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Related Manuals for Asus M3A78
Summary of Contents for Asus M3A78
- Page 1 M3A78...
- 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.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................vii M3A78 specifications summary ..............ix Product introduction Chapter 1: Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........1-3 Before you proceed .............. - Page 4 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........2-1 2.1.2 ASUS Update utility ............2-2 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 2-3 2.1.4 AFUDOS utility ..............2-4 2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-5 BIOS setup program ..............2-6 2.2.1...
- Page 5 HW Monitor Configuration ..........2-17 Boot menu .................. 2-18 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............2-18 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-18 2.6.3 Security ................. 2-19 Tools menu ................. 2-21 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-21 Exit menu ..................2-22...
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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 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.
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Page 9: M3A78 Specifications Summary
When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability. ** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) *** Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows... - Page 10 ASUS Overclocking SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to features 300MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.025V increment ASUS CPR (CPU Parameter Recall) BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI2.0a, SMBIOS 2.5 Accessories User manual...
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Page 11: Chapter 1: Product Introduction
® 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 12 This enhances system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only. Refer to the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the supported CPU models. ASUS M3A78...
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Page 13: Innovative Asus Features
BIOS file using the bundled support DVD, floppy disk, or USB disk that contains the BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or a DOS-based utility. ASUS Q-Fan... - Page 14 ASUS Express Gate With on 5 seconds boot-up time, the ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly surf the Internet without entering Windows or the Hard Disk. You can now enjoy Skype, IM, YouTube, webmail and internet file downloads and sharing whenever and whatever you want.
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Page 15: 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 Standby Powered M3A78 M3A78 Power M3A78 M3A78 Onboard LED Chapter 1: Product introduction... -
Page 16: Motherboard Overview
Screw holes Place nine 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. M3A78 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 17: Motherboard Layout
Motherboard layout 24.4cm(9.6in) KB_USB56 CHA_FAN ATX12V SPDOF_O USB34 LAN1_USB12 CPU_FAN AUDIO AMD 770 880T-792 PWR_FAN PCIEX16 SB_PWR 8111C BIOS PCIEX1_1 M3A78 SB700 PCIEX1_2 PCI1 PRI_IDE PCI2 VT1708B CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power CLRTC PCI3 USB910 USB78 USB1112 PANEL SPDIF_OUT FLOPPY AAFP 1.5.4... -
Page 18: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)
1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M3A78 M3A78 CPU Socket AM2+ Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90°- Socket lever 100° angle. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely. - Page 19 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M3A78 M3A78 CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. Chapter 1: Product introduction...
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Page 20: Installing The Heatsink And Fan
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 1-10 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 21: System Memory
DDR DIMM socket. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 + DIMM A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 + DIMM B2 M3A78 M3A78 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-11... -
Page 22: Memory Configurations
The motherboard supports up to 8GB memory modules on Windows XP Professional x64 ® and Vista x64 editions. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot. M3A78 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) - Page 23 DDR2-800MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Size Vendor Part No. Chip Brand Chip No. Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G Kingston Heat-Sink Package • • 512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 Promos V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA • • Kingston KHX6400D2/2G Kingston Heat-Sink Package • • Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G Elpida E2108ABSE-8G-E • • 512MB Samsung M378T6553GZS-CF7...
- Page 24 • B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into both the yellow slots as one pair of 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 at www.asus.com for the latest DDR2-533/667/800/1066MHz QVL. 1-14 ASUS M3A78...
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Page 25: Installing A Dimm
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Press the retaining clips outward to DDR2 DIMM notch unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. -
Page 26: Expansion Slots
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports a PCI Express x16 graphics card that complies with the PCI Express specifications. 1-16 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 27: Jumpers
Normal Clear RTC (Default) M3A78 Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2. -
Page 28: Connectors
Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speaker in an 8-channel audio configuration. Refer to the audio configuration table on next page for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. 1-18 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 29: 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 M3A78 PIN1 NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. - Page 30 If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. PRI_IDE M3A78 PIN1 NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the ID ribbon cable to PIN 1. M3A78 IDE Connector 1-20 ASUS M3A78...
- Page 31 The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. Chapter 1: Product introduction...
- Page 32 SATA5 or SATA6 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) M3A78 M3A78 Internal Audio Connector 1-22 ASUS M3A78...
- Page 33 M3A78 Reset +IDE_LED PWRSW M3A78 System Panel Connector System power LED (2-pin PLED) • 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 34 DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors. Only the CPU FAN supports ASUS Q-Fan. CHA_FAN CPU_FAN...
- Page 35 AAFP M3A78 M3A78 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].
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Page 36: Software Support
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. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD to the optical drive. -
Page 37: Chapter 2: Bios Information
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk Create a bootable floppy disk using a different computer. -
Page 38: Asus Update Utility
2.1.2 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ® • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). -
Page 39: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk or a DOS-based utility. Before using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus. -
Page 40: Afudos Utility
• Obtain the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the bundled support DVD and the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. • We recommend that you write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You will need to key in the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt later. -
Page 41: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility
2.1.5 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, a floppy disk, or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. -
Page 42: 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. -
Page 43: 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. Chapter 2: BIOS setup... -
Page 44: Navigation Keys
(C)Copyright 1985-2008, A m e r i c a n Megatrends, Inc. Pop-up window Press the Scroll bar <Up> / <Down> arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen. ASUS M3A78... -
Page 45: 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 46: Sata Configuration
OnChip SATA Type [SATA] Allows you to select the SATA type. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] When SATA is configured as [AHCI] in BIOS, only SATA port 1-4 can be detected. Ensure to install the AHCI driver to detect. 2-10 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 47: System Information
2.3.6 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. - Page 48 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] 2-12 ASUS M3A78...
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Page 49: Cpu Configuration
2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation. -
Page 50: Onboard Devices Configuration
Onboard LAN Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Onboard LAN. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Onboard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-14 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 51: Pci Pnp
2.4.5 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. -
Page 52: Power Menu
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power On] [Power Off] [Last State] 2-16 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 53: Hw Monitor Configuration
Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected voltage output. Smart Q-Fan Function [Enabled] 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] Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V]... -
Page 54: Boot Menu
Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-18 ASUS M3A78... -
Page 55: Security
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] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. - Page 56 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] 2-20 ASUS M3A78...
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Page 57: 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 58: Exit Menu
When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM. 2-22 ASUS M3A78...