ASUS M4A79 DELUXE User Manual

M4A79
Deluxe

Motherboard

E4418

Second Edition (V2)
December 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 ......................................................................................................................

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

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

M4A79 Deluxe specications summary ................................................................... xi

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 ASUS unique features

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features ...........

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2.2.2 Layout contents ...........................................................................

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU .......................................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ............................................

2.4 System memory .......................................................................................

2.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..............................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ......................................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ....................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .................................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

2.5.4 PCI slots ....................................................................................

2.5.5 Four PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots

2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................

2.7 Onboard switches ....................................................................................

2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................

....................................................................................... 1-1

.......................................................................................... 1-2

........................................................................ 1-2

................................................................. 1-3

1-5

2-2

2-2

2-3

..................................................................... 2-4

................................................................................. 2-4

2-5

2-5

2-7

2-10

2-10

2-11

2-16

2-16

........................................................................................ 2-17

...................................................... 2-17

2-17

................................................................ 2-18

2-19

................................................. 2-19

2-21

2-23

2-24

2-24

vii

iii

Contents

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-25

2.8.3 Internal connectors

2.9 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.10 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 Updating BIOS ............................................................................................

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk ...................................................

3.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...............................................................

3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility

3.3 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ......................................................................

3.3.2 Menu bar .....................................................................................

3.3.3 Navigation keys ...........................................................................

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items ...........................................................................

3.3.6 Conguration elds .....................................................................

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar .....................................................................................

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.4.1

3.4.2 Storage Conguration ...............................................................

3.4.3 System Information ...................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................

3.5.1 AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto] ....................................................

3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto] .......................................................................

3.5.3 FSB Frequency [XXX] ...............................................................

3.5.4

3.5.5 DRAM Frequency Control [Auto]

3.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] ........................................................

3.5.8 Memory Conguration ...............................................................

3.5.7 HT Link Speed [Auto] ................................................................

3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration

3.5.10 CPU Voltage [Auto] ...................................................................

3.5.11 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] .............................................................

3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] ........................................................

Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1-5; ESATA ............................. 3-9

PCIE Frequency [XXX]..............................................................3-13

.................................................................... 2-28

..................................................................... 3-2

................................................... 3-6

.................................................................................. 3-8

............................................................................ 3-8

................................................................................ 3-8

............................................... 3-13

...................................................... 3-15

2-39

2-39

3-1

3-4

3-5

3-7

3-7

3-7

3-8

3-8

3-8

3-8

3-9

3-11

3-12

3-12

3-12

3-13

3-13

3-13

3-14

3-14

3-16

3-16

3-16

iv

Contents

3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ................................................................3-16

3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................

3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................

3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto] .............................................................

3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto] ......................................................................

3.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled] .............................................

3.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

3.5.20 AI Clock Skew for Channel A/B [Auto] ......................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 Chipset ......................................................................................

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.4 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.5 PCIPnP .....................................................................................

3.7 Power menu ..............................................................................................

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ............................................

3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] .....................................................

3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ...................................................

3.7.5 APM Conguration ....................................................................

3.7.6 Hardware Monitor

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................

3.8.3 Security .....................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.9.2 Express Gate ............................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.4 AI NET 2 ....................................................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

................................................................ 3-25

...................................................................... 3-27

................................................................... 3-28

............................................. 3-17

3-16

3-16

3-16

3-16

3-17

3-17

3-18

3-19

3-20

3-22

3-23

3-24

3-25

3-25

3-25

3-25

3-26

3-28

3-29

3-30

3-32

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-35

3-36

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .......................................................

.................................................. 4-2

4-1

4-1

4-3

4-3

v

Contents

4.3.2 Audio congurations....................................................................4-4

4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................

4.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate ........................

4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite .............................................................................

4.3.6 ASUS EPU ..................................................................................

4.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ............................................................................

4.3.8 ASUS AI Nap

4.3.9 ASUS TurboV ............................................................................

4.3.10 ASUS Turbo Key .......................................................................

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................

4.4.3 AMD

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows

Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support

5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ..................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................

5.2 Installing CrossFireX™ graphics cards ...................................................

5.2.1 Dual CrossFireX installation ........................................................

5.2.2 Triple CrossFireX installation ......................................................

5.2.3 Quad CrossFireX installation ......................................................

5.3 Software information .................................................................................

5.3.1 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5.3.2 Enabling the ATI

............................................................................. 4-10

®

RAID congurations ........................................................ 4-14

..................................................................... 4-20

®

........................ 4-20

®

CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-5

4-5

4-6

4-7

4-8

4-9

4-11

4-12

4-13

4-13

4-14

4-20

5-1

5-1

5-2

5-2

5-3

5-4

5-5

5-5

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 adapter 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

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.

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: 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 4: Software support

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

• Chapter 5: ATI

This chapter describes the ATI® CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics card
installation procedures.

®

CrossFireX™ support

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.

Italic

s 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> + <Del>

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 /iM4A79D.ROM

x

M4A79 Deluxe specications summary

CPU Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ /

Chipset AMD® 790FX / SB750

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

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR2 1066* / 800 / 667 MHz,

Expansion slots 4 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots, support ATI® CrossFireX™ technology

Storage SB750 chipset:

LAN Realtek® 8112 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

Audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6315N controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

USB 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)

Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2)
Compatible with Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 /
Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU)
Supports 45nm CPU
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

AM3 / AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU

ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
* Due to AMD® CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 MHz is supported

by AM2+ / AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to

www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).

** Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4 GB

capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only

recognize less than 3 GB. Hence, a total installed memory of

less than 3 GB is recommended.

(@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 link)
2 x PCI 2.2 slots

- 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 for up to 2 PATA devices

- 5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5 ,10 and JBOD
support

- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking

- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filtering

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

xi

M4A79 Deluxe specications summary

ASUS unique features ASUS Power Solutions:

Special features 100% High-quality Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

- 8+2 Phase Power Design

- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

ASUS Green Design:

- EPU

- ASUS AI Nap

Express Gate

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2

- ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- Onboard Switch

(5000hrs VRM, over 57 years operation lifespan at 65ºC)
ASUS MyLogo 2™
AMD® OverDrive (AOD) support*
* Advanced cooling system is required when advanced

overclocking functions of AMD® OverDrive are enabled.

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- TurboV

- Turbo Key

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment

- vChipset (N.B.): 16-step chipset voltage control

- vDIMM: 36-step DRAM voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

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

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

Overclocking protection:

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

(continued on the next page)

xii

M4A79 Deluxe specications summary

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

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

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,

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 PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x S/PDIF Out port (coaxial)
1 x S/PDIF Out port (optical)
1 x External SATA port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
1 x COM connector
5 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch

ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

Chassis Intrusion

Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
AMD OverDrive (AOD) utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

xiii

xiv

User Manual

Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A79 Deluxe 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.

Chapter 1

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe

motherboard

2 x ASUS CrossFire™

bridge cables

1 x ASUS Q-Shield

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

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

User guide Support DVD

5 x Serial ATA signal cables

1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port

IEEE 1394a module

1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit

1 x Ultra DMA 133/

100/66 cable

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™
processors (socket AM2+/AM2)

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors. It features
dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support, data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via
HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology.

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU)

This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and
delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual­channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via
HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in the
new 45nm manufacturing process.

AMD® 790FX Chipset

AMD 790FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)

interface speed and quad PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s

latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking
capabilities.

ATI® CrossFireX™ Technology

ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the
need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™ allows

higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display
congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a real-

time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.

100% high-quality Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors
(5000hrs VRM, over 57 years operation lifespan at 65ºC)

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan and enhanced thermal capacity.

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.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Power Solutions

ASUS Power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and
energy consumption.

8+2 Phase Power Design

To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU’s potential, the ASUS M4 Series
motherboards have adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high

power efciency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power

components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component
lifespan. This series also features an extra 2 (or 1) phase power dedicated to integrated
memory/HT controller.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage
caused by power surges from switching power supply (PSU).

ASUS Green Design

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the

use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the

impact of the environment.

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by
detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC
components in real-time–helping save power and money!

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.

Chapter 1

Express Gate

Taking only 5 seconds to bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a

unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM)

like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends,
or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more,
the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at
anytime!

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-3

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

ASUS Quiet Thermal solutions make the system more stable and enhance the overclocking

Chapter 1

capability.

Fanless Design—Heat pipe solution

The aesthetic heat pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets

to the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing airow

from CPU fan. This innovative and groundbreaking fanless heat pipe design effectively
lowers temperatures by up to 10ºC without having lifetime problems that a normal

chipset fan has. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-ow fan or

passive cooler. The heat pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to
date.

Fanless Design—Stack Cool 2

ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fanless and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the

temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special
design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat generated by these critical
components.

ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds

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

ASUS EZ DIY

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

DO NOT uninstall the heat pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the
heat dissipation performance.

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.

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently

store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or

a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support DVD in case
when the BIOS codes and the data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need
to buy a replacement ROM chip.

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.

Onboard Switch

With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamer to

effortless ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers!

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features

TurboV

Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC—now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC
tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface
makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC proles in TurboV

provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.

Turbo Key

ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking
button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing

work or games—with just one touch!

Chapter 1

Precision Tweaker 2

Allows you to adjust the CPU voltage in 0.0125v steps and NB/DRAM voltage in 0.02v

steps to netune voltage to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking
conguration.

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.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-5

Chapter 1

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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.

• 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, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and internal

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-35

2. AM2/AM2+ CPU socket

3. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1–2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

4. DDR2 DIMM slots

5. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

6. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)

7. AMD

8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

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

10. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

11. Reset switch

12. Power-on switch

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

14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

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

16. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

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

18. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

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

®

SB750 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5) 2-30

2-5

2-33

2-11

2-29

2-22

2-21

2-37

2-34

2-23

2-23

2-31

2-32

2-28

2-32

2-28

2-31

2-36

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-3

2.2.3 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.

2.2.4 Screw holes

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

Chapter 2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for Phenom™ X4 /
Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2). It is also
compatible with AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU).

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

Chapter 2

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

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted

up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU
will not t in completely.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-5

Socket lever

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

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket

until it ts in place.

Chapter 2

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.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is spread in an even thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied
thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

The Thermal Interface Material is
toxic and inedible. If it gets into your
eyes or touches your skin, wash it off
immediately, and seek professional
medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The AMD® AM3/AM2+/AM2 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

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, ensuring 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

Chapter 2

Retention bracket

lock

Retention bracket

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for
the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not
match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-7

CPU heatsink

Retention module
base

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

Chapter 2

3. Align the other end of the retention
bracket (near the retention bracket lock)
to the retention module base. A clicking
sound denotes that the retention bracket
is in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on
the retention mechanism to secure the
heatsink and fan to the module base.

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the retention

mechanism module base, otherwise
you cannot snap the retention bracket
in place.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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.

• This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-9

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) sockets.

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

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

Chapter 2

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and 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.

• Due to CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 MHz is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU for one

DIMM per channel only. For system stability, when four DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs

run at DDR2 800 MHz as the default setting.

• We recommend that you install the memory modules from the yellow slots for better
overclocking capability.

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

• 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 do any of the
following:

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

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

motherboard.

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

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent 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 vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at
a higher frequency, see section 3.6 Advanced menu for manual memory frequency
adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-11

M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-1066 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA ADQYE1A08 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5

A-DATA ADQYE1B16 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5

Apacer

Apacer

CORSAIR

Crucial BL12864AA106A.8FE5(EPP) 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.0

Crucial BL12864AA1065.16FD5(EPP) 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5

G.SKILL F2-8500CL5S-1GBPK 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.0-2.1

G.SKILL F2-8500CL5D-2GBPK 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.0-2.1

G.SKILL F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.0-2.1

GEIL GB22GB8500C5DC 2048MB (Kit of 2) SS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.4

Chapter 2

GEIL GE24GB1066C5QC 4096MB (Kitof4) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.4V

GEIL GB24GB8500C5DC 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.4

GEIL GE24GB1066C5DC 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.4

GEIL GX24GB8500C5UDC 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.4

GEIL GB24GB8500C5QC 4096MB (Kitof4) DS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.4

Hynix HYMP564U64FP8-G7 512MB SS HYNIX HY5PS12821FFP-G7 7

Hynix HYMP 512U64FP8-G7 1024MB DS HYNIX HY5PS12821FFP-G7 7-7-7-12

KINGMAX KLEC28F-A8KI5-EGAS 512MB SS KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-18E

KINGMAX KLED48F-A8KI5-EPA 1024MB DS KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-18A

KINGMAX KLEE88F-B8KB5 2048MB DS KINGMAX KKB8FFBXF-CFP-18A

KINGSTON KHX8500D2/ 512 512MB SS Heat-Sink Package

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KHX8500D2K2/1G 1024MB (Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.2

KINGSTON KHX8500D2/1G 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.2

KINGSTON KVR1066D2N7/1G 1024MB DS ELPIDA E5108AJBG-1J-E 1.8

KINGSTON KHX8500D2K2/2G 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.2

KINGSTON KHX8500D2K2/2GN(EPP) 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.2

MICRON MT8HTF12864AY-1GAE1 1024MB SS MICRON D9JKH 7

MICRON MT16HTF25664AY-1GAE1 2048MB DS MICRON D9JKH 7

OCZ OCZ2N10662GK(EPP) 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS Heat-Sink Package

OCZ OCZ2N1066SR2GK(EPP) 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5 2.10

OCZ OCZ2RPR10664GK 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5 2.2

Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-19F-C 512MB SS Qimonda HYB18T 512800CF19F 6

Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-1.9-C 1024MB DS Qimonda HYB18T 512800CF19 7

Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-19F-C 1024MB DS Qimonda HYB18T 512800CF19F 6

SAMSUNG M378T2953GZ3-CF8 1024MB DS SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 7

Transcend TX1066QLU-4GK 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5

Aeneon

Aeneon AXT860UD20-19E 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6

BUFFALO FSX1066D2C-1G 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package

BUFFALO FSX1066D2C-K4G 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15

Elixir M2Y1G64TU8HC4B-BD 1024MB DS Elixir N2TU 51280CE-BD 6

Kingbox N/A 1024MB DS MICRON 7YDI2 1.8

Mushkin 996535 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-4-12

Mushkin 996612 2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.1

Mushkin 996619 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.0-2.1

Team

Team

Team

BoxP/N:CH.02GAF.C0KK2
(78.0AG9S.9KF)

BoxP/N:CH.04GAF.F0KK2
(78.AAGAL.9KF)

BoxP/N:TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF
(CM2X2048-8500C5D)(EPP)

KVR1066D2N7/ 512 512MB

BoxP/N:AXT760UD00-19D-K-2G
(AXT760UD00-19D)

BoxP/N:TXDD2048M1066HC5DC
(TXDD1024M1066HC5)

BoxP/N:TXDD2048M1066HC5DC-D
(TXDD1024M1066HC5-D)

BoxP/N:TXDD4096M1066HC5DC-D
(TXDD2048M1066HC5-D)

2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15

4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15

4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.1

2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5

2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.3

2048MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.3

4096MB (Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 2.2-2.3

SS/DSChip

SS

Chip NO.

Brand

ELPIDA E5108AJBG-1J-E

Timing
Dimm (Bios)

5-5-5-15
(800-5-5-5-15)

Voltage

1.8

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B* C*

V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V V

V

V V V

V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V

V

V

V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V

V

V V V

V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V

V V

V

V V V

V V V

V V

V

V V V

V V V

V V

V

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA M2OAD6H3J4171Q1E52 2048MB DS A-DATA AD20908A8A-25EG V V V

78.91G9I.9K5

Apacer

Apacer 78.01GA0.9K5 1024MB SS APACER AM4B5808CQJS8E 5 V V V

Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 2048MB DS APACER AM4B5808CQJS8E 5 V V V

CORSAIR CM2X1024-6400C4 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 1.9 V V V

CORSAIR BoxP/N:TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX

(CM2X2048-6400C4DHX)

CORSAIR BoxP/N:TWIN2X4096-6400C5

(CM2X2048-6400C5)

BoxP/N:TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX

CORSAIR

(CM2X2048-6400C5DHX)

Crucial BL12864AA80A.8FE5(EPP) 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V V

Crucial BL12864AA804.16FD3 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 2.2 V V

Crucial BL12864AA804.16FD 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 2.2 V V V

Crucial BL12864AL804.16FD3 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 2.2 V V V

Crucial BL25664AA80A.16FE5(EPP) 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V

ELPIDA EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E 1024MB SS ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) 5 1.7-1.9 V V V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-1GBNQ 1024MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8-2.0 V V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Package V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Package 4 V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Package 5 V

G.SKILL F2-6400PHU2-2GBNR 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Package 5 V V V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 2.0-2.1 V V V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5 1.8-1.9 V V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL6D-4GBMQ 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6 1.8-1.9 V V V

G.SKILL F2-6400CL6D-8GBMQ 8192MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-18 1.8 V V

GEIL GB22GB6400C4DC 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V

GEIL GB22GB6400C5DC 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 5-5-5-15 1.8 V

GEIL GE22GB800C4DC 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V V

GEIL GE22GB800C5DC 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V

GEIL GX22GB6400DC 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V

GEIL GX22GB6400UDC 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.1 V V

GEIL GX22GB6400C4USC 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package V V V

GEIL GX22GB6400LX 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 V V V

GEIL GB24GB6400C4DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 4-4-4-12 2.0 V

GEIL GB24GB6400C5DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V

GEIL GB24GB6400C5QC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 5-5-5-15 1.8 V

GEIL GE24GB800C4DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V

GEIL GE24GB800C5DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V

GEIL GX24GB6400DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V

GEIL GB24GB6400C4QC 4096MB(Kitof4) DS GEIL GL2L64M088BA30EB 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V

GEIL GE24GB800C5QC 4096MB(Kitof4) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V

GEIL GB28GB6400C4QC 8192MB(Kitof4) DS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V V

GEIL GB28GB6400C5QC 8192MB(Kitof4) DS GEIL GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V V

GEIL GE28GB800C4QC 8192MB(Kitof4) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.0 V V V

GEIL GE28GB800C5QC 8192MB(Kitof4) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V V

Hynix HYMP564U64CP8-S5 512MB SS HYNIX HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5 1.8 V V V

Hynix HYMP112U64CP8-S6 1024MB SS HYNIX HY5PS1G831CFP-S6 6 V V V

Hynix HYMP 512U64CP8-S5 1024MB DS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5 V

KINGMAX KLDC28F-A8KI5 512MB SS KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A V V

KINGMAX KLDD48F-ABKI5 1024MB DS KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A V V

KINGMAX KLDE88F-B8KB5 2048MB DS KINGMAX KKB8FFBXF-CFA-25A V

KINGSTON KHX6400D2/ 512 512MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.95 V V

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/ 512 512MB SS ELPIDA E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8 V v V

KINGSTON KVR800D2N6/ 512 512MB SS ELPIDA E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8 V v V

KINGSTON KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN(EPP) 1024MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 2.0 V V V

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/1G 1024MB SS HYNIX HY5PS1GB31CFP-S5 1.8 V V V

KINGSTON KHX6400D2LL/1G 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4 2.0 V V V

512MB SS

4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.10 V V V

4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-18 1.80 V V V

4096MB(Kit of 2) DS

SS/DSChip

Chip NO.

Brand

APACER AM4B5708JQJS8E

N/A Heat-Sink Package

Timing
Dimm (Bios)

5

5-5-5-18

Voltage

1.80 V

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B* C*

V V

V

V V

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-13

M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800 MHz capability (cont.)

Vendor Part No. Size

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/1G 1024MB DS ELPIDA E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8 V V

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/1G

KINGSTON KVR800D2N6/1G 1024MB DS ELPIDA E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8 V

KINGSTON KHX6400D2LLK2/2GN(EPP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package V

KINGSTON KHX6400D2ULK2/2G 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.3-2.35 V V

KINGSTON KHX6400D2/2G 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.0 V V V

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/2G 2048MB DS ELPIDA E1108ACBG-8E-E 1.8 V V V

KINGSTON KVR800D2N6/4G

NANYA NT 512T64U88B0BY-25C 512MB SS NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 V V V

NANYA NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C 1024MB DS NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 V V V

NANYA NT1GT64U8HCOBY-25D 1024MB DS NANYA NT5TU64M8CE-25D V V V

NANYA NT2GT64U8HC0BY-AC 2048MB DS NANYA NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5 V

OCZ OCZ2T8002GK(EPP) 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5 1.8 V

OCZ OCZ2P8004GK

Chapter 2

OCZ OCZ2G8008GK 8192MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5 1.80 V V V

PSC AL8E8F73C-8E1 2048MB DS PSC A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E 5 V V V

Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-2.5-C2 2048MB DS Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-2.5 6 V V V

Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-25F-C2 2048MB DS Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-25F 5 V V V

Qimonda HYS64T 512020EU-2.5-A 4096MB DS Qimonda HYB18T2G800AF-2.5 6 V V V

Qimonda HYS64T 512020EU-25F-A 4096MB DS Qimonda HYB18T2G800AF-25F 5 V V V

SAMSUNG M378T6553GZS-CF7 512MB SS SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 6 V V V

SAMSUNG M378T2863QZS-CF7 1024MB SS SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ 6 V V V

SAMSUNG M391T2863QZ3-CF7 1024MB SS SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ(ECC) 6 V V V

SAMSUNG M378T2953GZ3-CF7 1024MB DS SAMSUNG K4T51083QG 6 V V V

SAMSUNG M378T5663QZ3-CF7 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ(ECC) 6 V V

SAMSUNG M391T5663QZ3-CF7 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4T1G084QQ 6 V V V

SAMSUNG M378T5263AZ3-CF7 4096MB DS SAMSUNG K4T2G084QA-HCF7 6 V V

Super Talent T800UA12C4 512MB SS Heat-Sink Package V V V

Super Talent T800UB1GC4 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Package V V V

Transcend JM800QLU-1G 1024MB SS Transcend TQ243ECF8 5 V

Transcend TS128MLQ64V8U 1024MB SS ELPIDA E1108ACBG-8E-E 5 V V V

Transcend JM800QLU-2G 2048MB DS Transcend TQ243PCF8 5 V V V

Transcend TS256MLQ64V8P 2048MB DS ELPIDA E1108ACBG-BE-E 6-6-6-

Transcend TS256MLQ64V8U 2048MB DS ELPIDA E1108ACBG-8E-E 5 V V V

Transcend TS256MLQ72V8U 2048MB DS ELPIDA E1108ACBG-8E-E(ECC) 5 V V V

Aeneon AET760UD00-25DC08X 1024MB SS AENEON AET03R25DC 5 V

Aeneon AET760UD00-25DB97X 1024MB DS AENEON AET93R25DB 5 1.8 V V

Aeneon AET860UD00-25DC08X 2048MB DS AENEON AET03R25DC 5 V

Asint SLY2128M8-JGE 1024MB SS Asint DDRII1208-GE V

Asint SLZ2128M8-JGE 2048MB DS Asint DDRII1208-GE V V V

CENTURY 28V2H8 512MB SS HYNIX HY5PS12821BFP-S5 V V

Elixir M2Y1G64TU88D4B-AC 1024MB SS Elixir N2TU1G80DE-AC 5 V v V

Elixir M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C 1024MB DS Elixir N2TU 51280BE-25C 5 1.8 V V V

Elixir M2Y2G64TU8HD4B-AC 2048MB DS Elixir N2TU1G80DE-AC 5 V V V

Kingbox N/A 2048MB DS MICRON D9HNL V V V

Kingbox N/A 2048MB DS KINGBOX EPD2128082200E-3 V V V

Mushkin XP2-6400 1024MB SS Heat-Sink Package 4 V V

Oci 04701G16CZ5D2A 1024MB DS Jnnity 64M8PC6400 5 V V V

Patriot PSD2 51280081 512MB SS PATRIOT PM64M8D2BU-25EC V V V

Patriot PSD21G8002 1024MB DS PATRIOT PM64M8D2BU-25PAC 5 V

Patriot PSD22GB002 2048MB DS PATRIOT PM128M8D2BU-25KC 5 V V V

Patriot PDC24G6400LLK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 2.2 V V V

Silicon
Power

Silicon
Power

Team TEDD1024M800HC5 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 V

SS /DSChip

1024MB

4096MB

4096MB(Kit of 2)

SP001GBLRU800S02 1024MB SS S-POWER 10YR9N3 5(5-5-5-15) V V V

SP002GBLRU800S02 2048MB DS S-POWER 10YR9N3 5(5-5-5-15) V V V

DS

DS ELPIDA

DS N/A

Chip NO.

Brand

V59C1 512804QBF25

E2108ABSE-8G-E

Heat-Sink Package 5-4-4

Timing
Dimm (Bios)

(800-5-5-5-15)

Voltage

1.8

1.8

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B* C*

V V

V V

V v

V V V

V

V

V

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

M4A79 Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

Apacer 78.01G9O.9K5 1024MB SS APACER AM4B5808CQJS7E 5 V V

Apacer 78.A1G9O.9K4

CORSAIR VS 512MB667D2 512MB SS N/A 64M8CFEG N/A N/A V V

CORSAIR VS1GB667D2 1024MB DS N/A 64M8CFEG N/A N/A V

Crucial BL12864AA663.16FD 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 3 2.2 V V

Crucial BL12864AL664.16FD 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 3 2.2 V

ELPIDA EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E 512MB SS ELPIDA E5108AE-6E-E 5 1.7-1.9 V V

G.SKILL F2-5400PHU2-2GBNT

GEIL GX22GB5300LX 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 V V

GEIL GX24GB5300LDC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 1.8 V V V

Hynix HYMP112U64CP8-Y5 1024MB SS HYNIX HY5PS1G831CFP-Y5 5 V V V

Hynix HYMP 512U64CP8-Y5 1024MB DS HYNIX HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 1.8 V

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/ 512 512MB SS KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U 5 1.7-1.9 V V

KINGSTON KVR667D2E5/1G

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/1G 1024MB DS KINGSTON E5108AGBG-6E-E 1.8 V V V

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/1G 1024MB DS ELPIDA E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8 V

2048MB

2048MB(Kit of 2)

1024MB

SS/

Chip Brand Chip NO.

DS

DS APACER

DS G.Skill

DS ELPIDA

AM4B5808CQJS7E 5

D264M8GCF 5-5-5-15

E5108AGBG-6E-E(ECC)

Timing
Dimm (Bios)

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

• A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as single-channel

memory conguration.

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or

the black slots as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as

two pairs of dual-channel memory conguration.

Voltage

1.8

1.8

DIMM socket
support (Optional)

A* B* C*

V

V

V V

V

Chapter 2

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-15

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

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

To install a DIMM:

1. Press the retaining clips outward to
unlock a DIMM socket.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the
break on the socket.

Chapter 2

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

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

2

DIMM notch

1

1

Unlocked retaining clip

A 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

Locked Retaining Clip

2

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

1

1

DIMM notch

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

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the
slots and the expansion cards that they support.

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

2.5.1 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.

2.5.2 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 3 for
information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Chapter 2

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. Refer to the table on the next
page for details.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-17

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 – Redirect to IRQ#9

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

6 14 Floppy Disk Controller

7 15 Reserved

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

Chapter 2

9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

12 7 Reserved

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

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

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCIE x16_1 shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCIE x16_2 shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCIE x16_3 shared shared shared shared – – – –
PCIE x16_4 shared shared shared shared – – – –
USB controller 1 – – – shared – – – –
USB controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
USB controller 3 – – – shared – – – –
USB controller 4 – – – shared – – – –
USB 2.0 controller – – – shared – – – –
HD audio shared – – – – – – –
Onboard SATA – – – – shared – –

A B C D E F G H

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.4 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. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots.

2.5.5 Four PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots

This motherboard supports four ATI CrossFireX™ PCI Express x16 graphics cards

that comply with the PCI Express specications. With four graphics cards installed, the
motherboard can enable quad-display. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots.

Chapter 2

Primary PCI Express x16_1 slot

(blue, at max. x16 link)

PCI slot

PCI Express x 16_2 slot (black, at max. x8 link)

Before installing a graphics card on PCI Express x 16_4 slot, we recommend that you

connect the necessary cables to the connectors beside the slot rst

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-19

PCI slot

PCI Express x 16_4 slot (black, at max. x8 link)

Primary PCI Express x16_3 slot (blue, at max. x16 link)

Primary PCI Express x16 slots

The primary PCI Express x16 slots support PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with

the PCI Express specications.

Universal PCI Express x16 slots (max. x8 mode)

This motherboard also supports universal PCI Express x16 slots with a maximum speed of
8 GB/s. The operating frequency of this slot changes, depending on the type of PCI Express
card you install. Refer to the table below for details.

If you install multiple graphics cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan
cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 for better thermal environment.
See page 2-33 for the connector location.

Chapter 2

VGA conguration

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card

Triple VGA/PCIe card

Quad VGA card

PCI Express operating mode

PCIex16_1
(Blue)

PCIex16_2
(Black)

PCIex16_3
(Blue)

PCIex16_4
(Black)

x16 x1 x16 x1

x16 x1 x16 x1

x16 x1 x8 x8

x8 x8 x16 x1

x8 x8 x8 x8

•

When using one graphics card and a x4 PCIe card at the same time, install them to
the blue slots.

• When using two graphics card, install them to the blue slots.

•

If you install two graphics cards to the blue slots and use other x4 PCIe cards
simultaneously, the x4 PCIe cards will downgrade to x1 mode for optimum VGA
performance. You may reassign PCIe width in BIOS settings. Refer to page 3-21 for
details.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.6 Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin 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 <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter

data.

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

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again
to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For
system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter
settings to default values.

• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You
must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before
rebooting the system.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-21

2. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the advanced CPU overvoltage setting in
BIOS. Read the following information before you change the jumper setting. Set to pins
1-2 to activate the advanced CPU overvoltage feature.

Chapter 2

OV_CPU

Pins 2-3 (Default) 0.80V – 1.70V

Pins 1-2 (OV Enabled) up to 1.90V

• Before you change the jumper setting for extra-high overvoltage ability, use the BIOS
items introduced in
Ensure that your system functions well under the highest BIOS voltage setting before
you change the setting of this jumper.

• Refer to

• DO NOT set the OV_CPU jumper to pins 1-2 when you install a new CPU and have

• The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling system)

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

setting.

not booted for the rst time. Doing so may cause the system to halt. For system failure

due to the wrong setting of the OV_CPU jumper, shut down the computer and move
the cap back to pins 2-3.

to work stably under high voltage settings.

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

for more information about the CPU overvoltage

rst to adjust the desired CPU performance.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Onboard switches

Onboard switches allow you to power on or reboot the system quickly and conveniently on a
bare or open-case system.

1. Power-on switch

Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system.

2. Reset switch

Press the reset switch to reboot the system.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-23

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

Chapter 2

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 7. Optical S/PDIF Out port

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 8. External SATA port*

3. IEEE 1394a port 9. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

4. LAN (RJ-45) port** 10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

5. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 11. Audio I/O ports***

6. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6

* To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS settings to [AHCI] mode. See
section 3.4.2 Storage Conguration for details.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

** LAN port LED indications

Right

Status Left LED Right LED

OFF OFF OFF

10 Mbps

connection

100 Mbps

connection

1 Gbps connection OFF

Orange (blinking during

data activity)

OFF

Orange (blinking during

Green (blinking during

OFF

data activity)

data activity)

Left

LED

LAN port

LED

*** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port Headset

2-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

Chapter 2

Connect to Headphone and Mic

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-25

Connect to Stereo Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-27

2.8.3 Internal connectors

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

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end

of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the

back of the oppy disk drive.

Chapter 2

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

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a
slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

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

• The oppy disk drive cable is purchased separately.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the 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.

Drive jumper setting Mode of

Cable connector

device(s)

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Two devices Cable-Select Master

Black

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

Chapter 2

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA
cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

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

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-29

4. AMD® SB750 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk and
optical disk drives.

If you install SATA hard disk drives to the SATA1–5 connectors, you can create a RAID

0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 or JBOD conguration through the onboard AMD® SB750

controller.

Chapter 2

These connectors are set to [IDE] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set
using these connectors, set the Onchip SATA Type item in the BIOS to [RAID].

Important note on Serial ATA

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

• For detailed instructions on how to congure RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10,

refer to the RAID manual in the support DVD.

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

SATA Type

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

item in the BIOS to [RAID].

Onchip

5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910; USB1112)

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!

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports
front panel USB ports.

6. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as
a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-31

7. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

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

Chapter 2

8. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

The COM module is purchased separately.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

9. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total
of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the
motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of
the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the

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

• Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN 1 and CHA_FAN 2 connectors support the
ASUS Q FAN 2 feature.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis

fan cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2
for better themal environment.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-33

10. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect
one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis
intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis
component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion
event.

By default , the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with a jumper
cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion
detection feature.

Chapter 2

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

11. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are

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

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 600 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX +12 V power plug. Otherwise, the system will
not boot.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when conguring a

system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system,
refer to the
asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

• The ATX 12 V Specication 2.0-compliant (1000W) PSU has been tested to support
the motherboard power requirements with the following conguration:

CPU: AMD Phenom 9950
Memory: 1024 MB DDR2 (x4)
Graphics card: PCI Express x16 Radeon 4870 X2 (x2)
Serial ATA device: SATA hard disk drive (x2)
Optical drive: DVD-RW (x1)

Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator

at http://support.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-35

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

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports
either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel
audio I/O module cable to this connector.

Chapter 2

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the

Front Panel Type

front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to
connector is set to

item in the BIOS setup to

.

[HD]

if you want to connect an AC'97

[HD];

. By default, this

[AC97]

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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 IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable

to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

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

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This 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.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-37

14. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

IDE_LED

POWER SW

RESET SW

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PWR

Reset

Ground

Ground

Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables. Refer to
the following instructions to install the ASUS Q-Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS
Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to

know the detailed pin denitions, and then

match them to their respective front panel
cable labels.

Chapter 2

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system
panel connector, making sure the orientation
matches the labels on the motherboard.

The labels on the front panel cables
may vary depending on the chassis
model.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector is properly

installed on the motherboard.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the

BIOS beeps (see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on
the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and
connections or call your retailer for assistance.

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)
One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

Chapter 2

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.

2.10 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system
on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch
for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS
setting. Refer to section

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 2-39

3.7 Power Menu

in Chapter 3 for details.

Chapter 2

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device
conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal

circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in
the following circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to

run the BIOS Setup.

• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or

update.

Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.

3.2 Updating BIOS

The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this

motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

1.

ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

2.

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

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2: Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk or the
motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or USB ash

disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard
BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-1

Chapter 3

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

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

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet

• View the BIOS version information

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.

2. From the Main menu, click the

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

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

Chapter 3

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. From the Windows® desktop, click

Start > Programs > ASUS >
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

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

Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

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

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

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or click

Auto Select. Click Next.

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

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

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

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Fom the Windows® desktop, click

Start > Programs > ASUS >
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select

Update BIOS from a le

from the dropdown menu, then click
Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.

M4a79dlx.ROM

Chapter 3

M4a79dlx

Ensure to load the BIOS default
settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the
Load Setup Defaults item under
the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit
Menu for details.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-3

3.2.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

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

b. At the DOS prompt, type

Windows® XP environment

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

b. Click

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

d. Click File from the menu, then select

e. Select

Windows® Vista environment

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

b. Click

c. Right-click

d. Select the

e. Click

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

window appears.

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

Start.

from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

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

Floppy dialog box .

Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

Start.

format

A:/S then press <Enter>.

Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk

Chapter 3

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy disk.

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.3 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 a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so

it is accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS 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 in any of these two ways:

• Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the
press <Enter> to enable it.

Press Tab to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.34

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M4A79 Deluxe
VER: 0302
DATE: 12/19/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

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

and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a 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!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-5

Chapter 3

3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 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 or the oppy disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the oppy disk containing the updated

motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD for the

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

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

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

Floppy found!

Reading le “M4A79DLX.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

Chapter 3

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

Recovering the BIOS from a oppy disk

To recover the BIOS from a oppy disk:

1. Insert the oppy disk that contains BIOS le to the oppy disk drive.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

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

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

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3 BIOS setup program

A BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. 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, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>,
or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the

system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the rst two failed.

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 select from the available options
using the navigation keys.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults
item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.6 Jumpers for details.

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [13:51:25]
System Date [Mon 12/22/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
SATA1 [HDT722516DLA380]
SATA2 [Not Detected]
SATA3 [ATAPI DVD DH1]
SATA4 [Not Detected]
SATA5 [Not Detected]
ESATA [Not Detected]
Storage Conguration

System Information

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

Submenu items

Conguration elds

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General helpMenu bar

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT -TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure the System

Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Navigation keys

Chapter 3

3.3.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced

Power

Boot

Tools

Exit

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-7

For changing the basic system conguration

For changing the overclocking settings

For changing the advanced system settings

For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration

For changing the system boot conguration

For conguring options for special functions

For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

3.3.3 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.

The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.

3.3.4 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, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective
menu items.

3.3.5 Submenu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a submenu.
To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

3.3.6 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 3.3.7 Pop-up

window.

Chapter 3

3.3.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to

display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

3.3.8 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.

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

3.3.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an
overview of the basic system information. You can set the system time and date, BIOS

language, and the type of oppy drive installed.

Refer to 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to
navigate through them.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [10:55:25]
System Date [Mon 12/22/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
SATA1 [HDT722516DLA380]
SATA2 [Not Detected]
SATA3 [Not Detected]
SATA4 [Not Detected]
SATA5 [Not Detected]
ESATA [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure System Time.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.4.1 Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1-5; ESATA

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 SATA device information.

Main

Primary IDE Master

Device : Hard Disk
Vendor : WDC WD800JD-00LSA0
Size : 80.0GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16 Sectors
PIO Mode : 4
Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-5
SMART Monitoring: Supported

Type [Auto]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-sector Transfer)M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

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

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size,

LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These

values are not user-congurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the

system.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of
device connected to
the system.

Select Screen

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

Chapter 3

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-9

Type [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of IDE drive installed.

[Not Installed] Select this option if no IDE drive is installed.

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type.

[CDROM] Select this option if you are specically conguring a CD-ROM drive.

[ARMD] Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA (Logical Block Addressing) mode.

[Auto] Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers.

[Auto] When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one

Chapter 3

PIO Mode [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,

[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Set the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

This item appears in Primary IDE Master/Slave and ESATA only.

if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously
formatted with LBA mode disabled.

multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.

sector at a time.

which correspond to different data transfer rates.

DMA Mode [Auto]

DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware
devices installed with much less CPU overhead.

The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA
(Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,

[Enabled] Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

[Disabled] Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

and Reporting Technology).

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

[Enabled] Sets the IDE controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk

[Disabled] Disables this function.

into a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes

more efcient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the

transfer of a particular amount of data.

3.4.2 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.

Main

Storage Conguration

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]
OnChip SATA Type [IDE]

OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard channel SATA port.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard channel SATA port.

The following item appears only when you enable Onchip SATA Channel.

OnChip SATA Type [IDE]

Allows you to set the SATA conguration. This item appears only when you enable the

OnChip SATA Channel item.

[IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the SATA

[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] mode when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the

Parallel ATA physical storage devices.

hard disk drives.

AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to

internally optimize the order of commands.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled
Enabled

Options

Chapter 3

When this item is set to [AHCI], only SATA connectors 1–4 can be detected. Ensure that
you’ve installed the AHCI driver, so that you could use SATA connectors 1–5 and E-SATA
connector in AHCI mode under OS.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-11

3.4.3 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically
detects the BIOS information, CPU specication, and system memory in this menu.

Main

BIOS Information

Version : 0302
Build Date: 12/19/08

Processor

Type : AMD Phenom(tm) 8600 Triple-Core
Processor
Speed : 2300MHz

System Memory

Usable Size : 1024MB

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai (Extreme) Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

Chapter 3

AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto]
DRAM Frequency Control [Auto]
HT Link Speed [Auto]

******* Please key in numbers directly! *******

CPU Voltage [Auto]
CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]
CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
HT Voltage [Auto]
NB Voltage [Auto]
NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]
SB Voltage [Auto]

***********************************************

CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the target CPU
frequency, and the
relevant parameters
will be auto-adjusted.
Frequencies higher
than CPU manufacturer
recommends are not
guaranteed to be
stable. If the system
becomes unstable,
return to the default.

Select Screen

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

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

3.5.1 AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

The following three items appear only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to
[Manual].

3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Use <+>
and <-> to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

3.5.3 FSB Frequency [XXX]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also key in the desired FSB
frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 600.

3.5.4 PCIE Frequency [XXX]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also key in the desired
value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 150.

3.5.5 DRAM Frequency Control [Auto]

Allows you to select the DRAM frequency programming method.

[Auto] Allows the BIOS to set DRAM frequency automatically.

[Manual] Allows you to select the DRAM frequency from any of the standard values.

The following item appears only when you set the DRAM Frequncy Control item to
[Manual].

DRAM Frequency [667MHz]

Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency.

Conguration options: [667MHz] [800MHz] [1066MHz]

The DRAM Frequency conguration options vary with the FSB Frequency settings.

Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.

The following item appears only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual].

3.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU/NB frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz]
[1800MHz]

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-13

Chapter 3

3.5.7 HT Link Speed [Auto]

Allows you to select the HyperTransport link speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] [1 GHz] [1.2 GHz]
[1.4 GHz] [1.6 GHz] [1.8 GHz]

The following two items appear only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to
[Manual].

3.5.8 Memory Conguration

Ai Tweaker

Memory Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Auto]
Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit]
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]
DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]
Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Bank Interleaving [Auto]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit]

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 Bank Memory
Interleavng.

Chapter 3

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM Unganged Mode [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power Down Mode [Channel]

Allows you to set the DDR power down mode. This item appears only when you enable

the previous item. Conguration options: [Channel] [Chip Select]

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration

Ai Tweaker

DRAM Timing Conguration

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]
DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

DCT0/DCT1 Strength Cong. [Auto]

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs

you install on the motherboard.

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]

DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Both]

The following sub-items appear only when you set the DRAM Timing Mode item to [Both].

TCL [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK DH_Only]

TRCD [Auto]

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

TRP [Auto]

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

TRTP [Auto]

Species the read CAS# to precharge time.
Conguration options: [Auto] [2-4 CLK] [3-5 CLK]

TRAS [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] – [17 CLK] [18 CLK]

TRC [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto]

TWR [Auto]

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

TRRD [Auto]

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

TWTR [Auto]

Species the write to read delay when accessing the same DIMM.
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]

TRFC0/TRFC1 [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]

DRAM Command Rate:
1T: DRAM address and
control signals are
driven for one MEMCLK
cycle.

Chapter 3

DCT0/DCT1 Strength Cong. [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [DCT 0] [DCT 1] [Both]

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-15

3.5.10 CPU Voltage [Auto]

Allows selection of the processor Voltage. The values range from 0.8000V to 1.90V* with a

0.0125V interval.

3.5.11 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows selection of the CPU/NB Voltage. The values range from 0.8000V to 1.90V* with a

0.0125V interval.

3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU VDDA voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [2.50V] [2.60V] [2.70V] [2.80V]

3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the DDR2 reference voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.50V with
a 0.02V interval.

3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.50V with

Chapter 3

a 0.02V interval.

3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the Northbridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V with a

0.02V interval.

• The value [1.90V] is supported only if the OV_CPU jumper is enabled. Otherwise,

the maximum voltage supported is [1.70V]. See 2. CPU overvoltage setting on page
2-22 for details.

• The supported voltage may vary by CPU models.

3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the Northbridge 1.8V voltage using the numeric keypad.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.80V] [2.00V]

3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the Southbridge voltage using the numeric keypad.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.35V]

• Setting the above voltages to a high level may damage the CPU, memory module,
and chipset permanently. Proceed with caution.

• The system may require a better cooling system to work stably under high voltage
settings.

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

[Disabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

3.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual].

3.5.20 AI Clock Skew for Channel A/B [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Advance 900ps] [Advance 750ps] [Advance 600ps] [Advance

450ps] [Advance 300ps] [Advance 150ps] [Normal] [Delay 150ps]
[Delay 300ps] [Delay 450ps] [Delay 600ps] [Delay 750ps] [Delay 900ps]

Current Clock Skew [Advance300ps]

This item shows the current clock skew for channel A/B.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-17

Chapter 3

3.6 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 Ai Tweaker

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration

PCIPnP

Chapter 3

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure CPU.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6.1 CPU Conguration

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

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.40
AGESA Version:3.3.1.0

AMD Phenom(tm) 8600 Triple-Core Processor
Revision: B2
Cache L1: 384KB
Cache L2: 1536KB
Cache L3: 2MB
Speed : 2300MHz, NB Clk: 1800MHz
Able to Change Freq. : Yes
uCode Patch Level : 0x100008D

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]
Microcode Updation [Enabled]
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]
Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Disabled]
ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]
CPU Prefetching [Enabled]
C1E Support [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

This option should
remain disabled for
the normal operation.
The driver developer
may enable it for
testing purpose.

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the GART Error Reporting function.

[Enabled] Enables the GART Error Reporting function.

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Microcode Updation function.

[Enabled] Allows the system to update the Microcode automatically, enhancing

system performance.

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.

Cool‘n’Quiet [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.

[Enabled] Enables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.

CPU Prefetching [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU prefetching.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU prefetching.

C1E Support [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the the Enhanced Halt State support.

[Enabled] Enables the the Enhanced Halt State support.

Chapter 3

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-19

3.6.2 Chipset

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

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

NorthBridge Conguration

RD790 Conguration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options for NB

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

ECC Conguration

ECC Conguration

Advanced

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]
4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]
DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled]
Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]
L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]
L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

Chapter 3

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct
memory errors.

[Disabled] Disables the DRAM ECC mode.

[Basic] Set to [Basic] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[Good] Set to [Good] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[Super] Set to [Super] to adjust the

[Max] Set to [Max] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[User] Set to [User] to adjust all the subitems manually.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

DRAM BG Scrub sub-item manually.

Set the ECC options
for cache and dram
scrubbing.

Set the level of ECC
protection. Note: The
‘Super’ ECC mode
dynamically sets the
DRAM scrub rate so
all of memory is
scrubbed in 8 hours.

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

RD790 Conguration

Advanced

RD790 Conguration

PCI Express Conguration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

PCI Express

Conguration

PCI Express Conguration

Advanced

PCI Express Conguration

GFX Dual Slot Conguration [Auto]
GFX2 Dual Slot Conguration [Auto]

Peer-to-Peer among GFX/GFX2 [Disabled]
GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25]

GFX Dual Slot Configuration [Auto]

[Auto] Switches the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots

automatically.

[Enable] Sets the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots to x8/x8 links.

[Disabled] Sets the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2 slots to x16/x1

links.

GFX2 Dual Slot Configuration [Auto]

[Auto] Switches the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_3 and PCIEX16_4 slots

automatically.

[Enable] Sets the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_3 and PCIEX16_4 slots to x8/x8 links.

[Disabled] Sets the PCIe lane of the PCIEX16_3 and PCIEX16_4 slots to x16/x1

links.

Peer-to-Peer among GFX/GFX2 [Disabled]

[Enable] Enhances the link speed between GFX and GFX2 slots when two or more

PCIe devices are installed.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Auto
Enable
Disabled

Options

Chapter 3

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-21

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration

Advanced

On Board Devices Conguration

High Denition Audio [Enabled]

Front Panel Type [HD]
SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Firewire 1394 [Enabled]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

High Denition Audio [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Front Panel Type [HD]

[AC 97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97.

[HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high denition audio.

SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output]

If your graphics card has HDMI output and needs to use SPDIF signal from the SPDIF_Out
header, you need to set to HDMI Output for HDMI audio output.

[SPDIF Output] Sets [SPDIF Output] for SPDIF audio output.

Chapter 3

[HDMI Output] Sets to [HDMI Output] for HDMI audio output.

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard controller.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
Enabled

The following two items appear only when you set the High Denition Audio item to
[Enabled].

The following item appears only when you set the Onboard LAN item to [Enabled].

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.

Firewire 1394 [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard 1394 device support.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard 1394 device support.

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]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6.4 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then

press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Support [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]

The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is
detected, the item shows None.

USB Support [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers.

[Disabled] Disables the controllers.

The following items appear only when you set USB Support to [Enabled].

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Disabled] Disables the function.

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB 2.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable support for
all USB ports.

Enable support for
all USB ports

Chapter 3

The following two items appear only when you set the USB 2.0 Controller item to
[Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

[FullSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps).

[HiSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps).

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

[Disabled] Disables the function.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-23

feature.

3.6.5 PCIPnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

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

Plug And Play O/S [No]

Plug And Play O/S [No]

[Yes] When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the

[No] When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system.

Chapter 3

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

NO: lets the BIOS

congure all the

devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

operating system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for

boot.

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.7 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power

Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

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

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used

for system suspend.

[Auto] The system automatically congures the ACPI suspend mode.

[S1 (POS) only] Sets the APCI suspend mode to S1/POS (Power On Suspend).

[S3 only] Sets the APCI suspend mode to S3/STR (Suspend To RAM).

3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]

Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

[No] When set to [No], the system will not invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR

resume.

[Yes] When set to [Yes], the system invokes VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR

resume.

3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the system will not add additional tables as per

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2.0

ACPI 2.0 specications.

specications.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Option

+-

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Chapter 3

3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the system disable the Advanced Conguration and

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-25

Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt
Controller (APIC).

pointer list.

3.7.5 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Power On By PME [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

Power On By PME [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE/onboard LAN devices.

[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE/onboard LAN device.

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.

[Enabled] Sets specic keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature

Chapter 3

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse.

[Enabled] Enables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse. This feature requires an ATX

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

[Disabled] The computer could not be powered up when the external modem receives

[Enabled] The computer could be powered up when the external modem receives a

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Power On
Power Off
Last State

before the AC power loss.

This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead.

requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully

running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst try. Turning an external modem
off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the

system power on.

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items

become user-congurable with set values.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Time will

3.7.6 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [42ºC/107.5ºF]
MB Temperature [33ºC/91ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [4856RPM]
Chassis Fan 1 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 2 Speed [N/A]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.234V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.320V]
5V Voltage [ 5.026V]
12V Voltage [11.787V]

CPU Q-Fan Function [Disabled]
Chassis Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

CPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

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

CPU Fan /Chassis Fan 1 and 2 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan

speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld

shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

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

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item.

CPU Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

The following two items appear only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

Select Fan Type: [PWR Fan]

[PWR Fan] Sets to [PWR Fan] when using a 4-pin CPU fan.

[DC Fan] Sets to [DC Fan] when using a 3-pin CPU fan.

Quiet CPU Fan Mode [Silent]

[Performance] Sets to [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Optimal] Sets to [Optimal] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust

depending on the CPU temperature.

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan

operation.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-27

Chapter 3

Chassis Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

Quiet Chassis Fan Mode [Silent]

[Performance] Sets to [Performance] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

[Optimal] Sets to [Optimal] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.

3.8 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 Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

Chapter 3

The following item appears only when you set Chassis Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

depending on the chassis temperature.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot

Device Boot 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

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

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]
2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI DVD-ROM]

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st FlOPPY DRIVE]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices
installed in the system.

Conguration options: [1st FlOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], BIOS skips some power on self tests (POST) while

booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

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

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

sequence.

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

Chapter 3

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-29

3.8.3 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.

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
Change User Passward

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 user password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press

Chapter 3

<Enter>. The message Password Uninstalled appears.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time
Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC
RAM.

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

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Installed
User Password : Installed

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

User Access Level [Full Access]

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

[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]

[Setup] BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility.

[Always]

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-31

BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting
the system.

Chapter 3

3.9 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate [Enabled]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]

ASUS O.C. Prole
AI NET 2

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message

appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to

conrm your choice. Check page 3-5, section 3.2.3 for details.

Chapter 3

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Press ENTER to run the
utility to select and
update BIOS.
This utility supports:

1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)

2.NTFS (read only)

3.CD-DISC (read only)

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.34

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: M4A79 Deluxe
VER: 0302
DATE: 12/19/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.9.2 Express Gate

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate
feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser

and Skype. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]

Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst screen
before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the rst

screen of Express Gate for user action.
Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds] [10 seconds]
[15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]

Reset User Data [No]

Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.

[Reset] When setting this item to [Reset], ensure that you save the setting to the

[No] Set to [No] to disable the Reset User Data function when entering the

BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the
Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as
any personal information stored by the web browser such as bookmarks,
cookies, browsing history. This is useful in the rare case where corrupt
settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.

Express Gate.

The rst time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after

clearing its settings.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-33

Chapter 3

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Tools

O.C. PROFILE Conguration

O.C. Prole 1 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 2 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 3 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 4 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 5 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 6 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 7 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Prole 8 Status : Not Installed

Add Your CMOS Prole.

Name: [Default-Prole]

Save To: [Uninstalled]

Load CMOS Proles.

Load From: [Blank]

Start O.C. Prole

Add Your CMOS Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, type your
prole name and press <Enter>, and then choose a prole number to save your CMOS

settings in the Save to sub-item.

Load CMOS Proles

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter>, and

choose a prole to load.

Chapter 3

Start O.C. Prole

Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Typing your prole

name, [0-9][a-z][A­Z] are acceptable.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility V1.34

Current CMOS

BOARD: M4A79 Deluxe
VER: 0115
DATE: 12/08/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

Restore CMOS

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a 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 the
system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/CPU
conguration and BIOS version.

• Only the CMO le can be loaded.

3.9.4 AI NET 2

Tools

AI NET 2

Pair Status Length

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Check Realtek LAN Cable [Disabled]

[Disabled] BIOS will not check the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test

(POST).

[Enabled] BIOS checks the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test

(POST).

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Check Realtek LAN
cable during POST.

It will take 3 to 10
seconds to diagnose
LAN cable.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 3-35

Chapter 3

3.10 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.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

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.

Chapter 3

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

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

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit 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 the Windows
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

4.2 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.

4.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.

The Drivers menu shows the

available device drivers if the

system detects installed devices.

Install the necessary drivers to

use the devices.

The Make disk menu
contains items to create
the ATI® RAID/AHCI
driver disk.

XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before

The Manual menu contains
the list of supplementary
user manuals. Click an item
to open the folder of the user
manual.

Click the Contact tab
to display the ASUS
contact information.

The Utilities

menu shows the

applications and

other software that

the motherboard

supports.

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.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 4-1

Click an icon
to display DVD/
motherboard
information

Chapter 4

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get
the necessary software manuals.

The software manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®

Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the les.

1. Click the support DVD icon.

2. The support DVD contents are
displayed in graphical format.
Double-click the Manual folder.

3. Double-click the folder of your
selected manual.

Chapter 4

The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals
containing in the support DVD vary by models.

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you
through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software

application for more information.

4.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and
automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task
the CPU performs.

Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

1. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the Power On
Self-Tests (POST).

2. Go to

3. Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.

4. Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on your

Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software

1. Install Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Click

3. The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU

Advanced > CPU Conguration > Cool ‘n’Quiet and set it to [Enabled]. See

section 3.6 Advanced menu.

operating system.

Start > All Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.

Frequency and CPU Voltage.

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website

at www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 4-3

Chapter 4

4.3.2 Audio congurations

The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and
giving users plug and play convenience.

Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD

that came with the motherboard package.

If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will nd

the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar. Double­click on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

A. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows® Vista™

Set default device button

Conguration

option tabs

Control

settings
window

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Minimize button

Exit button

Device
advanced
settings

Connector
settings

Analog
and digital
connector
status

Information
button

B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP

Conguration

options

Control settings

window

Exit button

Minimize button

Chapter 4

Information button

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support