Asus M4N78 SE User Manual
Motherboard
M4N78 SE
ii
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.
E4424
First Edition
February 2009
iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
M4N78 SE specications summary .......................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................
1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................
1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................
1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................
1.5.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................
1.5.4 Layout contents ...............................................................
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................
1.7 System memory .........................................................................
1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................
1.7.2 Memory congurations ...................................................
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................
1.10 Connectors .................................................................................
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-6
1-6
1-7
1-7
1-9
1-10
1-10
1-11
1-16
1-16
1-17
1-17
1-17
1-17
1-17
1-17
1-18
1-20
1-20
1-21
iv
Contents
1.11 Software support ........................................................................ 1-26
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................
1-26
1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................
1-26
Chapter 1: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................
2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................
2-3
2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................
2-4
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ..........................................................
2-5
2.2.2 Menu bar .........................................................................
2-5
2.2.3 Navigation keys ...............................................................
2-6
2.2.4 Menu items .....................................................................
2-6
2.2.5 Sub-menu items ..............................................................
2-6
2.2.6 Conguration elds .........................................................
2-6
2.2.7 General help ...................................................................
2-6
2.2.8 Pop-up window ...............................................................
2-6
2.2.9 Scroll bar .........................................................................
2-6
2.3 Main menu ....................................................................................
2-7
2.3.1 System Time ..................................................................
2-7
2.3.2 System Date ...................................................................
2-7
2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA 1~4 .......................
2-7
2.3.4 Storage Conguration .....................................................
2-8
2.3.5 System Information .........................................................
2-9
2.4 Advanced menu ...........................................................................
2-9
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ..............................................
2-9
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2-12
2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................
2-12
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................
2-13
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................
2-14
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................
2-14
2.5 Power menu ................................................................................
2-15
2.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................
2-15
2.5.2 ACPI
2.0 Support ........................................................ 2-15
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ......................................................
2-15
v
Contents
2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-15
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
2-16
2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2-17
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
2-17
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
2-17
2.6.3 Security .........................................................................
2-18
2.7 Tools menu .................................................................................
2-19
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
2-19
2.7.2 Express Gate ...............................................................
2-20
2.7.3 AI NET 2
........................................................................ 2-20
2.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................
2-21
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
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. This chapter also lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to
perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
viii
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.
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text
Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than
sign means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously,
the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command
line:
afudos /i[lename]
afudos /iM4N78SE.ROM
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
ix
CPU AMD Phenom™x4/Phenom™x3/ Athlon™x2/ Athlon ™
/Sempron™ processors (Socket AM2+ / AM2)
Compatible with Phenom™ II/ Athlon™x4/ Athlon™x3/
Athlon™x2 (AM3 CPU)
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD Live!™ Ready
Supports CPU up to 125W
Chipset NVIDIA® nForce™ 720D
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
for AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and
non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667MHz memory modules
Supports up to 8GB system memory
* Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
** Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit
Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on
the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS
can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory,
we recommend that you install a 64-bit Windows OS
when having 4GB or more memory installed on the
motherboard.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
Storage / RAID 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector
4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors
Nvidia® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations (on
Windows Vista only)
Audio ALC662 High Denition Audio 6-channel CODEC
Supports Jack-detection and Multi-streaming
Supports S/PDIF out interface
USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports
at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)
LAN Nvidia nForce built-in Gigabit MAC with external Realtek
8211CL-GR PHY
M4N78 SE specications summary
(continued on the next page)
x
M4N78 SE specications summary
ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
- ASUS EPU 4-Engine
- ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS Express Gate
Turbo key
ASUS AI NAP
ASUS AI NET 2
ASUS MyLogo2
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port
1 x RJ45 port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6-channel Audio I/O ports
1 x LPT port
1 x COM port
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional
6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
4 x SATA connectors
1 x system panel connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1x CPU Fan connectors
24-pin EATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12V power connector
Accessories 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1x IO Shield
User manual
Form Factor ATX form factor: 12’’ x 7.6’’ (30.5cm x 19.3cm)
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS Update
ASUS PC Probe II
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS M4N78 SE 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4N78 SE 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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M4N78 SE motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
Chapter 1
Product introduction
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX /Phenom™ II / Athlon™ /
CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors
with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities
with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066
memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via
HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus.
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ / Sempron CPU support
The motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ / Sempron
processors. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system
bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and AMD™
Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
NVIDIA® nForce™ 720D chipset
The NVIDIA® nForce 720D supports HyperTransport™3.0 interface,
PCI Express™ 2.0 bus architecture, and Serial ATA 3 GB/s devices. It
is optimized with AMD’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide
excellent system performance.
MT/s
5200
HyperTransport 3.0 support
HyperTransport 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than
HT1.0 that radically improves system efciency for a smoother, faster
computing environment.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which
monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and
frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment.
Native DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard supports native DDR2 1066. It provides faster data
transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate
and computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics
and other memory demanding applications.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed
and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports hard drives based on the SATA 3Gb/s storage
specication. The onboard NVIDIA nForce 720D southbridge allows RAID
0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations for Serial ATA
drives.
AI NET2
AI NET2 remotely detects cable connection the second you turn on the
system, and any faulty connections are reported back up to 100 meters at
1 meter accuracy.
High Denition Audio
The onboard 6-channel ALC662 High Denition Audio CODEC enables
high-quality audio that automatically detects peripherals plugged into the
audio I/O jacks. ALC662 also supports the Windows® Vista Premium OS.
ASUS M4N78 SE 1-3
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
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.
ASUS MyLogo2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your
system.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to
restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD, or USB
disk that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.
ASUS Express Gate
With on 5 seconds boot-up time, the ASUS Express Gate allows you to
instantly surf the Internet without entering Windows or the Hard Disk. You
can now enjoy Skype, IM, YouTube, webmail and internet le downloads
and sharing whenever and whatever you want.
• File downloading and uploading support USB devices only.
• The actural boot time is subject to hardware conguration and product models.
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!
CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings
when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the
need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut
down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the
CPU parameters to their default settings.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such
as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to
static electricity
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
ASUS M4N78 SE 1-5
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in
the image below.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
1.5 Motherboard overview
1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-21 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-18
2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-19 10. Speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-24
3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-6, USBPW7-12) 1-19 11. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-24
4. CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) 1-8 12. Onboard LED 1-4
5. AM2/AM2+ CPU socket 1-7 13. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,
USB1112)
1-25
6. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-10 14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-22
7. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) 1-23 15.Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) 1-23
8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-22 16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-25
1.5.4 Layout contents
ASUS M4N78 SE 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® AM2+ / AM2
Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor.
The AM2/AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD
Opteron™ processor. Use a CPU that is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to
a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t in
completely.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever
sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle.
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.
The CPU ts only in one correct
orientation. DO NOT force the
CPU into the socket to prevent
bending the pins and damaging
the CPU.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
Do not forget to connect the
CPU fan connector! Hardware
monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.
5. When the CPU is in place, push down the
socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever
clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is
locked.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following
the instructions that came with the heatsink
package.
Loading...