Motherboard M3A78
E4413 Third Edition V3 January 2009 Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii M3A78 specifications summary................................................................. ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!........................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-26 1.11.1 1.11.2 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-26 Support DVD information............................................... 1-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk........................................ 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.......
Contents 2.5.1 Suspend Mode............................................................... 2-16 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support . ..................................................... 2-16 2.5.2 2.5.4 2.6 2.5.5 2.8 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-16 HW Monitor Configuration.............................................. 2-17 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-18 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority...............
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.
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.
M3A78 specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom/ Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor Supports up to 140W CPU AMD Live!™ Ready AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Chipset AMD 770 / SB700 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.
M3A78 specifications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78 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 Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support The motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ processors. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dualchannel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and AMD™ Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology. 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 support HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efficiency for a smoother, faster computing environment.
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 next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard Southbridge chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations for Serial ATA drives.
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 file downloads and sharing whenever and whatever you want. • File downloading and uploading support USB devices only. • The actural boot time is subject to hardware configuration and product models.
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. • 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.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes 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 nine 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 the rear of the chassis.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 24.4cm(9.6in) KB_USB56 4 CHA_FAN EATXPWR AMD 770 RTM 880T-792 PCIEX16 RTL 8111C SATA4 SATA5 SATA6 SB700 PCI1 CLRTC PCI3 14 1.5.4 FLOPPY SPDIF_OUT 13 8 PRI_IDE PCI2 AAFP 7 SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 Super I/O R M3A78 PCIEX1_2 VIA VT1708B 6 SB_PWR 8Mb BIOS PCIEX1_1 CD 5 PWR_FAN 16 15 1 30.
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. R M3A78 M3A78 CPU Socket AM2+ 2.
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. 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! Small triangle Gold triangle 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.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. 5.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR2-800MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
DDR2-667MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. DDR2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
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. 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.
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. CLRTC R M3A78 1 2 M3A78 Clear RTC RAM Normal (Default) 2 3 Clear RTC To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 3 2 1 45 6 7 8 14 13 12 11 10 9 1. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard / mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Audio 2, 4, 6, 8-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Orange - - Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black - Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Gray - - - Side Speaker Out Light Blue Line In Pink Mic In Line in Mic In Line in Mic in Line in Mic in Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on
2. 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).
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, SATA6) SATA5 SATA3 SATA2 SATA1 R GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND RSATA_RXN6 RSATA_RXP6 GND RSATA_TXN6 RSATA_TXP6 GND GND RSATA_RXN5 RSATA_RXP5 GND RSATA_TXN5 RSATA_TXP5 GND GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RSATA_TXP4 GND M3A78 SATA6 These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives.
6. System panel connector (20-8 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PANEL SPEAKER +5V Ground Ground Speaker PLED- PLED+ PLED +IDE_LED M3A78 System Panel Connector Reset Ground PWR Ground IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- R M3A78 Reset PWRSW • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 1 USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB78 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB910 USB+5V USB_P11USB_P11+ GND 1 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB1112 R M3A78 USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ 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 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
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. AGND NC NC AAFP MIC2_L MIC2_R HP_R Jack_Sense HP_L MIC2_L MIC2_R Line out_R NC Line out_L R M3A78 Legacy AC’97-compliant pin definition HP_HD AGND PRESENSE# MIC2_JD Azalia-compliant pin definition NC 10.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 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. • 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.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk Create a bootable floppy disk using a different computer. To create a bootable floppy disk: 1. 2. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.
2.1.2 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2.
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk or a DOS‑based utility. Before using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus. com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the floppy/USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the floppy disk drive or the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2. You can launch EZ Flash 2 in two ways. a.
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. • Ensure that you prepare two floppy disks: the bootable floppy disk and the floppy disk containing the AFUDOS utility and the latest BIOS file.
2.1.5 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, a floppy disk, or a 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.
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 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Wed 08/27/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.
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 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 General help 2.2.8 Pop-up window The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
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 System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Wed 08/27/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.
Type [Auto] Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD] This item does not appear when you select the SATA 1/2/3/4/5/6 devices. LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode.
2.3.6 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.
PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to select the PCIE Overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to select the processor frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800 MHz] [x5.0 1000 MHz] [x6.0 1200 MHz] [x7.0 1400 MHz] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] Processor OverVoltage [Auto] Allows you to set the processor voltage.
2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation.
ECC Configuration ECC Mode [Disabled] Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors automatically. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] Alternate VID [Auto] Specifies the alternate VID while in low power states. Configuration options: [1.150V] [1.125V] [1.100V] [1.075V] [1.050V] [1.025V] [1.000V] [0.975V] [0.950V] [0.925V] [0.900V] [0.875V] [0.850V] [0.825V] [0.
2.4.5 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Plug and Play O/S [No] When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
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. Suspend Mode ACPI Support ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] 2.5.2 ACPI Support [Disabled] 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] 2.5.
Power On From S5 By PME# [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable PME wake from sleep state. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On From S5 By Ring [Disabled] Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On From S5 By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Enable or disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event.
Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [25ºC] Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan start working temperature. Configuration options: [25ºC] [26ºC] [27ºC] [28ºC] [29ºC] [30ºC] [31ºC] [32ºC] [33ºC] [34ºC] [35ºC] [36ºC] [37ºC] [38ºC] [39ºC] [40ºC] Fan Auto Mode Full Speed Temp [55ºC] Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan full speed temperature. Configuration options: [51ºC] [52ºC] [53ºC] [54ºC] [55ºC] [56ºC] [57ºC] [58ºC] [59ºC] [60ºC] [61ºC] [62ºC] [63ºC] [64ºC] [65ºC] [66ºC] 2.
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 MyLogo 2™ 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.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility. View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
2.7 Tools menu Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 AI NET2 Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.NTFS format Select Screen Select Item +Change Field Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , a confirmation message appears.
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. Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit.
