Asus M4A79 Deluxe User Manual

MotherboardM4A79 Deluxe

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

4-4 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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-5Chapter 44.3.3 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts yo

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-7Chapter 44.3.5 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.Launching AI Suite1. Install AI S

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-9Chapter 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-Fa

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-11Chapter 44.3.9 ASUS TurboVASUS TurboV allows you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, DRAM voltage, and CPU/NB voltage

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-13Chapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard dis

xiM4A79 Deluxe specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket A

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-15Chapter 4The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignment

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-17Chapter 4Creating a RAID 1 congurationTo create a RAID 1 set:1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” fun

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-19Chapter 4Deleting a RAID congurationTo create a RAID set:1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” functi

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 M4A79 Deluxe 5-1Chapter 55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install mult

5-2 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 54. Align and rmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphi

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 5-3Chapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately.6. Conn

xii(continued on the next page)M4A79 Deluxe specications summaryASUS unique features ASUS Power Solutions: - 8+2 Phase Power Design - ASUS Anti

5-4 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 55.2.3 Quad CrossFireX installation1. Prepare four CrossFireX-ready graphics cards. 2. In

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 5-5Chapter 55.3 Software information5.3.1 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics car

5-6 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology supportChapter 5Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology1. In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphic

xiii*Specications are subject to change without notice.M4A79 Deluxe specications summaryBack panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/

xiv

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A79 Deluxe motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-3Chapter 11.3.2 ASUS unique featuresASUS Power SolutionsASUS Power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced com

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1ASUS Quiet Thermal SolutionsASUS Quiet Thermal solutions make the system more stable and enhance the overc

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-5Chapter 1ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support DVD in case when the BIO

iiE4418Second Edition (V2) December 2008Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any mo

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and inte

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-352. AM2/

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-5Chapter 22.3.1 Installing the CPUTo install a CPU:1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-7Chapter 22.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe AMD® AM3/AM2+/AM2 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the re

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-9Chapter 25. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labele

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Me

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-11Chapter 22.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capabilityVendor Part No. SizeSS/DSC

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-13Chapter 2M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capabilityVendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip N

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-15Chapter 2M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capabilityVisit the ASUS website at www.asus.com fo

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4.4 Removing a DIMMTo remove a DIMM:1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-17Chapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the slot

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or P

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-19Chapter 22.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with P

ivContents2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ... 2-252.8.3 Internal connectors...

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Primary PCI Express x16 slotsThe primary PCI Express x16 slots support PCI Express x16 graphics cards tha

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-21Chapter 22.6 Jumpers1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You c

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-23Chapter 22.7 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to power on or reboot the system quickly and conveniently on a bare or

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8 Connectors2.8.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 7. Optical S

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-25Chapter 2** LAN port LED indicationsStatus Left LED Right LEDOFF OFF OFF10 Mbps connectionOrange (blinking during data activity)

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channel Speakers

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-27Chapter 2Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.8.3 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the prov

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-29Chapter 2Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s)Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Select or Master - BlackTwo devices Cable-Sele

v3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ... 3-163.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto] ...

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. AMD® SB750 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5)These connectors are for the Serial ATA s

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-31Chapter 25. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910; USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cab

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 27. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IE

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-33Chapter 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 connec

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 210. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detec

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-35Chapter 2• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Speci

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 212. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-37Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable t

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 214. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front pane

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-39Chapter 22.9 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that

vi4.3.2 Audio congurations...4-44.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ...

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device conguratio

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 M4A79 Deluxe 3-3Chapter 33. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.4. From the FTP site

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.DOS environm

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-5Chapter 33.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable

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 M4A79 Deluxe 3-7Chapter 33.3 BIOS setup programA BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the computer, the s

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 M4A79 Deluxe 3-9Chapter 33.4 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic s

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

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 M4A79 Deluxe 3-11Chapter 332Bit Data Transfer [Enabled][Enabled] Sets the IDE controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into a

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 M4A79 Deluxe 3-13Chapter 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guration Ai TweakerMemory CongurationBank Interleaving [Auto]Channel Interleaving

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-15Chapter 3DRAM Command Rate [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [Both

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.10 CPU Voltage [Auto]Allows selection of the processor Voltage. The values range from 0.8000V to 1.90V* with a

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-17Chapter 33.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled][Disabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability.[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for

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 M4A79 Deluxe 3-19Chapter 33.6.1 CPU CongurationThe items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.CPU

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

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.2 ChipsetThe Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <En

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-21Chapter 3RD790 CongurationRD790 Conguration PCI Express CongurationPCI Express CongurationGFX Dual Slot Conguration [Au

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.3 Onboard Devices CongurationHigh Denition Audio [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Contro

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-23Chapter 33.6.4 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-25Chapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] T

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-27Chapter 33.7.6 Hardware MonitorCPU TemperatureCPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatically detect

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-29Chapter 33.8.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled][Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST it

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

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-31Chapter 3User Access Level [Full Access]This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.[No Access] Pr

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-33Chapter 33.9.2 Express GateAllows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a un

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9.3 ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. Current CMOSRestore CMOSA:Note

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-35Chapter 3• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from th

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 M4A79 Deluxe 4-3Chapter 44.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and auto