-A A78M-A Serial port connectors The COM module is purchased separately. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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    time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to
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    1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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    to automatically update your motherboard's driver, software and firmware Click to find and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to update the BIOS EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an ISP (Internet Service Provider). ASUS A78M-A 2-1
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    start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the . Reboot the system when the update process is done. • This function supports USB flash disks formatted using FAT32/16 on a single partition only. •
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    ://support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive. NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format. 3. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). ASUS A78M-A 2-3
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    port. 2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 A78M-A 0301 05/08/2013 A78MA.CAP 8194 2013-05-08 15:25:48 2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS
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    to section 2.10 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS A78M-A 2-5
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    parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To how to erase the RTC RAM. • The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices. BIOS menu screen The BIOS setup program can be used
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    shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode or press F7. ASUS A78M-A 2-7
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    Back button Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Menu bar Pop-up window Navigation keys Scroll bar Last modified settings Quick note The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites Main Ai Tweaker Advanced For saving the frequently-used system
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    last modified and saved in BIOS Setup. 2.3 My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. ASUS A78M-A 2-9
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    Adding items to My Favorites To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: 1. Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item. 2. Press on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My Favorites page. You
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    when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed. ASUS A78M-A 2-11
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    2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and
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    parameters. APU Frequency [XXX] This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual]. Use the and keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using ] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max Power Saving Mode] ASUS A78M-A 2-13
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    2.5.6 DRAM Timing Control The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the and keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press . Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become
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    on the CPU loading. [Optimized] Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile. [Extreme] Proceeds the full phase mode. [Manual Adjustment] Allows manual adjustment. DO NOT remove the thermal module when value. The values range from 200k Hz to 350k Hz with a 50k Hz interval. ASUS A78M-A 2-15
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    CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe] [T.Probe] Maintains the VRM thermal balance. [Extreme] Maintains the VRM current balance. Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+VRM related parameters. The thermal conditions should be monitored. 2.6 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items
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    to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of
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    as [RAID], the ports can only be used under Windows® OS with the requested drivers installed. Set to [IDE] instead of [RAID] to access devices on SATA ports SATA Speed to [SATA 3.0Gb/s] to support SATA 3.0Gb/s HDDs or [SATA 6.0Gb/s] to support SATA 6.0Gb/s HDDs. Configuration options: [SATA
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    to legacy AC'97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] ] for SPDIF audio output. [HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output. ASUS A78M-A 2-19
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    ] [Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up by PCI/PCIE devices. [Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Power On By Ring [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables Ring to
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    Ipv4 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv4 PXE Boot support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable] Ipv6 PXE Support [Enabled] This item allows user to disable or enable the Ipv6 PXE Boot support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A78M-A 2-21
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    2.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Scroll down to display the following items: 2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS information
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    quiet CPU fan operation. [Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. [Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters. The following four items appear only when you set Q-Fan lower limit, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle. ASUS A78M-A 2-23
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    Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed. [Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters. The following four items Ignore if you do not want to detect this item. 2.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Auto] This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge
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    2.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the following items: ASUS A78M-A 2-25
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    will not be available until your computer enters the operating system. Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled] [Disabled] Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST. [Enabled] Select to load the network stack driver during POST. Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot
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    as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program. [EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program. ASUS A78M-A 2-27
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    to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode. [Disabled] Disable the CSM to fully support the Network Devices [Legacy OpROM first] Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch. Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver
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    you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device. The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. ASUS A78M-A 2-29
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    authenticated variable. DB Management The db (Authorized Signature database) lists the signers or images of UEFI applications, operating system loaders, and UEFI drivers that you can load on the single computer. Delete the db Allows you to delete the db file from your system. Configuration options
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    number of devices installed in the system. • To select the boot device during system startup, press when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press after POST. 2.8.11 Boot Override These system. Click an item to start booting from the selected device. ASUS A78M-A 2-31
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    the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) information of the DIMM module installed on the selected slot. Configuration options: [DIMM_A1] [DIMM_B1] [DIMM_A2] [DIMM_B2] 2.9.3 ASUS O.C. Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. The Setup Profile Status items show Not Installed if no
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    program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press , a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit. ASUS EZ Mode This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen. Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device This option allows you to attempt to
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    2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS information
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    not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes de l'appareil. ASUS A78M-A A-1
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    waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste. ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing
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    Str. 21-23, 40880 Ratingen, Germany Fax +49-2102-959931 Web site http://www.asus.com/de Online contact http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales Technical Support Telephone Support Fax Online support +49-2102-5789555 +49-2102-959911 http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx ASUS A78M-A A-3
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    name : Model name : ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. 4F, No. 150, LI-TE Rd., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN TAIWAN ASUS COMPUTER GmbH HARKORT STR. 21-23, 40880 RATINGEN GERMANY Motherboard A78M-A conform with the essential requirements of the following directives: 2004/108/EC-EMC Directive EN 55022:2010+AC:2011
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Motherboard
A78M-A