Asus M4A78T-E User Manual

MotherboardM4A78T-E

xConventions used in this guideTo make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Ty

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express GateASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on env

ASUS M4A78T-E4-7Chapter 44.3.5 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.Launching AI Suite1. Install AI Suite

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.6 ASUS EPUASUS EPU is an energy-efcient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving solution

ASUS M4A78T-E4-9Chapter 44.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 o

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.8 ASUS AI NapASUS AI Nap allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are

ASUS M4A78T-E4-11Chapter 44.3.9 ASUS TurboVASUS TurboV allows you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, DRAM voltage, and CPU/NB voltage in WI

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.10 ASUS Turbo KeyASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking

ASUS M4A78T-E4-13Chapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard disk dri

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4.3 AMD® RAID congurationsThis motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 congurations for

ASUS M4A78T-E4-15Chapter 4The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignments: s

xiM4A78T-E specications summary(continued on the next page)CPUAMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 /™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / X4 / Athlon™ X3 /™ X3 /

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID 0 congurationTo create a RAID 0 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “De

ASUS M4A78T-E4-17Chapter 4Creating a RAID 1 congurationTo create a RAID 1 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID 10 congurationTo create a RAID 10 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “D

ASUS M4A78T-E4-19Chapter 4Deleting a RAID congurationTo create a RAID set:1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” function. 2

4-20 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP ope

ASUS M4A78T-E5-1Chapter 5Chapter 5 5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install

5-2 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 5CrossFireX goldngersCrossFireX bridge4. Align and rmly insert the CrossFireX bridge conn

ASUS M4A78T-E5-3Chapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately.6. Connect a

5-4 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 52. The Catalyst Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system detects the existan

ASUS M4A78T-E5-5Chapter 55.2 ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you to install multi-g

xii(continued on the next page)M4A78T-E specications summaryIEEE 1394VIA® VT6315N controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 at midboard; 1 at

5-6 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 55.2.3 Installing AMD Chipset DriverTo install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX t

ASUS M4A78T-E5-7Chapter 5Using the onboard graphics card1. Right-click on the Windows® desktop, and then click ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center from t

5-8 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 51. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card. 2. From the ATI CATALYST(R) C

xiii*Specications are subject to change without notice.M4A78T-E specications summaryBack panel I/O ports1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x S/PDIF Out port (

xiv

ASUS M4A78T-E1-1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78T-E motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest te

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsAMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 CPU s

ASUS M4A78T-E1-3Chapter 1HDMI/DVI/RGB SupportFlexible Graphics AlternativesThis motherboard supports multiple digital and analog display output interf

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1ASUS Quiet Thermal SolutionASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclock

ASUS M4A78T-E1-5Chapter 1ASUS EZ Flash 2ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened hotkey to launch the utilit

iiE4465Second Edition (V2) January 2009Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and s

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1

ASUS M4A78T-E2-1Chapter 2• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.• Before handling components, use a grounded wri

2-2Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and inter

ASUS M4A78T-E2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 2-332. AM3 CPU so

2-4Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.3 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in

ASUS M4A78T-E2-5Chapter 22.3.1 Installing the CPUTo install a CPU:1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The

2-6Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket co

ASUS M4A78T-E2-7Chapter 22.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 processors requires a specia

2-8Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.4. Push down the retention bracke

ASUS M4A78T-E2-9Chapter 25. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices

2-10Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Mem

ASUS M4A78T-E2-11Chapter 22.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM s

2-12Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO.Timing Dimm (Bios)VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)A* B*

ASUS M4A78T-E2-13Chapter 2Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip Brand Chip NO.Timing Dimm (Bios)VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)A* B* C*KINGMAX FLFD45F-B

2-14Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Timing Dimm (Bios)VoltageDIMM socket support (Optional)A* B* C*

ASUS M4A78T-E2-15Chapter 22.4.4 Removing a DIMMFollow these steps to remove a DIMM.1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the

2-16Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections des

ASUS M4A78T-E2-17Chapter 2IRQ assignments for this motherboardA B C D E F G HPCIE x16_1 shared shared shared shared – – – –PCIE x16_2 shared shared sh

2-18Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

ASUS M4A78T-E2-19Chapter 22.6 Jumpers1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can cl

ivContents2.8 Starting up for the rst time ... 2-372.9 Turning off the computer ..

2-20Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)This jumper allows you to enable or disable the advanced CPU ove

ASUS M4A78T-E2-21Chapter 22.7 Connectors2.7.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 7. HDMI Out port 2. Optica

2-22Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.7.2 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and MicAudio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congu

ASUS M4A78T-E2-23Chapter 2Connect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-24Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

ASUS M4A78T-E2-25Chapter 2Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the des

2-26Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.7.3 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for a oppy d

ASUS M4A78T-E2-27Chapter 2Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Select or Master - BlackTwo devices Cable-Select M

2-28Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. AMD® SB750 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5)These connectors are for the Serial ATA si

ASUS M4A78T-E2-29Chapter 25. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910; USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to

v3.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum ... 3-173.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum ...

2-30Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 27. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE

ASUS M4A78T-E2-31Chapter 29. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connectors

2-32Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 210. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detect

ASUS M4A78T-E2-33Chapter 2• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specicatio

2-34Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 212. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio

ASUS M4A78T-E2-35Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to thi

2-36Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 21. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to kn

ASUS M4A78T-E2-37Chapter 22.8 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all

2-38Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2

ASUS M4A78T-E3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device conguration, ov

vi4.3.10 ASUS Turbo Key ... 4-124.4 RAID congurations ...

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 ASUS Update utilityThe ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard B

ASUS M4A78T-E3-3Chapter 33. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.4. From the FTP site, sel

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

ASUS M4A78T-E3-5Chapter 3ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.34Current ROMUpdate ROMA:Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore th

ASUS M4A78T-E3-7Chapter 33.3 BIOS setup programA BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the computer, the system

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.3.3 Navigation keysAt the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.

ASUS M4A78T-E3-9Chapter 3Primary IDE MasterDevice : Hard DiskVendor : WDC WD800JD-00LSA0Size : 80.0GBLBA Mode : Suppor

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Type [Auto]Allows you to select the type of IDE drive installed.[Not Installed] Select this option if no IDE drive

ASUS M4A78T-E3-11Chapter 332Bit Data Transfer [Enabled][Enabled] Sets the IDE controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into a singl

viiNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.4.3 System InformationThis menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automaticall

ASUS M4A78T-E3-13Chapter 33.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto]Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Use <+> and <-

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.8 Memory CongurationBank Interleaving [Auto]Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]Channel Interleaving [XOR

ASUS M4A78T-E3-15Chapter 3DRAM Command Rate [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]TCL [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3TRFC0/TRFC01 [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]DCT0:CKE drive strength. [Aut

ASUS M4A78T-E3-17Chapter 33.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled][Disabled] Enhances the FSB overclocking ability[Enabled] Set to [Enabled] for EMI

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to ma

ASUS M4A78T-E3-19Chapter 3GART Error Reporting [Disabled]Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]Microcode Updation [Enabled][Disabled] Disables th

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3ECC Mode [Disabled]Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors.

ASUS M4A78T-E3-21Chapter 3Set the ECC options for cache and dram scrubbing.RS780D CongurationNorthBridge2 Chipset Conguration Internal Graphics Con

viiiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating t

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3GFX Dual Slot Configuration [Auto][Auto] Switches the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots automatically

ASUS M4A78T-E3-23Chapter 3The following item appears only when you set the HD Audio Azalia Device item to [Enabled].Front Panel Type [HD][AC 97] Sest

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.5 PCIPnPThe PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.Advanced PCI/PnP S

ASUS M4A78T-E3-25Chapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3APM CongurationRestore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]Power On By PME [Disabled] [Disabled]Power On By PS/2 Key

ASUS M4A78T-E3-27Chapter 33.7.6 Hardware Monitor Select Screen Select Item+- Change FieldF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC ExitCPU T

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Chassis Q-Fan Function [Disabled][Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.[Enabled] Enables the

ASUS M4A78T-E3-29Chapter 33.8 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to di

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled][Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POS

ASUS M4A78T-E3-31Chapter 33.8.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter

ixAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis gui

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Change User PasswordSelect this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the scree

ASUS M4A78T-E3-33Chapter 33.9 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9.3 ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. Add Your CMOS ProleAllows you

ASUS M4A78T-E3-35Chapter 3Current CMOSRestore CMOSA:Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Back

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and

ASUS M4A78T-E4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN

4-2 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.2.2 Obtaining the software manualsThe software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instruct

ASUS M4A78T-E4-3Chapter 44.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatic

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed softwa

ASUS M4A78T-E4-5Chapter 44.3.3 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of