Asus M3A78-VM User Manual

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M3A78-VM

Motherboard

E4140

First Edition V1

August 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-VM specications summary ........................................................... x

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..............................................

1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1.5.1 Motherboard layout .........................................................

1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................

1.5.3 Screw holes ....................................................................

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................

1.6.1 Installing the CPU .........................................................

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ......................................

1.7 System memory .........................................................................

1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................

1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................

1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................

1.10 Connectors .................................................................................

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

1-2

1-6

1-7

1-8

1-9

1-10

1-12

1-14

1-18

1-19

1-21

1-22

1-23

1-25

iii

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................

2.1.2 AFUDOS utility ................................................................

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

2.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................

2.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................

2.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................

2.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................

2.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................

2.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................

2.2.7 General help .................................................................

2.2.8 Pop-up window .............................................................

2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

2.3.1 System Time .................................................................

2.3.2 System Date .................................................................

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave .............................................

2.3.5 SATA 1-6 .......................................................................

2.3.6 SATA Conguration .......................................................

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

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

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

2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................

2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................

2.4.4 Onboard Device Conguration ......................................

2.4.5 PCIPnP .........................................................................

2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................

2.5 Power menu ................................................................................

2.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................

2.5.2 ACPI Support ................................................................

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................

2-2

2-3

2-6

2-8

2-9

2-12

2-13

2-14

2-15

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-19

2-20

2-21

2-23

2-24

2-27

2-28

2-29

2-30

Contents

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

2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration .............................................

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

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

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

2.6.3 Security .........................................................................

2.7 Tools menu .................................................................................

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................

2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................

2.7.3 AI NET 2

2.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................

Chapter 3: Software support

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

3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................

3.2.1 Running the support DVD ...............................................

3.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................

3.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................

3.2.4 Make disk menu ..............................................................

3.2.5 Manual menu ..................................................................

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ..............................................

3.2.7 Other information ............................................................

........................................................................ 2-39

2-32

2-33

2-34

2-36

2-38

2-39

2-40

3-2

3-3

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-8

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 electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric

outlet before relocating the system.

•

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

vii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 3: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD/DVD that comes with

the motherboard package.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

viii

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means that you must press the enclosed key. Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys

simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets. Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line: afudos /i[lename]

afudos /iM3A78VM.ROM

M3A78-VM specications summary

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

Chipset AMD 780G / SB700

Front side bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Graphics Integrated ATI Radeon 3200

Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit

and 64-bit computing Supports CPU up to 140W

AMD Live!™ Ready

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

4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667/533MHz

memory modules

Supports up to 8GB system memory * Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz

frequency by default for system stability. ** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended if you are using a Windows 32-bit operation system. *** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for

Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)

Supports maximum shared memory up to 256MB

Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution up to 2560 x 1600 @60Hz Supports DVI-D with HDCP compliant with max. resolution up to 2560 x 1600 @60Hz dual-link Supports RGB with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1536 @85Hz Dual VGA output supports: RGB & DVI DVI & DP RGB & DP * To playback the HD-DVD and Blu ray Disc, we

recommend system conguration: Graphic shared memory 256MB/Dual-Core CPU minimum/ Minimum 1GB memory of Dual-channel DDR2 667 or Single-channel DDR2 800.

(continued on the next page)

M3A78-VM specications summary

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot

Storage / RAID 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector

LAN PCIe Gb LAN

Audio 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports

ASUS overclocking features

ASUS special features ASUS Q-Fan

Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port

BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,

1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot 2 x PCI 2.2 slots Supports PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture

6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 conguration

Supports Jack-Detect and Multistreaming Technologies

Supports S/PDIF Out interface

at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 400MHz at 1MHz increment

Adjustable DRAM voltage ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

ASUS CrashFree BIOS3

ASUS EZ Flash2 ASUS MyLogo2 ASUS AI NET2

Express Gate

1 x DVI port 1 x DisplayPort port 1 x VGA port 1 x RJ45 port

6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio I/O ports

ACPI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5

(continued on the next page)

M3A78-VM specications summary

Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1

Accessories User Manual

Form Factor uATX Form factor: 9.6’’ x 9.6’’ (24.4cm x 24.4cm)

Support DVD Drivers

ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 6 x SATA connectors High denition front panel audio connector 1 x system panel connector 1 x CD audio-in connector 1 x S/PDIF output connector 1 x TPM Header 1 x Parallel port

Power/CPU/Chassis fan connectors 24-pin EATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable

1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield

ASUS PC Probe II ASUS LiveUpdate Utility Anti-Virus software (OEM version)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

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

Product

introduction

1.1 Welcome!

MT/s

5200

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78-VM 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-VM motherboard

Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable

1 x 2 in 1 Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

Accessories 1 x I/O shield

Application CD/DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User Manual

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

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power

consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based

system bus. See page 1-10 for details.

HyperTransport 3.0 support

HyperTransport 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother, faster computing environment.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron CPU support

The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology. See page 1-10 for details.

DDR2 memory support

This motherboard is an AMD® platform with DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and

computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other

memory demanding applications. See page 1-14 for details.

• DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only. Refer to www.asus.com for

the supported CPU models.

• Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability.

64-bit CPU support

64-bit computing, the next generation technology to replace the current 32-bit

architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access and increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and

exibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.

PCI Express 2.0 support

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and

bandwidth which enhances system performance.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-3

DVI Interface

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high visual quality of digital display devices such as LCD monitors. The interface of this motherboard supports dual VGA output both DVI and RGB and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc.

To ensure high visual quality, install Windows® Media Player 11 or later versions when you connect a display monitor to the DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI port, or when you connect two display monitors to any two of these three ports.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

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

ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and

doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves.

Gigabit LAN solution

The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated Gigabit LAN controller. It

is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power

management for advanced operating systems.

AMD® 780G and ATI SB700 chipsets

AMD 780G Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and external graphics in PCI Express™ 2.0/1.1 standard. It features the future mainstream Hybrid CrossFireX technology that signicantly optimizes your 3D performance.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Max. 12 USB 2.0 ports

USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and

ultra-fast data transfers.

8-channel high denition audio

Enjoy high-quality sound system on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature, which automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties

users of inappropriate connection, meaning there will be no more confusion of

Line-in, Line-out and Mic jacks. See page 1-23 for details.

DisplayPort

This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard DisplayPort. This new design features a small and user-friendly connector. It delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate, and color depth, and

improves digital display connectivity. See pages 1-24 and 2-26 for details.

Express Gate

Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop

gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the

most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather

and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture

manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!

See page 2-39 for details.

• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.

• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs, and

USB drives, and downloading to USB drives only.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-5

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

ASUS CrashFree BIOS3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a

USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 2-6 for details.

ASUS Q-Fan technology

The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the

system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation. See page 2-33 for

details.

ASUS EZ Flash2

Boot the system and press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to launch EZ Flash 2. Insert a oppy disk or USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le. EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details.

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 MyLogo2™

This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-35 for details.

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Before you proceed

M3A78-VM

SB_PWR

Standy Power Powered Off

OFF

M3A78-VM Onboard LED

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,

peripherals, and/or components.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-7

M3A78-VM

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCI2

PCI1

FLOPPY

USB78 USB910 USB1112

SPDIF_OUT

AAFP

ATX12V

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

PWR_FAN

CHA_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

KB_USB56

SB_PWR

CLRTC

24.4cm(9.6in)

SB700

AMD 780G

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM2+

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA6

SATA5

SATA4

SATA3

SATA2

SATA1

AUDIO

LAN1_USB12

USB34

PANEL

COM1

LPT

TPM

VIA

VT1708B

RTL

8111C

RTM880T-792

VGA_DVI

PRI_IDE

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.2 Placement direction

M3A78-VM

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.3 Screw holes

Place eight screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-9

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM CPU Socket AM2+

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

The AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Ensure that you use a CPU 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 pins and damaging the CPU!

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU.

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the

lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

Socket lever

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU

does not t in completely.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Position the CPU above the socket

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM CPU fan connector

such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

4. Insert the CPU into the socket until

it ts in place.

The CPU ts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the

socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.

Small triangle

Gold triangle

7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-11

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.

Ensure that you use only qualied heatsink and fan assembly.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink ts

properly on the retention module base.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make

sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Retention bracket lock

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the

retention mechanism module

base; otherwise, you cannot snap

the retention bracket in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-13

1.7 System memory

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B2

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory

Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched

differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel 1 DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel 2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2

DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended memory congurations

Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2

Single-Channel

Dual-channel (1) Populated Populated – –

Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Sockets

– Populated – –

Populated – – –

• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from

slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.

• For dual-channel conguration (2), you may:

- install identical DIMMs in all four sockets; OR

- install an identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow

slots) and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2

(black slots)

• Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual-channel mode. For

optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows® 32-bit operation

system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended if you are using a Windows 32-bit operation

system.

The motherboard supports 8GB physical memory on the operating system listed below. You may install a maximum of 2GB DIMM on each slot.

64-bit

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows® Vista x64 Edition

M3A78-VM Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR2-1066MHz capability

Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand

512MB Kingston KVR1066D2N7/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AJBG-1J-E • •

1G Kingston KHX8500D2/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-19F-C 6 Qimonda DS HYB18T512800CF19FFSS24313 • •

1G Kingmax KLED48F-A8K15 N/A Kingmax DS KKA8FFIXF-JFS-18A • •

1G Transcend TX1066QLJ-2GK1GB 5 Transced DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G OCZ OCZ2N1066SR2DK N/A OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G GEIL GE22GB1066C5DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G GEIL GE24GB1066C5QC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

SS/ DS

Chip No.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-15

DIMM support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

• Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability.

• The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.

DDR2-800MHz capability

Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand

1G Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Promos SS V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA • •

2G Kingston KHX6400D2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •

4G Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G N/A Elpida DS E2108ABSE-8G-E • •

512MB Samsung M378T6553GZS-CF7 6 Samsung SS K4T51083QG-HCF7 • •

2G Samsung M37875663QZ3-CF7 6 Samsung DS K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 • •

2G Samsung M391T5663QZ3-CF7 6 Samsung DS K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) • •

512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda SS HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 • •

1G Micron MT9HTF12872AY-800E1 6 Micron SS D9HNP 7YE22(ECC) • •

1G Corsair XMS2-6400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

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

1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFPS5 • •

512MB Kingmax KLDC28F-A8KI5 N/A Kingmax SS KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A • •

1G Kingmax KLDD48F-A8K15 N/A Kingmax DS KKA8FFIXF-HFS-25A • •

512MB Apacer 78.91G91.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708JQJS8E0751C • •

2G Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 5 Apacer DS AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E • •

512MB Transcend TS128MLQ64V8J512MB N/A Micron SS 7HD22 D9GMH • •

1G Transcend 505485-1034 5 Transcend DS TQ123PJF8F0801 • •

512MB VDATA M2GVD6G3H3160Q1E52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-25EG20813 • •

1G ADATA M2OAD6G314170Q1E58 N/A ADATA DS AD29608A8A-25EG80810 • •

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

2G PSC AL7E8E63H-10E1K 5 PSC DS A3R1GE3CFF750RABBP(ECC) • •

1G GEIL GX22GB6400DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2G GEIL GE28GB800C5QC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Super Talent T800UB1GC4 4 Super Talent DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK 4 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

4G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5Q-16GNQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package •

1G OCZ OCZ2VU8004GK 6 OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Elixir M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C 5 Elixir DS N2TU51280BE-25C802006Z1DV • •

SS/ DS

Chip No.

DIMM support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR2-667MHz capability

Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand

512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821EFP-Y5 • •

1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821EFP-Y5 • •

512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda SS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171 • •

1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda DS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171 • •

1G Corsair XMS2-5400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • •

1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • •

512MB Apacer 78.91G92.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708JQJS7E0751C • •

1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC N/A Apacer DS AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B • •

2G Apacer 78.A1G9O.9K4 5 Apacer DS AM4B5808CQJS7E0749B • •

1G Transcend 506010-4894 5 Elpida DS E5108AJBG-6E-E • •

1G ADATA M2OAD5G314170Q1C58 N/A ADATA DS AD29608A8A-3EG80814 • •

2G ADATA M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53 N/A ADATA DS AD20908A8A-3EG 30724 • •

512MB PSC AL6E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R12E3JFF717B9A00 • •

1G PSC AL7E8F73C-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J • •

512MB Nanya NT512T64U88A1BY-3C N/A Nanya SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •

1G GEIL GX21GB5300SX 3 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

2G GEIL GX24GB5300LDC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB Twinmos 8D-A3JK5MPETP 5 PSC SS A3R12E3GEF633ACAOY • •

1G Leadmax LRMP512U64A8-Y5 N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 C 702AA • •

SS/ DS

Chip No.

DIMM support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

DDR2-533MHz capability

Chip

Size Vendor Part No. CL

512MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/512 N/A Inneon SS HYB18T512800AF3733336550 • •

1G Kingston KVR533D2N4/1G N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821EFP-Y5 • •

1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-C4 AB 4 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFP-C4 • •

512MB Elpida EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E N/A Elpida SS E5108AB-5C-E • •

512MB Transcend 512MB DDR2 533 ECC N/A Micron SS 6ND22D9GCT(ECC) • •

512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8KB4 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4IAK-37 • •

Brand

SS/

Chip No.

DIMM support (Optional)

A* B* C*

SS - Single-sided / DS - Double-sided

DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration

• B*: Supports one pair of 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 DIMM modules for this motherboard.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-17

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may lead to personal injury and 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. DIMM.

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

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

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.

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

Ensure that you 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.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-19

Interrupt assignments

IRQ Standard Function

0 System timer 1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard 2 Programmable interrupt controller 3 Standard OpenHCI USB Host Controller 4 Communications Port (COM1) 5 ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering 6 (free) 7 (free)

8 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus 10 Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA) 11 (free)

12 Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse

13 Numeric data processor 14 Primary IDE controller (single fo) 15 Secondary IDE controller (single fo)

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIE X1 slot shared - - - - - - PCIE X16 slot - - shared - - - - Onboard USB1.1 controller 1 shared - - - - - - Onboard USB1.1 controller 2 - - - - - - - Onboard USB1.1 controller 3 - - shared - - - - Onboard USB1.1 controller 4 - - - - - - - Onboard USB1.1 controller 5 - - shared - - - - -

Onboard USB2.0 controller 1 - - - - - - - Onboard USB2.0 controller 2 - - - - - - - Onboard ATI RS780 AZALIA - - shared - - - - -

Onboard IDE port shared - - - - - - Onboard HD audio shared - - - - - - Onboard LAN - - shared - - - - Onboard VGA - - shared - - - - Onchip SATA - - - - - - shared PCI Card1 - - - - shared - - PCI Card2 - - - - - shared - -

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share

IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conicts will

arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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. The photo shows a LAN

card installed on a PCI slot.

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI

Express specications. The photo shows

a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot.

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

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

Express specications. The photo shows

a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-21

1.9 Jumpers

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

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. Remove the onboard battery.

3. 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.

4. Reinstall the battery.

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

6. 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!

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.

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.10 Connectors

4 5 6 71 32

891114 1013 12

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2

keyboard or mouse.

2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port.

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.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link 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

This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

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, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

7. Line Out port (lime).

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

This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

becomes Front Speaker Out.

8. Microphone port (pink).

9. Side Speaker Out port (gray).

This port connects a microphone.

This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-23

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

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

Headset

2-channel

Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Denition Audio

(the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to congure the setting.

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

12. DVI-D Out port.

This port is for any DVI-D compatible device and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray and other protected content.

13. DisplayPort.

This port connects a display monitor or a home-theater system.

• Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals.

• Due to chipset limitation, when a DisplayPort monitor is plugged in, PCIe x16 slot will not be able to support an addon card. Set the DisplayPort

Conguration item in the BIOS to [Enabled] before using the DisplayPort.

14. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.10.2 Internal connectors

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Floppy disk drive connector

FLOPPY

NOTE:Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

Left Audio Channel

GND

Right Audio Channel

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Internal audio connector

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

This connector is for the 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.

• The FDD cable is purchased separately.

2. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD)

This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-25

3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

PRI_IDE

NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM IDE connector

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

Mode of

device(s)

Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Master Black

Slave Gray

Black or gray

Two devices

Cable-Select

Master Master

Slave Slave

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

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

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

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

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5,

SATA1

GND

RSATA_RXN1

RSATA_RXP1

GND

RSATA_TXN1

RSATA_TXP1

GND

SATA2

GND

RSATA_RXN2

RSATA_RXP2

GND

RSATA_TXN2

RSATA_TXP2

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_RXN3

RSATA_RXP3

GND

RSATA_TXN3

RSATA_TXP3

GND

SATA4

GND

RSATA_RXN4

RSATA_RXP4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA5

GND

RSATA_RXN5

RSATA_RXP5

GND

RSATA_TXN5

RSATA_TXP5

GND

SATA6

GND

RSATA_RXN6

RSATA_RXP6

GND

RSATA_TXN6

RSATA_TXP6

GND

M3A78-VM

SATA6)

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, or

RAID 0+1 conguration through the onboard SB700 controller.

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

OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See

the

page 2-20 for details.

• If you change the

[AHCI], set the SATA IDE Combined Mode to [Disabled] to ensure that SATA5 and SATA6 work normally.

• If you want to do the task as GHOST, we suggest that you connect the

original disk to the SATA5 or SATA6.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-27

OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to [RAID] or

5. Power, CPU, and Chassis Fan connectors

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM fan connectors

PWR_FAN

Rotation

+12V

GND

GND +12V Rotation

CHA_FAN

(3-pin PWR_FAN, 4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_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 supports Q-Fan.

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM USB2.0 connectors

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB1112

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

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.

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

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-29

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

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Analog front panel connector

AAFP

PIN 1

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

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, ensure that the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS is set to [HD Audio]; if you want to connect an AC97 front panel audio module to

this connector, set the item to [AC97]. See page 2-27 for details.

• Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is

Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to

congure the setting.

VIA High Denition

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction

8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts

-5 Volts GND GND GND PSON# GND

-12 Volts +3 Volts

+3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND +3 Volts +3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

GND

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.

•

We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specication 2.0-compliant

power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU

type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.

•

If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, make sure that the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that

the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300 W. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the

system will not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output 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.

•

You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install additional devices.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-31

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

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

IDE_LED PWRSW RESET

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.

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction

10. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM TPM Connector

PIN 1

TPM

GND

F_SERIRQ#

GND

F_LAD1

F_LAD2

S_SMBCLIK_MAIN

GND

S_PWRDWN#

GND

+3VSB

+3V

F_LAD0

+3V

F_LAD3

S_PLTRST#

F_FRAME#

C_PCICLK_TPM

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Serial port (COM1) connector

PIN 1

COM1

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can

securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system

also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.

The TPM module is purchased separately.

11. Serial port connector (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.

ASUS M3A78-VM 1-33

12. LPT connector

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Parallel Port Connector

PIN 1

LPT

SLCTPEBUSY

ACK#

PD7

PD6

PD5

PD4

PD3

PD2

PD1

PD0

STB#

GND

SLIN#

INIT#

ERR#

AFD

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

M3A78-VM

M3A78-VM Digital audio connector

The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a

printer. LPT standardizes as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on

IBM PC-compatible computers.

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

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

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

Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Denition Audio

(the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to congure the setting.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

1-34 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.

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 AFUDOS:

Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable oppy

disk.

2. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3:

Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk,

USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.

3. ASUS EZ Flash 2:

Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk

during POST.

4. 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.

2.1.1 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

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.

then press <Enter>.

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Windows® Vista environment

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

drive.

b. Click

c. Right-click

from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3

1/2 Floppy dialog box.

d. Select the

e. Click

Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

Start.

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

disk.

2.1.2 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:

• Ensure 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.

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-3

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]

The [lename] is any user-assigned lename no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename

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:\>

Extension name

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

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website at 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 or a USB ash disk.

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

afudos /i[lename]

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

disk.

A:\>afudos /iM3A78VM.rom

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

A:\>afudos /iM3A78VM.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 /iM3A78VM.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:\>

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-5

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD, a oppy disk or USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

• Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk or the USB ash

disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

• Ensure that you rename the original or updated BIOS le in the oppy disk

or the USB ash disk to M3A78VM.ROM.

Recovering the BIOS from a oppy disk

To recover the BIOS from a oppy disk:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the oppy disk with the original or updated BIOS le to the oppy disk

drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the

oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When the original or updated BIOS le is found, the utility reads it and starts updating the corrupted BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

Floppy found!

Reading le “M3A78VM.ROM”. Completed.

Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy disk drive, then turn on the system.

2. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the

oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When no oppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive for the original or updated BIOS le. The utility then updates the corrupted BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

Floppy not found!

Checking for CD-ROM...

CD-ROM found!

Reading le “M3A78VM.ROM”. Completed.

Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le.

Recovering the BIOS from a USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from a USB ash disk:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to a USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the original or updated BIOS

le. When the BIOS le is found, the utility reads it and starts updating the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than 8GB.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so

• can cause system boot failure!

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-7

2.1.4 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 Tests (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website at 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 V3.24

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M3A78-VM VER: 0303 (H:00 B:02)

DATE: 05/30/2008

PATH: A:\

Note

[ Ent er ] S ele ct or L oad [T ab ] S wit ch [V ] D riv e Inf o [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown

DATE: Unknown

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu then select EZ Flash2

and press <Enter>.

You can switch between drives by pressing

<Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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 disk, or oppy disk

with

FAT 32/16

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

format and single partition only.

2.1.5 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

2. Click the

Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

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

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

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-9

Drivers menu appears.

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

> 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.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

Start

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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 > 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.

desktop by clicking Start

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

M3A78VM.ROM

complete the update process.

M3A78VM

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-11

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) 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

SPI chip.

The SPI 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, reboot the system by doing any of the following procedures:

• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to always shut-down the system properly from the operating system.

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 Setup Defaults 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 at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le

for this motherboard.

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Menu bar

Conguration elds

General help

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Mon 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

Primary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected] SATA1 :[Not Detected] SATA2 :[Not Detected] SATA3 :[Not Detected] SATA4 :[Not Detected] SATA5 :[Not Detected] SATA6 :[Not Detected] SATA Conguration

System Information

Sub-menu items

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 Field

Tab Select Field 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 changing the system tools conguration

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 at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS information.

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-13

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.

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.

The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective 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 2.2.8 Pop-up window.

2.2.7 General help

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

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.8 Pop-up window

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

conguration options for that item.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Main Settings

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Mon 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

Primary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected] SATA1 :[Not Detected]

SATA2 :[Not Detected]

SATA3 :[Not Detected]

SATA4 :[Not Detected]

SATA5 :[Not Detected]

SATA6 :[Not Detected]

SATA Conguration

System Information

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options Disabled 360K, 5.25 in.

1.2M, 5.25 in. 720K, 3.5 in.

1.44M, 3.5 in.

2.88M, 3.5 in.

Pop-up window

<ENTER> to select oppy type

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-15

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

Main Settings

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Mon 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

System Information

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 Field

Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

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.

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

Sets the type of oppy drive installed. Conguration options: [Disabled] [360K , 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M , 3.5 in.]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave

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

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.

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]

Select the type of device connected to the system.

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

Not Detected 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 CD-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]

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]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-17

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode.

Conguration options: [Auto]

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 SATA 1-6

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA 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

SATA1

Device: Not Detected

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. Auto: 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]

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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]

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 SATA Conguration

The SATA Conguration menu allows you to congure your SATA device(s). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main

SATA Conguration

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

OnChip SATA Type [SATA] SATA IDE Combined Mode [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled Enabled

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-19

OnChip SATA Type [SATA]

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

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

SATA IDE Combined Mode [Enabled]

Enables or disables SATA IDE Combined Mode

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

If you set the SATA IDE Combined Mode to [Disabled], SATA 1-4 works well in all the three modes, while SATA 5-6 only work at [RAID] or [AHCI].

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

Bios Information

Version :0303 Build Date :05/30/08

Processor

Type :AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Speed :1800MHz

Count :1

System Memory

Installed Size: 512MB

Usable Size : 384MB

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

Select Screen

Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Advanced Settings

JumperFree Conguration

CPU Conguration Chipset Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

CPU Overclocking [Auto]

GPU Overclocking [Auto] PCIE Overclocking [Auto]

CPU Ratio and Voltage

Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Processor Voltage [Auto] Processor-NB Voltage [Auto]

Hyper Transport Conguration

Hyper Transport Speed [Auto] Hyper Transport Width [Auto]

Memory Timming and Voltage

Memory Clock Mode [Auto] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Memory OverVoltage [Auto]

Scroll down to display the following items:

Chipset Voltage

Chipset OverVoltage [Auto]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Adjust System Frequency/Voltage

Adjust System

etc.

Frequency/Voltage etc.

Select Screen

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

Select the target CPU frequency, and the relevant parameters will be auto-adjusted. Frequencies higher than CPU manufacturer recomends are not guaranteed to be stable. If the system becomes unstable, return to the default.

Select Screen

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

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-21

CPU Overclocking [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal

frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual] [Overclock Prole] [Test Mode]

GPU Overclocking [Auto]

Allows you to congure overclocking of GPU. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

PCIE Overclocking [Auto]

Allows you to to congure overclocking of PCIE. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

Processor Frequency Multiplier

Allows you to set the processor frequency multiplier.

Processor Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the processor voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv]

Processor-NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the processor-NB voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv]

Hyper Transport Speed

Allows you to set the HyperTransport link speed.

Hyper Transport Width [Auto]

Allows you to set the HyperTransport link width. Conguration options: [Auto] [4 Bit] [8 Bit] [16 Bit]

Memory Clock Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM timing mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [DCT 0]

Memory Over Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to

2.24375V with a 0.00625V interval. Conguration options: [Auto]

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Chipset Over Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the chipset over voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv]

2.4.2 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.29 AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1

AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision: F2 Cache L1: 128 KB Cache L2: 128 KB Cache L3: N/A Speed : 1800MHz HT Frequency: 800MHz Current FSB Multiplier: 9x Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x Able to change Freq. : Yes uCode Patch Level : 0x62

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose.

Select Screen

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

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

Enables or disables Microcode Updation.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

Enables or disables Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM)

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-23

2.4.3 Chipset

Chipset Conguration

NorthBridge Conguration

Internal Graphics

NorthBridge Conguration

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

Memory Conguration

ECC Conguration

Memory CLK :333MHz CAS Latency(Tc1) :5.0 RAS/CAS Delay(Trcd) :5 CLK Row Precharge Time(Trp) :5 CLK Min Active RAS(Tras) :15 CLK RAS/RAS Delay(Trrd) :3 CLK Row Cycle(Trc) :21 CLK

Memory Conguration

Memory Options &

Information

Advanced

Memory Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Channel Interleaving [Disabled] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Power Down Enable [Enabled]

Enable Bank Memory Interleaving

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Channel Interleaving [Disabled]

Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]]

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width).

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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]

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]

Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and

correct memory errors automatically. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-25

Internal Graphics

Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]

UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]

Surround View [Auto]

DisplayPort Cong [Disabled]

GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI

Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]

Conguration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI]

GFX0: VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCIE x16 slot GPP: VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCIE x1 slot IGFX Internal VGA out port PCI: VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCI slot

UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]

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

Surround View [Auto]

Allows you to disable or enable the Surround View function.

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

This item becomes user-congurable when you install an ATI graphics card into

the PCI Express x16 slot.

DisplayPort Conguration [Disabled]

Allows you to congure PCIe lane for the onboard DisplayPort. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

[Auto] - When an addon card is present in the PCIe x16 slot, the PCIe device is enabled. Otherwise, the DisplayPort is enabled.

[Enabled] - Enables the DisplayPort.

[Disabled] - Disables the DisplayPort.

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.4 Onboard Device Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Devices conguration

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses.

Select Screen

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

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]

Parallel Port Address [378]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]

Parallel Port Mode [Normal]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.

Conguration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP]

Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]

HDAudio Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the high denition audio controller. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

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

OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-27

2.4.5 PCIPnP

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]

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

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]

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.6 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

Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Functions [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled Enabled

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Enables or disables USB Controllers. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables USB 2.0 controllers. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB ash drives and USB hard drives. 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]

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to congure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

ASUS M3A78-VM 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

Power Settings

Suspend Mode [Auto]

ACPI Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration HW Monitor Conguration

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

2.5.1 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 ACPI Support [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 support. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). 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

2.5.4 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Always Off]

Power on From S5 By PME# [Disabled] Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled] Power on From S5 By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Always Off Always On Last State

Select Screen

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

Restore on AC Power Loss [Always 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.

Conguration options: [Always Off] [Always On] [Last State]

Power on From S5 By PME# [Disabled]

Enables or disables PME wake from sleep states.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled]

Enables or disables ring to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power on From S5 By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]

Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-31

2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [23ºC/73ºF]

MB Temperature [30ºC/86ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [4891RPM] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] Power Fan Speed [N/A]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.344V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.152V] 5V Voltage [ 4.838V] 12V Voltage [11.712V]

Smart Q-FAN Function [Enabled]

Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V]

Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [25ºC] Fan Auto Mode Full Speed Temp [55ºC]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

Select Screen

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

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored]

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 Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU 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.

Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the chassis, the specic eld shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

Power Fan Speed [N/A] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the specic 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 [xx.xxxV] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators.

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Smart Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the

CPU fan speeds for more efcient system operation. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V]

Allows you to set the fan auto mode start voltage. Conguration options: [4.0V] [4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.0V]

Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [25ºC]

Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan start working temperature. Conguration options: [25ºC] [26ºC] [27ºC] [28ºC] [29ºC] [30ºC] [31ºC] [32ºC] [33ºC] [34ºC] [35ºC] [36ºC] [37ºC] [38ºC] [39ºC] [40ºC]

Fan Auto Mode Full Speed Temp [55ºC]

Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan full speed temperature. Conguration options: [51ºC] [52ºC] [53ºC] [54ºC] [55ºC] [56ºC] [57ºC] [58ºC] [59ºC] [60ºC] [61ºC] [62ºC] [63ºC] [64ºC] [65ºC] [66ºC]

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot Device Priority sequence.

A virtual oppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-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

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-33

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 CD-ROM]

1st ~ xxth Boot Device

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 CD-ROM] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the boot sequence from the available devices.

A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the corresponding type menu.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Option

F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

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] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Select Screen

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

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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 MyLogo2™ feature.

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

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]

ASUS M3A78-VM 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 Password

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password.

Select Screen

Select Item Enter Change F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

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

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.

Change Supervisor Password.

The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps in setting a supervisor password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press <Enter>. The message Password Uninstalled appears.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can 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 Password Check [Setup]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password.

Select Screen

Select Item Enter Change F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

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

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.

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps in setting a 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-VM 2-37

2.7 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No]

AI NET2

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support :

1.NTFS format

Select Screen

Select Item +- Change Field Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to conrm your choice. See section 2.1.4 for details.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.24

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M3A78-VM VER: 0303 (H:00 B:02)

DATE: 05/30/2008

PATH: A:\

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown

DATE: Unknown

Note

[ Ent er ] S ele ct or L oad [T ab ] S wit ch [V ] D riv e Inf o [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick

access to the Internet browser and Skype. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]

Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst

screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the rst screen of Express Gate for user action.

Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds] [10 seconds] [15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]

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.

The rst time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate

environment after clearing its settings.

2.7.3 AI NET 2

Tools

AI NET 2 Pair Status Length

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3A78-VM 2-39

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Check Realtek LAN cable during POST.

It will take 3 to 10 seconds to diagnose LAN cable.

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.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup after saving the changes.

F10 key can be used for this operation.

Select Screen

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

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 that 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.

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.

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 window

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.

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

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 versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

XP Service Pack 1 or later

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 at www.asus.com for updates.

3.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD into 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.

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers

Installs all of the drivers using the installation wizard.

Norton Internet Security 2008

Installs Norton Internet Security 2008.

AMD Chipset Driver

Installs the AMD chipset driver.

VIA Audio Driver

Installs the VIA audio driver.

AMD VGA Driver

Installs the AMD VGA driver.

Realtek RTL8111B/C 10/100/1000M LAN Driver

Installs the Realtek® RTL8111B/C 10/100/1000M LAN driver.

AMD Cool‘n’Quiet Driver

Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.

The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different operating system versions.

3-3ASUS M3A78-VM

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.

Click to display the next page

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities

Installs all of the utilities using the installation wizard.

ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility

This item guides you in installing the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility.

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 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).

AMD RAID/AHCI RaidXpert

Installs the AMD RAID/AHCI RaidXpert.

Realtek Diagnostics Utility

Installs the Realtek diagnostics utility.

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

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 at www.microsoft.com for updates.

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.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8

Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Click to return to the previous page

Winzip 11

Installs the Winzip utility for easy le-compression and protection.

Ulead Burn.Now

Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation.

Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE

Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.

ASUS Express Gate Installer

Allows you to install or update Express Gate functions.

3-5ASUS M3A78-VM

3.2.4 Make disk menu

The Make disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.

Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista32 Driver

Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for 32bit Vista operating system.

Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista64 Driver

Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for 64bit Vista operating system.

Make ATI RAID/AHCI XP/XP64 Driver

Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for 32/64bit XP operation system.

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.5 Manual menu

The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.

Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual

le.

3-7ASUS M3A78-VM

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

3.2.7 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the

specied information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specications of the motherboard.

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support

Browse this DVD

Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when

requesting technical support.

Filelist

Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.

3-9ASUS M3A78-VM

3-10 Chapter 3: Software support

Asus M3A78-VM 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 Innovative ASUS features

1.4 Before you proceed

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

1.5.2 Placement direction

1.5.3 Screw holes

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

1.7.3 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 slot

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

1.9 Jumpers

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1.10.2 Internal connectors

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

2.1.2 AFUDOS utility

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility

2.2 BIOS setup program

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

2.2.2 Menu bar

2.2.3 Navigation keys

2.2.4 Menu items

2.2.5 Sub-menu items

2.2.7 General help

2.2.8 Pop-up window

2.3 Main menu

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Mon 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave

2.3.5 SATA 1-6

2.3.7 System Information

2.4 Advanced menu

2.4.3 Chipset

2.4.5 PCIPnP

2.5 Power menu

ACPI Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

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

2.7.3 AI NET 2

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

3.2.5 Manual menu

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information

3.2.7 Other information