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, 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 ........................................................................................ vii

M3N78-AM specications 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 congurations ..................................................

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 Conguring 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 Conguration 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 Conguration ...................................................

2.3.6 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 ....................................

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 Conguration ........................................................

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 Conguration ........................................................

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 ..........................................................

2.8 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 (Qualied 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 conguration 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 conguration support

Realtek8211CL-GR Phy

(continued on the next page)

ix

M3N78-AM specications 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 Denition Audio 6-channel CODEC

Other features ASUS MyLogo2™

Internal I/O connectors 1 x High Denition 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)

*Specications 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 efciency 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 efcient

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 efciency. 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 benets 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 specication. The onboard Southbridge
chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
congurations for Serial ATA drives.

6-channel High Denition Audio

The onboard 6-channel ALC662 High Denition 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 efcient

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

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

1

3

4

5

2

Ensure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.

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 bracket

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket lock

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.

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

1-10 ASUS M3N78-AM

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B1

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.

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the
connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

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

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with two 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 A DIMM_A1

Channel B DIMM_B1

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-11

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2

DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows

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 do any of the
following:

- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows

- Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you want to install 4GB or more memory on
the motherboard.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 256 megabits (Mb) or less.

The motherboard supports up to 8GB memory modules on Windows® XP Professional x64

and Vista x64 editions. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

M3N78-AM Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR2-1066MHz capability

®

OS, when you install 4GB

®

OS.

Vendor Part No. Size

Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5 1G DS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • •

OCZ OCZ2N1066SR2DK 2G(kit of 2) DS 5-5-5-15 Heat-Sink Package(EPP) SN:00482080600160-1 OCZ • •

GEIL GB24GB8500C5QC 1G SS 5 GL2L128M88BA25AB GEIL • •

SS/

CL Chip No.

DS

Chip
Brand

DIMM

support

A* B*

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

1-12 ASUS M3N78-AM

DDR2-800MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN 512MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package Kingston • •

Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G 1G DS N/A E5108AJBG-8E-E Elpida • •

Samsung M378T2863QZS-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 Samsung • •

Samsung M391T2863QZ3-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) Samsung • •

Samsung M378T5263AZ3-CF7 4G DS N/A K4T2G084QA-HCF7 Samsung • •

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

Corsair CM2X2048-6400C5DHX 2G(Kit of 2) DS 5 Heat-Sink Package Corsair • •

Crucial BL12864AA804.8FE5 2G(Kit of 2)(EPP) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • •

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

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

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

Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 2G DS 5 AM4B5808CQJS8E0747D Apacer • •

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

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

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

GEIL GX22GB6400LX 2G DS 5 Heat-Sink Package GEIL • •

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

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

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

Century 28V0H8 1G DS 5 HY5PS12821CFP-S5 Hynix • •

SS/

CL Chip No.

DS

Chip
Brand

support

A* B*

DDR2-667MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 512MB SS N/A

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

Micron MT8HTF12864AY-667E1 1G SS 5 D9HNL 7ZE17 Micron • •

HY HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 AB 1G DS 5 HY5PS12521CFP-Y5 Hynix • •

Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 512MB SS 5 AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F Apacer • •

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

ADATA M2OAD5G3H3160Q1C52 512MB SS N/A AD29608A8A-3EG20813 ADATA • •

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

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

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

PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1 1G DS 5 A3R12E3JFF717B9A01 PSC • •

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

G.SKILL F2-5400PHU2-2GBNT 2G(kit of 2) DS 5-5-5-15 D2 64M8CCF 0815 C7173S G.SKILL • •

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

ELIXIR M2Y1G64TU8HA2B-3C 1G DS 5 M2TU51280AE-3C717095R28F ELIXIR • •

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

SS/

CL Chip No.

DS

SO1237650821 SBP D6408TR4CGL25
USL074905PECNB

Chip
Brand

Kingston

DIMM

support

A* B*

• •

DIMM

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-13

DDR2-533MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS CL Chip No. Chip Brand

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

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

Corsair VS1GB533D2 1G DS N/A 64M8CFEGQIB0900718 Corsair • •

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

DIMM support

A* B*

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 both the yellow slots as one pair of

Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest DDR2-533/667/800/1066MHz QVL.

1-14 ASUS M3N78-AM

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components.
Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

1. Press the retaining clips outward to

unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that

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

1

Unlocked retaining clip

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.

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

2

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

3

Locked Retaining Clip

1.6.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

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

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing the

retaining clips. The DIMM might

get damaged when it ips out with

extra force.

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-15

2

1

DDR2 DIMM notch

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.

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later
use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is completely

seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for

information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

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.

1.8.4 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.

1.8.5 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.

1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard supports a PCI Express x16 graphics card that complies with the PCI

Express specications.

1-16 ASUS M3N78-AM

1.9 Jumpers

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing
the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in
CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. 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.

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

4. Hold down the
data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

<Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-17

to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.

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.

1.10 Connectors

4 53

68 7

2

10 9

1

11

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard / mouse.

2.

Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other
VGA-compatible devices.

3.

LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link 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

ACT/LINK

LED

SPEED

LED

LAN port

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio

sources.

5.

Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, and

6-channel congurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

6.

Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

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

Audio 2, 4, 6-channel conguration

Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel

Light Blue Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Bass/Center

1-18 ASUS M3N78-AM

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

PRI_IDE

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

PIN1

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM IDE connector

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8.

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

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other

VGA-compatible devices.

10.

Serial port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for printing devices or other serial devices.

11. 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. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are
three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.

Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the

following modes to congure your device(s).

Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Cable-Select

Two devices

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.

Master Black

Slave Gray

Black or gray

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-19

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

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

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM Floppy disk drive connector

FLOPPY

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

PIN1

SATA2

GND
RSATA_RXN4
RSATA_RXP4
GND
RSATA_TXN4
RSATA_TXP4
GND

SATA4

GND
RSATA_RXN3
RSATA_RXP3
GND
RSATA_TXN3
RSATA_TXP3
GND

SATA1

GND
RSATA_RXN2
RSATA_RXP2
GND
RSATA_TXN2
RSATA_TXP2
GND

SATA3

GND
RSATA_RXN1
RSATA_RXP1
GND
RSATA_TXN1
RSATA_TXP1
GND

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM SATA connectors

This connector is for a Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of
the provided FDD cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal

connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

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

3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)

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, or JBOD conguration.

Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial ATA.

• For detailed instructions on RAID congurations, refer to the RAID manual in the

support DVD.

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

Mode Select item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. See page 2-10 for details.

1-20 ASUS M3N78-AM

SATA

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

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts

-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND

-12 Volts
+3 Volts

+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

+12V DC

GND

GND

CD

Right Audio Channel

GND

GND

Left Audio Channel

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM Internal audio connector

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, ensure 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 or when you intend to install additional
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.

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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-21

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

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM System panel connector

PIN 1

PWR BTN

PLED+

PLED-

PWR

GND

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

Ground

Reset

F_PANEL

PWR LED

HD_LED RESET

M3N78-AM

+5V

GND

GND

Speaker Out

SPEAKER

PIN 1

M3N78-AM Speaker Out Connector

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

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 (2-pin HD_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.

•

Power/Soft-off button (2-pin PWRBTN)

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 (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without

turning off the system power.

7. Speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

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

1-22 ASUS M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM Analog front panel connector

AAFP

PIN 1

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

NC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

NC

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

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

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM USB2.0 connectors

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910 USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB1112

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of

these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to
480 Mbps connection speed.

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

motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

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

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
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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-23

[HD Audio]. If you want to connect a High Denition

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

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM Digital audio connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M3N78-AM

M3N78-AM CPU fan connector

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

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

11. CPU Fan connectors (4 pin CPU_FAN)

The fan connector supports 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, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the
connector.

DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside

the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT
place jumper caps on the fan connectors.

Only the CPU FAN supports ASUS Q-Fan.

1-24 ASUS M3N78-AM

1.11 Software support

1.11.1 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

Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and
system stability.

1.11.2 Support DVD information

The Support DVD that comes 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.

To run 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.

®

XP Service Pack 3 or later versions/ Windows® Vista

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.

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-25

1-26 ASUS M3N78-AM

Chapter 2

BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a 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

Create a bootable oppy disk using a different computer.

To create a bootable oppy disk:

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

2. Follow the instructions based on your system environment.

DOS environment

a. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows® XP environment

a. From the Windows® desktop, click Start > My Computer.

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

c. Click

appears.

d. Select

then click Start.

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

Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options eld,

Windows® Vista environment

a. From the Windows® desktop, click > Computer.

b. Right-click

Floppy dialog box.

c. Select the

d. Click

3. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to another oppy disk.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-1

Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3 1/2

Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

Start.

2.1.2 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment.

• ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).

• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

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.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

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

Updating the BIOS

To update the BIOS:

1. From the Windows

ASUSUpdate to launch the ASUS Update utility.

2. From the dropdown list, select any of the updating process:

Updating from the Internet

a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next.

b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto

Select

c. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download then click

Next.

®

desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate >

then click Next.

Drivers menu appears.

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

Updating from a BIOS file

a. Select Update BIOS from a le, then click Next.

b. Locate the BIOS le from the

Open window, then click Open.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process.

2-2 ASUS M3N78-AM

2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a
bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

Before using this utility, download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.

com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the oppy/USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the oppy disk
drive or the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2. You can launch EZ Flash 2 in two ways.

a. Press

• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process

and automatically reboots the system when done.

<Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following:

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.21

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M3N78-CM
VER: 0312 (H:00 B:07)
DATE: 07/01/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info

[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and
press <Enter> to enable it.
Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found.

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disk, or oppy disk with FAT 32/16

format and single partition only.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-3

2.1.4 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable
oppy disk. 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.

• Ensure that you prepare two oppy disks: the bootable oppy disk and the oppy disk
containing the AFUDOS utility and the latest BIOS le.

• Ensure that the other oppy disk is not write-protected and has enough space to save
both the AFUDOS and BIOS les.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays
may not be the same as shown.

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Insert the bootable oppy disk into the oppy disk drive to boot the system in DOS

mode.

2. Replace the bootable oppy disk and insert the oppy disk that contains the AFUDOS
utility and the latest BIOS le.

• Obtain the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the bundled support DVD and the latest

BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• We recommend that you write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You will need to
key in the exact BIOS lename at the DOS prompt later.

3. At the DOS prompt, key in afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the BIOS le in the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /iM3N78AM.ROM

Press <Enter>.

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 updating process is completed.
Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

2-4 ASUS M3N78-AM

2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

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

when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS

le using the motherboard support DVD, a oppy disk, or a 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.

• Updating from a PATA optical drive is not supported in this motherboard.

• Always connect the SATA cable to the SATA1 / SATA 2 connector. Otherwise, the utility

will not function.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the oppy disk, support DVD, or USB ash disk containing BIOS le to the disk

drive or port.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the oppy disk,
support DVD, or USB ash disk for the BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts erasing the corrupted BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “M3N78AM.ROM”. Completed.
Start erasing...

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

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

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

• The utility automatically checks the oppy disk rst. If no oppy disk is found, the utility
then checks the optical drive and the USB ash disk.

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

the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-5

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you

can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your

BIOS.”

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

using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the conguration of

your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the security password feature or

change the power management settings. This requires you to recongure your system using
the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them

in the CMOS RAM of the SPI chip.
The SPI chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the computer,

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

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, reboot the system by doing any of the following
procedures:

• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.

• Press

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

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

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 submenus and make your selections from the
available options using the navigation keys.

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

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 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 Setups Default 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.

2-6 ASUS M3N78-AM

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [19:34:30]

System Date [Wed 08/27/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

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

System Information

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

Menu bar

Conguration elds

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Submenu items

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.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-7

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 Submenu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu.
To display the submenu, 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 user­con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.

2.2.8 Pop-up window

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

with the conguration options for that

item.

2.2.9 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side
of a menu screen when there are

items that do not t on the screen.

Press the

<Up> / <Down> arrow keys or <Page
Up> /<Page Down> keys to display

the other items on the screen.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
ACPI Version Features [Disabled]
ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, A m e r i c a n Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled

Enabled

Pop-up window

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

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

Scroll bar

Select Screen

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

2-8 ASUS M3N78-AM

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 [Wed 08/27/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

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

System Information

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB]

Use [ENTER], [TAB]

or [SHIFT-TAB] to

or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Time.

congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

Select Screen

Change Field

+-

Select Item

Tab Select Field

Change Field

+-

F1 General Help

Tab Select Field

F10 Save and Exit

F1 General Help

ESC Exit

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.]

2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA 1~4

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE/SATA devices.
There is a separate submenu for each IDE/SATA device. Select a device item then press
<Enter> to display the IDE/SATA device information.

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/SATA device is

installed in the system.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-9

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]

This item does not appear when you select the SATA 1/2/3/4 devices.

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]

2.3.5 Storage Conguration

The Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnChip SATA Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the OnChip SATA Controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SATA Mode select [SATA Mode]

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

2-10 ASUS M3N78-AM

2.3.6 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

BIOS Information

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.

Be cautious 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

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration

CPU Overclocking [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency.
Select any of the preset overclocking.

• Manual - Allows you to individually set the overclocking parameters.

• Auto - Loads the optimal settings for the system.

• Overclock Prole - Loads overclocking proles with optimal parameters for stability when

overclocking.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-11

The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [Manual].

CPU Frequency [200]

Allows you to set the CPU/HT Reference Clock. The valid value is between 200 MHz
and 550 MHz.

The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [Overclock
Prole].

Overcloking Options [Auto]

Allows you to set the overclocking options. Conguration options: [Auto] [Overclock
3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 7%] [Test Mode]

GPU Overclocking [Auto]

Allows you to select the GPU Overclocking. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following item appears only when the GPU Overclocking item is set to [Manual].

GPU Frequency [500]

Allows you to set the GPU engine clock. The valid value is between 500 and 999.

Shader Frequency [1200]

Allows you to enter an integer value from 1000MHz to 2000MHz to overclock for

shader.

PCIE Overclocking [Auto]

Allows you to select the PCIE Overclocking. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following item appears only when the PCIE Overclocking item is set to [Manual].

PCIE Frequency [100]

Allows you to set the PCIE frequency. The valid value is between 100 and 150.

Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto]

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

Processor Voltage [Standard]

Allows you to select the processor voltage or set it to auto for safe mode.

Conguration options: [Power Saving Mode] [Standard] [+ 50mv] [+ 100mv]

HyperTransport Speed [Auto]

The Hyper Transport link will run at this speed if it is slower than or equal to the system clock

and the board is capable. Conguration options: [200 Mhz] [400 Mhz] [600 Mhz] [800 Mhz]
[1 Ghz] [Auto]

2-12 ASUS M3N78-AM

Hyper Transport Width [16 16 ]

Allows you to select the Hyper Transport width. Conguration options: [8 8 ] [16 16 ]

Memory Clock Mode [Auto]

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

The following item appears only when the Memory clock mode item is set to [Manual].

Memclock Value [266 MHz]

Allows you to set the Memclock value. Conguration options: [266 MHz [333 MHz]
[400 MHz] [533 MHz]

DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

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

Memory OverVoltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the Memory Over Voltage. Use +/- to adjust the voltage. The increment is

0.00625V. The standard value is 1.85000V. Conguration options: [Auto] [Min. = 1.85000V]
[Max. = 2.24375V]

Chipset Voltage [Auto]

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

CAS Latency (CL) [Auto]

Allows you to set CAS# latency. Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]
[6 CLK] [7 CLK DH_Only]

TRCD [Auto]

Allows you to set TRCD. Conguration options: [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]
[6 CLK] [Auto]

TRP [Auto]

Allows you to set TRP. Conguration options: [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]
[6 CLK] [Auto]

tRTP [Auto]

Allows you to specify the read CAS# to percharge time.

Conguration options: [Auto] [2-4 CLK] [3-5 CLK]

TRAS [Auto]

Allows you to set TRAS. Conguration options: [5 CLK] ~ [18 CLK] [Auto]

TRC [Auto]

Allows you to set TRC. Conguration options: [11 CLK] ~ [19 CLK] [Auto]

tWR [Auto]

Allows you to specify when the last write is registered by the DRAM.

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-13

TRRD [Auto]

Allows you to set TRRD. Conguration options: [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK]
[5 CLK] [Auto]

tRWTTO [Auto]

Allows you to set tRWTTO. Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]
[4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK]

tWRRD [Auto]

Allows you to specify the write to read delay when accessing different DRAMs.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0 CLK] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]

tWTR [Auto]

Allows you to specify the write to read delay when accessing the same DRAM.

Conguration options: [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [Auto]

tWRWR [Auto]

Allows you to specify the Twrwr time. Conguration options: [Auto] [1 CLK]
[2 CLK] [3 CLK]

tRDRD [Auto]

Allows you to specify the Trdrd time. Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK]
[3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]

tRFC 0/1/2/3 [Auto]

Allows you to specify the Trfc0/1/2/3 time. Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns]
[127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]

2.4.2 CPU Conguration

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

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]

2-14 ASUS M3N78-AM

2.4.3 Chipset

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

NorthBridge Conguration

Memory Conguration

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] ]

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 unganged DRAM 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 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]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-15

SouthBridge Conguration

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE 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]

iGPU Frame Buffer Size [128MB]

Allows you to set the iGPU Frame Buffer Size.
Conguration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB]

PCIE 2.0 Support [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE 2.0 support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

AZALIA AUDIO [Enabled]

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

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]

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration

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]

2-16 ASUS M3N78-AM

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.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

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 palette 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]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-17

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.

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]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB Functions.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 Controller.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
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]

2-18 ASUS M3N78-AM

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 Version Features [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 more tables for 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]

2.5.4 APM Conguration

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] [Last State]

Power On From S5 By PCI Device [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE/
Onboard LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at
least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-19

Power On From S5 By Ring [Disabled]

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

Power On From S5 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 From S5 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]

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor

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 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.

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

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

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

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected voltage output.

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]

2-20 ASUS M3N78-AM

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 submenu.

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.

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

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 CD­ROM ] [Disabled]

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

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]

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

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

Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-21

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]

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.

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.

2-22 ASUS M3N78-AM

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change
other security settings.

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options:
[No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.
Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

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

To set a User Password:

1. Select the

2. 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.

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

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]

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-23

2.7 Tools menu

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

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.

2.7.2 AI NET 2

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]

2-24 ASUS M3N78-AM

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.

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-25

2-26 ASUS M3N78-AM