ECS
A780GM-A Motherboard
Get superb performance at an affordable price with our new ECS A780GM-A (V1.0)
AMD 780G Socket AM2+ ATX motherboard. With its ATI Radeon HD3200 and Integrated
Direct X10 graphics support this platform delivers spectacular video for systems
running on the high-powered AMD Phenom, AMD Athlon 64X2 dual core, Athlon 64,
and Sempron processors. The ECS A780GM-A supports Hyper Transport 3.0 CPU interface,
dual-channel 1066/800/667/533/400 DDR2 memory, PCI Express x16/x1, SATA 3.0Gb/s,
RAID 0, 1, 10 configurations, 8-channel HD audio, USB 2.0, SPDIF, HDMI, and
Gigabit Fast Ethernet LAN. If you’re ready to build a spectacular multimedia
machine, get your project off to a flying start with the ECS A780GM-A motherboard.
AMD
Phenom
Being inherited from the excellent architecture of multitasking, AMD Phenom
processors lead to a new milestone in the computing performance with its
powerful multi-core as well as the support for HT 3.0 technology.
ATI
Hybrid Graphics Technology
To provide better gaming performance than a single graphics card, the innovative
design of ATIª Hybrid Graphics Technology is capable to bring additional
performance increase up to 1.75X by enabling the power of both integrated
graphics core and the add-on graphics card simultaneously.
HDMI
The interface supports existing high-definition video formats(720p, 1080i,
and even 1080p), plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. Combination
with HDCP, provides a secure audio/video interface that meets the security
requirements of content providers and systems operators.
PCI
EXPRESS 2.0
The exceptionally increased interconnect bit rate from 2.5GT/s up to 5.0GT/s
would effectively eliminates the bottle neck of the system performance and
brings the most terrific computing experience from the present to the future.
Specifications
Form Factor:
ATX
Processor Socket:
AMD
Processor Interface:
Socket AM2+
Processors Supported:
AMD Athlon 64
AMD Athlon 64 FX
AMD Sempron
AMD Athlon X2
AMD Phenom
Additional Technologies:
HyperTransport 3.0 Technology
DirectX10
Front Side Bus:
2600MHz (5200 MT/s)
Northbridge:
AMD 780G
Southbridge:
AMD SB700
Number of Slots:
4
Number of Pins:
240-Pin
Maximum Memory Supported:
32GB - 64bit
Memory Type:
DDR2
Memory Supported:
400MHz DDR2
533MHz DDR2
Dual Channel Supported
667MHz DDR2
800MHz DDR2
1066MHz DDR2 (AM2+ CPU Only)
800MHz DDR2 Memory Architecture
Channels:
8 Channels
Audio Chipset:
IDT 92HD206
Video Chipset:
ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
Supported Devices:
2
Hard Drive Types:
UDMA/133
UDMA/100
UDMA/66
USB Version:
2
USB Data Transfer Rates:
480Mbps
LAN Type:
10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit
Port Type:
RJ-45
RAID Support:
Yes
PCI Slots:
3
PCI Express X1 Slots:
2
PCI Express X16 Slots:
1
PS/2 Keyboard Connectors:
1
PS/2 Mouse Connectors:
1
USB Ports:
12
LAN Ports:
1
Audio Out Jacks:
2
Line In Jacks:
1
Microphone Jacks:
1
Center Audio Jacks:
1
Subwoofer Audio Out Jacks:
1
CD-In Headers:
1
IDE Headers:
1
FDD Headers:
1
Serial ATA Headers:
5
1 - External
ATX Power Connectors:
1 24-Pin Connector
PC Power Connectors:
1 - 4 Pin
Fan Connectors:
1 x CPU
1 x Chassis
VGA Ports:
1
HDMI Ports:
1
Length:
12.000 in. (30.48 cm)
Width:
8.700 in. (22.098 cm)
Detailed Features
A Closer Look
Socket
This motherboard features a Socket AM2+ design.
Chipset
The A780GM-A motherboard is based on the AMD 780G Northbridge chipset
and the AMD SB700 Southbridge chipset. It supports AMD Phenom, Athlon
X2, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 and Sempron Processors, with
Hyper-Transport 3.0 Technology and 2600MHz (5200 MT/s) Front Side Bus
support.
Memory
Expansion
The A780GM-A provides 4 DIMM sockets using Dual Channel 240-pin DDR2 with
a total capacity of up to 8GB-64bit (32GB-64bit support). You can install
DDR2 400/533/667/800/1066MHz Memory. (Due to the DRAM
maximum size is 2GB at present, the memory maximum size we have tested is
8GB. Plus, 1066MHz is supported through AM2+ CPUs only)
PCI
Express 2.0 Support
PCI Express Base 2.0 specification doubles the interconnect bit rate from
2.5 GT/s to 5 GT/s in a seamless and compatible manner. The performance
boost to 5 GT/s is by far the most important feature of the PCI Express
2.0 specifications. It effectively increases the aggregate bandwidth of
a 16-lane link to approximately 16 GB/s. The higher bandwidth will allow
product designers to implement narrower interconnect links to achieve high
performance.
IDE
The A780GM-A includes built in IDE facilities that support
Ultra DMA 66/100/133.
Audio
The A780GM-A comes with an IDT 92HD206 HD audio codec which supports high
quality 8-channel audio.
Serial
ATA Support
The A780GM-A supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial ATA interfaces.
Doubles bus bandwidth which provides blazingly high disk performance, up
to 3.0Gb/s, with RAID 0, 1 and 10 solutions.
Customer Reviews and Rating
Customer Rating:
4.5
Customer Reviews:
67
Have an opinion on this product that you would like to share? If so, please take a few moments to write your rating and review.
Value
4.7
Features
4.5
Quality
4.4
Performance
4.4
Sort By:
Great unless it breaks
Reviewer:
Shnookums on
Aug 29, 2009 Customer Rating:
4.5
Value
5.0
Features
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
This motherboard was great. And it was just what I needed especially for the price. The only bad part however, is when it crapped out on me and died, ECS was NO WHERE to be found. I got NO assistance whatsoever. I sent at least 3 or 4 emails to customer service and got nothing back. So this is a good board but beware if it breaks, get ready to buy a new board.
(Replaced this with a Foxconn Flamingblade)
Don't bother mixing this board with IDE drives...
Reviewer:
Skunkwerks on
Aug 29, 2009 Customer Rating:
2.0
Value
2.0
Features
2.0
Quality
2.0
Performance
2.0
...near as I can tell, whatever packaged drivers are with the CMOS on this mobo simply can't handle them. I call it only the most token support for IDE, at best. I was forced to get a SATA drive to even run with this board.
great price
Reviewer:
pesik15 on
Aug 28, 2009 Customer Rating:
5.0
Value
5.0
Features
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
good motherboard at a great price
Best Board Yet
Reviewer:
Bandit on
Aug 23, 2009 Customer Rating:
5.0
Value
5.0
Features
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
I have the same board but Ver1.0 when i got the new board in ver1.1 wow must faster and more to play with runs great with the 1066 for memory you wont be disappointed i know i was not I'll but from ecs any time
pretty awesome MB
Reviewer:
I;ll remai on
Aug 18, 2009 Customer Rating:
4.8
Value
5.0
Features
4.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
This was part of my first (and only build) about a year ago. So far I never encountered any problems with the mobo. This is a good for a first build. I didn't really get the whole hybrid thing, maybe it did something. the setup I have right now if any of you wandering for ideas, it has a 5600 2.80 Ghz (not overclocked) 4 gs 800 mhz ram, a creative sound card, 4780 X2 ATI video card with 1G DDR5. so far playing crysis with 4x a/a going typically around 35 - 50 fps should say something
Before you buy - make sure your motherboard is compatible with this memory. For example, DDR Memory won't work with motherboards designed for only DDR2, SDRAM or RDRAM memory, and vice versa. Only use the memory speed recommended by your motherboard's manufacturer. Please read the specifications carefully or call us for expert advice.
Know Your BIOS! With today's rapid pace of
design advancement, new product updates come fast and furious. This is
especially true of board-level products, like Motherboards, Video Cards, GPU
Processor Cards, and other main edge connector products. The good news is
that manufacturers have designed in the ability to easily update your
product BIOS, which is sometimes important for full compatibility. So before
installing or combining components, it is always a good idea to check your
product's current BIOS revision against the manufacturer's website, to
determine if an update is needed, or advisable. The manufacturer's
documentation will guide you through this process if it is necessary.
However, remember that most products are designed to be plug-n-play out of
the box!
But
What Is BIOS?
Most electronic devices,
from computers to MP3 players have software embedded in their hardware.
These are programs that tell the device how it will function - from basic to
advanced functions - so that it knows how to start, and perform the most
simple and complex tasks it was designed for. We call this software the BIOS
(sometimes also called Firmware). In computer jargon, BIOS stands for "Basic
Input/Output System", but in reality, there is very little "basic" about it.
In your computer's motherboard for example, it tells your computer how to:
start up; communicate with hardware components, such as hard drives and
video; how to move data in and out of memory; and even talk to your USB
connected devices. Without your BIOS, your device is JOOL (just out of
luck!).
Keep in mind that changing a PC's BIOS
settings incorrectly can cause the PC to malfunction. If this happens, a
BIOS reset is usually available, and will need to be performed to return the
BIOS to the default "factory settings." This is usually activated by a
jumper on the motherboard. [Warning: always read
your motherboard or system manual thoroughly, before upgrading your BIOS, or
making BIOS setting changes!] Though normally, most incorrect
settings should have no negative affect on your PC, but please follow each
step explicitly since some can.
Remember: It is recommended that you reboot
after each individual BIOS setting change to ensure that your system
functions normally. If you make numerous changes before rebooting, and your
system will no longer boot, you won't know which change is responsible for
the failure.
Updating Your BIOS
Before you consider updating your BIOS, be sure you need to - not every
update will be needed or even benefit you. Also be sure you are up to
the technical challenges you will face. Changing the version of BIOS
stored in your computer or motherboard is not the kind of activity
recommended for novice users. To perform this successfully, you need
to be comfortable and familiar with your BIOS settings, and be able to
download and apply the BIOS Update without issue. For this reason, it
is best to let professional computer technicians do this work for you, if or
when it is needed. However, if you know what you are doing, it is a
fairly easy task.
Before Updating BIOS, consider the
following:
The reasons for updating your BIOS -
frequently, updating is unnecessary
Identifying your BIOS chip - if
replacing is the approach required
Replacing your BIOS chip - this requires
significant care, and can void your warranty
Locating your latest BIOS version -
required for any update
Flashing your BIOS - make sure you have
a UPS!
Live update - great for minor or quick
updates - again a UPS is vital - a partial update can make your system
inoperative
Configuring your new BIOS settings -
read the manual! twice for good measure!
This product has a
Socket AM2 CPU Socket.
Your CPU is the heart of your computer. Keeping it cool improves
performance and prevents damage. Be sure you have a good CPU cooling
product!
Click Here To View Available Socket AM2 CPU Cooling Products
»
To learn more about how to keep your PC Very Cool, view our
Guide To PC Cooling»
Upgrading Your Memory to Improve Performance
As programs get more complex, you’ll discover that your trusty PC may not
be working as quickly or efficiently as it used to. While your impulse might
be to purchase a new, more powerful computer, you can dramatically improve
performance simply by upgrading your memory. For far less than what you’d
pay for a new computer, a memory upgrade will often have your PC working
faster and more efficiently than ever before. Plus, it’s relatively easy
to install new memory and only takes a few minutes of your time. For our
step-by-step guide to simple memory installation click here.
Video Installation Guide
Not sure exactly how to install a new component or upgrade your PC? Watch
as our experts show you step by step. We cover all the details and show
you everything you'll need to perform a professional installation, including
tools, parts and cables. We make it fast and easy by showing you how.
Understanding
Computer Memory
Because memory is such a crucial element of our computer's performance,
we all understand that we need it in generous supply. However, questions
remain about what kind of memory is best, what functions each memory serves
and which memory is used for notebooks and PCs.
Click Here for more information
that will answer your many of your questions.
How Much
Memory Do You Really Have?
When you look at the specifications for a computer, it will display the
installed memory, and typically the maximum memory that can be installed.
However, while these are real values, they represent a potential useable
memory depending upon the installed operating system, and other factors. The actual useable memory may be different
(lower) from these values.
The reason is simply that a computer may have a limitation in the operating
system (such as Windows 32 bit versions), or configured to use shared memory,
which reduces the amount of RAM that is available to the CPU by using
some of it for other purposes, such as for video memory. In some
cases, you can control the maximum useable memory through system settings,
by upgrading from a 32 bit to a 64 bit version of Windows XP or Vista, or by upgrading to a video card that has internal onboard video memory.
But always
remember, that the amount of memory that your system reports, is not always
the amount of actual installed memory. For example, if you have 4GB
installed, 32 bit versions of Windows will typically report 3.2GB due to a
limitation of Windows itself. Also note that different Windows
programs report available and maximum memory differently, which can be
confusing. If you find that you need more
memory, we suggest expanding your system memory, since this is the most
effective performance increase, and the one that is easiest to perform .
PCI
Express 2.0 - High End Graphics Have Arrived
PCI Express Base 2.0 specification doubles the interconnect bit rate from
2.5 GT/s to 5 GT/s in a seamless and compatible manner. The performance
boost to 5 GT/s is by far the most important feature of the PCI Express
2.0 specifications. It effectively increases the aggregate bandwidth of
a 16-lane link to approximately 16 GB/s. The higher bandwidth will allow
product designers to implement narrower interconnect links to achieve
high performance while reducing cost.
A number
of optimizations and improvements have been made to the protocol and software
layers of the PCI Express architecture in the PCI Express Base 2.0 specification.
These include:
Dynamic
link speed management – to control the speed at which the link is operating
Link bandwidth
notification – to notify software (operating system, device drivers,
etc) of changes in link speed and width
Capability
structure expansion – to expand the control registers to better manage
devices, slots and the interconnect
Access
control services – optional controls to manage peer-peer transactions
Completion
timeout control – to define a required disable mechanism plus related
optional enhancements
Function-level
reset – optional mechanism to reset functions within a device
Power
limit redefinition – to redefine slot power limit values to accommodate
devices that consume higher power
* The above
values are for physical, not usable memory.
The amount of
memory that your system reports, is not always the amount of actual installed
memory. For example, if you have 4GB installed, 32 bit versions of Windows will
typically report 3.2GB due to a limitation of Windows itself. Also note
that different Windows programs report available and maximum memory differently,
which can be confusing. If you find that you need more memory, we suggest
expanding your system memory, since this is the most effective performance
increase, and the one that is easiest to perform.
All rebates expire at Midnight Eastern Time on the date listed unless otherwise noted.
What's In The Box
ECS A780GM-A Motherboard
User Manual
Drivers CD
(2) Two SATA Cables
IDE Cable
I/O Back Panel Shield
Contents of package may vary from those pictured and stated here,
due to changes in manufacturer's specifications or merchandising.
Please check the product information carefully, items not included
may no longer be required.
Manufactured by:
ECS Elitegroup Computer Warranty provided by:
ECS Elitegroup Computer Limited Warranty:
36 months parts;
24 months labor
Mfg Part No:
A780GM-A UPC No:
881038017044 Box Size:
( Length:
14, Width:
11, Depth:
3 )
Shipping Weight:
2.1500 pound(s)
Click here for full warranty and support information
Limited Warranty: A full text version of the limited warranty
may be obtained by mailing a self addressed, stamped envelope to the
address below and requesting the warranty for item number:
S458-1302
TigerDirect.com
Warranty Information
7795 W. Flagler St. Suite 35
Miami, FL. 33144
0
Item Total
$0.00
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(
67 reviews)
ECS
A780GM-A Motherboard
Form Factor:
2.0
5.0
Know Your BIOS!
Dynamic
link speed management – to control the speed at which the link is operating
