ASUS M3A78-EM User Manual
M3A78-EM
Motherboard
E3861
First Edition V1
May 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
About this guide
M3A78-EM 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 ASUS unique features ....................................................
1.3.3 ASUS stylish features .....................................................
1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking 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 .......................................................
..................................................................................... vii
....................................................................................... viii
......................................................................... 1-2
............................................................................ 1-2
..................................................................... 1-9
............................................................... 1-10
................................................. 1-12
......................................................................... 1-16
.......................................................................... 1-21
...................................................................................... 1-25
................................................................................. 1-26
1-2
1-6
1-8
1-8
1-10
1-11
1-11
1-12
1-14
1-16
1-16
1-20
1-20
1-21
1-21
1-24
1-24
1-24
1-26
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, 2, 3, 5, 6, and E-SATA .....................................
2.3.6 SATA Conguration .......................................................
2.3.7 System Information .......................................................
2.4 Advanced menu
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................
2.4.4 Onboard Device Conguration ......................................
2.4.5 PCIPnP .........................................................................
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................
2.5 Power menu
2.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................
2.5.2 ACPI Support ................................................................
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................
.................................................................................. 2-16
................................................................................ 2-30
.................................................................. 2-12
......................................................................... 2-21
2-2
2-3
2-6
2-8
2-9
2-13
2-13
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-15
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-19
2-20
2-21
2-23
2-24
2-27
2-28
2-29
2-30
2-30
2-30
iv
Contents
2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-31
2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration .............................................
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 ..........................................................
2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................
2.7.3 AI NET 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 ............................................................
.................................................................................. 2-33
................................................................................. 2-38
........................................................................ 2-39
.................................................................................... 2-40
............................................................ 3-2
2-32
2-34
2-34
2-36
2-38
2-39
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-8
Appendix: ATI
®
Hybrid CrossFireX™
A.1 System requirements ......................................................
A.2 Before you proceed .........................................................
A.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver .........................................
®
A.4 Using the ATI CATALYST
Control Center ...................... A-3
A-2
A-2
A-3
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, and Mercury-containing button cell battery) 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.
• Appendix
This chapter describes how to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows
Vista OS.
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 /iM3A78EM.ROM
ix
M3A78-EM specications summary
CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for Phenom™FX / Phenom /
Chipset AMD 780G / SB700
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
Graphics Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU
Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Supports CPU up to 140W
for AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and
non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667MHz memory modules
Supports up to 8GB system memory
* Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported
by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.
** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only
recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a maximum of 3GB
system memory is recommended if you are using a
Windows 32-bit operation system.
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
Supports PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture
Supports maximum shared memory up to 256MB
Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution up to
2560 x 1600@60Hz
Supports HDMI™ Technology with max. resolution up to
1920 x 1200(1080P)
Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 2560 x 1600
@60Hz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2456 x 1536
@75Hz
Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology (For Windows
Vista OS only)
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, and
Pixel Shader 4.0
* Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics
GPU QVL which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX
technology.
** Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this
motherboard only supports video signals.
(continued on the next page)
x
M3A78-EM specications summary
USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports
Storage / RAID ATI SB700 chipset supports
Audio Realtek® ALC1200 High Denition Audio 8-channel
LAN Gigabit LAN
ASUS overclocking
features
ASUS special features Express Gate
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port
BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)
1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector
5 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors with RAID 0, RAID 1, and
RAID 10 conguration support
1 x ESATA 3Gb/s connector with RAID 0, RAID 1, and
RAID 10 conguration support
CODEC
Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to
300MHz at 1MHz increment
Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.05V increment
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS MyLogo2
ASUS Noise Filter
AI NAP
1 x optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x 1394 port
1 x ESATA port
1 x DisplayPort
1 x RJ45 port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2
(continued on the next page)
xi
M3A78-EM specications summary
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0
Accessories User manual
Form Factor uATX Form factor: 9.6’’ x 9.6’’ (24.4cm x 24.4cm)
Support CD Drivers
ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
1 x COM connector
5 x SATA connectors
1 x 1394 connector
High denition front panel audio connector
1 x system panel connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF out header
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
Power/CPU/Chassis fan connectors
24-pin EATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12V power connector
2 x Serial ATA cables
2 x Serial ATA power cables
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x FDD cable
2 in 1 Q-Connector
Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
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-EM 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-EM motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA signal cables
2 x Serial ATA power cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x FDD cable
Accessories 2 in 1 Q-Connector
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
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.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 1-12 for details.
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 1-12 for details.
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.
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 integrated DX10 compliant ATI
RV610-based graphics ,which supports dual VGA outputs including DVI/HDMI
interface with HDCP compliant ,and incorporates AMD’s UVD with hardware
acceleration of H.264, VC1 and Mpeg2 used in HD DVD and BluRay disks.
Meanwhile it can also support the future mainstream Hybrid CrossFire Technology
that signicantly optimizes your 3D performance.
ASUS M3A78-EM 1-3
HDMI Interface
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is the rst and only industry-supported,
uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content.
See page 1-26 for details.
HDMI/DVI/RGB Support
With an HDMI to DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard can support both
DVI and HDMI output. DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals
for digital display devices like LCD monitors. The interface of this motherboard
supports digital HDMI/DVI and analog D-Sub standards.
Hybrid CrossFireX
ATI new technology Hybrid CrossFireX greatly boosts graphics performance with
an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card.
• Hybrid CrossFireX technology is supported by Windows Vista® OS only.
• Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which lists the
GPUs that support the Hybrid CrossFireX technology.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and
bandwidth which enhances system performance.
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.
Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one
DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.
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 ve onboard SATA connectors. See pages 1-33
and 2-19 for details.
Gigabit LAN solution
The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb 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.
DisplayPort
This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard DisplayPort. This new design features a small and user-friendly connector. It
delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate, and color depth and
improves digital display connectivity.
Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video
signals.
ASUS M3A78-EM 1-5
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS AI Life Features
Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop
gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the
most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and
Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather
and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture
manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!
• The actual boot time is subject to hardware congurations and product
models.
• Due to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices or
SATA HDDs (IDE mode) connected to SATA port 1-4 only. Set the OnChip
SATA Type item in the BIOS to [SATA] before installing and using ASUS
Express Gate.
• Currently, ASUS Express Gate does not support PATA IDE HDDs. Visit
www.asus.com for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates.
ASUS Power Saving Solution
ASUS Power Saving Solution intelligently and automatically provides banlanced
computing power and energy consumption.
Q-Fan
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 2-33 for details.
4+1 Phase Power Design
ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design unleashes ultimate memory performances
with independent power to core components, while providing fast transient
response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking
modes.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
AI Gear 2
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption
at most. You can real-time change the mode under operating system to suit
your needs.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of plugging in one cable one at a time, making connection quick and
accurate. See page 1-42 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. See page 2-6 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened
hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS.
Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an
OS-based ash utility. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details.
ASUS M3A78-EM 1-7
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be
stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and
distribute their favorite overclocking settings.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.
Noise Filter
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.
1.3.3 ASUS stylish features
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.
1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking failure. When
the system hangs due to overclocking failure, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open
the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the
system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each
parameter.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 Before you proceed
M3A78-EM Onboard LED
R
M3A78-EM
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-EM 1-9
1.5 Motherboard overview
24.4cm (9.6in
24.4cm (9.6in)
)
Super I/O
SATA6
SATA5
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
Socket AM2+
CPU_FAN
E
A
TXPWR
PRI_IDE
COM1
PANEL
USB1112
USB78
USB910
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)
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCI2
PCI1
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
ALC1200
RTL
8111C
CLRTC
ATX12V
R
SPDIF_OUT
M3A78-EM
LPT
KB_USB56
VGA_DVI
DPHDMI-
SPDIFO
F_
ESATA_
USB34
LAN1_USB12
AUDIO
FLOPPY
CD
CHASSIS
CHA_FAN
PWR_FAN
ICS
9LPRS485
IE1394_1
JMB
381
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
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1.5.2 Placement direction
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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 eight (8) 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-EM 1-11
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
M3A78-EM CPU Socket AM2+
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The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD®
Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / 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
Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU
does not t in completely.
1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction
3. Position the CPU above the socket
M3A78-EM CPU Fan Connector
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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.
Small triangle
Gold triangle
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.
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
ASUS M3A78-EM 1-13
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ 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.
1-14 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.
Ensure 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-EM 1-15
1.7 System memory
M3A78-EM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets
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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
1-16 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.
Important notice on installing Windows® Vista / XP 32-bit version
• 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-EM 1-17
M3A78-EM Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-1066 MHz capability
Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand
512MB Kingston KVR1066D2N7/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AJBG-1J-E • •
1G Kingston KHX8500D2/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-19F-C 6 Qimonda DS HYB18T512800CF19FFSS24313 • •
1G Kingmax KLED48F-A8K15 N/A Kingmax DS KKA8FFIXF-JFS-18A • •
1G Transcend TX1066QLJ-2GK1GB 5 Transced DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G OCZ OCZ2N1066SR2DK N/A OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G GEIL GE22GB1066C5DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G GEIL GE24GB1066C5QC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •
SS/
DS
Chip No.
DIMM support
(Optional)
A* B* C*
Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one
DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.
DDR2-800 MHz capability
Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand
1G Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •
512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Promos SS V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA • •
2G Kingston KHX6400D2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •
4G Kingston N/A N/A Elpida DS E2108ABSE-8G-E • •
512MB Samsung M378T6553GZS-CF7 6 Samsung SS K4T51083QG-HCF7 • •
2G Samsung M37875663QZ3-CF7 6 Samsung DS K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 • •
2G Samsung M391T5663QZ3-CF7 6 Samsung DS K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) • •
512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda SS HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 • •
1G Micron MT9HTF12872AY-800E1 6 Micron SS D9HNP 7YE22(ECC) • •
1G Corsair XMS2-6400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •
512MB HY HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix SS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 • •
1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFPS5 • •
512MB Kingmax KLDC28F-A8KI5 N/A Kingmax SS KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A • •
1G Kingmax KLDD48F-A8K15 N/A Kingmax DS KKA8FFIXF-HFS-25A • •
512MB Apacer 78.91G91.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708JQJS8E0751C • •
2G Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 5 Apacer DS AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E • •
512MB Transcend TS128MLQ64V8J512MB N/A Micron SS 7HD22 D9GMH • •
1G Transcend 505485-1034 5 Transcend DS TQ123PJF8F0801 • •
512MB VDATA M2GVD6G3H3160Q1E52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-25EG20813 • •
1G ADATA M2OAD6G314170Q1E58 N/A ADATA DS AD29608A8A-25EG80810 • •
2G PSC AL8E8F73C-8E1 5 PSC DS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E • •
2G PSC AL7E8E63H-10E1K 5 PSC DS A3R1GE3CFF750RABBP(ECC) • •
1G GEIL GX22GB6400DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •
2G GEIL GE28GB800C5QC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G Super Talent T800UB1GC4 4 Super Talent DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK 4 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • •
2G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • •
4G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5Q-16GNQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package •
1G OCZ OCZ2VU8004GK 6 OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package • •
1G Elixir M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C 5 Elixir DS N2TU51280BE-25C802006Z1DV • •
SS/
DS
Chip No.
DIMM support
(Optional)
A* B* C*
1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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