Asus M3N78 Specifications Page 1

MotherboardM3N78-EM

xM3N78-EM specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU Supports AMD socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ 64 / SempronT

3-12 Chapter 3: Software supportENTER=Continue ESC=Cancel F3=ExitPlease insert the disk labeledManufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Dr

3-13ASUS M3N78-EM To install the RAID driver in Windows® VistaTM:1. Insert the motherboard support CD or a USB device with RAID driver into the optic

3-14 Chapter 3: Software support3. Select the language for installation and click OK.4. The InstallShield Wizard for Express Gate appears. Click Nex

3-15ASUS M3N78-EM The Express Gate EnvironmentThe very rst time you enter the Express Gate environment (by launching either web or Skype from the rs

3-16 Chapter 3: Software supportUsing the Conguration PanelUse the conguration panel to change various Express Gate settings.Click on an icon to ope

3-17ASUS M3N78-EM • Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display.• Volume Control: Control the volume for your speaker

3-18 Chapter 3: Software support Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default). Click to change

3-19ASUS M3N78-EM 2. Open Network.Network3. Make the proper network congurations.Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the b

3-20 Chapter 3: Software support• If you have wireless network, click Setup for the WiFi option. In the WiFi tab of the Advanced Network Settings box

3-21ASUS M3N78-EM Conguring Express Gate in BIOS SetupEnter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on

xiM3N78-EM specications summaryHigh Denition AudioRealtek® ALC 1200 High Denition Audio 8-channel CODEC Supports S/PDIF out port at back I/O,

3-22 Chapter 3: Software support

4NVIDIA® technology supportThis chapter tells how to use the Hybrid SLI® feature.

4-2 Chapter 4: NVIDIA® technology support4.1 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® technology that includes

4-3ASUS M3N78-EM 4.1.2 Enabling Hybrid SLI• Before enabling GeForce Boost and HybridPower, ensure that you have installed a dGPU recommended

4-4 Chapter 4: NVIDIA® technology supportPower Saving mode is disabled. When the Power Saving mode is enabled, the dGPU is turned off and do

xiiInternal I/O connectors 1 x High Denition front panel audio connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x CD audio-in connector

1Product introductionThis chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N78-EM motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-3AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors system operation and aut

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introductionGigabit LAN solution Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large a

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-5ASUS Q-Fan technology ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introductionAI NAP With AI NAP, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To w

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-7Onboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft

iiCopyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be repro

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.5.1 Motherboard layout1.5 Motherboard overview24.4cm (9.6in)24.4cm (9.6in)Super I/OSATA6SATA5SATA2SATA3SATA1Soc

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-9RM3N78-EMDo not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.1.5.2 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athl

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-113. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triang

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 X2 / AM2+ / Phenom™

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-132. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.7.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC / non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-15• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction(continued on the next page)Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capabilityDDR2-800 MHz capabilitySize Vendo

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-17SS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety information ...

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.7.3 Installing a DIMM1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.2. Align a DIMM on the s

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-191.8 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the ex

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.Interrupt assignmentsIRQ Standard function0 Standard tim

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-21When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Oth

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.8.3 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply w

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-231.9 Jumper1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS me

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.10 Connectors1.10.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-25• This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output. If you connect 2 monitors to both VGA and DVI-D / HDMI out ports, each controller

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.10.2 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the provided op

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-273. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connecto

ivContentsChapter 2: BIOS setup2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 2-22.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red], SATA2 [red], SATA3 [red], SATA5 [black], SATA6 [black])These connect

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-295. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connectors support cooling fans of 35

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-319. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the conn

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction11. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O modu

ASUS M3N78-EM 1-3313. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATX-PWRGD, 4-pin ATX12V)These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power sup

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.• System p

2This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.B

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-3Windows® Vista environmenta. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive. b. Click from the Windo

vContents2.5.4 APM Conguration ... 2-342.5.5 Hardware Monitor ...

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setupTo update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherb

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-52.1.3 AFUDOS utilityThe AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the upd

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setupUpdating the BIOS leTo update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download t

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-72.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when i

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setupRecovering the BIOS from the support CDTo recover the BIOS from the support CD:1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy disk

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-9Installing ASUS UpdateTo install ASUS Update:1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the U

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.Updating the BIOS through

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-11Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® deskt

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update u

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-132.2.1 BIOS menu screen• The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match wh

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

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-152.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system inform

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1~3, and ESATAWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-17Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to Auto, the data transfer from and

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.3.5 Storage CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE devices installed

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-192.3.6 System InformationThis menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the ite

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.4 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.Take caution

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-21CPU Overclocking [Auto]Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setupPCIE Overclocking [Auto]Allows selection of PCIE overclocking options to achieve desired PCIE frequency. Select either one o

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-23The following item appears only when the Memory Clock Mode item is set to [Manual].Memclock Value [266 MHz]Allows you to select the

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

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setuptRWTTO [ Auto]Allows you to set tRWTTO. Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK]

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-252.4.2 CPU CongurationGART Error Reporting [Disabled]This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver develo

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setupNorthBridge Chipset Conguration Memory Conguration ECC CongurationNorthBridge Conguration2.4.3 ChipsetThe Chipset men

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-27Memory CongurationEnable Bank Memory InterleavingMemory CongurationBank Interleaving [Auto]Channel Interleaving [Disabled]Enable

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setupECC Mode [Disabled]Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors automatical

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-29Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card First]Display Device Priority, from high to low. Conguration options: [PCIE VGA Card First]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setupOnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN Boot ROM. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Di

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-312.4.5 PCI PnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ an

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setupIRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Re

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-332.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and th

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

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.5.4 APM CongurationAPM CongurationRestore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled] Power On

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-352.5.5 Hardware MonitorHardware MonitorCPU Temperature [46ºC/114.5ºF]MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]CPU Fan Speed [3276RPM]Chassis Fan

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.6 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to di

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-372.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration Select Screen Select Item+- Change OptionF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC ExitBoo

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setupInterrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Conguratio

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-39User Access Level [Full Access]This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No A

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.7 Tools menuASUS EZ Flash 2Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No] AI NET 22.7.1 AS

ASUS M3N78-EM 2-412.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable Express Gate.Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]Enter OS Timer [

2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS setupExit & Discard ChangesSelect this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program

3Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

ixConventions used in this guideTo ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support3.1 Installing an operating systemThis motherboard supports Windows® 32-bit XP / 32-bit Vista / 64-bit XP / 64-bit Vis

3-3ASUS M3N78-EM 3.2.2 Drivers menuThe drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS I

3-5ASUS M3N78-EM ASUS PC Probe IIThis smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected probl

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.4 Make Disk menuThe Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.Click to display the next pageClick to re

3-7ASUS M3N78-EM Due to oppy disk capacity limitation, when creating a RAID conguration under Windows® Vista, install the AHCI / RAID driver through

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.5 Manual menuThe Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of th

3-9ASUS M3N78-EM Browse this CDDisplays the support CD contents in graphical format.3.2.7 Other informationThe icons on the top right corner of the s

3-10 Chapter 3: Software supportTechnical support FormDisplays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting techni

3-11ASUS M3N78-EM 3.3 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP operating system on a hard