Asus M3N78 User Manual

M3N78

Motherboard

E3885

First Edition V1

June 2008

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents

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

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

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

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

1-5

1-7

1-8

1-9

1-10

1-12

1-14

1-18

1-19

1-21

1-22

1-23

1-25

iii

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.3.5 SATA 1, 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

2-14

2-15

2-16

2-17

2-18

2-19

2-20

2-21

2-22

2-24

2-25

2-28

2-30

2-31

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

2-35

2-36

2-38

2-39

2-40

3-2

3-3

3-4

3-6

3-7

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

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

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

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

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

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

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

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance

could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

ICES-003.

Safety information

Electrical safety

•

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

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

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)

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)

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

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

M3N78

M3N78 Onboard LED

SB_PWR

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

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

SPDIF_OUT

M3N78

FLOPP

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

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+

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

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.

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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

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

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– 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.

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

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.

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