Asus M3A78 Pro User Manual Page 1

MotherboardM3A78 PRO

xM3A78 PRO specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU AMD® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processors A

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.4 Make Disk menuThe Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.ATI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit WinXP DriverAllows

3-7ASUS M3A78 PRO3.2.6 ASUS Contact informationClick the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd this information on th

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.7 Other informationThe icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard

3-9ASUS M3A78 PROTechnical support FormDisplays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support.Fil

3-10 Chapter 3: Software support3.3 ASUS Express GateASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet. With

3-11ASUS M3A78 PRO5. Select the target disk volume for you to install Express Gate. If you have multiple volumes and OS installed in your hard drive,

3-12 Chapter 3: Software supportUsing the Conguration PanelUse the conguration panel to change various Express Gate settings.Click on an icon to ope

3-13ASUS M3A78 PRO• The number of the LAN ports may differ from motherboards.• You can connect the LAN cable to either port, and Express Gate will a

3-14 Chapter 3: Software supportIn the rare case that one of the above softwares stops responding, you can right-click on its icon and then select Clo

3-15ASUS M3A78 PRO2. Open Network.3. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box ne

xiASUS Unique Features ASUS Express Gate: - Web browser, le downloading and uploading� - Further free features upgradable � File downloading and up

3-16 Chapter 3: Software support• If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable bot

3-17ASUS M3A78 PROExpress Gate LiteExpress Gate Lite [Disabled]BIOS SETUP UTILITY ToolsOptionsDisabledEnabledCon

3-18 Chapter 3: Software support3.4 ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you to install

3-19ASUS M3A78 PRO3.4.3 Installing AMD Chipset DriverTo install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology:1. Insert the Support DVD tha

3-20 Chapter 3: Software supportUsing the onboard graphics card1. Right-click on the Windows® desktop, and then click ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center

3-21ASUS M3A78 PRO1. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card. 2. From the ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center screen, click Display Manag

3-22 Chapter 3: Software support

xiiM3A78 PRO specications summaryRear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial) 1 x HDMI O

1Chapter 1: Product 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® M3A78 PRO motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features an

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-31.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsGreen ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restri

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introductionNative DDR2 1066 support This motherboard provides native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-5High Denition Audio Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously code

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introductionASUS EZ DIYASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-7ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened hotkey to launch the utility and

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 introductionOnboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in slee

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-91.5.1 Motherboard layout1.5 Motherboard overviewRefer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and inte

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.5.2 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the cor

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-111.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for the AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phen

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner w

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-131.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors require a specially designed he

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-151.7.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.1.7 Syst

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introductionM3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capability for AM2+ CPUSize Vendor Chip No. CLC

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-17M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2+ CPUSize •endor Chip No. CL Chip BrandSS/DSPar

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety information ...

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introductionSize •endor Chip No. CL Chip BrandSS/DSPart No.DIMM socket support (Optional)A* B* C*2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-19M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability for AM2+ CPUSize •endor Chip No. CLChip BrandSS/DSPart

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introductionM3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2 CPUSize Vendor Chip No. CLChi

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-21M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2 CPU (continued)Size Vendor Chip No. CLChip Bra

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introductionSize Vendor Chip No. CLChip BrandSS/DSPart No.DIMM socket support (Optional)A* B* C*1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Pa

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-231. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM mat

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.8 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe th

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-25� These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.Interrupt assignmentsA B C D E F G HPCI 1 shared – – – – – – –PCI 2 – sha

1-26 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 M3A78 PRO 1-271.9 Jumpers1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS

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

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8, USBPW9-12)Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-291.10 Connectors1.10.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.2. Video Graphics Adapter

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-31Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.10.2 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the provided op

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-333. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connect

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-355. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connectors support cooling fans of

1-36 Chapter 1: Product introduction7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910, USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-379. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the con

vContents2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ... 2-302.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ...

1-38 Chapter 1: Product introduction11. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATX-PWRGD, 4-pin ATX12V)These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-3912. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.• System power LEDThis 2-p

1-40 Chapter 1: Product introduction13. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cab

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

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 M3A78 PRO 2-32.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.DOS environmenta. Insert a

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long

ASUS M3A78 PRO 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 up

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 M3A78 PRO 2-7Installing ASUS UpdateTo install ASUS Update:1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the

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

2-8 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 M3A78 PRO 2-9Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® deskt

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update using the provided utility

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-112.2.1 BIOS menu screen• The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match w

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setupSome of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.2.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar display

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-132.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system infor

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/SlaveWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-152.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate sub-me

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setupBlock (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfe

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-17AMI BIOSDisplays the auto-detected BIOS information.ProcessorDisplays the auto-detected CPU specication.System MemoryDisplays the

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

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setupThe conguration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you install on the motherboard.2.4 Advan

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-19The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Overclock Prole].Overclock Options [Overclock 5%]Allows

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setupThe following three items appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual], [Standard], or [Overclock Prole]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-21DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]Allows selection of the DRAM Timing Mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [DCT 0]The following sub-items appear

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setuptRWTTO [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] ~ [8 CLK] [9 CLK]tWRRD [Auto]Species the write to read delay when

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-232.4.3 CPU CongurationSecure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode. Co

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setupPCI Express CongurationThis menu allows you to change the PCI Express Conguration settings. Select an item then press <

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-25Internal Graphics CongurationThis menu allows you to change the onboard graphics conguration settings. Select an item then press

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setupECC Mode [Disabled]Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors. Set this

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-272.4.6 Onboard Devices CongurationAllows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses.Onboard Devices ConguraitonSerial Port1 Addre

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

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.4.7 PCI PnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes settin

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-29IRQ-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 [Reserved]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-312.5.5 APM CongurationPower Button Mode [On/Off]Allows you to set the power button function. Conguration options: [On/Off] [Susp

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setupPower On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the syste

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-332.5.6 Hardware MonitorCPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects

2-34 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 M3A78 PRO 2-352.6.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled]Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) whi

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.6.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-37User Access Level [Full Access]This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No

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

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.7 Tools menu2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a conrmation message app

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-392.7.2 Express GateExpress GateExpress Gate [Enabled] Boot Out Timer [10] Reset User Data [No]BIOS SETUP UTILITY

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub ScreenF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC Exitv02.61 (C)Copyright 1985

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-41Exit & Discard ChangesSelect this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If yo

2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

3-2 Chapter 3: Software supportClick an icon to display support DVD / motherboard informationClick an item to install3.1 Installing an operating syst

3-3ASUS M3A78 PRO3.2.2 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. AMD Ov

3-5ASUS M3A78 PROASUS PC Probe IIThis smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected probl