Asus M3N78-AM User Manual
M3N78-AM
Motherboard
E4421
Second Edition V2
January 2009
Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
M3N78-AM specications summary ......................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................
1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................
Onboard LED ................................................................................. 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................
1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................
1.5.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................
1.5.4 Layout contents ...............................................................
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 congurations ..................................................
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1.6.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1.8.4 PCI slots ........................................................................
1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................
1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-3
1-5
1-6
1-6
1-6
1-7
1-7
1-8
1-8
1-10
1-11
1-11
1-12
1-15
1-15
1-16
1-16
1-16
1-16
1-16
1-16
1-17
iii
Contents
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-18
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1.10.2 Internal connectors .........................................................1-19
1.11 Software support ........................................................................ 1-25
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................
1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................
2.1.2 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................
2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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 Submenu items ...............................................................
2.2.6 Conguration elds .........................................................
2.2.7 General help ...................................................................
2.2.8 Pop-up window ...............................................................
2.2.9 Scroll bar .........................................................................
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 and SATA 1~4 .......................
2.3.5 Storage Conguration ...................................................
2.3.6 System Information ........................................................
2.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration .............................................
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................
1-18
1-25
1-25
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
2-7
2-8
2-8
2-8
2-8
2-8
2-8
2-8
2-9
2-9
2-9
2-9
2-9
2-10
2-11
2-11
2-11
2-14
2-15
2-16
iv
Contents
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-17
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................
2.5 Power menu ................................................................................
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ...................................................
2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] .........................................
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] .......................................
2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ........................................................
2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
2.6.3 Security .........................................................................
2.7 Tools menu .................................................................................
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
2.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................
2-18
2-19
2-19
2-19
2-19
2-19
2-20
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-22
2-24
2-24
2-25
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 modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, 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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
vii
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.
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.
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 /iM3N78AM.ROM
viii
M3N78-AM specications 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 for
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ (Gen2.0) x16 slot
Graphics Intergrated NVIDIA® GeForce Series DirectX10 graphics
Storage 1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 connector
LAN NVIDIA nForce built-in Gigabit MAC with external
Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Supports CPU up to 125W
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit
and 64-bit computing
AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
- 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and
non-ECC DDR2 1066 / 800 / 667 / 533MHz memory
modules
- Supports up to 8GB system memory
* Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM
is supported per channel. Refer to www.asus.com for the
CPU models.
** Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows
OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the
motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can
be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we
recommend that you install a 64-bit Windows OS when
have 4GB or more memory installed on the motherboard.
*** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List)
1 x PCI Express™ (Gen2.0) x 1 slot
2 x PCI slots
processor
- Supports maximum shared memory up to 512MB
- Supports Hybrid SLI (For Windows® Vista OS only)
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to
1920 x 1440 @ 75Hz
* The suggested system conguration when playing HD
DVD and Blu-ray disc: DDR2 800 1GB x 2 /
Althon 64 x 2 4400+ / Graphics shared memory 256MB
/ Purevideo HD support.
4 x SATA 3 Gb/s connectors with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD conguration support
Realtek8211CL-GR Phy
(continued on the next page)
ix
M3N78-AM specications summary
USB 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at
ASUS unique features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
Audio ALC662 High Denition Audio 6-channel CODEC
Other features ASUS MyLogo2™
Internal I/O connectors 1 x High Denition front panel audio connector
Back panel I/O ports 1 x VGA port
BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
Accessories 1 x SATA cable
Support DVD Drivers
Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.6 in
back panel)
- ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- Supports S/PDIF out interface, Jack-detect,
Multi-streaming, and Anti Pop Function
1 x IDE connector
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Internal speaker connector
1 x CPU fan connector
4 x SATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x 24-pin EATX 12V power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x Parallel port
1 x COM port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6-channel audio I/O ports
ACPI 2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5, CrashFree BIOS3, EZ Flash2
1 x SATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable
1 x I/O shield
User Manual
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
x
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N78-AM 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-AM motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentations User manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-1
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.
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support
The motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ processors. It
features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dualchannel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and AMD™ Cool ‘n’
Quiet™ Technology.
MT/s
5200
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth
than HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother,
faster computing environment.
64-bit CPU support
64-bit computing, the next generation technology to replace the current
32-bit architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster
memory access, and increased productivity. This motherboard provides
excellent compatibility and exibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit
architecture.
NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8200 Chipset
The NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8200 offers the latest support of Hybrid SLI
Technology, DirectX10 graphics features, HD video playback with
HDMI / DVI output. It also supports HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface,
PCI Express™ 2.0 bus architecture, Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices, and
is optimized with AMD’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide
excellent system performance.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller.
It is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient
power management for advanced operating systems.
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.
Dual channel DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard supports DDR2 1066, which provides faster data
transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer
rate and computing efciency. This enhances system performance in
3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.
• DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only. Refer to the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.
• Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel.
When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by
default for system stability.
Hybrid SLI
Hybrid SLI™ technology, based on NVIDIA’s industry-leading SLI
technology, delivers multi-GPU benets when an NVIDIA motherboard
GPU is combined with an NVIDIA discrete GPU.
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest Hybrid SLI driver.
1-2 ASUS M3N78-AM
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 specication. The onboard Southbridge
chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
congurations for Serial ATA drives.
6-channel High Denition Audio
The onboard 6-channel ALC662 High Denition Audio CODEC enables
high-quality audio that automatically detects peripherals plugged
into the audio I/O jacks. ALC662 also supports the Windows® Vista
Premium OS.
USB 2.0 technology
USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation
components and peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB
1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster
at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfers.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS MyLogo2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your
system.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to
restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD, oppy
disk, or USB disk that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using a bootable oppy disk or a DOS-based utility.
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds
according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient
operation.
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-3
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.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default
settings when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R.
eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the
RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS
automatically restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.
1-4 ASUS M3N78-AM
1.4 Before you proceed
M3N78-AM
SB_PWR
ON
Standy Power Powered Off
OFF
M3N78-AM Onboard LED
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, 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, switch off the ATX power supply and
detach its power cord. 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.
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-5
M3N78-AM
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 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.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place eight screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.
1-6 ASUS M3N78-AM
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
M3N78-AM
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCI2
PCI1
FLOPPY
USB910 USB78 USB1112
F_PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
CD
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
ALC
662
Realtek
8211CL
KB_USB56
8Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
SPEAKER
21.8cm(8.6in)
24.4cm(9.6in)
NVIDIA
®
GeForce 8200
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SOCKET AM2+
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA4SATA2
SATA3SATA1
VGA
AUDIO
LPT
COM
LAN1_USB12
USB34
PRI_IDE
2 31
4
1
5
6
7
810
91112131415
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page
1. ATX power connectors
(24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
1-21 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,
USB1112)
2. CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) 1-9 10. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) 1-17
3. AM2/AM2+ CPU socket 1-8 11. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-22
4. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-11 12. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin
5. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 1-11 13. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-21
6. Onboard LED 1-5 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-23
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-19 15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-24
8. Speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-22
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-7
FLOPPY)
1-23
1-20
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
M3N78-AM
M3N78-AM CPU Socket AM2+
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. Use a CPU that is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Press the lever sideways to unlock
the socket, 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.
1-8 ASUS M3N78-AM
3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU
CPU_FAN
GND
CPU FAN PWR
CPU FAN IN
CPU FAN PWM
M3N78-AM
M3N78-AM CPU fan connector
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!
Small triangle
Gold triangle
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.
You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing
heatsink and fan for instructions.
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-9
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