ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO and M4A785TD-M EVO AM3 Motherboards Review

Hardware Installation

In the Hardware Installation section we examine how major components fit on the motherboard, and whether there are any serious issues that may affect installation and general functionality. Specifically, we are interested in determining whether the motherboard has adequate clearance levels in all critical areas.

M4A785TD-V EVO



We’re happy to report that we didn’t encounter any major “show stopping” issues when installing our large Noctua NH-U12P tower heatsink on the ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO. Areas surrounding the CPU socket remain nice and open. Even the Sydney Opera H—err, 785G heatsink keeps low enough to avoid both the heatsink and any optional fans installed on the reverse side of the NH-U12P.


As with almost all AM2/AM3 boards, the memory slots are a tad too close to the CPU socket. Very large memory modules like Corsair’s “Dominator Series” or the OCZ “Reaper” series may have clearance issues if you populate the DIMM slot closest to the CPU. Thankfully all standard profile memory heat spreaders will not have an issue with the board. As a work around, the fan could be mounted slightly higher up the heatsink for additional clearance.


Even with a larger dual-slot video card installed, all of the board’s components and ports remain unobstructed. We were pleased to see that all five SATA ports were 100% accessible, as well as the front fan header. Things would be a little tighter with two cards installed obviously, but again, there would be no show stopping clearance issues.


Whatever sits in the 1X slot won’t have clearance issues, but will inevitably sit close to the video card and will receive some of it’s heat output. Those with PCI-E sound cards should probably consider using the white 16X slot before using the blue 1X slot above the video card if it’s free.


M4A785TD-M EVO


Likewise, we had no issues with installation on the M4A785TD-M EVO. The CPU socket area remains nice and clear, and the 785G heatsink is low enough not to obstruct the majority of oversize heatsinks.


Even with a large dual-slot video card installed, the board remained completely unobstructed. This is a nice surprise given the compact nature of the board.