Asus M3A78-EH User Manual
M3A78-EH
Motherboard
E3681
First Edition
February 2008
Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
M3A78-EH specications summary ........................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..............................................
1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................
1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................
1.5.1 Motherboard layout .........................................................
1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................
1.5.3 Screw holes ....................................................................
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................
1.6.1 Installing the CPU .........................................................
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ......................................
1.7 System memory .........................................................................
1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................
1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................
1.10 Connectors .................................................................................
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-6
1-7
1-8
1-8
1-9
1-9
1-10
1-10
1-12
1-14
1-14
1-14
1-20
1-20
1-21
1-21
1-21
1-24
1-24
1-24
1-25
1-27
1-27
1-29
iii
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................
2.1.2 AFUDOS utility ................................................................
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................
2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................
2.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................
2.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................
2.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................
2.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................
2.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................
2.2.7 General help .................................................................
2.2.8 Pop-up window .............................................................
2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................
2.3.1 System Time .................................................................
2.3.2 System Date .................................................................
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .........................................................
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave .............................................
2.3.5 SATA 1-6 .......................................................................
2.3.6 SATA Conguration .......................................................
2.3.7 System Information .......................................................
2.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................
2.4.2 Hyper Transport Conguration ......................................
2.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2.4.4 Chipset ..........................................................................
2.4.5 Onboard Device Conguration ......................................
2.4.6 PCIPnP .........................................................................
2.4.7 USB Conguration ........................................................
2-2
2-3
2-6
2-8
2-9
2-12
2-13
2-13
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-15
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-19
2-20
2-21
2-21
2-22
2-22
2-23
2-27
2-28
2-29
iv
Contents
2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-30
2.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................
2.5.2 ACPI Support ................................................................
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................
2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
2.6.3 Security .........................................................................
2.7 Tools menu .................................................................................
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
2.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................
3.2.1 Running the support DVD ...............................................
3.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................
3.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................
3.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................
3.2.5 Manual menu ..................................................................
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ..............................................
3.2.7 Other information ............................................................
2-30
2-30
2-30
2-31
2-32
2-33
2-33
2-34
2-35
2-38
2-38
2-39
3-2
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7
3-7
v
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add
a device.
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
•
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Please
check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware setup procedures
that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes
description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD/DVD that comes with
the motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
viii
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and
greater-than sign means that you must
press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must
press the Enter or Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys
simultaneously, the key names are linked
with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command
exactly as shown, then supply the
required item or value enclosed in
brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type
the command line:
afudos /i[lename]
afudos /iM3A78EH.ROM
ix
M3A78-EH specications summary
CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™FX / Phenom /
Chipset AMD 780G / SB700
Front side bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
Hybrid CrossFireX
support
Storage / RAID 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector
Audio ALC883 High Denition Audio 8-channel CODEC
USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (8 ports
LAN PCIe Gigabit LAN
ASUS overclocking
features
Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor
AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 x2 / Athlon 64 FX /
Athlon 64 / Sempron processor
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit
and 64-bit computing
AMD Live!™ Ready
for AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered
ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667/533MHz
memory modules
Supports up to 8GB system memory
* DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs
only
* Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
Support PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture
Hybrid CrossFireX Support
* Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics
GPU QVL list which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX
technology.
6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1
and RAID 10 conguration
Supports Jack-Detect and Multistreaming Technologies
Supports S/PDIF out interface
at mid-board, 4 ports at back panel)
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to
300MHz at 1MHz increment
Ajustable CPU Voltage at 0.025V increment
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)
x
M3A78-EH specications summary
ASUS special features ASUS Q-Fan
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Mouse port
BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
Internal I/O connectors 4 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 8 USB 2.0/1.1
Accessories User manual
Form Factor ATX Form factor: 12’’ x 8.8’’ (30.5cm x 22.4cm)
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS MyLogo2
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port
1 x Serial port
1 x Parallel port
1 x RJ45 port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
ACPI2.0, SMBIOS 2.4
ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
High denition front panel audio connector
1 x system panel connector
CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF output connector
CPU/Chassis Fan connectors
24-pin EATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12V power connector
2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x FDD cable
1 x I/O shield
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
xi
xii
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Product
1
introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78-EH motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M3A78-EH motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x FDD cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX /
Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based
system bus. See page 1-10 for details.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
HyperTransport 3.0 support
HyperTransport 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that
radically improves system efciency for a smoother, faster computing environment.
DDR2 memory support
This motherboard is an AMD® platform with DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster
data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and
computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other
memory demanding applications.
DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to
www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.
AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 /
Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron CPU support
The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and
dual-core Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB
L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s
HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology. See page 1-10 for details.
64-bit CPU support
64-bit computing, the next generation technology to replace the current 32-bit
architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access and
increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and
exibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-3
AMD® 780G and ATI SB700 chipsets
AMD 780G Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and
5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and external graphics
in PCI Express™ 2.0/1.1 standard. It features the future mainstream Hybrid
CrossFireX technology that signicantly optimizes your 3D performance. See page
2-23 for details.
Hybrid CrossFireX
AMD new technology Hybrid CrossFireX greatly boosts graphics performance with
an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card.
Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics GPU QVL list which supports
the Hybrid CrossFireX technology.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors
system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool
and quiet operating environment. See page 2-23 for details.
PCI Express™ interface
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect
technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI
specications. See page 1-24 for details.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and
bandwidth which enhances system performance.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new
SATA 3Gb/s storage specication. The onboard ATI® SB700 allows RAID 0, RAID
1 and RAID 10 congurations for six SATA connectors. See pages 1-31 and 2-19
for details
Gigabit LAN solution
The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated Gigabit LAN controller. It
is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
USB 2.0 technology
USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and
peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0
delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and
ultra-fast data transfers.
8-channel high denition audio
Enjoy high-quality sound system on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio
(High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature, which automatically detects and
identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties
users of inappropriate connection, meaning there will be no more confusion of
Line-in, Line-out and Mic jacks. See pages 1-27, 1-35 and 2-27 for details.
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-5
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS Q-Fan technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation. See page 2-32 for
details.
ASUS MyLogo2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.
See page 2-35 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. This utility saves users the cost and hassle
of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-6 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update
BIOS from a USB ash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS
only in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OSbased ash utility. See pages 2-8 and 2-38 for details.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the
case to clear CMOS data. Just simply restart the system, the BIOS would show the
previous setting and then users can amend the CPU setting again. See page 1-25
for details.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 Before you proceed
R
M3A78-EH
M3A78-EH Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that
the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you
should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location
of the onboard LED.
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-7
22.4cm (8.8in)
Super I/O
SATA4
SATA5
SATA6
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3
SocketAM2+/AM2
CPU_FAN
E
A
TXPWR
USB1112 USB910 USB78 USB56
AAFP
SB_PWR
8Mb
BIOS
AMD 780G
SB700
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
PCI2
PCI3
PCI1
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_1
Attansic
F1
ICS
9LPRS485CGLF
CLRTC
ATX12V
R
SPDIF_OUT
M3A78-EH
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
USB34
LAN1_USB12
AUDIO
CHA_FAN
CD
PS2_USBPW1-4
30.5cm (12in)
ALC883
PARALLEL
POR
T
COM1
PRI_IDE
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
USBPW5-8
USBPW9-12
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.2 Placement direction
R
M3A78-EH
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
1.5.3 Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-9
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
R
M3A78-EH
M3A78-EH CPU Socket AM2
The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD® Socket
AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor or for Socket
AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor.
The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed
for the AMD Opteron processor. Ensure you use a CPU designed for the
AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force
the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and
damaging the CPU!
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU.
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90°-100° angle.
Socket lever
1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU
does not t in completely.
3. Position the CPU above the socket
R
M3A78-EH
M3A78-EH CPU Fan Connector
CPU_FAN
GND
CPU FAN PWR
CPU FAN IN
CPU FAN PWM
such that the CPU corner with the
gold triangle matches the socket
corner with a small triangle.
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the
socket until it ts in place.
The CPU ts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
5. When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side
tab to indicate that it is locked.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan
following the instructions that came
with the heatsink package.
Small triangle
Gold triangle
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-11
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / Athlon 64X2 /
Athlon 64 FX processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly
to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
Ensure that you use only qualied heatsink and fan assembly.
Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink
ts properly on the retention module base.
• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard
upon purchase.
• You do not have to remove the retention module base when
installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make
sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
CPU Fan
CPU Heatsink
Retention Module Base
Retention bracket
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation
instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the
instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the
latter.
1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Retention bracket lock
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock)
to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention
bracket is in place.
Make sure that the fan and
heatsink assembly perfectly ts
the retention mechanism module
base; otherwise, you cannot snap
the retention bracket in place.
4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure
the heatsink and fan to the module base.
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-13
1.7 System memory
R
M3A78-EH
M3A78-EH 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets
DIMM_B1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B2
DIMM_A1
128 Pins
112 Pins
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
Channel Sockets
Channel 1 DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel 2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
1.7.2 Memory congurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
Recommended memory congurations
Sockets
Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2
Single-Channel
Dual-channel (1) Populated Populated – –
Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated
1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction
– Populated – –
Populated – – –
• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from
slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.
• For dual-channel conguration (2), you may:
- install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR
- install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets)
and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black
sockets)
• Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For
optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules
from the same vendor.
• If you are using a Windows 32-bit version operating system (e.g. 32-bit
Windows XP, 32-bit Vista) without the Physical Address Extension (PAE)
support, the system will allocate a certain amount of memory space for
system devices.
• We recommend that you install only a maximum of 3GB system memory
when using a Windows 32-bit version operating system without the PAE.
The excess over 3GB of installed memory will not cause any problem;
however, the system can not use this excess memory space and the
system will display less than the total size of physical memory installed.
The motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating system
listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.
64-bit
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition
Windows® Vista x64 Edition
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-15
M3A78-EH Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-
1066 MHz capability
Size Vendor Model CL Brand
512MB Kingston KHX8500D2/512 N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package . . .
1G Kingston KHX8500D2K2/2GN N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
1G ADATA M2OMIDG314720INC5Z 5 ADATA DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
1G OCZ OCZ2N1066SR2DK N/A OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
1G OCZ OCZ2N10662GK N/A OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
512MB Kingbox EP512D21066PS N/A Micron SS 6QD22D9GCT . . .
SS/
DS
Component
DIMM support
A* B* C*
DDR2-800 MHz capability
Size Vendor Model CL Brand
1G Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE7 . . .
1G Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
512MB Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package . . .
512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Promos SS
512MB Samsung KR M378T6553CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE7 . . .
1G Samsung KR M378T2953CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE7 . . .
512MB Samsung KR M391T6553CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE7(ECC) . . .
1G Samsung KR M391T2953CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE7(ECC) . . .
512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda SS HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 . . .
1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda DS HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 . . .
512MB Micron MT9HTF6472AY-80ED4 5 Micron SS 6ED22D9GKX(ECC) . . .
1G Micron MT18HTF12872AY-80ED4 5 Micron DS 6TD22D9GKX(ECC) . . .
1G Corsair XMS2-6400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
1G Corsair XMS2-6400 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-S6 AA N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-S6 . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U64BP8-S5 AB N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821BFP-S5 . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix SS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 . . .
1G HY HYMP512U64AP8-S6 AA N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-S6 . . .
1G HY HYMP512U64BP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821BFP-S5 . . .
1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFPS5 . . .
2G Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 5 Apacer DS AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E . . .
512MB ADATA M20AD6G3H3160I1E58 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-25EG80720 . . .
512MB VDATA M2GVD6G3H3160I1E53 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-25EG30648 . . .
1G VDATA M2GVD6G3I4170I1E53 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-25EG30647 . . .
1G PSC AL7E8F73C-8E1 5 PSC SS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E . . .
2G PSC AL8E8F73C-8E1 5 PSC DS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E . . .
SS/
Component
DS
V59C1512804QCF25SY032406
PECPA
DIMM Support
A* B* C*
. . .
1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction
DDR2-667MHz capability
Size Vendor Model CL Brand
256MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/256 N/A Kingston SS D3216TLSAKL3U . . .
256MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/256 N/A Inneon SS HYB18T256800AF3SW65 33154 . . .
512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AGBG-6E-E . . .
1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G N/A Kingston DS D6408TEBGGL3U . . .
1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G N/A Elpida DS E5108AGBG-6E-E . . .
2G Kingston KVR667D2N5/2G N/A Micron DS 7RE22 D9HNL . . .
512MB Samsung KR M378T6553CZ0-CE6 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC . . .
512MB Samsung M378T6553CZ3-CE6 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 . . .
1G Samsung M378T2953CZ3-CE6 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 . . .
512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda SS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171 . . .
2G Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-3S-B 5 Qimonda DS HTB18T1G800BF-3S3VV10907 . . .
512MB Corsair VS512MB667D2 N/A Corsair SS 64M8CFEGPS0900647 . . .
1G Corsair VS1GB667D2 N/A Corsair DS MID095D62864M8CEC . . .
1G Corsair XMS2-5400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package . . .
256MB HY HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 AB 5 Hynix SS HY5PS121621CFP-Y5 . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 AA N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 AA N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U72AP8-Y4 N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) . . .
512MB HY HYMP564U72AP8-Y5 N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) . . .
1G HY HYMP512U72AP8-Y5 N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) . . .
1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12521CFP-Y5 . . .
512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX . . .
1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX . . .
512MB Apacer 78.91092.420 N/A Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E . . .
512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B . . .
512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F . . .
512MB Apacer 78.91G92.9KC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708GQJS7E0706F . . .
1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC N/A Apacer DS AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B . . .
1G Apacer 78.01092.420 5 Elpida DS E5108AE-6E-E . . .
1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC 5 Apacer DS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B . . .
SS/
DS
Component
DIMM support
A* B* C*
(continued on the next page)
ASUS M3A78-EH 1-17
Size Vendor Model CL Brand
512MB ADATA M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z N/A Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E . . .
512MB ADATA M20AD5G3H3166I1C52 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-3EG20648 . . .
512MB ADATA M20AD5G3H3166I1C52 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-3EG20718 . . .
1G ADATA M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 N/A ADATA DS AD29608A8A-3EG20645 . . .
2G ADATA M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53 N/A ADATA DS AD20908A8A-3EG 30724 . . .
512MB VDATA M2GVD5G3H31A4I1C52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EC20615 . . .
512MB VDATA M2GVD5G3H166I1C52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EG20637 . . .
1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I41P6I1C52 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EG20627 . . .
1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I41C4I1C52 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EC20620 . . .
512MB PSC AL6E8E63B-6E1K 5 PSC SS A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N . . .
512MB PSC AL6E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R12E3JFF717B9A00 . . .
1G PSC AL7E8E63B-6E1K 5 PSC DS A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N . . .
1G PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC DS A3R12E3JFF717B9A01 . . .
1G PSC AL7E8F73C-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J . . .
2G PSC AL8E8F73C-6E1 5 PSC DS A3R1GE3CFF733MAA00 . . .
256MB Nanya NT256T64UH4A1FY-3C N/A Nanya SS NT5TU32M16AG-3C . . .
512MB Nanya NT512T64U88A1BY-3C N/A Nanya SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C . . .
1G Kingtiger E0736001024667 N/A Kingtiger DS KTG667PS6408NST-C6 GDBTX . . .
1G ELIXIR M2Y1G64TU8HA2B-3C 5 ELIXIR DS M2TU51280AE-3C717095R28F . . .
1G Leadmaax LRMP512U64A8-Y5 N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 C 702AA . . .
SS/
DS
Component
DIMM support
A* B* C*
1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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