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1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This motherboard comes with an AM3+ socket designed for FX™ / Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 series processors.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
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 ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT
force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
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 ts in place.
The CPU ts only in one correct orientation.
DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to
prevent bending the pins and damaging the
CPU!
Gold triangle
Small triangle
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 t in completely.
Right
M5A78L-M/USB3
M5A78L-M/USB3 CPU socket AM3+
Chapter 1: Product introduction1-8