1.6Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors.

The AM3+ socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3+ socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

1.6.1Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1.Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

M5A78L-M/USB3

M5A78L-M/USB3 CPU socket AM3+

2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the

socket, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

Socket lever

 

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU will not fit in completely.

3.Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

Small triangle

Gold triangle

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Chapter 1: Product introduction