Motherboard M3A78-EM
E3861 First Edition V1 May 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide........................................................................................ viii M3A78-EM specifications summary............................................................ x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!.........................
Contents Chapter 2: 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 iv BIOS setup Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk........................................ 2-2 2.1.2 AFUDOS utility................................................................. 2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... 2-6 2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.................................................... 2-8 2.1.
Contents 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.5.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-31 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration.............................................. 2-32 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-33 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-34 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration........................................... 2-34 2.6.3 Security.............................
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.
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.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring 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.
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.
M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for Phenom™FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Supports CPU up to 140W Chipset AMD 780G / SB700 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.
M3A78-EM specifications summary USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.
M3A78-EM specifications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78-EM 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.
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support . This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. See page 1-12 for details. AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron CPU support .
HDMI Interface HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content. See page 1-26 for details. HDMI/DVI/RGB Support With an HDMI to DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard can support both DVI and HDMI output.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard ATI® SB700 allows RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 configurations for five onboard SATA connectors. See pages 1-33 and 2-19 for details. Gigabit LAN solution The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems. USB 2.
1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS AI Life Features Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to go online from 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.
AI Gear 2 AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from profiles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption at most. You can real-time change the mode under operating system to suit your needs. 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.
ASUS O.C. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite overclocking settings. ASUS Crystal Sound This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording.
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.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 24.4cm (9.6in) PWR_FAN KB_USB56 CPU_FAN JMB 381 AUDIO EATXPWR 24.4cm (9.
1.5.2 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. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® 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. Ensure you use a CPU designed for the AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU fits 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! 1.6.
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 fits in place. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 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.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Ensure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan. 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 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. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base; otherwise, you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4.
1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability. • For dual-channel configuration (2), you may: - • install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets) Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode.
M3A78-EM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL). DDR2-1066 MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
DDR2-667MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
Interrupt assignments IRQ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Standard function System timer Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard Programmable interrupt controller Standard OpenHCI USB Host Controller Communications Port (COM 1) ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering (free) (free) System CMOS / Real Time Clock SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA) (free) Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse Numeric data processor Primary IDE controller (single fifo) Secondary IDE controller (singl
IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEX1 Slot PCIEX16 Slot Onboard USB1.1 Controller 1 Onboard USB1.1 Controller 2 Onboard USB1.1 Controller 3 Onboard USB1.1 Controller 4 Onboard USB1.1 Controller 5 Onboard USB2.0 Controller 1 Onboard USB2.
1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The photo shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The photo shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the onboard battery. 3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 18 17 16 15 14 13 1. PS/2 keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 2. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a optical S/PDIF cable. 3. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray and other protected content.
7. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link Speed LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity 8. ACT/LINK LED Status OFF ORANGE GREEN Description 10 Mbps connection 100 Mbps connection 1 Gbps connection SPEED LED LAN port Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration. 9.
14. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 15. External SATA port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk drive. DO NOT insert different connectors to the external SATA port. To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS settings to [AHCI]. See section 2.3.6 SATA Configuration for details. 16. DVI-D Out port.
1.10.2 1. Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY R PIN1 M3A78-EM NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device(s).
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
5. Power, CPU, and Chassis Fan connectors. (3-pin PWR_FAN, 4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 1 1 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND M3A78-EM USB1112 USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC USB910 R 1 USB+5V USB_P11USB_P11+ GND USB78 USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.
8. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the HDMI module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. GND SPDIFOUT +5V R M3A78-EM SPDIF_OUT M3A78-EM Digital Audio Connector Ensure the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS).
10. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC’97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
11. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can attach a FireWire/1394 cable to this connector if your chassis suppots the front panel IEEE1394 port. Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard. 13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply.
14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PANEL +IDE_LED M3A78-EM System Panel Connector 1-38 +5V Ground Ground Speaker Reset Ground R M3A78-EM SPEAKER PWR Ground PLED- IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PLED+ PLED Reset PWRSW • System power LED This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
Q-Connector (system panel) You can use ASUS Q-Connector to connect / disconnect chassis front panel cables by only a few steps. Directions below shows how to install ASUS Q-Connector. Step1. Connect correct front panel to ASUS Q-Connector first. You can refer to the marking on Q-Connector itself to know the detail pin definition. Step2. Properly install the ASUS Q-Connector to the System panel connctor. Step3. Front panel functions are enabled.
1-40 Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk. 2. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk, a USB flash disk or the motherboard Support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 3. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk during POST. 4.
Windows® Vista environment a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer. b. Click c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3 1/2 Floppy dialog box. d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box. e. Click Start. 2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.
1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /o[filename] where the [filename] is any user-assigned filename no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension name. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom Main filename 3. Extension name Press .
4. The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ....... done Reading flash ...... done Advance Check ...... Erasing flash ...... done Writing flash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%) Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 5.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD , the floppy disk or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard Support DVD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
Recovering the BIOS from the Support DVD To recover the BIOS from the Support DVD: 1. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system. 2. Insert the Support DVD to the optical drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy...
2.1.4 • Only the USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure! ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS‑based utility.
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu then select EZ Flash2 and press . You can switch between drives by pressing before the correct file is found. Then press . 4. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done. 2.1.5 • This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, or floppy disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 2-10 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select. Click Next.
4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. 5. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Power General help Configuration fields BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.
2.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
2.2.8 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for that item. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA5 SATA6 E-SATA SATA Configuration Options :[Not Detected] Disabled :[Not Detected] 360K, 5.25 in. :[Not 1.2M, Detected] 5.25 in.
2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press to display the IDE device information. Select the type of device connected to the system.
PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Disabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.
OnChip SATA Type [SATA] This item appears only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled]. Allows you to set the OnChip SATA Type. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID set, copy the RAID driver from the Support DVD to a floppy before you install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive.
2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings Adjust System Frequency/Voltage etc.
CPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] [Overclock Profile] [Test Mode] GPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to configure overclocking of GPU. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to to configure overclocking of PCIE.
Chipset Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the chipset over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.24 AGESA Version: 3.1.8.
2.4.3 Chipset Memory Options & Information Chipset Configuration NorthBridge Configuration Internal Graphics NorthBridge Configuration NorthBridge Chipset Configuration Memory Configuration ECC Configuration Memory CLK CAS Latency(Tc1) RAS/CAS Delay(Trcd) Row Precharge Time(Trp) Min Active RAS(Tras) RAS/RAS Delay(Trrd) Row Cycle(Trc) :333MHz :5.
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Allows you to select unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width). Configuration options: [Auto] [Always] Power Down Enable [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.
Internal Graphics Internal Graphics Primary Video Controller UMA Frame Buffer Size Surround View AMD 780 HD Audio DisplayPort Config [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [Auto] [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] Configuration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI] GFX0: GPP: IGFX PCI: VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCIE x16 slot VGA o
2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Onboard Devices configuration Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode Parallel Port IRQ [3F8/IRQ4] [378] [Normal] [IRQ7] Onboard Devices Configuration HDAudio Controller Front Panel Select SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting OnBoard LAN Controller OnBoard LAN Boot ROM 1394 Controller [Enabled] [HD Audio] [SPDIF Output] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses.
OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 1394 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the 1394 controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.5 PCIPnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.
2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Configuration Options Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4 Disabled Enabled USB Devices Enabled: None USB Functions USB 2.0 Controllers Legacy USB Support USB 2.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI Support ACPI APIC support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.
2.5.4 APM Configuration Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY APM Configuration Restore on AC Power on From Power on From Power on From Power on From Power S5 By S5 By S5 By S5 By Loss PME# Ring PS/2 KB/MS RTC Alarm [Always Off] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] Options Always Off Always On Last State +F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration Power Hardware Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY CPU Temperature MB Temperature [43ºC/109ºF] [40ºC/104ºF] CPU Fan Speed Chassis Fan Speed Power Fan Speed [3552RPM] [N/A] [N/A] VCORE Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage [1.280V] [3.312V] [5.120V] [11.916V] Smart Q-FAN Function [Enabled] Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.
Smart Q-Fan Function [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V] Allows you to select the fan auto mode start voltage. Configuration options: [4.0V] [4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.0V] Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [25ºC] Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan start working temperature.
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Device Priority 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device 3rd Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the corresponding type menu. +- F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
Full Screen Logo [Enabled] This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.
2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed to change password. again to disabled password.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Installed : Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check to change password. again to disabled password.
2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Power Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.
2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the first screen of Express Gate for user action.
2.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation. Select Screen Pressing does not immediately exit this menu.
This chapter describes the contents of the Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ Vista operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 3.2 • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
3.2.2 Drivers menu The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Launches the ASUS InstallAll - drivers installation wizard. AMD Chipset Driver Installs the AMD chipset driver. Realtek Audio Driver Installs the Realtek audio driver. ATI HDMI Driver Installs the ATI HDMI driver. AMD VGA Driver Installs the AMD VGA driver.
3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Launches the ASUS InstAll - installation wizard for utilities. ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility This item guides you in installing the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility. ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems.
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website at www.microsoft.com for updates.
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software. ASUS Express Gate Installer Installs the ASUS Expres Gate. Anti-Virus Utility Installs the anti-virus application that detects and protects your computer from viruses that destroy data. Anti-Virus Utility Download Downloads and installs the latest anti-virus application. ASUS AI Nap Installs the ASUS AI Nap. 3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.
Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista32 Driver Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI Vista32 driver disk. Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista64 Driver Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI Vista64 driver disk. Make ATI RAID/AHCI Driver XP 32/64bit Driver Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver for XP/XP 64bit. 3.2.5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the Support DVD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.
Browse this DVD Displays the Support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the Support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
3-10 Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes how to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows Vista OS.
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards. A.
A.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver To install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology: 1. Insert the Support DVD that comes with your M3A78-EM into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer. If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD. 2.
Using the onboard graphics card 1. Right-click on the Windows® desktop, then click ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center from the shortcut menu. The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen appears. 2. Click Graphics Settings > CrossFire™, then clear the Enable CrossFire™ check box. When a confirmation message pops up, click Yes. The screen blacks out for about one minute. 3. Click OK. 4. Right-click on the Windows® desktop, then click Personalize from the shortcut menu. 5. Click Display Settings.
1. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card. 2. From the ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center screen, click Display Manager > Graphics Adapter. Select ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics [Gabbs, G HW173]. Click OK, and then Yes from the confirmation window. 3. Follow steps 6 to step 8 on Using the onboard graphics card to complete the process of setting up the onboard graphics card as your main monitor.
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