Motherboard M4A78 PLUS
E4509 First Edition V1 February 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 M4A78 PLUS specifications summary....................................................... ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!............................
Contents 1.10 1.11 Connectors.................................................................................. 1-21 1.10.1 1.10.2 1.11.1 Chapter 2 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... 2-3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.................................................... 2-2 BIOS setup program..................................................................... 2-4 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-5 2.2.
Contents 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration..................................... 2-14 2.4.6 USB Configuration......................................................... 2-15 2.4.5 2.5 Power menu................................................................................. 2-16 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 APM Configuration.........
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.
M4A78 PLUS specifications summary CPU Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+ / AM2) Compatible with Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU) Support 45nm CPU AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Support CPU up to 140W * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD CPU support list Chipset AMD 770 / SB700 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.
M4A78 PLUS specifications summary Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x RJ45 port 1 x ESATA port 1 x S/PDIF Out port (Optical) 9 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio ports Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78 PLUS 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® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2) This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support, data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology. HyperTransportTM 3.0 support HyperTransportTM 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwith than HyperTransportTM 1.
• DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+/AM3 CPU only. Refer to the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the supported CPU models. • Due to AM2+/AM3 CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability. PCI Express 2.0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS EPU The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. It automatically provides the most appropriate power usage to save power and money! Turbo Key ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into an overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts performances without interrupting ongoing work or games, simply through pressing the button.
ASUS AI Nap Minimize noise and power consumption when temporarily away! With AI Nap, users can instantly snooze your PC without terminating the tasks. System will continue operating at minimum power and noise when user is temporarily away. It keeps downloading files or running applications in quietest state while you´re sleeping. Simply click keyboard or mouse, you can swiftly wake up the system in few seconds.
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 six 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 4 2 22.4cm(8.8in) KBMS ATX12V SPDIF_O LAN1_USB12 PWR_FAN AUDIO Realtek 8112 CHA_FAN EATXPWR 30.5cm(12.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a CPU socket designed for AMD® AM3 Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / processors and AM2+ / AM2 Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors. The CPU socket is not compatible with AMD® Opteron™ processors. Do not install an Opteron™ processor on this motherboard. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M4A78 PLUS M4A78 PLUS CPU socket 940 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 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and 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.
DDR2-667MHz capability 1-14 Size Vendor Part No. SS/ DS CL Chip No. Chip Brand 512MB Apacer 78.91G92.9K5 SS 5 AM4B5708JQJS7E0751C 1G Apacer 78.01G9O.9K5 SS 5 1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC DS 1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC 2G Apacer 1G DIMM support A* B* C* Apacer · · · AM4B5808CQJS7E0751C Apacer · · · N/A AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B Apacer · · · DS 5 AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B Apacer · · · 78.A1G9O.
DDR2-800MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. SS/ DS CL Chip No.
DDR2-800MHz capability 1-16 Size Vendor Part No. SS/ DS CL Chip No.
DDR2-1066MHz capability DIMM support Size Vendor Part No. SS/ DS CL 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 M4A78 PLUS 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC M4A78 PLUS Clear RTC RAM 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 1 16 15 14 13 12 2 3 11 10 4 5 6 7 9 8 1. PS/2 Mouse port. This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. USB 2.0 port 11. This 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel configuration.
1.10.2 1. Internal connectors 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.
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
3. 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).
4. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. +5V Ground Ground Speaker SPEAKER PLED- PLED+ PLED PANEL IDE_LED PWRSW Reset Ground M4A78 PLUS PWR Ground IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PIN 1 RESET * Requires an ATX power supply M4A78 PLUS System panel connector • • • • • 1-26 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 USBE12, USBE34, USB910) 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. USBE34 USB910 USB+5V USB_P4USB_P4+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P2USB_P2+ GND NC USBE12 USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC 5.
7. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. Left Audio Channel GND GND Right Audio Channel CD M4A78 PLUS M4A78 PLUS Internal audio connector Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) M4A78 PLUS SPDIFOUT GND This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) ports. +5V 8.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR 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. GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR 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 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 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.
Updating from a BIOS file 3. a. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use an OS‑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.
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 or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Always connect the SATA cable to the SATA1 / SATA 2 connector.
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.
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.
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. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode.
2.3.5 SATA Configuration This menu allows you to configure the SATA devices. OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] Enables or disables the OnChip SATA Channel. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] OnChip SATA Type [SATA] Allows you to select the SATA type. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] When SATA is configured as [AHCI] in BIOS, only SATA port 1-3 can be detected. Ensure to install the AHCI driver to detect and use SATA port 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 in AHCI mode under OS. 2.3.
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration Depending on your AMD CPU type (AM2, AM2+ or AM3), the items on this section may not exactly match what you see on your screen. CPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select any of the preset overclocking. • Manual - Allows you to individually set the overclocking parameters. • Auto - Loads the optimal settings for the system.
HyperTransport Speed [Auto] Allows you to set HyperTransport speed. Configuration options: [200 Mhz] [400 Mhz] [600 Mhz] [800 Mhz] [1 Ghz] [2 Ghz] [Auto] Hyper Transport Width [Auto] The Hyper Transport link will run at this width. Configuration options: [Auto] [8 Bit] [16 Bit] Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following item appears only when the Memory clock mode item is set to [Manual].
Memory Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to 2.24375V with a 0.00625V interval. Configuration options: [Auto] 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.
2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press to display the submenu. NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.
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. The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. USB Functions [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB Functions. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 Controller.
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 2.0 Features ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration HW Monitor 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 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.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the submenu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 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. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed.
Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press . 2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at most six letters and/or numbers, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted.
2.7.2 Express Gate [Auto] 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: [Auto] [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. 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.
