Asus M3A79-T User Manual
M3A79-T
Deluxe
Motherboard
E4021
First Edition V1
August 2008
Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices ........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
M3A79-T Deluxe specications summary ................................................ xi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1.3.2 ASUS unique features ...................................................
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features ....
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................
2.2.1 Motherboard layout .........................................................
2.2.2 Layout contents ...............................................................
2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................
2.2.4 Screw holes ....................................................................
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................
2.4 System memory .........................................................................
2.4.1 Overview .......................................................................
2.4.2 Memory congurations ...................................................
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................
2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................
2.5.5 Four PCI Express x16 slots ..........................................
1-1
1-2
1-2
1-5
1-8
2-2
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-4
2-5
2-5
2-7
2-10
2-10
2-11
2-15
2-15
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-18
iii
Contents
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20
2.7 Onboard switches ......................................................................
2.8 Connectors .................................................................................
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
2.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
2.9 Starting up for the rst time ......................................................
2.10 Turning off the computer ...........................................................
2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function ..................................
2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1
3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
3.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................
3.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................
3.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................
3.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ......................................
3.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................
3.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................
3.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................
3.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................
3.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................
3.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................
3.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................
3.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................
3.2.8 Scroll bar ........................................................................
3.2.9 General help ..................................................................
3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................
3.3.1 System Time .................................................................
3.3.2 System Date .................................................................
3.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .........................................................
3.3.4 Language ......................................................................
3.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA1–6 ............................
3.3.6 Storage Conguration ...................................................
3.3.7 System Information .......................................................
2-21
2-22
2-22
2-24
2-35
2-36
2-36
2-36
3-1
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-10
3-10
3-11
3-11
3-11
3-11
3-11
3-11
3-12
3-12
3-12
3-12
3-12
3-13
3-14
3-15
iv
Contents
3.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-16
3.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration .............................................
3.4.2 AI NET 2
3.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................
3.4.4 Chipset ..........................................................................
3.4.5 ECC Conguration ........................................................
3.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................
3.4.7 PCI PnP ........................................................................
3.4.8 USB Conguration ........................................................
3.5 Power menu ................................................................................
3.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................
3.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................
3.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ..........................................................
3.5.4 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................
3.5.5 APM Conguration ........................................................
3.5.6 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
3.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
3.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
3.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
3.6.3 Security .........................................................................
3.7 Tools menu .................................................................................
3.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
3.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................
3.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................
3.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................
........................................................................ 3-22
3-16
3-23
3-24
3-26
3-27
3-29
3-30
3-32
3-32
3-32
3-32
3-32
3-33
3-34
3-36
3-36
3-37
3-38
3-40
3-40
3-41
3-42
3-43
Chapter 4: Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...............................................
4.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................
4.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................
4.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................
4.2.5 Manual menu ..................................................................
4-1
4-1
4-2
4-3
4-5
4-6
v
Contents
4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6
4.2.7 Other information ............................................................
4.3 Software information ...................................................................
4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ...........................................................
4.3.2 AI NET 2
4.3.3 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .........................................
4.3.4 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX
4.3.5 ASUS PC Probe II .........................................................
4.3.6 ASUS AI Suite ...............................................................
4.3.7 ASUS AI Gear 2 ............................................................
4.3.8 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................
4.3.9 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ..............................................................
4.3.10 ASUS AI Booster ...........................................................
4.3.11 ASUS Express Gate .....................................................
4.3.12 AMD OverDrive (AOD) .................................................
4.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................
4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .....................................
4.4.3 AMD
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ....
4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows
.........................................................................4-11
®
High Denition Audio utility) ... 4-15
®
RAID congurations............................................ 4-47
®
............ 4-53
4-7
4-9
4-9
4-12
4-24
4-30
4-32
4-33
4-34
4-35
4-36
4-45
4-46
4-46
4-47
4-53
4-53
vi
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
vii
Safety information
Electrical safety
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add
a device.
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
•
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
viii
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: 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 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
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.
ix
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 /iM3A79T.ROM
x
M3A79-T Deluxe specications summary
CPU AMD® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD® Phenom™ FX /
Chipset AMD® 790FX / SB750
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 4 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots with ATI CrossFireX™ support
Multi-GPU support Supports ATI CrossFireX™ technology, up to Quad
Storage Southbridge:
LAN Marvell® 88E8056 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
Audio ADI® AD2000B 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
IEEE 1394 LSI® L-FW3227 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
USB 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at
Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Supports CPU up to 140W
AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred
ECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667 MHz
memory modules
- Supports up to 16 GB system memory
* DDR2 1066 MHz is supported by AM2+ CPU for one
DIMM per channel only.
** Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of
4 GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation
system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence,
a total installed memory of less than 3 GB is
recommended.
(@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 modes)
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
CrossFireX
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports supporting RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66
Marvell® 88SE6111 SATA controller
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-The-Go)
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O
- ASUS AI Audio 2
- ASUS Noise Filtering
(one at midboard; one at back panel)
back panel)
™
(continued on the next page)
xi
M3A79-T Deluxe specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
Other features ASUS MyLogo 2™
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
- ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS Express Gate
- Access the Internet in 5-second* boot time without
entering OS
- Friendly picture manager interface
* The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
ASUS Power Saving Solution:
- ASUS AI Gear 2*
- ASUS AI Nap
* ASUS AI Gear 2 is supported by AM2 CPU only.
ASUS Crystal Sound
- ASUS AI Audio 2
- ASUS Noise Filtering
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS Onboard Switch
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
ASUS AI Booster utility
-
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment
- vDIMM: 36-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset (N.B.): 16-step chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 600 MHz at 1 MHz
increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100 MHz to
150 MHz at 1 MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)
xii
M3A79-T Deluxe specications summary
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5,
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,
Support DVD contents Drivers
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical) port
1 x External SATA
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch
ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
Chassis Intrusion
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
AMD OverDrive (AOD)
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)
xiii
xiv
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Product
1
introduction
Chapter summary
1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1-1
1-2
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A79-T Deluxe 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 M3A79-T Deluxe
I/O modules 1 x Multi-functional module (1-port IEEE 1394a
module and 2-port USB 2.0 module)
Cables 2 x ASUS CrossFire™ bridge cables
1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices
6 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Accessories
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
1 x ASUS Q-Shield
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe 1-1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ /
Athlon™ 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 2-5 for details.
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than
HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efciency to create a smoother,
faster computing environment.
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ / Sempron™
CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors.
It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dual-channel
un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology.
See page 2-5 for details.
AMD 790FX Chipset
AMD 790FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
(HT 3.0) interface speed and quad PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized
with AMD®’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system
performance and overclocking capabilities.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Native DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard supports native DDR2 1066 that provides faster data transfer
rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efciency, enhancing
system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.
See page 2-10 for details.
DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to
www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.
ATI CrossFireX™ Technology
ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating
the need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™
allows higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust
your display congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check
the effects with a real-time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control
Center.
PCIe 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and
bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 2-18 for details.
Multi-GPU support
This motherboard is ready to support Quad CrossFireX™, the most advanced
graphics standard that provides higher frame rates for superb graphics
performance. It also provides full x16 dual lanes or triple VGA support.
See page 2-18 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3.0 Gb/s
storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth
for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port located at the back I/O
provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos, videos and other
entertainment contents to external devices. See pages 2-23 and 2-26 for details.
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe 1-3
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals,
and other PC portable devices. See pages 2-22 and 2-28 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out
jacks.It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and
therefore well preserves signal quality. See pages 2-23 and 2-24 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to
different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while
playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-22 and 2-23 for details.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop
gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the
most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and
Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather
and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture
manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!
The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
ASUS Power Saving Solution
ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced
computing power and energy consumption.
AI Gear 2
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption
at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit
your needs.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design
ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design, with independent power to vital
components, ultimately enhances memory performance and ensures quick
response and stability of CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes.
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe 1-5
Fanless Design—Stack Cool 2
ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers
the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat
these critical components generate.
Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The heat-pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to
the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing
airow from CPU fan or bundled optional fan. The purpose of the innovative
heat-pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless
design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. Furthermore, it
provides options for users to install side-ow fan or passive cooler. The heat-
pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.
Q-Fan 2
ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis
fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient
operation.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.
Noise Filtering
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.
AI Audio 2
AI Audio 2 creates a virtual center channel that expands the overall sound
eld without introducing a picket fencing effect. Preserving the dialogue
or solo performances with downmixing from multi-channels allows you to
experience true-to-life high quality audio.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Q-Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—
making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding
wrong cable connections.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be
stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and
distribute their favorite settings.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the
predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering
the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or
using an OS-based ash utility.
ASUS Onboard Switch
With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows
gamer to effortless ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins
or moving jumpers!
ASUS MyLogo 2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe 1-7
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking
features
Precision Tweaker 2
Precision Tweaker 2 allows the user to adjust the northbridge voltage, southbridge
voltage, and DRAM voltage in 0.02V steps to achieve the most precise settings for
th ultimate customized overclocking conguration.
AI Booster
The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter 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.
information
Hardware
2
Chapter summary
2
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
2.4 System memory .........................................................................
2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................
2.7 Onboard switches ......................................................................
2.8 Connectors .................................................................................
2.9 Starting up for the rst time ......................................................
2.10 Turning off the computer ...........................................................
2-2
2-5
2-10
2-16
2-20
2-21
2-22
2-35
2-36
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe
2.1 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to 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.
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe
2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview
2.2.1 Motherboard layout
Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and
internal connectors.
2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.2 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page
1. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
3. AM2/AM2+ CPU socket
4. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1–2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
5. DDR2 DIMM slots
6. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
8. AMD
®
SB750 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–6)
9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
11. Reset switch
12. Power-on switch
13. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
14. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
15. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
18. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)
2-27
2-31
2-5
2-29
2-10
2-30
2-25
2-26
2-20
2-33
2-21
2-21
2-28
2-28
2-24
2-24
2-32
2-27
ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe
2-3
2.2.3 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
2.2.4 Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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