Asus M3N78 Manual
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Asus M3N78 Manual

Asus M3N78 Manual

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  • Page 1 M3N78...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................viii M3N78 specifications summary ..............x Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-2 Package contents ................. 1-2 Special features ................1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-2 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........1-5 Before you proceed ..............
  • Page 4 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........2-2 2.1.2 AFUDOS utility ..............2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-6 2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 2-8 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ............2-9 BIOS setup program ..............2-12 2.2.1...
  • Page 5 Boot Device Priority ............2-34 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-35 2.6.3 Security ................. 2-36 Tools menu ................. 2-38 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-38 2.7.2 Express Gate ..............2-39 2.7.3 AI NET 2................ 2-39 Exit menu ..................2-40 Chapter 3: Software support Installing an operating system ...........

  • Page 6: Notices

    Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

  • Page 8: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
  • Page 9 Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

  • Page 10: M3N78 Specifications Summary

    * Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,...
  • Page 11 - Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz - PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS special features ASUS Express Gate - Access the Internet in 5-second* boot time without...
  • Page 12 24-pin EATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12V power connector BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ASUS EZ Flash 2 Accessories User manual 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...

  • Page 14: Welcome

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.
  • Page 15 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See pages 1-14 for details. Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models. ASUS M3N78...
  • Page 16 Gigabit LAN solution The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems. See page 1-23 for details. HyperTransport 3.0 Support HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT3.0) technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efficiency for a smoother, faster computing environment.

  • Page 17: Innovative Asus Features

    Windows at anytime! • The actual boot time depends on the system configuration. • ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drive and downloading to USB drives only. ASUS M3N78...
  • Page 18 Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

  • Page 19: Before You Proceed

    ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR M3N78 Standby Powered Power M3N78 Onboard LED ASUS M3N78...

  • Page 20: Motherboard Overview

    MCP78S SATA1 CHA_FAN PCIEX16 Realtek 8211 PCIEX1_1 CLRTC CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power SB_PWR PCIEX1_2 USB78 USB910 USB1112 M3N78 BIOS PCI1 PRI_IDE COM1 Super I/O PWR_FAN CHASSIS PCI2 VT1708B PCI3 FLOPPY SPDIF_OUT IE1394_1 PANEL AAFP Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

  • Page 21: Placement Direction

    Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis. M3N78 ASUS M3N78...

  • Page 22: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M3N78 M3N78 CPU Socket AM2+ Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely.
  • Page 23 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M3N78 M3N78 CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. ASUS M3N78...

  • Page 24: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance Ensure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan: Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.
  • Page 25 Otherwise, you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. ASUS M3N78 1-13...

  • Page 26: System Memory

    240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: M3N78 M3N78 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Sockets Channel 1...
  • Page 27 The motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating system listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot. 64-bit Windows XP Professional x64 Edition ® Windows Vista x64 Edition ® ASUS M3N78 1-15...
  • Page 28 GE24GB1066C5QC GEIL Heat-Sink Package • • Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models. DDR2-800 MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Size Vendor Part No.
  • Page 29 Dual-channel memory configuration. • C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-533/667/800/1066MHz QVL. ASUS M3N78 1-17...

  • Page 30: Installing A Dimm

    1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure that you unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

  • Page 31: Expansion Slots

    Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. ASUS M3N78 1-19...
  • Page 32 interrupt assignments Standard function Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft natural PS/2 keyboard High precision event timer Communications Port (COM 1)* Standard floppy disk controller High precision event timer Microsoft ACPI-compliant system PS/2 compatible mouse Numeric data processor NVIDIA nForce PCI system management NVIDIA GeForce 6800 series GPU PCI standard PCI to PCI bridge PCI standard PCI to PCI bridge...

  • Page 33: Pci Slots

    PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with PCI Express specifications. The figure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. ASUS M3N78 1-21...

  • Page 34: Jumpers

    Clear RTC (Default) M3N78 M3N78 Clear RTC RAM You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

  • Page 35: 1.10 Connectors

    Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. ASUS M3N78 1-23...
  • Page 36 Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. 10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration. Refer to the audio configuration table for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.

  • Page 37: Internal Connectors

    Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY M3N78 PIN1 NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. Floppy Disk Drive Connector M3N78 ASUS M3N78 1-25...
  • Page 38 If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting. PRI_IDE M3N78 PIN1 NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the ID ribbon cable to PIN 1. M3N78 IDE Connector 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 39 RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configuration through the onboard NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset. SATA6 SATA5 SATA3 M3N78 SATA2 M3N78 SATA Connectors SATA1 Important note on Serial ATA Install the Windows XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA. ® •...
  • Page 40 M3N78 Fan Connectors Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. (black) M3N78 M3N78 Internal Audio Connector 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 41 480 Mbps connection speed. USB1112 USB78 USB910 M3N78 M3N78 USB 2.0 Connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. LPT connector The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer.
  • Page 42 Azalia-compliant pin definition pin definition AAFP M3N78 M3N78 Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • By default, this connector is set to [HD Audio]. If you want to connect a High Definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio].
  • Page 43 -12 Volts +3 Volts +3 Volts M3N78 M3N78 ATX Power Connector • We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specification 2.0-compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
  • Page 44 The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The serial port bracket (COM1) is purchased separately. COM1 M3N78 M3N78 COM Port Connector 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 45 PLED M3N78 Reset +IDE_LED PWRSW M3N78 System Panel Connector • System power LED This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
  • Page 46 1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 47: Chapter 2: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...

  • Page 48: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    USB flash disk or the motherboard Support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk during POST. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

  • Page 49: Afudos Utility

    Ensure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as shown. ASUS M3N78...
  • Page 50 Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.
  • Page 51 The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iM3N78.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ..done Reading flash ..

  • Page 52: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 53 Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file. Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk To recover the BIOS from the USB flash disk: Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to the USB port.

  • Page 54: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...

  • Page 55: Asus Update Utility

    DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you ®...
  • Page 56 To update the BIOS through the Internet: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from Select the ASUS FTP site nearest...
  • Page 57 To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

  • Page 58: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. 2-12...

  • Page 59: Bios Menu Screen

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS information. ASUS M3N78 2-13...

  • Page 60: Navigation Keys

    2.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.

  • Page 61: Pop-Up Window

    3.5 in. ESATA :[Not Detected] 1.44M, 3.5 in. Select Screen 2.88M, 3.5 in. Select Item Storage Configuration Change Field Select Field General Help System Information Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Pop-up window ASUS M3N78 2-15...

  • Page 62: Main Menu

    Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced...

  • Page 63: Primary Ide Master/Slave

    When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] ASUS M3N78 2-17...

  • Page 64: Sata 1, 2, 3, And Esata

    PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

  • Page 65: Storage Configuration

    Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Storage Configuration DISABLED: disables the integrated IDE Controller. Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled] ENABLE: enables OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled] the integrated IDE SATA Mode select [SATA Mode] Controller. ASUS M3N78 2-19...

  • Page 66: System Information

    Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard PCI IDE controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the OnChip S-ATA devices. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] SATA Mode select [SATA Mode] Allows you to select the SATA Mode.

  • Page 67: Advanced Menu

    Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration Adjust System CPU Configuration Frequency/Voltage Chipset etc. Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Select Screen Select Item Change Field Select Field General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M3N78 2-21...

  • Page 68: Jumperfree Configuration

    2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency/Voltage Select the target CPU frequency, CPU Overclocking [Auto] and the relevant GPU Overclocking [Auto] parameters will PCIE Overclocking [Auto] be auto-adjusted. Frequencies higher CPU Ratio and Voltage than CPU manufacturer Processor Frequency Multiplier...
  • Page 69 Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to 2.24375V with a 0.00625V interval. Configuration options: [Auto] Chipset Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the chipset over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] ASUS M3N78 2-23...

  • Page 70: Cpu Configuration

    2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration This option should Module Version: 13.29 remain disabled for AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0 the normal operation. Physical Count: 1 The driver developer Logical Count: 1 may enable it for...

  • Page 71: Chipset

    Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12] [XOR of Address bits [20:16,6] ] [XOR of Address bits [20:16,9] ] ASUS M3N78 2-25...
  • Page 72 Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled] Enables or disables clock to all DIMMs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Enables or disables the MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Enables or disables the memory remapping around memory hole. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable Unganed mode.
  • Page 73 OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3N78 2-27...

  • Page 74: Onboard Devices Configuration

    2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Allows BIOS to select Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Base Address. Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.
  • Page 75 IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] ASUS M3N78 2-29...

  • Page 76: Usb Configuration

    2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Configuration Options Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4 Disabled Enabled USB Devices Enabled: None USB Functions [Enabled]...

  • Page 77: Power Menu

    Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3N78 2-31...

  • Page 78: Apm Configuration

    2.5.4 APM Configuration APM Configuration Options Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power On Power Off Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled] Power On By Ring [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

  • Page 79: Hardware Monitor

    The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]...

  • Page 80: Boot Menu

    Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Specifies the Boot Boot Settings Device Priority sequence.

  • Page 81: Boot Settings Configuration

    This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS]...

  • Page 82: Security

    Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. Security Settings <Enter>...
  • Page 83 Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] ASUS M3N78 2-37...

  • Page 84: Tools Menu

    (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <OK>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <OK> to confirm your choice.

  • Page 85: Express Gate

    2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first...

  • Page 86: Exit Menu

    Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Exit Options Exit system setup after saving the Exit & Save Changes changes.

  • Page 87: Chapter 3: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...

  • Page 88: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. 3.2.1 Running the Support DVD Place the Support DVD to the optical drive.

  • Page 89: Drivers Menu

    The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Installs the ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for drivers. NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver Install the NVIDIA nForce chipset driver.

  • Page 90: Utilities Menu

    ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Install all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a ®...
  • Page 91 Anti-Virus Utility Download Downloads and installs the latest anti-virus application. ASUS Cool’n’Quiet Utility Installs the ASUS Cool’n’Quiet utility. The screen display and utilities option may not be the same for different operating system versions. ASUS M3N78...

  • Page 92: Make Disk Menu

    3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit XP SATA RAID Driver (Disk 1/2) Allows you to create an NVIDIA 32/64bit XP Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista SATA RAID Driver Allows you to create an NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk.

  • Page 93: Manual Menu

    Acrobat Reader before opening a user manual file. ® ® ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide Allows you to open the ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide. NVIDIA SATA RAID User’s Manual Allows you to open the NVIDIA SATA RAID User’s Manual. ASUS M3N78...

  • Page 94: Asus Contact Information

    3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the Support DVD.
  • Page 95 Browse this DVD Displays the Support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical Support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the Support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.

  • Page 96: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows XP OS on ® a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: Place the motherboard Support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. Select Make Disk tab.

  • Page 97: Chapter 4: Nvidia ® Technology Support

    This chapter tells how to use the Hybrid ® feature. ® NVIDIA technology support...

  • Page 98: Nvidia Hybrid Sli Technology

    ® ® NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Technology ® ® The motherboard supports the NVIDIA Hybrid SLI technology that includes two ® ® primary features: GeForce Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce Boost enhances the performance of NVIDIA discrete Graphics Process Units (dGPU) when they work with the onboard motherboard GPU (mGPU).

  • Page 99: Enabling Hybrid Sli

    SLI Frame buffer Size item to [256MB]. See section 2.4.3 Chipset for details. SouthBridge chipset Configuration Options PCI VGA Card First Primary Graphics Adapter [Internal VGA Firs] Internal VGA First Hybrid SLI Mode [mGPU always enable] PCIE VGA Card First Hybrid SLI Frame buffer Size [256MB] ASUS M3N78-EMH HDMI...
  • Page 100 Save your changes and exit Setup. ® From the Windows desktop, go to Start > Control Panel > User Accounts and Family Safety to turn off User Account Control. Place the support DVD into the optical drive, and go to the Drivers menu to install the NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program.

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