Asus M3A78-EH User Manual

M3A78-EH

Motherboard

E3681

First Edition

February 2008

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, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents

Notices ......................................................................................................... vi

Safety information ..................................................................................... vii

M3A78-EH specications 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 congurations ..................................................

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 Conguring 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

1-6

1-7

1-8

1-9

1-10

1-12

1-14

1-20

1-21

1-24

1-25

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 Conguration 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 Conguration .......................................................

2.3.7 System Information .......................................................

2.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................

2.4.2 Hyper Transport Conguration ......................................

2.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................

2.4.4 Chipset ..........................................................................

2.4.5 Onboard Device Conguration ......................................

2.4.6 PCIPnP .........................................................................

2.4.7 USB Conguration ........................................................

2-2

2-3

2-6

2-8

2-9

2-12

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-19

2-20

2-21

2-22

2-23

2-27

2-28

2-29

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 Conguration ........................................................

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor .........................................................

2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................

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

2-31

2-32

2-33

2-34

2-35

2-38

2-39

3-2

3-3

3-4

3-5

3-6

3-7

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 modications

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.

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 qualied

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 qualied

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 conguring

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

M3A78-EH specications 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 Denition 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 (Qualied 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 conguration

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)

M3A78-EH specications 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 denition 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)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Product

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 efciency 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 efciency, 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 signicantly 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

specications. 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 specication. The onboard ATI® SB700 allows RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 congurations 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 efcient 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 denition audio

Enjoy high-quality sound system on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio

(High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature, which automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties

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 efcient 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

M3A78-EH

M3A78-EH Onboard LED

SB_PWR

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

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

ICS

9LPRS485CGLF

CLRTC

ATX12V

SPDIF_OUT

M3A78-EH

PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard

USB34

LAN1_USB12

AUDIO

CHA_FAN

PS2_USBPW1-4

30.5cm (12in)

ALC883

PARALLEL

POR

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

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)

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

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 qualied 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

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 congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended memory congurations

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 conguration (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 Qualied 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/

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

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 Inneon 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/

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/

Component

DIMM support

A* B* C*

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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