Asus M3N78 Pro User Manual

M3N78 PRO

Motherboard

E3864

First Edition
May 2008

Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

product is defaced or missing.

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

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

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

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

ii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

Safety information .................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................... ix

M3N78 PRO specications summary ....................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ASUS unique features .................................................... 1-4

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and

overclocking features ...................................................... 1-6

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2

2.2.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-3

2.2.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-8

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-12

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-20

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-20

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-21

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-21

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-21

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-22

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-22

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-22

iii

Contents

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-23

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-24

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-25

2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-28

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch .............................. 3-2

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 4-4

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 4-5

4.1.4 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 4-6

4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS le ............................................ 4-8

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................ 4-10

4.2.2 Menu bar ....................................................................... 4-10

4.2.3 Legend bar .....................................................................4-11

4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................4-11

4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................4-11

4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-12

4.2.8 General help ................................................................. 4-12

4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13

4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-13

4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-13

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-13

4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave ............................................. 4-14

4.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4 ....................................................................................4-16

4.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-17

4.3.7 Installed Memory ........................................................... 4-17

iv

Contents

4.3.8 Usable Memory ............................................................. 4-17

4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-18

4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 4-18

4.4.2 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 4-20

4.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-20

4.4.4 Chipset .......................................................................... 4-21

4.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-23

4.4.6 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 4-24

4.4.7 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-26

4.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 4-27

4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type ...................................................... 4-27

4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 4-27

4.5.3 APM Conguration ........................................................ 4-27

4.5.4 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-29

4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-31

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-31

4.6.2 Removable Drives ......................................................... 4-31

4.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................... 4-32

4.6.4 Security ......................................................................... 4-33

4.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-35

4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 4-35

4.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 4-36

4.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-37

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1

5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1

5.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 5-1

5.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 5-2

5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3

5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5

5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7

5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ........................................................... 5-9

v

Contents

5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ..........................................5-11

5.3.3 Audio congurations ..................................................... 5-14

5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 5-22

5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 5-28

5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2 ............................................................ 5-30

5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-31

5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............................................................. 5-32

5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 5-33

5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 5-34

5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-42

5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 5-42

5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID congurations........................................ 5-43

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 5-50

5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 5-50

5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows® ............ 5-50

Chapter 6: NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™ technology support

6.1 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology ............................................... 6-1

6.1.1 System requirements ..................................................... 6-1

6.1.2 Enabling GeForce® Boost and HybridPower™ ............... 6-2

vi

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

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

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

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

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

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or 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.

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

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

• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a 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, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

service technician or your retailer.

viii

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

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and 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: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.

• Chapter 6: nVIDIA Hybrid SLI™ support

This chapter describes the nVIDIA Hybrid SLI™ feature and shows the
graphics card installation procedures.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

ix

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.

<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as

shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed
in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

 

x

M3N78 PRO specications summary

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

Chipset NVIDIA® GeForce® 8300

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

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

VGA Integrated NVIDIA® 8 Series GPU

Expansion slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot

Storage 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 interface

LAN NVIDIA Gigabit MAC

High Denition audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition audio

Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD Live!™ Ready

Supports CPU TDP up to 140W

for AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred ECC/ ECC/ECC/
non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 16 GB system memory
*DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to
www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory
QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
** When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows 32-bit operation system may onlyl recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended.

- Maximum shared memory of 512MB

- Supports HDMI™ Technology with HDCP
compliant with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200

- Supports DVI Technology with max. resolution up to
1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz

- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920 x
1440 @ 75 Hz

- Multi VGA output support: HDMI/DVI & D-Sub

- Hybrid SLI Support (For Windows Vista only)

- Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, Pixel
Shader 4.0

- Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architectureSupports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture
2 x PCIe x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots

6 x SATA 3Gb/s ports (Use SATA 1-4 for IDE mode)
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1,
5, and JBOD

Realtek® 8211CL Gigabit PHY featuring AI NET2

CODEC

- Supports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingSupports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingMulti-Streaming

- Coaxial S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O

(continued on the next page)

xi

M3N78 PRO specications summary

IEEE 1394 LSI® FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 6 on the rear panel)

ASUS unique features ASUS Express Gate:

Other features ASUS MyLogo 2™

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

(1 at mid-board; 1 on the rear panel)

- Web browser, le downloading and uploading*

- Further free features upgradable
* File downloading and uploading through USB devices
only.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design

- ASUS AI Gear 2

- ASUS AI Nap

- ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS Crystal Sound:

- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- ASUS AI Booster utility

Precision Tweaker:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment

- vDIMM: 8-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset: 4-step Chipset voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz
increment

- Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200
MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

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

1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial)
1 x HDMI Out
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-channel audio I/O

(continued on the next page)

xii

M3N78 PRO specications summary

Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,

Support DVD contents Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x VGA connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
1 x Chassis Fan connector
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector
1 x CD audio in
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)

SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)

xiii

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

Chapter 1: Product

1

introduction

Chapter summary

1

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS M3N78 PRO

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N78 PRO 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 PRO

Cables 2 x Serial ATA power cable for 3 devices 2 x Serial ATA power cable for 3 devices2 x Serial ATA power cable for 3 devices
3 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x ASUS Q-ShieldASUS Q-Shield
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)
1 x D-Sub connector module
1 x HDMI to DVI converter

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

ASUS M3N78 PRO 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

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

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based
system bus. See page 2-6 for details.

HyperTransport™ 3.0 support

HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than

HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efciency to create a smoother,

faster computing environment.

AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™
CPU support

®

This motherboard supports AMD
processors. It features 2000/1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus,
dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™
Technology. See page 2-6 for details.

Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™

NVIDIA® GeForce 8300

NVIDIA® GeForce 8300 offers the latest support of Hybrid SLI Technology,
DirectX® 10 graphics features, HD video playback with HDMI/DVI output. It also
supports HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface, PCI Express™ 2.0 bus architecture,

Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices and is optimized with AMD’s latest AM2+ and multi-core

CPUs to provide excellent system performance.

Native DDR2 1066 support

This motherboard is the rst AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support.

It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory

computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other

memory demanding applications. See page 2-11 for details.

DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI Technology

Hybrid SLI™ Technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology. It includes
two primary features: GeForce Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce Boost
turbo-charges performance of discrete graphics cards when combined with M3N
series motherboard GPUs. HybridPower™ unleashes graphics performance
for demanding 3D applications and enables low-power operation for everyday
computing needs. You can switch from the discrete GeForce GPU(s) to the
motherboard GPU for a quiet, low power PC experience. See page 2-23 and 6-1
for details.

Geforce Boost and HybridPower™ are independent on select GeForce GPUs.
Visit www.nvidia.com/hybridsli for more information.

HDMI/DVI/D-Sub Interface

HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video standards that

delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video through a single
cable for full HD 1080p visuals. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD
DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater
experience.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals for digital display devices
like LCD monitors. See page 2-26 for details.

This motherboard is bundled with an HDMI-to-DVI conversion adaptor.

PCIe 2.0 support

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and
bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 2-23 for details.

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the

Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced scalability

and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. It allows

RAID 0, 1, 0+1 and 5 congurations for two SATA connectors. See page 2-30 for

details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals,
and other PC portable devices. See page 2-25 and 2-32 for details.

ASUS M3N78 PRO 1-3

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater
audio systems via the coaxial S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out
jack. It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and
therefore well preserves signal quality. See page 2-26 and 2-38 for details.

High Denition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to

different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while
playing multi-channel network games. See page 2-25 and 2-26 for details.

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Express Gate

Just 5 seconds to boot up, ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly surf the
Internet without entering Windows. You can now enjoy Skype, IM, YouTube,

webmail and Internet le downloads and sharing whenever and wherever you
want! See page 4-36 and 5-34 for details.

• The bootup speed depends on system congurations.

• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on USB devices or SATA HDDs in
IDE mode only.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.

AI Gear 2

AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption

at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit
your needs. See page 5-30 for details.

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-31 for
details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Q-Fan 2

ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis

fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient

operation. See page 4-29 and 5-32 for details.

ASUS Crystal Sound

This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.

Noise Filter

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording. See page 5-17 for details.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—

making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding
wrong cable connections. See page 2-40 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the

predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering

the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or

using an OS-based ash utility. See page 4-5 and 4-35 for details.

ASUS M3N78 PRO 1-5

Smart Support DVD

This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers
are already installed, as well as those that are not. When using ASUS PC
Probe II, you can easily monitor the critical components of the computer.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 4-33 and 5-9 for details.

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features

Precision Tweaker

This feature allows you to ne tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually
increase the memory, Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz

increment to achieve maximum system performance.

AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 5-33 for details.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware

2

information

Chapter summary

2

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-21

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-24

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25

ASUS M3N78 PRO

2.1 Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up
to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows
the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS M3N78 PRO

2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.

2.2.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and
internal connectors.

ASUS M3N78 PRO

2-3

2.2.4 Layout contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-11

2. PCI slots 2-22

3. PCI Express x1 slots 2-22

4. PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot 2-23

Jumper Page

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-24

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-25

2. IEEE 1394a port 2-25

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. 2-25

4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange) 2-25

5. Rear Speaker Out port (black) 2-25

6. Line In port (light blue) 2-25

7. Line Out port (lime) 2-25

8. Microphone port (pink) 2-25

9. Side Speaker Out port (gray) 2-25

10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 2-26

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 2-26

12. HDMI Out portHDMI Out port 2-26

13. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-26

14. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 2-26

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-28

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-29

3. NVIDIA GeForce 8300 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 2-30

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

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-32

6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-34

8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V) 2-35

9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-36

10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-37

11. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-37

12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-38

13. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) connector (16-pin VGA) 2-38

14. System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL) 2-39

15. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) 2-40

2-31

2-33

ASUS M3N78 PRO

2-5

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMDAM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD socket designed for AMDAMD® Socket
AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors or for SocketPhenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors or for Socket
AM2 Athlon series / Sempron processors.

The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed
for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the

AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force

the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and

damaging the CPU!

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90º angle.

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU
will not t in completely.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Socket lever