ASUS M4A79XTD EVO, M4A79XTD EVO USB3 User Manual
M4A79XTD EVO
Motherboard
E4805
First Edition V1
July 2009
Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK Computer INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Notices....................................................................................................................... vii
Safety information .................................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................................... ix
M4A79XTD EVO specications 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 congurations ..............................................................
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 Conguring an expansion card .................................................
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
2.5.4 PCI slots ....................................................................................
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots .................................................................
2.5.6 Two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .................................................
2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................
2.7 Connectors ...............................................................................................
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................
2.7.2 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................
....................................................................................... 1-1
.......................................................................................... 1-2
........................................................................ 1-2
................................................................. 1-3
..................................................................... 2-4
................................................................................. 2-4
........................................................................................ 2-16
...................................................... 2-16
................................................................ 2-17
1-5
2-2
2-2
2-3
2-5
2-5
2-7
2-10
2-10
2-11
2-15
2-15
2-16
2-18
2-18
2-18
2-19
2-21
2-21
2-22
iii
Contents
2.7.3 Internal connectors....................................................................2-25
2.7.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) ..........................................
2.8 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................
2.9 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 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...............................................................
3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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 Conguration 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 Conguration ...............................................................
3.4.3 System Information ...................................................................
3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................
3.5.1 JumperFree Conguration ........................................................
3.5.2 CPU Conguration ....................................................................
3.5.3 Chipset ......................................................................................
3.5.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................
3.5.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................
3.5.6 PCIPnP .....................................................................................
3.6 Power menu ..............................................................................................
3.6.1 Suspend Mode ..........................................................................
3.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................................
3.6.3 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................................
3.6.4 APM Conguration ....................................................................
3.6.5 Hardware Monitor
Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1-6 .......................................... 3-8
..................................................................... 3-2
................................................... 3-5
.................................................................................. 3-7
............................................................................ 3-7
................................................................................ 3-7
...................................................................... 3-23
2-34
2-35
2-35
3-1
3-4
3-6
3-6
3-6
3-7
3-7
3-7
3-7
3-8
3-10
3-11
3-11
3-12
3-16
3-17
3-18
3-19
3-20
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-21
3-22
iv
Contents
3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-25
3.7.1 Boot Device Priority
3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................
3.7.3 Security .....................................................................................
3.8 Tools menu ...............................................................................................
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................
3.8.2 Express Gate ............................................................................
3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................
3.8.4 AI NET 2 ....................................................................................
3.9 Exit menu ..................................................................................................
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 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................
4.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .......................................................
4.3.3 ASUS AI Suite .............................................................................
4.3.4 ASUS EPU ..................................................................................
4.3.5 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ............................................................................
4.3.6 ASUS TurboV ..............................................................................
4.3.7 ASUS Turbo Key .........................................................................
4.3.8 ASUS Express Gate
4.3.9 VIA
4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................
4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................
4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................
4.4.4 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 driver disk in Windows
4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows
4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................
®
High Denition Audio utility ............................................... 4-11
®
Option ROM Utility® ........................................................ 4-13
................................................................... 3-25
.................................................. 4-2
.................................................................. 4-10
..................................................................... 4-17
®
.................................. 4-17
®
OS installation ...... 4-17
3-26
3-27
3-29
3-29
3-29
3-30
3-31
3-32
4-1
4-1
4-3
4-3
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-12
4-12
4-13
4-13
4-17
4-18
v
Contents
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 ...................................................
5.3 Software information .................................................................................
5.3.1 Installing the device drivers .........................................................
5.3.2 Enabling the ATI
®
CrossFireX™ technology ...............................5-3
5-1
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-3
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 modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
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.
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.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in your
motherboard) and is dened as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION, AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
• Never dispose of the battery in re. It could explode and release harmful substances into
the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a hazardous
material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.
• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
• DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERYRELATED INSTRUCTIONS.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure 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.
This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: 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 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.
®
CrossFireX™ technology support
ix
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
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>
x
M4A79XTD EVO specications summary
CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Chipset AMD® 790X / SB750
System bus Up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots with ATI CrossFireX™ support
Storage AMD® SB750 southbridge:
LAN Realtek® 8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
Audio VIA® VT1708S High Denition Audio 8-channel CODEC
USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board,
IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6315N controller supports 2 IEEE 1394a ports
Sempron™ 100 series processors
Supports 45nm CPU
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered ECC
and non-ECC DDR3 1800 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz
memory modules
* Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows®
32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB.
We recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are
using a Windows® 32-bit operating system.
(@ full x16 or dual x8 link)
2 x PCIe x1 slots
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 connector for up to 2 PATA
devices
- 6 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD congurations
Marvell 88SE6121
- 1 x SATA 3Gb/s port (black)
- 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port (SATA on-the-go)
- DTS Surround Sensation Ultra-PC
- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking technologies
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filtering
8 ports at the back panel)
(1 port at mid-board, 1 port at the back panel)
(continued on the next page)
xi
M4A79XTD EVO specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS Power Solutions:
Other features 100% All High-Quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors!
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
- 8+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
ASUS Green Design:
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heat sink solution
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
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 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz increment
- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz
increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
1 x PS/2 Mouse port (green)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x External SATA port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio I/O ports
(continued on the next page)
xii
M4A79XTD EVO specications summary
Internal I/O connectors 2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports
BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3,
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,
Accessories 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Support DVD Drivers
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
7 x SATA connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x System panel connector (Q-Connector)
1 x IEEE 1394a connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
2 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
ACPI2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Chassis intrusion
4 x Serial ATA cables
1 x Q-Shield
1 x User Manual
2 in 1 Q-connector (USB, System panel; Retail version only)
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Update
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS AI Suite
AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD)
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
xiii
xiv
Chapter 1
;YKX3GT[GR
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A79XTD EVO 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.
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO Motherboard 4 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
2 in 1 Q-Connector (USB, system panel; Retail
version only)
User Guide
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO 1-1
Support DVD
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Chapter 1
AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series 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® 790X / SB750 Chipset
The AMD® 790X / SB750 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™
3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD’s
latest AM3 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
congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a real-
time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.
Dual-Channel DDR3 1800 (O.C.)
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1800
(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest
operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel
DDR3 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 25.6 GB/s. Furthermore,
the supply voltage for the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to just 1.5 V for DDR3.
This voltage reduction limits the power consumption and heat generation of DDR3 which
makes it an ideal memory solution.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
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.
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 efciency 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 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!
Express Gate
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet
and key applications before entering the Windows® OS. Refer to pages 3-29, 3-30 and 4-10
for details.
Chapter 1
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO 1-3
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking
Chapter 1
capability.
Fanless Design—Stylish Heatsink Design
The streamline-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a
noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautifully curved ns upgrade the visual
enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special Streamline Airow Guiding
design lowers the temperature of the north bridge chipset through high efcient
heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS streamline-shaped
heat-sink will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant
appearance!
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 efcient operation.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video
conference and recording.
Noise Filtering
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer
fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming
audio stream while recording.
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
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. 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. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole 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 the freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened
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.
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 proles in TurboV
provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you 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
conguration.
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.
Chapter 1
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO 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.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down
the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard
component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview
2.2.1 Motherboard layout
Chapter 2
Refer to
2.7 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/LED Page
1. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
3. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
4. AM3 CPU socket
5. DDR3 DIMM slots
6. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
7. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–6, SATA_E1)
8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112)
10. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
12. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
13. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)
14. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)
15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
17. Onboard power LED (SB_PWR)
2-27
2-31
2-33
2-5
2-10
2-25
2-26
2-19
2-28
2-29
2-32
2-29
2-20
2-33
2-30
2-30
2-1
Chapter 2
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO 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 AMD® AM3 socket for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 series 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 M4A79XTD EVO 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. 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 CPU heatsink and fan
The AMD® AM3 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure
optimum thermal condition and performance.
• 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.
• Ensure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the Thermal
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the
heatsink and fan assembly.
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink 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.
CPU fan
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.
CPU heatsink
Retention module
base
Chapter 2
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO 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 (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 M4A79XTD EVO 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 congurations
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
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