ASUS M5A78L-M/USB3

This small-format Micro-ATX motherboard is designed mainly for the upcoming new AMD FX series processors. It supports AM3+multi-core processors with 32nm Bulldozer architecture, but it is also backward compatible with older Phenom II, Athlon II, and Sempron models. It is an accessible platform for building powerful multimedia computers using modern technologies such as SATA II and USB 3.0.
If you wish to have a gaming PC motherboard, then the integrated ATI Radeon HD 3000 graphics chip should come in handy, as it can seamlessly handle graphic editing programs and video streaming, saving you the money you would need to buy a separate graphics card. 3 D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI video outputs provide plenty of flexibility when it comes to the display choice. That said, nothing prevents you from installing a separate graphics card as well, for which the motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot.
A unique feature of this model is the EPU (Energy Processing Unit). The EPU is the world’s first total system power management located on a motherboard, boosting its energy efficiency to an incredible 80%! The EPU works by automatically detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage in real-time in order to achieve the best energy efficiency possible.
This model delivers a range of unique features, such as Core Unlocker, which allows you to easily unlock hidden CPU cores without complicated BIOS tweaking, or Turbo Key. ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games - with just one touch!
Specifications:
Supported processors:
Model: AMD FX/Phenom II X6/X4/X3/X2, X4/X3/X2 Athlon II, Sempron (100 Series)
Socket: AM3 +
Max. TDP: 140 W
Chipset
Northbridge: AMD 760G
Southbridge: AMD SB710
FSB:
Up to 5200 MT/s
HyperTransport 3.0
Memory:
Type: DDR3
Slot: 4x DIMM
Clock speed: 1066/1333/1600 (OC)/1866 (OC)/2000 (OC) MHz
Connection mode: Dual-channel
Max. capacity: 16 GB
Expansion slots:
1 x PCI Express x16
1x PCI Express x1
2x PCI
Video:
Chip: ATI Radeon HD 3000
Clock speed: 350 MHz
Memory: up to 1024 MB shared
API: Microsoft DirectX 10.0, Shader Model 4.0, OpenGL 3.3
Max. HDMI resolution: 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
Max. DVI resolution: 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
Max. D-sub resolution: 2048 x 1536 @ 75 Hz
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX support
Audio:
VIA VT1708S
8 HD channels
LAN:
Realtek 8111E
10/100/1000 Mbit/s
Internal interfaces:
6x SATA II (3 Gbit/s, RAID 0/1/10, JBOD)
3x USB 2.0 connector (6 additional USB 2.0 ports)
1x S/PDIF output connector
1x COM connector
1x LPT connector
External interfaces:
1x HDMI
1x DVI
1x D-sub
4x USB 2.0
2x USB 3.0
1x RJ-45
6x audio jack
1x PS/2 (mouse/keyboard combo port)
Power:
1 x 24-pin EATX connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V connector
Design:
Micro-ATX
Dimensions:
24.4 x 20.3 cm
Included accessories:
Drivers, utilities
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Rear panel
2x SATA II cable
Rear I/O shield