Asus M4A78 PLUS - Motherboard - ATX Specifications

MotherboardM4A78-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

4-4 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 M4A78-E 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 you of

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 M4A78-E 4-7Chapter 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 M4A78-E 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-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 M4A78-E 4-11Chapter 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 M4A78-E 4-13Chapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard disk dri

xiM4A78-E specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/A

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOSYou must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID

ASUS M4A78-E 4-15Chapter 4The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include:• View Drive Assignments: s

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID To create a RAID 0 set1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the Dene LD function.

ASUS M4A78-E 4-17Chapter 4Option ROM Utility (c) 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.[ Dene LD Menu ]LD No RAID Mode Total Drv Capacity(GB)

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press th

ASUS M4A78-E 5-1Chapter 55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-gra

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 M4A78-E 5-3Chapter 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 5Enabling CrossFireX technology1. In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphics Set

ASUS M4A78-E 5-5Chapter 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)M4A78-E specications summaryUSB 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)ASUS unique feature

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

ASUS M4A78-E 5-7Chapter 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.M4A78-E specications summaryInternal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 U

xiv

ASUS M4A78-E 1-1Chapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78-E motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest tec

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

ASUS M4A78-E 1-3Chapter 1HDMI supportEnjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia Home-Theater EntertainmentHigh-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a set of d

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1Express GateTaking only 5 seconds to bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a u

ASUS M4A78-E 1-5Chapter 11.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking featuresTurboVFeel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC—now a reality wit

iiE4437First Edition January 2009Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and softwar

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1

ASUS M4A78-E 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherb

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 M4A78-E 2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin EATX12V) 2-342. AM2/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 M4A78-E 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)The

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 M4A78-E 2-7Chapter 22.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe AMD® AM3/AM2+/AM2 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan asse

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 M4A78-E 2-9Chapter 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

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

ASUS M4A78-E 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 socke

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capabilityVendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip B

ASUS M4A78-E 2-13Chapter 2M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capabilityVendor Part No. SizeSS/DSChip BrandChip NO.Timing D

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability (continued)Vendor Part No. Size

ASUS M4A78-E 2-15Chapter 2M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability (continued)Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com

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 M4A78-E 2-17Chapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the slots and

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

ASUS M4A78-E 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 PCI sp

ivContents2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ... 2-232.8.2 Audio I/O connections ...

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.6 ASUS VGA switch cardThe ASUS VGA switch card allows the Blue PCIe_x16 slot to run at full x16 mode w

ASUS M4A78-E 2-21Chapter 22.7 Jumpers1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can cl

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 M4A78-E 2-23Chapter 22.8 Connectors2.8.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 7. HDMI out port2. Optical

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2** LAN port LED indicationsStatus Left LED Right LEDOFFOFF OFF10 Mbps connectionOrange (blinking during d

ASUS M4A78-E 2-25Chapter 2Connect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

ASUS M4A78-E 2-27Chapter 22.8.3 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the provided oppy disk dri

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s)Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Select or Master - BlackTwo devi

ASUS M4A78-E 2-29Chapter 24. AMD® SB750 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5)These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Se

v3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage ... 3-173.5.13 DRAM Voltage ...

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 25. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910; USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the

ASUS M4A78-E 2-31Chapter 27. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cab

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 29. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1–2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connec

ASUS M4A78-E 2-33Chapter 210. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or swit

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A

ASUS M4A78-E 2-35Chapter 212. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that su

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis pow

ASUS M4A78-E 2-37Chapter 214. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables. Refer to

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.9 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2.

ASUS M4A78-E 3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device conguration, ov

vi4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ... 4-54.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate

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 M4A78-E 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, sel

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 M4A78-E 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 opp

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

ASUS M4A78-E 3-7Chapter 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 M4A78-E 3-9Chapter 33.4 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system

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 M4A78-E 3-11Chapter 332Bit Data Transfer [Enabled][Enabled] Sets the IDE controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into a singl

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

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 M4A78-E 3-13Chapter 3The following three items appear only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual].3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto]Allows

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

ASUS M4A78-E 3-15Chapter 3DRAM Command Rate [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [Both]The

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3The following sub-items appear only when you set the DCT0/DCT1 Strength Cong. item to [DCT 0] or [Both].DCT0:CKE d

ASUS M4A78-E 3-17Chapter 33.5.11 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]Allows selection of the processor Voltage. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the v

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.1 CPU CongurationThe items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

ASUS M4A78-E 3-19Chapter 3[Enabled] Allows the system to update the Microcode automatically, enhancing system performance.Secure Virtual Machine Mode

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3ECC CongurationECC Mode [Disabled]Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correc

ASUS M4A78-E 3-21Chapter 3Internal Graphics Mode [UMA+SidePort]Conguration options: [Disable] [UMA] [SidePort] [UMA+SidePort]UMA Frame Buffer Size [A

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

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Slot Power Limit, W [75]Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using th

ASUS M4A78-E 3-23Chapter 33.6.3 Onboard Devices CongurationOnboard HD Audio [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the controller.[Enabled] Enables the High

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.4 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then pr

ASUS M4A78-E 3-25Chapter 33.6.5 PCIPnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.Plug And Play O/S [No][Yes

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Selec

ASUS M4A78-E 3-27Chapter 3Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] The system

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7.5 Hardware MonitorCPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF][xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatically dete

ASUS M4A78-E 3-29Chapter 3The following item appears only when you set Chassis Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].Quiet Chassis Fan Mode [Silent][Performance

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 M4A78-E 3-31Chapter 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 3User Access Level [Full Access]This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.[No Access]

ASUS M4A78-E 3-33Chapter 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 33.9.2 Express GateAllows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is

ASUS M4A78-E 3-35Chapter 33.9.3 ASUS O.C. ProleThis item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. Current CMOSRestore CMOSA:Note [Enter]

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk with FAT 32/16 format and single parti

ASUS M4A78-E 3-37Chapter 33.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3

ASUS M4A78-E 4-1Chapter 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 M4A78-E 4-3Chapter 44.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatic