ASUS M4A79T DELUXE U3S6, M4A79T DELUXE User Manual

M4A79T Deluxe

Motherboard

E4434

Second Edition (V2)
January 2009

Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

product is defaced or missing.

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

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

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

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

ii

Contents

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

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

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

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

M4A79T Deluxe specications summary ................................................................. xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

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

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

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

1.3.2 ASUS unique features ............................................................................... 1-3

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features .......................... 1-5

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .................................................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Layout contents .......................................................................................... 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction ................................................................................... 2-4

2.2.4 Screw holes ............................................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ......................................................................................2-5

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ................................................................... 2-7

2.4 System memory .......................................................................................2-10

2.4.1 Overview .................................................................................................. 2-10

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..............................................................................2-11

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .....................................................................................2-15

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ...................................................................................2-15

2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................................2-16

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .................................................................... 2-16

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................................2-16

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments .............................................................................. 2-17

2.5.4 PCI slots ................................................................................................... 2-18

2.5.5 Four PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ............................................................... 2-18

2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................2-20

2.7 Onboard switches .................................................................................... 2-22

2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................2-23

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ............................................................................. 2-23

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections .............................................................................. 2-24

2.8.3 Internal connectors .................................................................................. 2-27

iii

Contents

2.9 Starting up for the rst time .................................................................... 2-38

2.10 Turning off the computer ......................................................................... 2-38

Chapter 3: BIOS set up

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

3.2 Updating BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility ................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .................................................................. 3-4

3.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility .............................................................................. 3-5

3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................................................. 3-6

3.3 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................3-7

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ..................................................................................... 3-7

3.3.2 Menu bar .................................................................................................... 3-7

3.3.3 Navigation keys .......................................................................................... 3-8

3.3.4 Menu items ................................................................................................ 3-8

3.3.5 Submenu items .......................................................................................... 3-8

3.3.6 Conguration elds ....................................................................................3-8

3.3.7 Pop-up window .......................................................................................... 3-8

3.3.8 Scroll bar .................................................................................................... 3-8

3.3.9 General help .............................................................................................. 3-8

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................3-9

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

3.4.2 Storage Conguration ...............................................................................3-11

3.4.3 System Information .................................................................................. 3-12

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ...................................................................................... 3-12

3.5.1 AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto] ................................................................... 3-12

3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto] ...................................................................................... 3-13

3.5.3 FSB Frequency [XXX] .............................................................................. 3-13

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

3.5.5 DRAM Frequency [800MHz] .................................................................... 3-13

3.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] ....................................................................... 3-13

3.5.7 HT Link Speed [Auto] ............................................................................... 3-13

3.5.8 Memory Conguration .............................................................................. 3-14

3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration ....................................................................3-15

3.5.10 CPU Voltage [Auto] .................................................................................. 3-16

3.5.11 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] ............................................................................ 3-17

3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] .......................................................................3-17

3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ............................................................................... 3-17

3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto] ..................................................................................... 3-17

3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto] ..................................................................................... 3-17

3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto] ............................................................................ 3-17

3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto] ..................................................................................... 3-17

iv

Contents

3.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled] ............................................................3-17

3.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled] ........................................................... 3-17

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................3-18

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ................................................................................... 3-18

3.6.2 Chipset ..................................................................................................... 3-20

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ............................................................... 3-22

3.6.4 USB Conguration ...................................................................................3-23

3.6.5 PCIPnP ....................................................................................................3-24

3.7 Power menu .............................................................................................. 3-25

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] .............................................................................. 3-25

3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ........................................................... 3-25

3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] .................................................................... 3-25

3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] .................................................................. 3-25

3.7.5 APM Conguration ................................................................................... 3-26

3.7.6 Hardware Monitor .................................................................................... 3-27

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-28

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority ................................................................................. 3-28

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration .....................................................................3-29

3.8.3 Security .................................................................................................... 3-30

3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-32

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..................................................................................... 3-32

3.9.2 Express Gate ...........................................................................................3-32

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .................................................................................... 3-33

3.9.4 AI NET 2................................................................................................... 3-34

3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-35

Chapter 4: Software support

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

4.2 Support DVD information .......................................................................... 4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD .......................................................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals ................................................................ 4-2

4.3 Software information .................................................................................4-3

4.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ...................................................................... 4-3

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

4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ...................................................................................... 4-5

4.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate ....................................... 4-6

4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................................................ 4-7

4.3.6 ASUS EPU ................................................................................................. 4-8

4.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ........................................................................................... 4-9

4.3.8 ASUS AI Nap ...........................................................................................4-10

4.3.9 ASUS TurboV ............................................................................................4-11

4.3.10 ASUS Turbo Key ...................................................................................... 4-12

v

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................4-13

4.4.1 RAID denitions .......................................................................................4-13

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................................ 4-14

4.4.3 AMD® RAID congurations....................................................................... 4-14

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-20

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ............................... 4-20

4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows® ....................................... 4-20

Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support

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

5.1.1 Requirements ............................................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Before you begin ........................................................................................ 5-1

5.2 Installing CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................................... 5-2

5.2.1 Dual CrossFireX installation ....................................................................... 5-2

5.2.2 Triple CrossFireX installation ..................................................................... 5-3

5.2.3 Quad CrossFireX installation .....................................................................5-4

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

5.3.1 Installing the device drivers ........................................................................ 5-5

5.3.2 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology .............................................. 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 adpater or extension cord. These
devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

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

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•

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

•

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

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

technician or your retailer.

viii

throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to

DO NOT

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.

throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol

DO NOT

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® CrossFireX™ support

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

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.

ix

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

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

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

linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown, then

supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.

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

afudos /M4a79tdlx.ROM

x

M4A79T Deluxe specications summary

CPU

Chipset

System bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Multi-GPU support

Storage SB750 chipset:

LAN

Audio

IEEE 1394

USB

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 /™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / X4 / Athlon™ X3 /™ X3 / X3 //
Athlon™ X2 processors (socket AM3)Athlon™ X2 processors (socket AM3)™ X2 processors (socket AM3) X2 processors (socket AM3) processors (socket AM3)processors (socket AM3)
Support 45nm CPU
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology

AMD® 790FX / SB750

HyperTransport™ 3.0; up to 5200 MT/s

Dual-channel memory architecture

- 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 1600 (O.C.)/1333/1066MHz,

ECC and non-ECC, unbuffered
* When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less
than 3GB. We recommend using a maximum of 3GB system
memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit OS.

** Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors Lists).

4 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots with ATI CrossFireX™ support
(@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 modes)(@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 modes)
2 x PCI 2.2 slots

Supports ATIATI CrossFireX™ technology, up to Quad CrossFireXCrossFireX

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

- 5 x SATA 3 Gb/s ports supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD

- 1 x eSATA 3 Gb/s port (SATA on-the-go)

Realtek® 8112 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

Realtek® 1200 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

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

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

- ASUS Noise Filtering

VIA® VT6315N controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

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

panel)

™

(continued on the next page)

xi

M4A79T Deluxe specications summary

ASUS unique features ASUS Power Solution:

Other features

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

- ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design

- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

ASUS Green Design:

- EPU

- ASUS AI Nap

Express Gate

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- 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

100% high-quality Japan-made Conductive Polymer Cpacitors!
(VRM 5000hrs lifespan @105˚C, 500,000hrs @65˚C)
ASUS MyLogo 2™

AMD® OverDrive 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: 50-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

M4A79T Deluxe specications summary

Back panel I/O ports

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS features

Manageability

Support DVD contents

Form factor

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x PS/2 keyboard
1 x PS/2 mouse
2 x S/PDIF Out ports (Coaxial + 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

3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE 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

8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5,
ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, CrashFree BIOS 2

WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,
Chassis Intrusion

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

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

xiii

xiv

User Manual

Chapter 1

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A79T 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 M4A79T Deluxe Motherboard

2 x ASUS CrossFire™ bridge cables 5 x Serial ATA signal cables

1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)

1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit User Guide

Support DVD

1 x Multi-functional module (2-port USB 2.0

and 1-port IEEE 1394a)

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe

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

• The item illustrations in above table are for reference only. Actual product

specications may vary with different models.

1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 CPU support

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache
and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual­channel DDR3 1333 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 real­time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.

DDR3 1600 (O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 1600(O.C.) that provides faster data transfer rate and more

bandwith to increase memory computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D

graphics and other memory demanding applications.

Multi-VGA support

This motherboard is ready to support the advanced graphics standard, Quad CrossFireX™,

which provides higher frame rates for superb graphics performance. It also provides full x16
dual lanes or triple/quad VGA support.

100% high-quality Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors
(VRM 5000hrs lifespan at 105ºC, 500,000hrs 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 Solution

ASUS Power solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and
energy consumption.

ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design

To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU's potential, the ASUS M4 Series
motherboards have adopted the brand new 8-phase VRM power design, which delivers

high power efciency and supreme overclocking ability. This series’ high quality power

components effectively lowers 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 M4A79T Deluxe

1-3

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

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

Chapter 1

Aesthetic Heat Pipe

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

the heatsink near the back I/O ports - where it can be carried away by existing airows

from the CPU or a bundled optional fan. This innovative and groundbreaking fanless
heat pipe design effectively lowers temperatures by up to 10°C without having lifetime
problems that a normal chipset fan has. Furthermore, it provides options for users to

install side-ow fans or a passive cooler. This Heat Pipe design is the most reliable

fanless thermal solution to date.

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 easy ways to install computer components,
update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Q-Shield

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

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

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

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 you to conveniently store

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

separate le, giving you freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings.

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.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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.

ASUS 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!

Precision Tweaker 2

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

steps to ne-tune voltage to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking
conguration.

Chapter 1

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system
hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and
clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically
restores the CPU parameters to their default settings.

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe

1-5

Chapter 1

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

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, and/or components.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe

2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

2-2

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

connectors.

for more information about rear panel connectors and internal

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-34

2. AM3 CPU socket 2-5

3. DDR3 DIMM slots 2-10

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

5. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-28

6. AMD® SB750 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5) 2-29

7. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-20

8. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-36

9. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-33

10. Reset switch 2-22

11. Power-on switch 2-22

12. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 2-30

13. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU) 2-21

14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-31

15. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-27

16. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-31

17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-27

18. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-30

19. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-35

2-9, 2-32

Chapter 2

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe

2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction

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

2.2.4 Screw holes

Place nine (9) 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 AMD® AM3 Socket for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 /

Athlon™ X2 processors.

The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the AM2+/AM2 socket. Make sure you use

a CPU designed for the AM3 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. Press the lever sideways to unlock the

socket, then lift it up to a 90˚ angle.

Make sure that the socket lever is

lifted up to a 90˚ angle. Otherwise,
the CPU will not t in completely.

ASUS M4A79T Deluxe

Socket lever

2-5

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 several drops of thermal paste 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. DO NOT eat it. 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 heatsink and fan

The AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 processors 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, making sure that the heatsink ts properly on the

retention module base.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or
installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure 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 M4A79T Deluxe

CPU heatsink

Retention module
base

2-7

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

Chapter 2

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

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the retention

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

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

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 M4A79T Deluxe

2-9

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM)
sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent
installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power
consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Chapter 2

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

You may install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

2-10

Chapter 2: Hardware information