Asus M3A78 Pro User Manual

Download

M3A78 PRO

Motherboard

E3906

First Edition

May 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

About this guide ....................................................................................... viii

M3A78 PRO specications summary ........................................................ x

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-2

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-3

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-3

1.3.2 ASUS unique features .................................................... 1-5

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and

overclocking features ...................................................... 1-7

1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-8

1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-9

1.5.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-9

1.5.2 Placement direction ...................................................... 1-10

1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................. 1-10

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 1-11

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ..........................................................1-11

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ...................................... 1-13

1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-15

1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-15

1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 1-15

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-23

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-23

1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-24

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-24

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-24

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-26

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 1-26

1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 1-26

1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-27

1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-29

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-29

1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-32

iii

Contents

Chapter 2 BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2

2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 2-3

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 2-4

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 2-5

2.1.4 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-7

2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-10

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen .........................................................2-11

2.2.2 Menu bar ........................................................................2-11

2.2.3 Navigation keys ..............................................................2-11

2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-12

2.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................ 2-12

2.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 2-12

2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-12

2.2.8 Scroll bar ....................................................................... 2-12

2.2.9 General help ................................................................. 2-12

2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-13

2.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 2-13

2.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 2-13

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 2-13

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave ............................................. 2-14

2.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 ............................................................ 2-15

2.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 2-16

2.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 2-17

2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-18

2.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration ............................................. 2-18

2.4.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-22

2.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-23

2.4.4 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-23

2.4.5 ECC Conguration ........................................................ 2-25

2.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 2-27

2.4.7 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-28

2.4.8 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-29

2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-30

2.5.1 Suspend Mode .............................................................. 2-30

Contents

2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 2-30

2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 2-30

2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 2-30

2.5.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-31

2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-33

2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-34

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-34

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-35

2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-36

2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-38

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-38

2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 2-39

2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-40

2.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-41

Chapter 3 Software support

3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2

3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 3-2

3.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 3-3

3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4

3.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 3-6

3.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-7

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-7

3.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 3-8

3.3 ASUS Express Gate ................................................................... 3-10

3.4 ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ .......................................................... 3-18

3.4.1 System requirements .................................................... 3-18

3.4.2 Before you proceed ....................................................... 3-18

3.4.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver ....................................... 3-19

3.4.4 Using the ATI CATALYST® Control Center .................... 3-19

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, 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 conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This manual 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 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:

format A:/S

M3A78 PRO specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom™ FX /

Chipset AMD 780G + SB700

System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

VGA Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU

Expansion Slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot ( Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture)Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture)

Storage 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 interface

LAN Realtek® 8111C Gigabit LAN controller

High Denition Audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition audio

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (8 at mid-board; 4 on the rear panel)

Phenom™ / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processors AMD® Cool’n’Quiet™ Technology Supports CPU TDP up to 140W

AM2+ CPU 2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred ECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066�/800/667 MHzECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066�/800/667 MHz

memory modulesmemory modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory �DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to

www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory

QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists). �� When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32-bit operation system may onlyl recognize

less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

- Hybrid CrossFire™ support (For Windows Vista only)

- Supports HDMI™ Technology (HDCP compliant) with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (1080P)

- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1600 x

1200 @ 60Hz

- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2560 x 1440 @ 75 Hz

- Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, Pixel Shader 4.0

- Maximum shared memory of 256MB

2 x PCIe x1 slots 3 x PCI 2.2 slots

6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors supporting RAID 0, 1, and 10 conguration

CODEC

- Supports Jack-Detection, Enumeration, Multi-Supports Jack-Detection, Enumeration, Multi-Enumeration, Multi Streaming, and Jack-RetaskingJack-Retasking

- Coaxial S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O

(continued on the next page)

M3A78 PRO specications summary

ASUS Unique Features ASUS Express Gate:

Other Features Uses 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

- Web browser, le downloading and uploading�

- Further free features upgradable

� File downloading and uploading through USB devices

only.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design

- ASUS AI Gear 2

- ASUS AI Nap

- ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS Crystal Sound

- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

Capacitors!

ASUS MyLogo 2™

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tuner)

- ASUS AI Booster Utility

Precision Tweaker:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment

- vDIMM: 8-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset: 4-step Chipset voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz increment

- Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200 MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

M3A78 PRO specications summary

Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

Internal I/O connectors 4 x USB connectors support additional 8 USB ports

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM

Support DVD contents Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial)

1 x HDMI Out 1 x D-Sub 1 x LAN (RJ-45)

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 8-channel audio I/O

1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x COM connector 1 x IDE connector 6 x SATA connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 1 x Chassis Fan connector 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 1 x DVD audio in

1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector

1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)

BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update AMD AOD Anti-Virus Utility (OEM version)

xii

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

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78 PRO 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 PRO motherboard

Cables Serial ATA signal and power cable Ultra DMA 133/100 cable Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories 1 x Q-shield 1 x HDMI to DVI Convertor

2 in 1 Q-connector

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

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 1-11 for details.

HyperTransport™ 3.0 support

HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efciency to create a smoother,

faster computing environment.

AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™ CPU support

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™

processors. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™

Technology. See page 1-11 for details.

AMD® 780G Chipset

AMD® 780G Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0

(HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with

AMD®’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-3

Native DDR2 1066 support

This motherboard provides native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efciency,

enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 1-15 for details.

DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to www.asus.

com for the supported CPU models.

AMD® Hybrid CrossFireX Technology

Hybrid CrossFireX Technology is a unique multi-GPU technology combining the

onboard GPU and the discrete graphics card together to enhance 3D graphics

performance. See page 1-26 and 3-18 for details.

Visit www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossreX selected GPUs.

HDMI Interface

HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is the rst and only industry-

supported, uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP compliant aloowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content. See page 1-30 for details.

PCIe 2.0 support

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 1-26 for details.

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the

Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced scalability

and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. It allows

RAID 0, 1, and 10 congurations for two SATA connectors. See page 1-34 for

details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio

systems via coaxial S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out jack. It allows

digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and therefore well

preserves signal quality. See page 1-30 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

High Denition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality 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 that simultaneously sends different audio streams to

different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while

playing multi-channel network games. See page 1-29 for details.

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.

AI Gear 2

AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption

at most. You can real-time chnage 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.

Q-Fan 2

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation. See page 2-34 for details.

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.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-5

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer

components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Express Gate

Just 5 seconds to boot up, the ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly surf the Internet without entering Windows. You can now enjoy Skype, IM,

YouTube, webmail and Internet le downloads and sharing whenever and wherever you want! See page 2-39 and 3-10 for details .

• The bootup speed depends on system congurations.

• Due to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices orDue to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices orASUS Express Gate supports USB devices or

SATA HDDs (IDE mode) connected to SATA port 1-4 only. Set the SATA Operation Mode item in the BIOS to [IDE] 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 Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—

making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

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 connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. See page 1-40 for details.

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole 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 settings. See page 2-40 for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened hotkey to launch the utility and 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 2-4 for details.

Smart Support DVD

This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers are already installed, as well as those that are not. When using ASUS PC Probe II, you can easily monitor the critical components of the computer.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

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. See page 2-35 for

details.

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features

Precision Tweaker

Precision Tweaker allows the user to adjust the northbridge voltage, southbridge

voltage, and DRAM voltage in 0.02V steps to achieve the most precise settings for the ultimate customized overclocking conguration.

AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.

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. When the system hangs due to overclocking, 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 setting for each parameter.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-7

1.4 Before you proceed

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.

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-9

1.5.2 Placement direction

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 nine (9) 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

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for the AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors or for Socket AM2 Athlon Series / Sempron processors.

The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the 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

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the

CPU does not t in completely.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-11

3. Position the CPU above the socket 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.

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

Make sure 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 lockRetention 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.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-13

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.

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7 System memory

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 A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs

into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended memory congurations

Mode

Single-Channel

Dual-channel (1) Populated — Populated —

Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-15

DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2

Populated — — —

— — Populated —

Sockets

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then

mapped for single-channel operation.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize

less than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical functions. This limitation appears on Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system which does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).

• If you install Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb

chips.

Due to OS limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on

each slot.

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows

64-bit

Vista x64 Edition

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capability for AM2+ CPU

DIMM socket

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

512MB KINGSTON E5108AJBG-1J-E N/A ELPIDA SS KVR1066D2N7/512 •

1GB KINGSTON E5108AJBG-1J-E N/A ELPIDA SS KVR1066D2N7/1G •

Chip Brand

SS/ DS

Part No.

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2+ CPU

DIMM socket

Size •endor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-25EG N/A N/A SS M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53 • •

1GB A-DATA AD26908A8A-25EG N/A N/A DS M2OAD6G3I4170I1E58 • • •

2GB A-DATA AD20908A8A-25EG N/A A-DATA DS M2OAD6H3J4171Q1E52 • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708JQJS8E N/A APACER SS 78.91G9I.9K5 • • •

1GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E N/A APACER SS 78.01GA0.9K5 • • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E 5 APACER DS 78.A1GA0.9K4 • •

1GB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS CM2X1024-6400C4 • • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AL804.16FD3 • • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD3 • • •

1GB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) 5 ELPIDA SS EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E • • •

2GB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) 5 ELPIDA DS EBE21EE8ABFA-8E-E • • •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK • • •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS F2-6400PHU2-2GBNR • •

1GB G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK • •

4GB (Kit

G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK • • •

of 2)

4GB (Kit

G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 6 N/A DS F2-6400CL6D-4GBMQ • • •

of 2)

4GB (Kit

G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ • • •

of 2)

2GB GEIL GE24GB800C5DC 5-5-5-15 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

2GB GEIL GE28GB800C5QC 5-5-5-15 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

2GB GEIL GE28GB800C4QC 4-4-4-12 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

2GB GEIL GE24GB800C4DC 4-4-4-12 N/A DS Heat-Sink Package • • •

2GB GEIL GB24GB6400C5DC 5-5-5-15 GEIL DS GL2L128M88BA25AB • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 • •

512MB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX SS KLDC28F-A8KI5 • • •

1GB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX DS KLDD48F-ABKI5 • •

2GB KINGMAX KKB8FFBXF-CFA-25A N/A KINGMAX DS KLDE88F-B8KB5 • • •

512MB KINGSTON E5108AJBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA SS KVR800D2N5/512 • • •

1GB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN •

1GB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A DS KHX6400D2LL/1G •

1GB KINGSTON V59C1512804QBF25 N/A N/A DS KVR800D2N5/1G • • •

2GB KINGSTON E1108ACBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR800D2N5/2G • • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U880BY-25C • • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C • • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8CE-25D N/A NANYA DS

SS/

Part No.

NT1GT64U8HCOBY25D

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

• • •

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-17

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2+ CPU (continued)

DIMM socket

Size •endor Chip No. CL Chip Brand

2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5 NANYA DS NT2GT64U8HC0BY-AC • • •

1GB OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS OCZ2T8002GK • •

2GB OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5-4-4-15 N/A DS OCZ2P8004GK • • •

4GB (Kit

OCZ Heat-Sink Package 5-4-4 N/A DS OCZ2P8004GK • • •

of 2)

2GB PSC A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E 5 PSC DS AL8E8F73C-8E1 • • •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-25F 5 QIMONDA DS

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-2.5 6 QIMONDA DS

512MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 6 SAMSUNG SS M378T6553GZS-CF7 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ 6 SAMSUNG SS M378T2863QZS-CF7 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ(ECC) 6 SAMSUNG SS M391T2863QZ3-CF7 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 6 SAMSUNG DS M378T2953GZ3-CF7 • • •

2GB SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ 6 SAMSUNG DS M391T5663QZ3-CF7 • • •

2GB SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ(ECC) 6 SAMSUNG DS M378T5663QZ3-CF7 • • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS T800UA12C4 • •

1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS T800UB1GC4 • • •

1GB Aeneon AET93R25DB N/A Aeneon DS AET760UD00-25DB97X • •

2GB Aeneon AET02R25DC N/A Aeneon DS AET860UD00-25DC08S • • •

2GB Aeneon AET03R25DC 5 Aeneon DS AET860UD00-25DC08X • • •

1GB Asint DDRII1208-GE N/A Asint SS SLY2128M8-JGE •

2GB Asint DDRII1208-GE N/A Asint DS SLZ2128M8-JGE • • •

1GB CENTURY HY5PS12821BFP-S5 N/A Hynix DS 28VOH8 •

1GB Elixir N2TU51280BE-25C 5 Elixir DS M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C • •

1GB Oci 64M8PC6400 5 Jnnity DS 04701G16CZ5D2A • • •

512MB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-25EC N/A N/A SS PSD251280081 •

1GB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-25PAC 5 Patriot DS PSD21G8002 •

2GB Patriot PM128M8D2BU-25KC 5 Patriot DS PSD22GB002 • • •

1GB UMAX U2S12D30TP-8E N/A UMAX DS D48001GP3-63BJU • •

2GB UMAX U2S12D30TP-8E N/A UMAX DS D48002GP0-73BCU • • •

SS/

Part No.

HYS64T256020EU25F-C2

HYS64T256020EU-

2.5-C2

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

• • •

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability for AM2+ CPU

DIMM socket

Size •endor Chip No. CL

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 •

1GB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 • •

2GB A-DATA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C N/A N/A DS M2ONY5H3J4170I1C5Z • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708JQJS7E N/A APACER SS 78.91G92.9K5 • • •

1GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER SS 78.01G9O.9K5 • • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER DS 78.A1G9O.9K4 • • •

512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A SS VS512MB667D2 • • •

1GB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A DS VS1GB667D2 • • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A SS BL6464AA663.8FD • • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AA663.16FD • • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AL664.16FD • •

512MB ELPIDA E5108AE-6E-E 5 ELPIDA SS EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 • • •

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • • •

1GB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 •

512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U 5 KINGSTON SS KVR667D2N5/512 • • •

1GB KINGSTON E5108AGBG-6E-E N/A KINGSTON DS KVR667D2N5/1G • • •

2GB KINGSTON E1108AB-6E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR667D2N5/2G • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U88B0BY-3C • • •

2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C 5 NANYA DS NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C • • •

1GB PSC A3R12E3JFF719A9T02 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63J-6E1 • • •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1GB00C2F-3S 5 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-3S-C2 • • •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG SS M378T6553EZS-CE6 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T2953EZ3-CE6 • • •

4GB SAMSUNG K4T2G084QA-HCE6 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T5263AZ3-CE6 • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A SS T6UA512C5 • • •

1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS T6UB1GC5 • • •

512MB TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30C 5 TwinMOS SS 8D-23JK5M2ETP •

512MB Aeneon AET93R300B 5 AENEON SS AET660UD00-30DB97X • • •

1GB Aeneon AET93R30DB 5 AENEON DS AET760UD00-30B97X • • •

2GB Aeneon AET03F30DB 5 AENEON DS AET860UD00-30DB08X • • •

2GB Aeneon AET02R30DC 5 AENEON DS AET860UD00-30D • • •

512MB Asint DDRII6408-6E N/A Asint SS SLX264M8-J6E • • •

1GB Asint DDRII1208-6E N/A Asint SS SLY2128M8-J6E • • •

512MB CENTURY HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix SS 26V2H8 • •

1GB CENTURY HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix DS 26VOH8 • •

1GB Kingbox EPD264082200E-4 N/A Kingbox DS N/A •

Chip Brand

SS/

Part No.

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-19

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability for AM2+ CPU (continued)

DIMM socket

Size •endor Chip No. CL

2GB Kingbox D9HNL N/A MICRON DS N/A • •

512MB MDT 18D51280D-30648 4 MDT SS M512-667-8 • • •

1GB MDT 1851200D-30646D 4 MDT DS M924-667-16A • • •

512MB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-3KC N/A N/A SS PSD251266781 • • •

1GB Patriot PM64M8D2BU-3PAC 5 Patriot DS PSD21G6672 • • •

1GB UMAX U2S12D30TP-6E N/A UMAX DS D46701GP3-63BJU • • •

2GB UMAX U2S24D30TP-6E N/A UMAX DS D46702GP0-73BCU • • •

Chip Brand

SS/

Part No.

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2 CPU

DIMM socket

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC 5 SEC SS KVR800D2N5/512 • • •

1GB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN • •

1GB KINGSTON V59C1512804QBF25 N/A N/A DS KVR800D2N5/1G • •

1GB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS KHX6400D2ULK2/1G • •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-25F 5 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-25F-C2 •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 • •

512MB MICRON D9GKX N/A N/A SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 • • •

1GB MICRON D9GKX N/A N/A DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4 • •

1GB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS CM2X1024-6400C4 • •

1GB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) 5 ELPIDA SS EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E • •

2GB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) 5 ELPIDA DS EBE21EE8ABFA-8E-E •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AL804.16FD3 • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD3 • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708JQJS8E N/A APACER SS 78.91G9I.9K5 • • •

1GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E N/A APACER SS 78.01GA0.9K5 • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E 5 APACER DS 78.A1GA0.9K4 •

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-25EG N/A N/A SS M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53 • • •

1GB A-DATA AD26908A8A-25EG N/A N/A DS M2OAD6G3I4170I1E58 • •

512MB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX SS KLDC28F-A8KI5 • •

1GB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX DS KLDD48F-ABKI5 • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS T800UA12C4 • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U880BY-25C • •

Chip Brand

SS/ DS

Part No.

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability for AM2 CPU (continued)

DIMM socket

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8CE-25D N/A NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HCOBY-25D • •

2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5 NANYA DS NT2GT64U8HC0BY-AC • •

512MB PSC A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 5 PSC SS AL6E8E63B8E1K • • •

1GB PSC A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63B-8E1K • •

256MB TwinMOS E2508AB-GE-E 5 ELPIDA SS 8G-24IK2-EBT • •

Chip Brand

SS/ DS

Part No.

support (Optional)

A* B* C*

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability for AM2 CPU

DIMM socket support

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S 5 N/A SS KVR667D2N5/256 •

256MB KINGSTON 6SBI2D9DCG 5 MICRON SS KVR667D2N5/256 •

1GB KINGSTON E5108AGBG-6E-E N/A KINGSTON DS KVR667D2N5/1G • •

2GB KINGSTON E1108AB-6E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR667D2N5/2G •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1GB00C2F-3S 5 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-3S-C2 •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QE-ZCE6 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T3354EZ3-CE6 •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG SS M378T6553EZS-CE6 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T2953EZ3-CE6 • •

256MB Hynix HY5PS121621CFP-Y5 5 Hynix SS HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 •

256MB CORSAIR MIII00605 N/A N/A SS VS256MB667D2 •

512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A SS VS512MB667D2 • •

1GB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A DS VS1GB667D2 • •

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 •

1GB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 • •

2GB A-DATA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C N/A N/A DS M2ONY5H3J4170I1C5Z • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A SS BL6464AA663.8FD • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AA663.16FD • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AL664.16FD • •

1GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER SS 78.01G9O.9K5 • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER DS 78.A1G9O.9K4 • • •

256MB Kingmax N2TU51216AG-3C 5 NANYA SS KLCB68F-36KH5 •

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • • •

1GB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A SS T6UA512C5 • • •

Chip Brand

SS/ DS

Part No.

(Optional)

A* B* C*

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-21

M3A78 PRO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability for AM2 CPU (continued)

DIMM socket support

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS T6UB1GC5 • •

2GB NANYA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C 5 NANYA DS NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U88B0BY-3C • •

512MB PSC A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N 5 PSC SS AL6E8E63B-6E1K • •

1GB PSC A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63B-6E1K • •

512MB TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30C 5 TwinMOS SS 8D-23JK5M2ETP • • •

Chip Brand

SS/ DS

Part No.

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into either slot as Single-channel

memory conguration.

• B*: Supports two modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black

slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the

black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2 QVL.

(Optional)

A* B* C*

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such

that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO

NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

DDR2 DIMM notch

Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-23

1.8 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a

chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See

Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System timer 1 2 Keyboard controller

3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering� 4 12 Communications port (COM1)� 5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering� 6 14 Floppy disk controller 7 15 IRQ holder for PCI steering�

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering� 10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering� 11 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering� 12 7 PS/2 compatible mouse port� 13 8 Numeric data processor 14 9 IRQ holder for PCI steering� 15 10 IRQ holder for PCI steering�

–

Re-direct to IRQ#9

� These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCI 1 shared – – – – – – – PCI 2 – shared – – – – – – LAN – shared – – – – – – PCIe x16_1 shared – – – – – – – PCIe x1_1 – shared – – – – – – PCIe x1_2 shared – – – – – – – PCI_1 – – shared – – – – – PCI_2 shared – – – – – – – PCI_3 USB controller 1 – – – – – – – shared USB controller 2 – – – shared – – – – USB controller 3 – – shared – – – – – USB controller 4 shared – – – – – – – USB controller 5 shared – – – – – – – USB controller 6 – – – – – shared – –

USB 2.0 controller 1 – – – – – – shared – USB 2.0 controller 2 – shared – – – – –

SATA controller – – shared – – – – –

Azalia – – – – – shared – –

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-25

1.8.3 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other

cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location

of the slots.

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other

cards that comply with PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the

location of the slot.

1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with PCI

Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slot.

PCIe x1_1 slot

PCIe 2.0 x16 slot

PCIe x1_2 slot

PCI_1 slot

PCI_2 slot

PCI_3 slot

• Currently, only Windows® Vista operation system supports Hybird CrossFireX™ mode.™ mode. mode.

• Currently, only AMD® HD3470, HD3450, HD2400XT and HD2400Pro

graphics cards support the Hybrid CrossFireX™ function.™ function. function.

• Visit www.amd.com for more information about Hybrid CrossFireX™

support.

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.9 Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

• Due to the chipset limitation, AC power off is required prior using C.P.R.

function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before reboot the system.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-27

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8, USBPW9-12)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes.

The USBPW1-4 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The USBPW5-8 and USBPW9-12 jumpers are for the internal USB connectors that you can

connect to additional USB ports.

• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise, the system will

not power up.

• The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.

3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature.

Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar). This feature requires an

ATX power supply that can supply at least 500 mA on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor

or other VGA-compatible devices.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area

Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer

speakers.

5. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a

4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, DVD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

7. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Front Speaker Out.

8. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

9. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

Refer to the audio conguration table on the next page for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-29

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

11. HDMI Out port. This port is for a high-denition multimedia interface (HDMI)

12. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port.Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

13. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

14. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

Headset 2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

connector.

• This motherboard comes with dualVGA outputs that features different

displays on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both

the onboard VGA and HDMI ports.

• With the bundled HDMI-to-DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard can also support DVI output.

• Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs

The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will affect the playback quality. Following is a conguration example for your reference. Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality.

CPU: AMD Athlon64 ADH3200IAA4DE/512KB (single core)

DIMM: Kingston DDR2-800 1G x1 (BIOS share memory: 256MB) HDD: Seagate ST3160023A (ATA100)

ODD: Sony BWU100A

• To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:

If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or

image is not lling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable, you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen.

To resize your HDTV desktop:

1. Install AMD Chipset Driver from the motherboard support DVD. See section

3.3.2 Drivers menu for details.

2. Right-click the desktop and select ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center.

3. From the Graphics Settings tree, expand DTV (HDMI™) 1.

4. Click Scaling Options.

5. Move the Underscan/Overscan slider to adjust the overall size of the display

on the HDMI™ DTV. Using this slider increases or decreases any black borders that may be visible around the outside of the display.

6. To ensure that forcing a custom display mode through the ATI Displays

Manager does not create conicting resolutions, select the Use the scaling values instead of the customized settings when the desktop resolution does not match your DFP resolution check box.

The Scaling Options function of the DTV (HDMI™) 1 item in the ATI CATALYST Control Center is adjustable only when you are using an HDTV

compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-31

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert

one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the

signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

2. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default, the pins labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature.

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:

blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE

connector, then select one of the following modes to congure your device(s).

Drive jumper setting

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Cable-Select

Two devices

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting.

Master Master

Slave Slave

Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.

Mode of device(s)

Master Black

Slave Gray

Cable connector

Black or gray

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-33

4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA

3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specication. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra

DMA133).

If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,

and RAID 10 conguration through the onboard controller.

Important note on Serial ATA

Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA.

• For detailed instructions on how to congure RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10,

refer to the RAID manual in the support DVD.

• If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See page 2-16 for details.

Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to SATA device. Or you may connect the right-angle side of SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid mechanical

conict with huge graphics cards.

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction

right angle side

5. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the

fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are

not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors.

Only the CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN1 connectors support the ASUS Q FAN 2

feature.

6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF module cable to this connector, then install the

module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-35

7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910, USB1112)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable

to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the

back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB,

blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector

onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

8. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin DVD)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a DVD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

1-36 Chapter 1: Product introduction

9. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)

The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The serial port bracket (COM1) is purchased separately.

10. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Denition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this

connector, make sure that the Front Panel Support Type item in the BIOS

is set to [HD Audio]; if you want to connect an AC`97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. See page 2-27 for details.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-37

11. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATX-PWRGD, 4-pin ATX12V)

These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power

supply are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 400 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the

system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your

system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator. aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

1-38 Chapter 1: Product introduction

12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis

power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

• Hard disk drive activity LED

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

• System warning speaker

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• Power/Soft-off button

This 2-pin connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power

button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

• Reset button

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system

reboot without turning off the system power.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-39

13. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front

panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q-Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the

Q-Connector to know the detailed pin

denitions, then match them to the

respective front panel cable labels.

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the

system panel connector, making sure the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled. The gure shows the Q-Connector properly installed on the motherboard.

1-40 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

Chapter 2 BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic

Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk, USB Flash, or the

motherboard support DVD during POST.)

2. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable oppy

disk.)

3. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk in

case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy

Disk window appears.

e. Windows® XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the

format options eld, then click Start.

Windows® Vista environment

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk

drive.

b. Click from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3

1/2 Floppy dialog box .

d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

e. Click Start.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy

disk.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-3

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the

system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

(1) Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M3A78 PRO VER: 0103 DATE: 05/15/08

PATH: A:\

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [Esc] Exit [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disks or oppy disks

with FAT 32/16 format only.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as shown.

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-5

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS lename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /iM3A78PRO.ROM

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iM3A78PRO.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iM3A78PRO.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.4 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an

Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update. See page 3-4 for the

Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-7

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a le option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

M3A78PRO.ROM

complete the update process.

M3A78PRO

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-9

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update

using the provided utility described in section 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the

LPC chip.

The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up

the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program.

Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility;

otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section 2.8 Exit menu.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar Conguration eldsMenu items

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [17:41:19] System Date [Mon 02/18/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Primary IDE Master : [Not Detected] Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected] SATA1 : [HDT722516DLA380] SATA2 : [ASUS CRW-5232A1] SATA3 : [Not Detected] SATA4 : [Not Detected] SATA5 : [Not Detected] SATA6 : [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

Sub-menu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER]. [TAB], or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system time.

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

Navigation keys

2.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information.

2.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-11

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

2.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu

bar displays the specic items for

that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

System Time [06:22:54] System Date [Fri 01/18/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

Primary IDE Master [WDC WD800JD-00LSA0] Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected] SATA1 [Not Detected] SATA2 [Not Detected] SATA3 [Not Detected] SATA4 [Not Detected] SATA5 [Not Detected] SATA6 [Not Detected] Storage Conguration

System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB], or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

Time.

The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.

Main menu items

2.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

2.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window.

2.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

2.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do

not t on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page

Down> keys to display the other items on the screen.

2.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

2.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [17:41:19] System Date [Thu 05/15/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Storage Conguration

System Information

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER]. [TAB], or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system time.

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed. Conguration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-13

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Main

Primary IDE Master

Device : Not Detected

Type [Auto] LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] DMA Mode [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a

DVD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device

is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of device connected to the system.

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2]

[UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] [UDMA6]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.

Main

Third IDE Master

Device : Hard Disk Vendor : HDT722516DLA380 Size : 164.7GB LBA Mode : Supported Block Mode : 16Sectors PIO Mode : 4 Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2 Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-6 SMART Monitoring: Supported

LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Block(Multi-sector Transfer)M [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] DMA Mode [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled: Disables LBA Mode. Ayto: Enables LBA Mode if the device supports it and the device is not already formatted with LBA Mode disabled.

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-15

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode.

|Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

[UDMA6]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.3.6 Storage Conguration

The Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage device(s).

Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main

OnChip SATA channel [Enabled] OnChip SATA Type [IDE]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled Enabled

Options

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OnChip SATA Type [IDE]

This item appears only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled] and allows you to set the OnChip SATA Type.

Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

• If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE].

• If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive

to internally optimize the order of commands.

• If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 conguration from the

Serial ATA hard disk drives, set this item to [RAID].

2.3.7 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

AMIBIOS

Version :0103 Build Date :05/15/08

Processor

Brand AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+

Speed :2000MHz Count :1

System Memory

Installed Size: 1024MB Usable Size : 896MB

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-17

2.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and

DIMM model you install on the motherboard.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

JumperFree Conguration

AI NET 2

CPU Conguration

Chipset

ECC Conguration Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration

Advanced

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

AI Overclocking [Auto] Processor Voltage [Auto] CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto] CPU Tweak [Enabled] PLL1 Spread Spectrum [Disabled] PLL2 Spread Spectrum [Disabled] SB Clock Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

AI Overclocking [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any one of the preset overclocking conguration options:

Select the target CPU

frequency, and the

relevant parameters will be auto-adjusted.

Frequencies higher

than CPU manufacturer recommends are not guaranteed to be stable. If the system becomes unstable, return to the default.

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

Standard Loads the standard settings for the system.performance.

Overclock Prole Loads overclocking proles with optimal parameters for stability

when overclocking.

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to

[Overclock Prole].

Overclock Options [Overclock 5%]

Allows you to set the overclocking options.

Conguration options: [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%]

The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual].

FSB Frequency [XXX]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the desired FSB frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to

600.

PCIE Frequency [XXX]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also type the desired PCIE frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to

150.

The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to

[Manual], [Standard], or [Overclock Prole].

Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto]

Allows selection of the processor frequency multiplier. Conguration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800 MHz] [x5.0 1000 MHz] [x6.0 1200 MHz] [x7.0 1400 MHz] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] [x10.0 2000 MHz] [x11.0 2200 MHz] [x12.0 2400 MHz] [x13.0 2600 MHz]

The following two items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

Processor Voltage [Auto]

Allows selection of the Processor Voltage.

CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto]

Allows you to set the CPU-Northbridge HyperTransport link speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [400 MHz] [600 MHz] [800 MHz] [1 GHz]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-19

The following three items appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item

to [Manual], [Standard], or [Overclock Prole] and are adjusted by typing the

desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows selection of the DDR2 reference voltage. The values range from 1.90V to

2.25V with a 0.05V interval.

Northbridge Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Northbridge Voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.10V] [1.20V] [1.30V] [1.40V]

CPU Tweak [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Tweak feature.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

DRAM Timing Conguration

This sub-menu allows selection of the DRAM Timing Conguration.

Advanced

DRAM Timing Conguration

Memory Clock Mode [Auto] 2T Mode [Auto] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Auto Limit Manual

Options

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on thedepending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard.

Memory Clock Mode [Auto]

Allows selection of the DRAM Frequency programming method. Conguration options: [Auto] [Limit] [Manual]

Memclock Value [400 MHz]

This sub-item appears only when you set the Memory Clock Mode item to [Limit] and [Manual].

Conguration options: [400 MHz] [533 MHz] [667 MHz] [800 MHz] [1066 MHz]�

2T Mode [Auto]

Allows selection of the 2T Mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

Allows selection of the DRAM Timing Mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DCT 0]

The following sub-items appear only when you set the DRAM Timing Mode item to [DCT 0].

CAS Latency (CL) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK

DH_Only]

TCWL [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLk] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK]

TRCD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]

TRP [Auto]

[Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]

TRAS [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] ~ [17 CLK] [18 CLK]

tWR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]

tRFC0 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]

tRFC1 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]

tRFC2 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]

tRFC3 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]

TRC [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] [12 CLK] ~ [25 CLK] [26 CLK]

TRRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]

tWTR [Auto]

Species the write to read delay when accessing the same DIMM. Conguration options: [Auto] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]

tRTP [Auto]

Species the read CAS# to precharge time. Conguration options: [Auto] [2-4 CLK] [3-5 CLK]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-21

tRWTTO [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] ~ [8 CLK] [9 CLK]

tWRRD [Auto]

Species the write to read delay when accessing different DIMMs. Conguration options: [Auto] [0 CLK] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]

tWRWR [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]

tRDRD [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLk] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]

PLL1/2 Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

Allows selection of the PLL1/2 Spread Spectrum settings for EMI control. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SB Clock Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

Allows selection of the South Bridge Clock Spread Spectrum settings for EMI control. It is recommended to leave this item to the default setting for system stability.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.4.2 AI NET 2

This menu displays the status of the Local Area Network (LAN) cable connected to the LAN (RJ-45) port.

Advanced

AI NET 2 Pair Status Length

1-2 N/A Realtek Controller 0 3-6 N/A 4-5 N/A 7-8 N/A

Realtek POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Check Realtek LAN cable during POST.

Realtek POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST. When enabled, the menu reports the cable faults or shorts, and displays the point (length) where the faults or shorts are detected.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.3 CPU Conguration

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.28 AGESA Version:3.1.7.0 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1

AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+ Revision: F2 Cache L1: 128KB Cache L2: 512KB Cache L3: N/A Speed : 2000MHz, NB Clk: N/A Current FSB Multiplier: 10x Maximum FSB Multiplier: 10x

Able to Change Freq. : Yes

uCode Patch Level : 0x62

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Function [Disabled] ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled] AMD Live! [Disabled]

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

AMD Cool‘n’Quiet Function [Disabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]

Enables or disables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable/Disable Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM)

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

AMD Live! [Disabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Live! technology support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.4.4 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

PCI Express Conguration Internal Graphics Conguration

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-23

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

PCI Express Conguration

PCI Express Conguration

This menu allows you to change the PCI Express Conguration settings. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

PCI Express Conguration

GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25]

Port #02 Features Port #04 Features Port #05 Features Port #06 Features Port #07 Features Port #09 Features Port #10 Features NB-SB Port Features

GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the

numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255.

Port #02 Features

Gen2 High Speed Mode [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Software Initiated] [Advertised RC]

Link ASPM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0s & L1]

Link Width [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [x1] [x2] [x4] [x8] [x16]

Slot Power Limit, W [75]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the

numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255.

Port #04/05/06/07/09/10 Features

Gen2 High Speed Mode [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Software Initiated] [Advertised RC]

Link ASPM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0s & L1]

NB-SB Port Features

NB-SB link ASPM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [L1]

NP NB-SB VC1 Trafc Support [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Link Width [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [x1] [x2] [x4]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Internal Graphics Conguration

This menu allows you to change the onboard graphics conguration settings.

Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

Internal Graphics Conguration

UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] GFX Engine Clock Override [Disable]

Surround View [Disabled]

NB Azalia [Enable]

Auto 32MB 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB

Options

UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB]

GFX Engine Clock Override [Disable]

Allows you to enable or disable the GFX Engine Clock Override support.

Conguration options: [Disable] [Enable]

GFX Engine Clock [500]

This item appears only when you enable the GFX Engine Clock Override item. Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 150 to 1500.

Surround View [Disabled]

If you set the PCI Express device as the primary display and enable this item, you may use the internal graphics as the secondary display.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enable]

NB Azalia [Enable]

Enables or disables the Northbridge Azalia support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enable]

2.4.5 ECC Conguration

Advanced

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled] DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled] Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-25

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Set the level of ECC protection. Note: The ‘Super’ ECC mode dynamically sets the DRAM scrub rate so all of memory is scrubbed in 8 hours.

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors. Set this item to [Basic] [Good] or [Max] to allow ECC mode auto-adjustment. Set this item to [Super] to adjust the DRAM BG Scrub sub-item manually. You may also adjust all sub-items by setting this item to [User].

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to allow hardware to report and correct memory errors automatically, maintaining system integrity.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT feature that allows the system to correct the DRAM ECC errors immediately when they occur.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables the ECC chip kill feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM BG SCRUB [Disabled]

Disables or sets the DRAM BG Scrub.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms]

Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

Disables or sets the Data Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the L1 Data Cache RAM to be corrected when idle.

L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

Disables or sets the L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the L2/L3 Data

Cache RAM to be corrected when idle.

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Devices Conguraiton

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] HD Audio Azalia Device [Auto] Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio] Onboard Lan Controller [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

HD Audio Azalia Device [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio. The following item

appears only when you set this item to [Auto].

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or

high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio

module supports.

Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

Onboard LAN Controller [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enable] [Disabled]

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you enable the previous item.

Conguration options: [Enable] [Disabled]

Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses.

Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]

Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

Conguration options: [PCI-E] [PCI] [Onboard]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-27

2.4.7 PCI PnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP

devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either

PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA

devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No] PCI Latency Timer [64] Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes] Palette Snooping [Disabled]

IRQ3 [PCI Device] IRQ4 [PCI Device] IRQ5 [PCI Device] IRQ7 [PCI Device] IRQ9 [PCI Device] IRQ10 [PCI Device] IRQ11 [PCI Device] IRQ14 [PCI Device] IRQ15 [PCI Device]

Plug and Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

No: lets the BIOS

congure all the

devices in the system. Yes: lets the operating system

congure Plug and Play

(PnP) devices not

required for boot if

your system has a Plug and Play operating system.

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

PCI Latency Timer [64]

Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency timer register.

Conguration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]

When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for

an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even

if requested. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

Palette Snooping [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the palete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function correctly.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]

When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.

When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.

Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

2.4.8 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

USB Devices Enabled:

1 Mouse

USB Functions [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled] Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled Enabled

Options

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Allows you to enable the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-29

2.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced

Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto] Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state

to be used for system suspend.

Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]

2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]

Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled][Enabled]

2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specic Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set

to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.5 APM Conguration

Power

Power Button Mode [On/Off] Power On By PCI devices [Disabled] Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled] Power On By External Modems [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Power button functionality.

Power Button Mode [On/Off]

Allows you to set the power button function.

Conguration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By External Modems [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and

applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst

try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off

causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is

set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Hour/ RTC Alarm Minute/ RTC Alarm Second will become user-congurable with set values. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specic keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power

supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Power Key] [Ctrl-Esc]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-31

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on

the +5VSB lead.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss.

Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.6 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [37ºC/98.5ºF] MB Temperature [39ºC/102ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [3292RPM] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] Power Fan Speed [N/A]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.344V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.280V] 5V Voltage [ 4.966V] 12V Voltage [11.916V]

Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled]

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

CPU / Chassis / Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU

/ Chassis / Power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not

wish to display the detected speed.

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this item.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the

fan speeds for more efcient system operation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only if you set the Smart Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

Smart Q-Fan Prole [Optimal]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU

temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan

operation, or [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

Conguration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-33

2.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] 2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive] 3rd Boot Device [ATAPI DVD-ROM]

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st FlOPPY DRIVE]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.

The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system.

Conguration options: [1st FlOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI DVD-ROM]

[Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot

Device Priority

sequence.

A virtual oppy disk

drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the DVD-ROM drive as

the rst boot device.

Select Screen

Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] Chassis Intrusion [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”

during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chassis Intrusion [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-35

2.6.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password Change User Passward

Change Supervisor Password

Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disable password.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Installed User Password : Installed

Change Supervisor Password User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check [Setup]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password.

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.

View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system.

Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-37

2.7 Tools menu

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate

ASUS O.C. Prole

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Ok> to conrm your choice.

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M3A78 PRO VER: 0103 DATE: 05/15/08

PATH: A:\

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn’t support:

1. NTFS format

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [Esc] Exit [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7.2 Express Gate

Tools

Express Gate

Express Gate [Enabled] Boot Out Timer [10] Reset User Data [No]

You have to install the ASUS Express Gate application from the support DVD

rst before you can enable this feature. See page 3-5 for details.

Express Gate [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. ASUS Express

Gate is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet

browser and Skype.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Boot Out Timer [10]

Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst

screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Disabled] to

stay at the rst screen of Express Gate for user action. Conguration options: [Disabled] [1 second] ~ [30 seconds]

The time length is adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key.

Reset User Data [No]

Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.

Conguration options: [No] [Reset]

When setting this item to [Reset], make sure to save the setting to the BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser (bookmarks, cookies, browsing history, etc.). This is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled Enabled

Options

The rst time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate

environment after clearing its settings.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-39

2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Tools

O.C. PROFILE Conguration

O.C. Prole 1 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 2 Status : Not Installed

Save to Prole 1 Load from Prole 1

Save to Prole 2 Load from Prole 2

Start O.C. Prole

Save to Proe 1/2

Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to save the le.

Load from Prole 1/2

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press

<Enter> to load the le.

Start O.C. Prole

Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility V1.06

Save BIOS settings

to Prole 1

Select Screen

Select Item

Current CMOS

BOARD: M3A78 PRO VER: 0103 DATE: 05/15/08

PATH: A:\

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [Esc] Exit [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

Restore CMOS

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure!

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.8 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit

menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned

off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save

changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to

the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup after saving the changes.

F10 key can be used for this operation.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select

OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the

Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or

make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 2-41

2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

Chapter 3 Software

support

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista operating systems (OS). Always

install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features

of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

• Make sure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

3.2 Support DVD information

The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

3.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to display support DVD / motherboard information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support

DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the

ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver (For Windows XP only)

Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.

AMD Chipset Driver

Installs the AMD chipset driver.

Realtek Audio Driver

Installs the Realtek® ALC1200 audio driver and application.

Realtek RTL8111C 10/100/1000M LAN Driver

Installs the Realtek RTL8111C Gigabit LAN driver.

USB 2.0 Driver (For Windows XP only)

Installs the USB 2.0 driver.

The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different operating system versions.

3-3ASUS M3A78 PRO

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.

Click to display the next screen

Click to display the previous screen

AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD)

Installs the AMD OverDrive Utility which allows conguration of system and

overclocking settings in Windows environment.

ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility

This item installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility.

ASUS Update

The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support

ASUS PC Probe II

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition.

ASUS AI Suite

Installs the ASUS AI Suite.

ASUS Express Gate Installer

Installs the ASUS Express Gate application.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8

Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c (For Windows XP only)

Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

Ulead Burn.Now

Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation.

Corel MediaOne Starter

Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage, edit share and protect your multimedia data.

CyberLink PowerBackup

Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily.

Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE

Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.

Winzip 11

Installs the Winzip utility for easy le-compression and protection.

Anti-Virus Utility

The anti-virus application scans, identies, and removes computer viruses. View

the online help for detailed information.

3-5ASUS M3A78 PRO

Anti-Virus Utility Download

Installs to update your anti-virus utility version.

3.2.4 Make Disk menu

The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.

ATI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit WinXP Driver

Allows you to create an ATI RAID/AHCI driver disk for 32/64bit Windows® XP

operating system.

ATI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit Vista Driver

Allows you to create an ATI RAID/AHCI driver disk for 32/64bit Windows® Vista

operating system.

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support

Asus M3A78 Pro User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notices

Safety information

About this guide

1.1 Welcome!

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and 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

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

1.8 Expansion slots

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

1.8.3 PCI slots

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots

1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

1.9 Jumpers

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1.10.2 Internal connectors

Chapter 2 BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility

2.1.4 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

2.2.7 Pop-up window

2.2.8 Scroll bar

2.2.9 General help

2.3 Main menu

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave

2.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6

2.3.7 System Information

2.4 Advanced menu

2.4.2 AI NET 2

2.4.4 Chipset

2.4.7 PCI PnP

2.5 Power menu

2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]

2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

2.5.6 Hardware Monitor

2.6 Boot menu

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

2.6.3 Security

2.7 Tools menu

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

2.7.2 Express Gate

2.8 Exit menu

3.1 Installing an operating system

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