Asus M3N78-AM Manual
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Summary of Contents for Asus M3N78-AM

  • Page 1 M3N78-AM...
  • 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-AM 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 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........2-2 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 2-3 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ..............2-4 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-7 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ............
  • Page 5 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-37 2.6.3 Security ................. 2-38 Tools menu ................. 2-40 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-40 2.7.2 AI NET 2................ 2-41 Exit menu ..................2-42 Chapter 3: Software support Installing an operating system ........... 3-2 Support DVD information ............
  • 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 electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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-Am Specifications Summary

    3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended if you are using a Windows 32-bit operation system. *** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™...
  • Page 11 M3N78-AM specifications summary ASUS unique features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 Audio ALC662 High Definition Audio 6-channel CODEC - Supports S/PDIF out interface, Jack-detect, Multi-streaming, and Anti Pop Function Other features ASUS MyLogo2™...
  • 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 CPU models. ASUS M3N78-AM...
  • Page 16 Hybrid SLI™ technology, based on NVIDIA’s industry-leading SLI technology, delivers multi-GPU benefits when an NVIDIA motherboard GPU is combined with an NVIDIA discrete GPU. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest Hybrid SLI driver. Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 17: Innovative Asus Features

    See page 2-35 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip.
  • 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-AM Standy Power Powered Off M3N78-AM Onboard LED ASUS M3N78-AM...
  • Page 20: Motherboard Overview

    Motherboard layout 21.8cm(8.6in) CPU_FAN KB_USB56 ATX12V USB34 LAN1_USB12 NVIDIA ® AUDIO GeForce 8200 PCIEX1_1 Realtek 8211CL SB_PWR PCIEX16 Lithium Cell CMOS Power M3N78-AM CLRTC PCI1 SPEAKER Super BIOS PCI2 SPDIF_OUT USB910 USB78 USB1112 FLOPPY F_PANEL AAFP Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 21: Placement Direction

    Screw holes Place six 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-AM ASUS M3N78-AM...
  • Page 22: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M3N78-AM M3N78-AM 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 does not fit in completely.
  • Page 23 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M3N78-AM M3N78-AM 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-AM...
  • Page 24: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Ensure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan.
  • 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-AM 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-AM M3N78-AM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Channel Sockets Channel A...
  • Page 27: Memory Configurations

    Windows 32-bit operation system. The motherboard can support 8GB physical memory on the operating system listed below. You may install a maximum of 4GB DIMM on each slot. 64-bit Windows XP Professional x64 Edition ® Windows Vista x64 Edition ® ASUS M3N78-AM 1-15...
  • Page 28 M3N78-AM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-533MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip No. Chip Brand Kingston KVR533D2N4/1G HY5PS12821EFP-Y5 Hynix • • HYMP512U64CP8-C4 AB HY5PS12821CFP-C4 Hynix • • Corsair VS1GB533D2 64M8CFEGQIB0900718 Corsair • • Elpida EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E 512MB...
  • Page 29 Dual-channel memory configuration. 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 CPU models. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest DDR2 533/667/800/1066MHz QVL.
  • Page 30: Installing A Dimm

    1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure to 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-AM 1-19...
  • Page 32: Interrupt Assignments

    Interrupt assignments Standard function Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard High precision event timer Communications Port (COM1) Standard floppy disk controller High precision event timer Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System Numeric data processor NVIDIA nForce PCI System Management PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge NVIDIA GeForce 8200 Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller...
  • Page 33 When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS M3N78-AM 1-21...
  • Page 34: Pci Slots

    1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The photo shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express...
  • Page 35: Jumper

    Normal Clear RTC (Default) M3N78-AM 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 36: 1.10 Connectors

    1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 37 10. Serial port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 11. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. ASUS M3N78-AM 1-25...
  • Page 38: Internal Connectors

    M3N78-AM NOTE:Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. M3N78-AM Floppy disk drive connector Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
  • Page 39 RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXP1 M3N78-AM RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXP1 M3N78-AM SATA connectors • Install the Windows XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA. ® • If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode Select item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. See page 2-18 for details.
  • Page 40 Only the CPU fan supports Q-Fan. CPU_FAN M3N78-AM M3N78-AM CPU fan connector 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.
  • Page 41 480Mbps connection speed. USB910 USB78 USB1112 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 M3N78-AM M3N78-AM USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS M3N78-AM 1-29...
  • Page 42 If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices. PRI_IDE M3N78-AM NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. M3N78-AM IDE connector 1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 43 Legacy AC’97 pin definition compliant definition M3N78-AM 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. If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, ensure that the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS is set to [HD Audio].
  • Page 44 -12 Volts +3 Volts +3 Volts PIN 1 M3N78-AM ATX power connectors • 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 45 PIN 1 M3N78-AM HD_LED RESET M3N78-AM 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 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

    The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.
  • Page 49: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    2.1.2 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 50: Afudos Utility

    (2) Enter the BIOS Setup utility, and then go to the Tools menu. Select EZ Flash 2 and press <Enter> to enable it. You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct file is found. Then press <Enter>. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done.
  • Page 51 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 down the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.
  • Page 52 The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iM3N78AM.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.38(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 53: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 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 USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 54 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 a USB flash disk...
  • Page 55: Asus Update Utility

    2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update utility allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: ® • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet •...
  • 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 the 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 dropdown menu, then click Next.
  • Page 58: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference 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 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-AM 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: General Help

    Allows you to set the system date. 2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M, 5.25 in.] [720K, 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-15...
  • Page 62: Primary Ide Master/Slave, Sata1~4

    2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1~4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. Select the type of Primary IDE Master device connected to the system.
  • Page 63 Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-17...
  • Page 64: Storage Configuration

    2.3.5 Storage Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the IDE devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you wish to configure the item. Disabled: disables Storage Configuration the integrated IDE Controller.
  • Page 65: System Information

    : AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Speed : 1800MHz Count System Memory Installed Size : 512MB Usable Size : 384MB BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. ASUS M3N78-AM 2-19...
  • Page 66: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot...
  • Page 67 Allows you to enter an integer value from 500MHz to 999MHz to overclock for GPU. Configuration options: [Min.=500] [Max.=999] Shader Frequency [1200] Allows you to enter an integer value from 1000MHz to 2000MHz to overclock for shader. Configuration options: [Min.=1000] [Max.=2000] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-21...
  • Page 68 PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of PCIE overclocking options to achieve desired PCIE frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: [Auto] - allows you to set overclocking parameters automatically. [Manual] - allows you to manually set overclocking parameters. The following item appears only when the PCIE Overclocking item is set to [Manual].
  • Page 69 Allows you to specify when the last write is registered by the DRAM. Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] TRRD [Auto] Allows you to set TRRD. Configuration options: [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [Auto] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-23...
  • Page 70 tRWTTO [Auto] Allows you to set tRWTTO. Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK] tWRRD [Auto] Allows you to specify the write to read delay when accessing different DRAMs.
  • Page 71: Cpu Configuration

    Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the generation of ACPI_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-25...
  • Page 72: Chipset

    2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Options for NB Advanced Chipset Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction. NorthBridge Configuration Southbridge Configuration NorthBridge Configuration...
  • Page 73 Enables or disables the memory remapping around memory hole. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Allow you to enable or disable Unganed mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Always] Power Down Enable [Enabled] Enables or disables the DDR power down mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-27...
  • Page 74 ECC Configuration Set the level of ECC ECC Configuration protection. Note: The ‘Super‘ ECC mode ECC Mode [Disabled] dynamically sets the DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] DRAM scrub rate so all 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled] of memory is scrubbed DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled] in 8 hours.
  • Page 75 Allows you to set HD Audio mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Allows you to set HD Audio mode. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] Onboard LAN [Enabled] Allows you to set or disable the Onboard LAN. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-29...
  • Page 76: Onboard Devices Configuration

    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] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Allows BIOS to select Onboard Devices Configuration...
  • Page 77 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-AM 2-31...
  • Page 78: 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 79: 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-AM 2-33...
  • Page 80: 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 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 81: 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 CPU fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]...
  • Page 82: 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 83: 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. Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS]...
  • Page 84: 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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot <Enter>...
  • Page 85 Select the Change User Password item. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>. Confirm the password when prompted. The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully. ASUS M3N78-AM 2-39...
  • Page 86: 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 87: Ai Net 2

    Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled] LAN cable. v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek Phy LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3N78-AM 2-41...
  • Page 88: 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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit Options Exit system setup after saving the changes.
  • Page 89: Chapter 3: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 90: 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 into the optical drive.
  • Page 91: 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 Anti-Virus and Drivers Installs all of the drivers using the installation wizard.
  • Page 92: Utilities Menu

    ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities using 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 93 Ulead Burn. Now Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation. Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software. ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility Installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility. ASUS M3N78-AM...
  • Page 94: Make Disk Menu

    3.2.4 Make disk menu The Make disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. Click to display the next page Click to return to the previous page Chapter 3: Software support...
  • Page 95 Vista, install the AHCI / RAID driver through the motherboard support DVD or a USB device. Find RAID driver in the support DVD through the path below: Drivers\Chipset\Disk\RAID Find AHCI driver in the support DVD through the path below: Drivers\Chipset\Disk\AHCI ASUS M3N78-AM...
  • Page 96: Manual Menu

    Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual ® ® file. 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 manual. Chapter 3: Software support...
  • Page 97: 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. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. ASUS M3N78-AM...
  • Page 98 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. 3-10 Chapter 3: Software support...
  • Page 99: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    During the OS installation, press the F6 key when prompted to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver. Insert the floppy disk with the RAID driver into the floppy disk drive. Follow the succeeding onscreen instructions to complete the installation. ASUS M3N78-AM 3-11...
  • Page 100 Using the driver disks you created: • Insert Disk1 when you see the following instruction in Windows Setup. DO NOT remove Disk1 until you are asked to insert Disk2. Windows Setup Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Drive A: Press ENTER when ready.
  • Page 101 Find AHCI driver in the support DVD through the path below: Drivers\Chipset\Disk\AHCI Follow the succeeding onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset does not support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS. ASUS M3N78-AM 3-13...
  • Page 102 3-14 Chapter 3: Software support...

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