Asus M3N78 User Manual

M3N78

Motherboard

E3885

First Edition V1

June 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, 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.

ii

Contents

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

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

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

M3N78 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

1-2

1-2

1-5

1-7

1-8

1-8

1-9

1-9

1-10

1-10

1-12

1-14

1-14

1-14

1-18

1-18

1-19

1-19

1-19

1-21

1-21

1-21

1-22

1-23

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, 2, 3, and ESATA ..............................................

2.3.6 Storage 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 Devices Conguration ....................................

2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................

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

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

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

2.5.2 ACPI

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

2.0 Support ......................................................... 2-31

2-2

2-3

2-6

2-8

2-9

2-12

2-13

2-13

2-14

2-14

2-14

2-14

2-14

2-15

2-16

2-16

2-16

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-19

2-20

2-21

2-22

2-24

2-25

2-28

2-28

2-30

2-31

2-31

2-31

iv

Contents

2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.7.2 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 ............................................................

3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................

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

2-33

2-34

2-34

2-35

2-36

2-38

2-38

2-39

2-40

3-2

3-2

3-3

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-8

3-8

3-10

Chapter 4: NVIDIA® technology support

4.1 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology ............................................... 4-2

4.1.1 System requirements .....................................................

4.1.2 Enabling Hybrid SLI ........................................................

4-2

4-3

v

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or 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.

vi

Safety information

Electrical safety

•

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Ensure 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, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and
the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your
dealer immediately.

•

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

•

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

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

service technician or your retailer.

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

vii

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This 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: 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 that comes with the

motherboard package.

Chapter 4: NVIDIA® technology support

•

This chapter tells how to use the Hybrid SLI® feature.

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 ensure 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 /iM3N78.ROM

ix

M3N78 specications summary

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

Chipset Nvidia® GeForce™ 8200

System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Graphics Integrated Nvidia GeForce 8 Series GPU

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot

Storage / RAID 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector

Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

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 AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported
by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,

Windows® 32-bit operation system may only

recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a maximum of

3GB system memory is recommended if you are

using a Windows 32-bit operation system.

Hybrid SLI™ Support (support Windows® Vista only)
Supports HDMI™ technology with max. resolution up to
1920 x1200 @ 70Hz

Supports DVI with max. resolution up to
1600 x 1200 @ 85MHz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to

1920 x 1440 @ 75Hz
HDMI/DVI/RGB support

Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0,

Pixel Shader 4.0
Maximum shared memory of 256MB

2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
Support PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture

5 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors (Use SATA1-3 for IDE

mode)
Nvidia® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD conguration

(continued on the next page)

x

M3N78 specications summary

Audio VT1708B High Denition Audio 8-channel CODEC

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

LAN Nvidia nForce built-in Gigabit MAC with external Realtek

ASUS overclocking
features

ASUS special features ASUS Express Gate

Other features ASUS AI NET 2

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

Supports Jack-detection and Multi-streaming

Optical S/PDIF Out port at back panel

at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

8211CL-GR PHY

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

- HT tuning from 200MHz up to 400MHz
at 1MHz increment

- Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz

- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz
at 1MHz increment

Overclocking Protection

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

- Access the Internet in 5-second* boot time without

entering Windows

- A built-in OS offers instant fun platform for Internet
and Instant Messenger

- User-friendly Picture Manager Interface

* The actual boot time is subject to hardware
congurations and product models.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS3

- ASUS EZ Flash2

ASUS MyLogo2

1 x optical S/PDIF Out port

1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x External SATA port
1 x RJ45 port

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

(continued on the next page)

xi

M3N78 specications summary

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

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

Accessories User manual

Form Factor ATX form factor: 12’’ x 8.6’’ (30.5cm x 21.8cm)

Support DVD Drivers

6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
5 x SATA connectors
1 x COM connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x system panel connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector

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

ACPI2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ASUS EZ Flash 2

1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x FDD cable

Express Gate
ASUS Update
ASUS PC Probe II
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

1

introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N78 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 M3N78 motherboard

Cables 1 x Serial ATA cable

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

1 x FDD cable

Accessories 1 x I/O shield

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

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

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

consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based
system bus. See page 1-10 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors

system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool
and quiet operating environment.

NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8200 chipset

The NVIDIA® GeForce 8200 offers the lastest support of Hybrid SLI technology,

DirectX10 graphics features. It also supports HyperTransport™3.0 interface, PCI
Express™ 2.0 bus architecture, Serial ATA 3 GB/s devices, and is optimized with
AMD’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance.

Hybrid SLI

Hybrid SLI technology, based on NVIDIA’s industry-leading SLI technology,
delivers multi-GPU benets when an NVIDIA motherboard GPU is combined with

an NVIDIA discrete GPU.

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 pages 1-14 for details.

Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one

DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.

ASUS M3N78 1-3

Gigabit LAN solution

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

enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems. See page 1-23 for details.

HyperTransport 3.0 Support

HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT3.0) technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than
HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother, faster computing

environment.

HDMI Interface

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

uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content.

See page 1-24 for details.

Dual VGA output

This motherboard supports Dual-VGA output (RGB & HDMI/DVI). HDMI/DVI

interface is compliant with HDCP.

PCI Express 2.0 support

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

bandwidth which enhances system performance.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new

SATA 3Gb/s storage specication. The onboard NVIDIA GeForce 8200 allows
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations for ve onboard

SATA connectors.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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, and multi-streaming technology.

You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing a multi-channel
network game. All of these are done on one computer.

Nvidia® PureVideo™ HD Technology

PureVideo HD technology is the core of a complete Blu-ray or HD DVD movie
solution, featuring hardware acceleration, post-processing, HDCP circuitry, and
integration with leading HD movie software players.

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS 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 conguration.

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

USB drive and downloading to USB drives only.

ASUS M3N78 1-5

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.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. This utility saves users the cost and hassle
of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-6 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update
BIOS from a USB ash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS
only in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS­based ash utility. See page 2-8 for details.

CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R)

When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the
case to clear CMOS data. Just simply restart the system, the BIOS would show the

previous setting and then users can amend the CPU setting again. See page 1-22

for details.

ASUS MyLogo2™

Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.
See page 2-35 for details.

ASUS Q-Fan

ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system

loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Before you proceed

R

M3N78

M3N78 Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

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

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

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

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

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

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, 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 M3N78 1-7

1.5 Motherboard overview

Super I/O

SATA6

SATA5

SATA3

SATA2

SATA1

SocketAM2+

CPU_FAN

E

A

TXPWR

PANEL

USB78 USB910 USB1112

AAFP

SB_PWR

8Mb

BIOS

Nvidia

MCP78S

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

CR2032 3V

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

PCI2

PCI3

PCI1

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX1_1

CLRTC

ATX12V

R

SPDIF_OUT

M3N78

FLOPP

Y

CD

30.5cm (12in)

VIA

VT1708B

PRI_IDE

21.8cm(8.6in)

KB_USB56

VGA_DVI

F_ESATA_USB34

LAN1_USB12

AUDIO

HDMI

SPDIF_O2

CHASSIS

PWR_FAN

CHA_FAN

COM1

LPT

IE1394_1

Realtek

8211

JMB
381

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

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

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

R

M3N78

1.5.2 Placement direction

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 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.

ASUS M3N78 1-9

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

M3N78 CPU Socket AM2+

R

M3N78

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

The AM2/AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed
for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Ensure that you use a CPU that is designed
for the AM2/AM2+ socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT

force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket
and damaging the CPU!

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the

lever sideways, then lift it up to a

90°-100° angle.

Socket lever

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU
will not t in completely.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Position the CPU above the socket

R

M3N78

M3N78 CPU Fan Connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

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

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the

socket until it ts in place.

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

socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

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

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

Small triangle

Gold triangle

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

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors

ASUS M3N78 1-11

can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor requires a

specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition
and performance

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

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink

ts properly on the retention module base.

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

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

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure 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 M3N78 1-13

1.7 System memory

R

M3N78

M3N78 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets

DIMM_B1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B2

DIMM_A1

128 Pins

112 Pins

1.7.1 Overview

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

Modules (DIMM) sockets.

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

differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

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

Channel Sockets

Channel 1 DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel 2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

1.7.2 Memory congurations

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

Recommended memory congurations

Sockets

Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2

Single-Channel

Dual-channel (1) Populated Populated – –

Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

– Populated – –

Populated – – –

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

slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.

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

- install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR

- install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets)

and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black

sockets)

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

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

• If you are using a Windows 32-bit version operating system (e.g. 32-bit
Windows XP, 32-bit Vista) without the Physical Address Extension (PAE)

support, the system will allocate a certain amount of memory space for
system devices.

• We recommend that you install only a maximum of 3GB system memory

when using a Windows 32-bit version operating system without the PAE.
The excess over 3GB of installed memory will not cause any problem;

however, the system can not use this excess memory space and the

system will display less than the total size of physical memory installed.

The motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating system

listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

64-bit

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows® Vista x64 Edition

ASUS M3N78 1-15

M3N78 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-1066MHz capability

Size Vendor Part No. CL

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 • •

Chip
Brand

SS/DS Chip No.

DIMM support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one

DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.

DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SS/
DS

Chip No.

DIMM support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR2-667MHz capability

Chip

Size Vendor Part No. CL

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 • •

Brand

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/
DS

Chip No.

DIMM support (Optional)

A* B* C*

SS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided
DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into 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 DDR2-533/667/800/1066MHz QVL.

ASUS M3N78 1-17

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

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

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

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such

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

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

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

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

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

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

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

2

DDR2 DIMM notch

3

1

1

Unlocked retaining clip

2

1

1

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

DDR2 DIMM notch

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 to the
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 M3N78 1-19

interrupt assignments

IRQ Standard function

1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft natural PS/2 keyboard

2 High precision event timer

4 Communications Port (COM 1)*

6 Standard oppy disk controller

8 High precision event timer

9 Microsoft ACPI-compliant system

12 PS/2 compatible mouse

13 Numeric data processor

11 NVIDIA nForce PCI system management

17 NVIDIA GeForce 6800 series GPU

17 PCI standard PCI to PCI bridge

18 PCI standard PCI to PCI bridge

19 PCI standard PCI to PCI bridge

20 NVIDIA network bus enumerator

20 Standard enhanced PCI to USB host controller

20 Standard bisync IDE channel

21 Standard enhanced PCI to USB host controller

22 Microsoft UAA bus driver for high denition audio

22 NVIDIA nForce system management controller

23 Standard OpenHCD USB host controller

23 Standard OpenHCD USB host controller

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

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

LNKA LNKB LNKC LN0A LNT2A LNT3A

PCI Slot 1 shared – – – – –
PCI Slot 2 – shared – – – –
PCI Slot 3 – – shared – – –
PCIEX16 Slot – – – shared – –
PCIEx1 Slot 1 – – – – shared –
PCIEx1 Slot 2 – – – – – 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 gure 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 following gure

shows a network card installed on the
PCI Express x1 slot.

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard has supports PCI
Express x16 graphic cards that comply

with PCI Express specications. The
gure shows a graphics card installed on

the PCI Express x16 slot.

ASUS M3N78 1-21

1.9 Jumpers

M3N78

Clear RTC RAM

R

M3N78

CLRTC

Normal

Clear RTC

(Default)

1 2 2 3

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 reenter 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 CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R)
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

1

4

2

11131415

5

7

6

8

9

10

16

3

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. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4.

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

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

Network (LAN) through a network hub.

These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

5. Rear Speaker Out port (black).

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

6. Center/Subwoofer port (orange).

speakers.

7. Line In port (light blue).

other audio sources.

8. Line Out port (lime).

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

becomes Front Speaker Out.

This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

This port connects the rear speakers in a

This port connects the center/subwoofer

This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

ASUS M3N78 1-23

9. Microphone port (pink).

10. Side Speaker Out port (gray).

This port connects a microphone.

This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

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

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

12. External SATA port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk

drive.

DO NOT insert different connectors to the external SATA port.

13. 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.

14. HDMI port.

This port is for a High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray
and other protected content.

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction

• This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output that features different

R

M3N78

M3N78

Floppy Disk Drive Connector

NOTE:

Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

FLOPPY

display on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both
the onboard VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports.

• DVI-D can't be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and isn't compatible
with DVI-I.

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

Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs

The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers
will affect the playback quality. Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and

bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the
playback quality.

15. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

16. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6.

These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

1.10.2 Internal connectors

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

This connector is for the provided Floppy 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.

ASUS M3N78 1-25

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

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

R

M3N78

M3N78 IDE Connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the ID
ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PRI_IDE

PIN1

The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There
are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 / 33 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 that all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6)

M3N78

SATA Connectors

R

M3N78

GND

RSATA_TXP5

RSAT

A_TXN5

GND

RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_RXN5

GND

SATA6

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSAT

A_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA5

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSAT

A_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA2

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSAT

A_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSAT

A_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA1

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, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD conguration through the onboard
NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset.

Important note on Serial ATA

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

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

RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD, refer to the RAID manual in the support

DVD.

• If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set

SATA Mode select item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. See

the

page 2-20 for details.

• If you change the

or [AHCI Mode], set the Onboard PCI IDE Controller to [Disabled] to
ensure that SATA5 and SATA6 (the black ports) work normally.

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

disk to the SATA5 or SATA6.

ASUS M3N78 1-27

SATA Mode select item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]

4. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin

R

M3N78

M3N78 Fan Connectors

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

CHA_FAN

GND

Rotation

+12V

PWR_FAN

GND

Rotation

+12V

R

M3N78

M3N78

Internal Audio Connector

CD

(black)

Right Audio Channel

Left Audio Channel

Ground

Ground

CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

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

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

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

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

Only CPU Fan connector supports Q-Fan function.

5. 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.

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction

6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB 910, USB1112)

M3N78 USB 2.0 Connectors

R

M3N78

USB78

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

1

USB910

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

1

USB1112

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

1

R

M3N78

M3N78

Parallel Port Connector

LPT

STB#

AFD

PD0ERR#

PD1

INIT#

PD2SLIN#

PD3GND

PD4

1

GND

PD7

PD6

PD5

GND

GND

GND

ACK#

GND

BUSYPESLCT

GND

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.

7. LPT 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.

ASUS M3N78 1-29

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

M3N78 Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector

R

M3N78

HP_HD

MIC2_L

HP_R

HP_L

MIC2_JD

Jack_Sense

MIC2_R

PRESENSE#

AGND

AAFP

Legacy ACʼ97-compliant

pin definition

NC

MIC2_L

Line out_R

Line out_L

NC

NC

MIC2_R

NC

AGND

Azalia-compliant

pin definition

M3N78

Digital Audio Connector

R

M3N78

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

SPDIF_OUT

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.

• By default, this connector is set to

[HD Audio]. If you want to connect a

High Denition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front
Panel Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio]. See section “2.4.3 Chipset”

for details.

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

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)

port(s).

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.

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

M3N78 ATX Power Connector

R

M3N78

EATXPWR

+3 Volts

+3 Volts

Ground

+5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground

Power OK

+5V Standby

+12 Volts

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12 Volts

Ground

Ground
Ground
PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12 Volts

+3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

GND

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

ATX12V

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

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

•

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 M3N78 1-31

11. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)

R

M3N78

M3N78

IEEE 1394a Connector

IE1394_1

GND

+12V

TPB1-

GND

TPA1-

+12V

TPB1+

GND

TPA1+

1

R

M3N78

M3N78

COM Port Connector

PIN1

COM1

This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.

12. 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.

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction

13. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL)

R

M3N78

M3N78

System Panel Connector

PANEL

PLED-

+5V

Speaker

SPEAKER

PLED

Ground

Reset

Reset

Ground

Ground

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

+IDE_LED

PWR

Ground

PWRSW

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED

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

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

•

Hard disk drive activity LED

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

read from or written to the HDD.

•

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

•

Power/Soft-off button

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

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

•

Reset button

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

reboot without turning off the system power.

ASUS M3N78 1-33

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

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, a

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

gets corrupted.

ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or a USB ash disk

3.
during POST.

ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

4.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or
a USB ash 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 then press <Enter>.

Windows® XP environment

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

b. Click

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

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

d. Click

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

Disk window appears.

®

e. Windows

XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the

format options eld, then click Start.

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 M3N78 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]

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

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press

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

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

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

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

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.

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

afudos /i[lename]

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

disk.

A:\>afudos /iM3N78.ROM

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

A:\>afudos /iM3N78.ROM

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

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 /iM3N78.ROM

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

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 M3N78 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, the oppy disk
or the 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 M3N78.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 found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted
BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “M3N78.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can
cause system boot failure!

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 to 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 “M3N78.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 the USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:

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

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le When found,

the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

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

ASUS M3N78 2-7

• 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!

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 V3.21

FLASH TYPE: WOINBOND W25X80

Current ROM

BOARD: M3N78

VER: 0214 (H:00 B:11)
DATE: 06/06/2008

PATH: A:\

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

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

(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>.

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. See page 3-4 for the

Utilities screen menu.

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

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

ASUS M3N78 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

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

®

desktop by clicking Start

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

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

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

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

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

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows
> 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

M3N78.ROM

complete the update process.

M3N78

ASUS M3N78 2-11

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update
using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your

BIOS.”

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

your system using this utility.

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

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

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

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

SPI chip.

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

the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program.
Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility.

0therwise, 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

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

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]
ESATA :[Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Sub-menu items

Menu bar

Conguration elds

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system
Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change 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 M3N78 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

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]
ESATA :[Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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

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

ASUS M3N78 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

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]
ESATA :[Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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]

ASUS M3N78 2-17

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]

2.3.5 SATA 1, 2, 3, and ESATA

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]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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.

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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]

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 Storage Conguration

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

Main

Storage Conguration

Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled]

OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled]
SATA Mode select [SATA Mode]

ASUS M3N78 2-19

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

DISABLED: disables
the integrated IDE
Controller.
ENABLE: enables
the integrated IDE
Controller.

Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard PCI IDE controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the OnChip S-ATA devices.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SATA Mode select [SATA Mode]

Allows you to select the SATA Mode. Conguration options: [SATA Mode]
[RAID Mode] [AHCI Mode]

The following item appears only when the SATA Mode select item is set to
[RAID Mode].

SATA1, 2, 3, 5, 6 [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the SATA1/2/3/5/6.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SATA 5 and SATA 6 work normally only when the Onboard PCI IDE Controller
item is set to [Disabled].

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 :0214
Build Date :06/06/08

Processor

Type :AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+
Speed :1800MHz
Count :1

System Memory

Installed Size: 512MB

Usable Size : 512MB

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory

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

JumperFree Conguration

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Adjust System
Frequency/Voltage
etc.

Select Screen

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

ASUS M3N78 2-21

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 [16 16 ]

Memory Timing and Voltage

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

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

Scroll down to display the following items:

Chipset Voltage

Chipset Voltage [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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]

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 [Auto]

Allows you to set the processor frequency multiplier. Conguration options: [Auto]
[x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz]
[x9.0 1800MHz]

Processor Voltage [Auto]

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

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Processor-NB Voltage [Auto]

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

Hyper Transport Speed [Auto]

Allows you to set the HyperTransport link speed. Conguration options: [200MHz]
[400MHz] [600MHz] [800 MHZ] [1 GHz] [Auto]

Hyper Transport Width [16 16 ]

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

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]

Chipset Over Voltage [Auto]

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

ASUS M3N78 2-23

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 NB Clk: N/A
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]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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]

Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the generation of ACPI_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT

objects. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.3 Chipset

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

Advanced Chipset Settings

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

NorthBridge Conguration

SouthBridge Conguration

NorthBridge Conguration

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

Memory Conguration

ECC Conguration

Memory Conguration

Advanced

Memory Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

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

Options for NB

Enable Bank Memory
Interleaving

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] ]

ASUS M3N78 2-25

Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]

Enables or disables clock to all DIMMs. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Enables or disables the MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Enables or disables the memory remapping around memory hole.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable Unganed mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Enabled]

Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ECC Conguration

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]

DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]
4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]
DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled]
Date 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]

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

SouthBridge Conguration

SouthBridge Chipset Conguration

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card First]

Hybrid SLI Mode [mGPU Auto]

iGPU Frame Buffer size [128MB]

PCIE 2.0 Support [Auto]

AZALIA AUDIO [Internal codec+E]
Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled]

Options

PCI VGA Card First
Internal VGA First
PCIE VGA Card First

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCI VGA Card First]

Display Device Priority, from high to low. Conguration options: [PCI VGA Card
First] [Internal VGA First] [PCIE VGA Card First]

Hybrid SLI Mode [mGPU Auto]

Allows you to set the Hybrid SLI mode. Conguration options: [mGPU Auto]
[mGPU always enable]

PCIE 2.0 Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE 2.0 feature. Conguration options:
[Disabled] [Auto]

AZALIA AUDIO [Internal codec + External codec]

Allows you to set the HD audio mode. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Internal codec + External codec] [Internal codec] [External codec]

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

Allows you to set HD Audio mode. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

Allows you to set or disable the Onboard LAN. Conguration options: [Enabled]
[Disabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN Boot ROM.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3N78 2-27

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration

Onboard Devices Conguration

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

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

Allows BIOS to select
Serial Port1 Base
Address.

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]

2.4.5 PCI PnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either

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

devices.

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

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

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

Plug And Play O/S [No]

PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]
Palette Snooping [Disabled]

IRQ-3 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-4 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-7 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-9 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-14 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI Device]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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]

PCI Latency Timer [64]

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

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

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]

When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even

if requested. Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Palette Snooping [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the palete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function

correctly. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]

When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.
When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.

Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

ASUS M3N78 2-29

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]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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 the USB functions. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

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

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 Full
Speed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Suspend Mode [Auto]

ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

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]

[S1(POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on Suspend)

sleep state. In S1 sleep state, the system appears suspended
and stays in a low power mode. The system can be resumed at
any time.

[S3 Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep

state (default). In S3 sleep state, the system appears to be off
and consumes less power than in the S1 state. When signaled by a
wake-up device or event, the system resumes to its working state
exactly where it was left off.

[Auto] - Detected by OS.

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

Allows you to add additional tables as per Advanced Conguration and Power
Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specications. 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 Application-Specic Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set

to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3N78 2-31

2.5.4 APM Conguration

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled]
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Options

Power On
Power Off

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss.

Conguration options: [Power On] [Power Off]

Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a

PCI/PCIE card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least
1A on the +5VSB lead. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]

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

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute,

and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor

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 [Disabled]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

Select Screen

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

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

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard
and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected
temperatures.

CPU / Chassis / Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]

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

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

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

Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

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

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

ASUS M3N78 2-33

2.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

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

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

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]

Species the boot
sequence from the
available devices.

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

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

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],

BIOS performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

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]

PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup

during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3N78 2-35

Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password

Change User Passward

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

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.

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

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

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

Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

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

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Installed
User Password : Installed

Change Supervisor Password

User Access Level [Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check [Setup]

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

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.

View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this
item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six

letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

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

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

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing

Setup and booting the system. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

ASUS M3N78 2-37

2.7 Tools 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

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

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 <OK>, a conrmation
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],
then press <OK> to conrm your choice.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.21

FLASH TYPE: WOINBOND W25X80

Current ROM

BOARD: M3N78

VER: 0214 (H:00 B:11)
DATE: 06/06/2008

PATH: A:\

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 Phy LAN cable [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M3N78 2-39

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Check Realtek Phy LAN
cable during POST.

2.8 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit

menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned
off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save
changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to

the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select

OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the
Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation
window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

Software

3

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.

®

• Ensure that you install Windows
before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

XP Service Pack 1 or later versions

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 to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to
display Support DVD/
motherboard information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support

DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the

ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects
installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers

Installs the ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for drivers.

NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver

Install the NVIDIA nForce chipset driver.

VIA Audio Driver

Install the VIA audio driver.

Nvidia HDMI Driver Program

Installs the Nvidia HDMI driver program.

NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Driver

Installs the NVIDIA Hybrid SLI driver.

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

3-3ASUS M3N78

3.2.3 Utilities menu

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

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities

Install all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.

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).

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.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8

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

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.

ASUS Express Gate Installer

Allows you to install or update Express Gate functions.

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support

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.

Click to show the rest of the utilities under the Utilities menu.

Anti-Virus Utility

Installs the anti-virus application that detects and protects your computer from
viruses that destroy data.

Anti-Virus Utility Download

Downloads and installs the latest anti-virus application.

ASUS Cool’n’Quiet Utility

Installs the ASUS Cool’n’Quiet utility.

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

3-5ASUS M3N78

3.2.4 Make Disk menu

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

NVIDIA 32/64bit XP SATA RAID Driver (Disk 1/2)

Allows you to create an NVIDIA 32/64bit XP Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk.

NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista SATA RAID Driver

Allows you to create an NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk.

NVIDIA 32/64bit XP AHCI Driver (Disk 1/2)

Allows you to create an NVIDIA 32/64bit XP AHCI driver disk.

Click to display the next page.

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support

NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista AHCI Driver

Allows you to create an NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista AHCI driver disk.

Due to oppy disk capacity limitation, when creating a RAID conguration under

Windows® Vista, install the AHCI / RAID driver through the motherboard support
DVD or a USB device.

Find RAID driver in the support DVD through the path below:
Drivers\Chipset\Disk\RAID
Find AHCI driver in the support DVD through the path below:

Drivers\Chipset\Disk\AHCI

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 before opening a user manual le.

ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide

Allows you to open the ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide.

NVIDIA SATA RAID User’s Manual

Allows you to open the NVIDIA SATA RAID User’s Manual.

3-7ASUS M3N78

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 M3N78

3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk

A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows

a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.

To create a RAID driver disk:

1. Place the motherboard Support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.

2. Select Make Disk tab.

3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or
browse the contents of the Support DVD to locate the driver disk utility.

For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA RAID conguration, refer to the “NVIDIA

SATA RAID User’s Manual” found in your motherboard Support DVD.

4. Insert a oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

5. Follow the succeeding screen information to complete the process.

6. Write-protect the oppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.

To install the RAID driver:

®

XP OS on

1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the

F6 key to

install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.

2. Press

<F6> then insert the oppy disk with RAID driver into the oppy disk

drive.

3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset
does not support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS.

3-10 Chapter 3: Software support

This chapter tells how to use the Hybrid
SLI® feature.

NVIDIA® technology

4

support

4.1 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology

The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® technology that includes two
primary features: GeForce® Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce® Boost enhances
the performance of NVIDIA discrete Graphics Process Units (dGPU) when they

work with the onboard motherboard GPU (mGPU). HybridPower™ unleashes the

graphics performance of the dGPU and enables low-power operation when the
performance of the dGPU is not needed. You can switch from the dGPU(s) to the
mGPU for a quiet, power-saving computer environment.

• Hybrid SLI technology is supported by Windows® Vista™ only.

• GeForce Boost supports up to two displays simultaneously (both connected
to either the mGPU or the dGPU).

• When two or more displays are connected to both the mGPU and the
dGPU, the Hybrid SLI mode is disabled and the multi-display mode is
enabled. In the multi-display mode, up to four displays could be connected
(up to two displays driven by the mGPU and up to two displays by the
dGPU).

• HybridPower requires displays to be connected to the mGPU. HybridPower
cannot be enabled when displays are driven through the dGPU.

• HybridPower and GeForce Boost are supported by certain set of dGPUs.
Go to www.nvidia.com/hybridsli to learn the supported GPUs.

4.1.1 System requirements

Before using Hybrid SLI, check if your system meets the following requirements:

For best GeForce Boost performance

• AMD Phenom 9600 CPU (operating at 1800Mhz or higher)

• 2 x 1024MB of DDR2-800 DRAM

• Discrete GPU recommended for GeForce Boost

• At least 256MB of Frame Buffer carve out for the motherboard GPU

For best HybridPower benets

• AMD Athlon X2 3800+ CPU (operating at 1800Mhz or higher)

• 2 x 1024MB of DDR2-667 DRAM

• Discrete GPU recommended for HybridPower

• At least 256MB of Frame Buffer carve out for the motherboard GPU

4-2 Chapter 4: NVIDIA® technology support

4.1.2 Enabling Hybrid SLI

• Before enabling GeForce Boost and HybridPower, ensure that you have
installed a dGPU recommended for GeForce Boost on your motherboard.

• Ensure that you have connected your display to the dGPU. Otherwise, the
motherboard cannot detect your display and no image appears.

To enable Hybrid SLI

Turn on the system and press

1.
to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

2. Go to

Advanced > Chipset > SouthBridge Conguration.

Graphics Adapter

to

[mGPU always enable].

item to

<Del>

[Internal VGA First

See section

during the Power-On Self-Test (POST)

], and

Hybrid SLI Mode

2.4.3 Chipset

Set the

for details.

Primary

item

SouthBridge chipset Conguration

Primary Graphics Adapter [Internal VGA Firs]

Hybrid SLI Mode [mGPU always enable]
Hybrid SLI Frame buffer Size [256MB]

Options

PCI VGA Card First
Internal VGA First
PCIE VGA Card First

3. Save your changes and exit Setup.

4. Turn off the system, disconnect your display from the dGPU, and connect
your display to the onboard VGA port at the rear panel.

Turn on the system and press

5.

during the Power-On Self-Test (POST)

<Del>

to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

Go to

6.

Advanced > Chipset > SouthBridge Conguration.

SLI Frame buffer Size

item to

[256MB]

. See section

Set the

2.4.3 Chipset

Hybrid

for

details.

SouthBridge chipset Conguration

Primary Graphics Adapter [Internal VGA Firs]

Hybrid SLI Mode [mGPU always enable]
Hybrid SLI Frame buffer Size [256MB]

Options

PCI VGA Card First
Internal VGA First
PCIE VGA Card First

4-3ASUS M3N78-EMH HDMI

7. Save your changes and exit Setup.

8. From the Windows

and Family Safety

9. Place the support DVD into the optical drive, and go to the

®

desktop, go to

to turn off

User Account Control

Start > Control Panel > User Accounts

.

Drivers menu to

install the NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program.

10. Restart the system.

11. If the driver is correctly installed, you will nd the
Hybrid SLI icon on the taskbar.

The Hybrid SLI icon indicates that the system is

in Performance mode and that GeForce Boost
is enabled. The onboard GPU will share the
rendering load with the dGPU and boost the
performance of the dGPU.

12. Click the Hybrid SLI icon and select

Save Power

item.

13. The icon will change state (from

to ) to
indicate that the system is in Power Saving
mode, which means that the dGPU is turned off
and the mGPU is both rendering and displaying.

14. When the Power Saving mode is enabled, the dGPU does not show in the
Windows® Device Manager.

Power Saving mode is disabled. When the Power Saving mode is enabled, the

4-4 Chapter 4: NVIDIA® technology support

dGPU is turned off and does not appear in the
Device Manager.