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ASUS M3A78-T User's Manual

1. Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 2 3 Motherboard layout KB USB56 oo i 55 ATX12V CPU FAN PWR FAN 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module SOCKET AM2 DDR DIMM A1 DDR DIMM B1 DDR DIMM A2 DDR DIMM B2 H CHA FAN1 EATXPWR O CHA FAN2 H PCIEX16 1 roen M3A78 T Ae AEE 7 DD PCIEX16 2 PCIEX16 3 EEEICLRTC BIOS PCI1 LSI L FW3227 Lithium Cell SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 CMOS Power ir PCIZ SB PWR SPDIF OYT FLOPPY IE1394_2 USB1112 USB910 USB78 CHASSIS ELFE PANEL veme NN EN NENNE HARM BABBHH Refer to 2 7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors ASUS M3A78 T 2 3 2 2 4 Layout contents DDR2 DIMM slots PCI slots PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express 2 0 x16 slot blue Universal PCI Express x16 slots black and white Jumper Page Clear RTC RAM 3 pin CLRTC 2 18 Rear panel connectors PS 2 keyboard mouse combo port Video Graphics Adapter VGA port USB 2 0 ports 1 and 2 LAN RJ 45 port Center Subwoofer port orange Rear Speaker Out port black Line In port light blue Line Out port lime Microphone port pink Side Speaker Out port gray USB 2 0 ports 3 and 4
2. ATX12V EATXPWR PIN 1 z 12V DC GND 3 Volts GND 12V DC GND 12 Volts 5 Volts 12 Volts 5 Volts 5V Standby 5 Volts i Power OK 5 Volts i D GND GND 5 Volts GND O H GND GND MEGA 4 5 Volts PSON g I GND GND o 5 3 Volts 12 Volts D me 3 Volts 3 Volts O erase PIN 1 O mc 0 CIC ICI Fm M3A78 T ATX power connectors e Fora fully configured system we recommend that you use a power supply unit PSU that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2 0 or later version and provides a minimum power of 600 W Do not forget to connect the 4 pin ATX 12 V power plug otherwise the system will not boot Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power consuming devices The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http support asus com PowerSupplyCalculator PSCalculator aspx SLanguage en us for details The ATX 12 V Specification 2 0 compliant 500W PSU has been tested to support the motherboard power requirements with the following configuration CPU AMD FX 62 Memory 1024 MB DDR2 800 x4 Graphics card PCI Express x16 NVIDIA 7900GTX Serial ATA device SATA hard disk drive x2 Optical drives DV
3. Further free features upgradable File downloading and uploading through USB devices only ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS 4 1 Phase Power Design ASUS Al Gear 2 ASUS Al Nap ASUS Q Fan 2 ASUS Crystal Sound ASUS Noise Filter ASUS EZ DIY ASUS Q Shield ASUS Q Connector ASUS O C Profile ASUS EZ Flash 2 Uses 100 All High quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors ASUS MyLogo 2 Intelligent overclocking tools Al Overclocking intelligent CPU frequency tuner ASUS Al Booster utility Precision Tweaker 2 vCore Adjustable CPU voltage at 0 0125V increment VDIMM 35 step DRAM voltage control vChipset 25 step voltage control SFS Stepless Frequency Selection FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz increment Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz PCle frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking protection ASUS C P R CPU Parameter Recall continued on the next page M3A78 T specifications summary Rear panel I O ports 1 x PS 2 Keyboard Mouse combo port 1 x S PDIF Out Optical 1 x HDMI Out 1 x DVI Out 1 x D Sub 1 x External SATA 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN RJ 45 6 x USB 2 0 1 1 8 channel audio I O Internal I O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 5 x SATA connectors 1x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connectors 1x Power Fan connect
4. System CMOS Real Time Clock AMD ACPI Compliant System IRQ Holder for PCI Steering IRQ Holder for PCI Steering Reserved Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel Secondary IDE Channel 0 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 O h de P These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIE x16_1 shared shared shared shared PCIE x16_2 shared shared shared shared PCIE x16_3 shared shared shared shared USB 1 0 controller 1 shared USB 1 0 controller 2 shared USB 1 0 controller 3 shared USB 1 0 controller 4 shared shared USB 2 0 controller HD audio Onboard SATA shared ASUS M3A78 T 2 15 2 5 4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card SCSI card USB card and other cards that comply with PCI specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots 2 5 5 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot 2 5 6 PCI Express 2 0 x16 slot blue This motherboard supports PCI Express 2 0 x16 graphics cards that complies with the PCI Express specifications Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot 2 5 7 Universal PCI Express x16 slots black and white This motherboard also supports two universal PCI Express 2 0 x16 slot at maximum x
5. Technology AMD 790GX SB750 Chipset AMD 790GX SB750 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT s HyperTransport 3 0 HT 3 0 interface speed and PCI Express 2 0 x16 graphics It is optimized with AMD s latest AM2 and multi core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities Native DDR2 1066 sippore 01066 This motherboard is the first AMD platform with native DDR2 1066 support It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efficiency enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications P DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2 CPUs only FP Chapter 1 Product Introduction AMD Hybrid CrossFireX Technology 4 Hybrid CrossFireX Technology is a unique multi GPU technology combining the onboard GPU and the discrete graphics card together to enhance 3D graphics performance Z Visit www amd com for the Hybrid CrossfireX selected GPUs HDMI DVI D Sub Interface W 33 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface is a set of digital video standards that delivers multi channel audio and uncompressed digital video through a single cable for full HD 1080p visuals Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu ray Discs HDMI provides you with the highest quality home theater experience DVI Digital Visual Interface provides high quality visuals for digital display devices like LCD monitors
6. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive 5 4 3 AMD RAID configurations This motherboard supports RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 and RAID 10 configurations for Serial ATA hard disks drives through the AMD 5B750 chip Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID set s To do this 1 Install the internal Serial ATA hard disk drives to the SATA connectors labeled SATA 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 Boot up your computer and press lt Del gt during POST to enter the BIOS setup 3 Inthe Main Menu go to Storage Configuration and set the OnChip SATA Type item to RAID 3 Press lt F10 gt to save the changes and exit The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not exactly match the items on your screen ASUS M3A78 T 5 45 AMD FastBuild Utility To enter the AMD FastBuild utility 1 Boot up your computer 2 Press lt Ctrl F gt during POST to display the main menu of the utility The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform The Main Menu options include e View Drive Assignments shows the status of the hard disk drives e Define LD creates a RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration Delete LD deletes a selected RAID set and partition e Controller Configuration Shows the system resources configuration Press lt 1 gt lt 2 gt lt 3 gt or lt 4 gt to ent
7. SidePort Memory l This motherboard features SidePort Memory an individual onboard DDR3 memory serving as memory buffer for integrated graphics With low CPU usage the SidePort Memory provides integrated graphics acceleration and effectively boosts graphics performance PCle 2 0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCle 2 0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance Serial ATA 3 0 Gb s technology This motherboard supports the next generation hard disk drives based on the Serial ATA SATA 3Gb s storage specifications delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high speed data retrieval and save It allows RAID 0 1 0 1 and 5 configurations e Og IEEE 1394a support MH The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio video appliances such as digital television digital video camcorders storage peripherals and other PC portable devices ASUS M3A78 T 1 3 1 4 mn S PDIF digital sound ready 20 This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the coaxial S PDIF SONY PHILIPS Digital Interface Out jack It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format and therefore well preserves signal quality High Definition Audio mita Enjoy high end sound quality on your PC The onboard 8 channel HD audio High Definition Audio previously codenamed Azalia CO
8. Hardware Information 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 Before VOU PIOCCEG passon 2 1 Motherboard OVervieW rrrravvrrnnnvnrnnnnvnvnnnnvnnnnnvnnsnnnersnnnvnnennnerennn 2 2 Central Processing Unit CPU rerrsnvrnnnvnnnvrnnnvrnnvrnnvernnvrrnnersneenr 2 6 System NENON sr 2 11 Expansion SOE 2 14 JOMPET san 2 18 CONCISE 2 19 ASUS M3A78 T 2 1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings AN Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to 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 and or components Onboard LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED The green LED 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 plu
9. SATA SATA2 m 1 Hin M3A78 T SATA connectors A Z Important note on Serial ATA RSATA TXN5 RSATA TXP5 GND I sam sams RSATA RXN3 RSATA TXP3 RSATA TXN3 RSATA TXP3 GND GND GND I SATA3 Install the Windows XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA For detailed instructions on how to configure RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 and RAID 10 refer to the RAID manual in the support DVD If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors set the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to RAID Connect the right angle side of SATA signal cable to SATA device Or you may connect the right angle side of SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid mechanical conflict with huge graphics cards ASUS M3A78 T right angle side 2 25 4 USB connectors 10 1 pin USB 78 USB910 USB1112 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 IES gt a T H d a J 1 a USB1112 USB910 USB78 I m GND NC GND NC GND NC USB 5V USB_P12 USB_P12 USB 5V USB_P10 USB_P10 USB 5V USB_P8 USB_
10. These configurations will not be saved to BIOS after the system reboots Edition CPUs such as Phenom 9600 Black Edition Phenom 9850 Black Edition ian and Phenom 9950 Black Edition visit the AMD official website at www amd com for CPU support lists Z Some advanced options in AOD are only supported by certain AMD Black ASUS M3A78 T 5 43 5 4 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 5 and RAID 10 5 4 1 RAID definitions RAID 0 Data striping optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel interleaved stacks Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate double that of a single disk alone thus improving data access and storage Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup RAID 1 Data mirroring copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to a second drive If one drive fails the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup The new drive must be of the same size o
11. click the arrow down button of the Scheme options then select another position from the list box Click OK when finished Moving the monitor panels All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect If you want to detach a monitor panel from 7 the group click the horseshoe magnet ERU icon You can now move or reposition the panel independently Adjusting the sensor threshold value You can adjust the sensor threshold value in the monitor panel by l clicking the or buttons You can nn i also adjust the threshold values re 4 using the Config window Click to hk You cannot adjust the sensor decrease j threshold values in a small value monitoring panel 5 24 Chapter 5 Software support Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value Refer to the illustrations below CHASSIS N SU I CHASE ES Small display Large display WMI browser Click ME to display the WMI Windows Management Instrumentation browser This browser displays various Windows management information Click an EE item from the left panel to display on Re the right panel Click the plus sign before WMI Information to display the available information rene F R f ca pk Z You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner a of the browser DMI browser Click 424 to display the DMI Desktop Mana
12. onscreen instructions to finish the installation Restart your computer after the installation is completed When the system restarts wait for a few seconds for the driver to load automatically 6 1 4 Using the ATI CATALYST Control Center Using an add on graphics card 1 6 2 Install a graphics card onto your motherboard Refer to the User Guide that comes with your graphics card for details Right click on the Windows desktop then click ATI CATALYST R Control Center from the shortcut menu The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen appears Click Graphics Settings gt CrossFire then select the Enable CrossFire check box When a confirmation message pops up cg click Yes The screen blacks out hotels for about one minute Click OK The add on graphics Jin aae EE ETE card is set to be the main monitor vei Ta eg Fora ry mi rn ee omr pph g pm m l EE ee r sne p air ae Ferd si TET Bl mil MS TE a m ml bn met mn er ae I ip Chapter 6 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support Using the onboard graphics card 1 Right click on the Windows desktop and then click ATI CATALYST R Control Center from the shortcut menu The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen appears 2 Click Graphics Settings gt 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
13. screen before starting Windows or other installed OS Choose Disabled to stay at the first screen of Express Gate for user action Configuration options Disabled 1 second 30 seconds Z The time length is adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the lt Enter gt key Reset User Data No Allows you to clear Express Gate s user data Configuration options No Reset When setting this item to Reset make sure to save the setting to the BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the Express Gate User data includes the Express Gate s settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser bookmarks cookies browsing history etc This is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly TA The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 7 3 ASUS O C Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings PROFILE Configuration Save BIOS settings C Profile 1 Status Not Installed to Profile 1 Profile 2 Status Not Installed to Profile 1 from Profile 1 Save to Profile 2 Load from Profile 2 Start O C Profile x Select Screen ti Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit ESC Exit v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends
14. 2 Click the shortcut buttons or the drop down menus for options on changing the acoustic environment adjust the equalizer or set the karaoke to your desired settings 3 Click E to effect the Sound Effect settings and exit Mixer The Mixer option allows you to configure audio output playback volume and audio input record volume To set the mixer options 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the Mixer tab 2 Turn the volume buttons to adjust the Playback and or Record volume The Mixer option activates voice input from all channels by default Make sure to set all channels to mute if you do not want voice input 3 Make adjustments to Wave SW Synth Front Rear CD volume Mic volume Line Volume and Stereo mix etc by clicking the control tabs and dragging them up and down until you get the desired levels Z Click the next button ie to display more menu options 4 Click to effect the Mixer settings and exit ASUS M3A78 T 5 19 5 20 Audio I O The Audio I O option allows you configure your input output settings To set the Audio I O options 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the Audio I O tab Click the drop down menu to select the channel configuration The control settings window displays the status of connected devices Click I for analog and digital options Click lt OK gt to effect the Audio I O settings and exit Microphone The Microphon
15. ASUS Update To install ASUS Update 1 Place the support DVD in the optical drive The Drivers menu appears 2 Click the Utilities tab then click Install ASUS Update See page 3 4 for the Utilities screen menu 3 The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system Z Quit all Windows applications before you update the BIOS using this utility e Chapter 4 BIOS setup Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet 1 Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start gt Programs gt ASUS gt ASUSUpdate gt ASUSUpdate The ASUS Update main window appears Lent ao RCH mn m iin T ibi MAN an SUE aadi an 1D dl tk mn OLT name hie nm r ban Chand BEN Pama I rg a ee EOL 2 fe TUR Uostai EOS fre Fa eae al 2 Select Update BIOS from 3 Select the ASUS FTP site nearest the Internet option from the you to avoid network traffic or drop down menu then click Next click Auto Select Click Next ASUS M3A78 T 4 7 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 clicki
16. Chapter 4 BIOS setup Z Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another _ 4 2 4 Menu items se ee Th h hli h d I h Legacy Diskette 1 44M 3 5 in e Ig Ig te Item on t e menu Primary IDE Master WDC WD800JD 00LSA0 E E DE Slave Detected bar displays the specific items for that menu For example selecting Main shows the Main menu items The other items Advanced Power Boot and Exit on the menu bar have their respective menu items Main menu items 4 2 5 Sub menu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a sub menu To display the sub menu select the item and press lt Enter gt 4 2 6 Configuration fields These fields show the values for the menu items If an item is user configurable you can change the value of the field opposite the item You cannot select an item that is not user configurable A configurable field is enclosed in brackets and is highlighted when selected To change the value of a field select it then press lt Enter gt to display a list of options Refer to 4 2 7 Pop up window 4 2 7 Pop up window Select a menu item then press lt Enter gt to display a pop up window with the configuration options for that item 4 2 8 Scroll bar A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on the screen Press the Up Down arrow keys or lt Page Up gt lt Page Down gt keys
17. Disabled Enables or disables the DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT feature that allows the system to correct the DRAM ECC errors immediately when they occur Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 Bit ECC Mode Disabled Enables or disables the ECC chip kill feature Configuration options Disabled Enabled DRAM BG SCRUB Disabled Disables or sets the DRAM BG Scrub Configuration options Disabled 40ns 80ns 160ns 320ns 640ns 1 28us 2 56us 5 12us 10 2us 20 5us 41 0us 81 9us 163 8us 327 7us 655 4us 1 31ms 4 62ms 5 24ms 10 49ms 20 97ms 42 00ms 84 00ms Data Cache BG Scrub Disabled Disables or sets the Data Cache BG Scrub This item allows the L1 Data Cache RAM to be corrected when idle Configuration options Disabled 40ns 80ns 160ns 320ns 640ns 1 28us 2 56us 5 12us 10 2us 20 5us 41 0us 81 9us 163 8us 327 7us 655 4us 1 31ms 4 62ms 5 24ms 10 49ms 20 97ms 42 00ms 84 00ms Chapter 4 BIOS setup L2 L3 Cache BG Scrub Disabled Disables or sets the L2 L3 Cache BG Scrub This item allows the L2 L3 Data Cache RAM to be corrected when idle Configuration options Disabled 40ns 80ns 160ns 320ns 640ns 1 28us 2 56us 5 12us 10 2us 20 5us 41 0us 81 9us 163 8us 827 7us 655 4us 1 31ms 4 62ms 5 24ms 10 49ms 20 97ms 42 00ms 84 00ms ASUS M3A78 T 4 27 4 4 6 Onboard Devices Configuration Advanced On
18. Hence a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended Integrated ATI Radeon HD 3300 GPU SidePort Memory onboard 128MB DDR3 1333 memory Supports HDMI Technology HDCP compliant with max resolution up to 1920 x 1200 1080P Supports DVI with max resolution up to 2560 x 1600 60Hz Supports D Sub with max resolution up to 2560 x 1440 75 Hz Hybrid CrossFireX support For Windows Vista only HDMI DVI RGB output support Supports Microsoft DirectX 10 OpenGL 2 0 Pixel Shader 4 0 Maximum shared memory of 512MB 3 x PCle 2 0 x16 slots Supports PCle 2 0 1 0 architecture 1 x PCle x1 slots 2 x PCI 2 2 slots SB750 chipset 1 x Ultra DMA 133 100 66 33 interface 5 x SATA 3Gb s ports supporting RAID 0 1 5 and 10 configuration 1 x eSATA 3Gb s port supporting RAID 0 1 5 and 10 configuration Marvell 88E8056 Gigabit LAN continued on the next page xi xii M3A78 T specifications summary High Definition audio IEEE 1394 USB ASUS unique features Other features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Realtek ALC1200 8 channel High Definition audio CODEC Optical S PDIF Out port at back I O LSI FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports 1 at mid board 1 on the rear panel 12 x USB 2 0 ports 6 at mid board 6 on the rear panel ASUS Express Gate Web browser file downloading and uploading
19. Inc Save to Profle 1 2 Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash Press lt Enter gt to save the file Load from Profile 1 2 Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash Press lt Enter gt to load the file Start O C Profile Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS Press lt Enter gt to run the utility ASUSTek O C Profile Utility V1 06 Enter Select or Load B Backup Esc Exit Tab Switch Up Down Home End Move P e This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk or a floppy disk with FAT 32 16 format and single partition only DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure ASUS M3A78 T 4 41 4 42 4 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 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Exit Options Exit system setup ee after saving the Exit amp Save Changes changes Exit amp Discard Changes Discard Changes F10 key can be used for this operation Load Setup Defaults Z Pressing lt Esc gt does not immediately exit this menu Select one of the options from this menu or lt F10 gt from the legend bar to exit Exit amp Save Changes Once you are finished making your selections choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to th
20. OK n z 4 Right click on the Windows k desktop then click Personalize rem from the shortcut menu Barg V ret ta make pr rs karer Miss 5 Click Display Settings Select Default Monitor on ATI Radeon aua ry HD 3200 Graphics then select the check boxes of This is my main monitor and Extend the desktop onto this monitor Click OK and pt a then Yes from the confirmation tre oe fens window gen 6 Restart the system Right click on Sa the Windows desktop then click ATI CATALYST R Control Center from the shortcut menu The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen appears 7 Click Graphics Settings gt CrossFire then select the Enable CrossFire check box When a coonfirmation pops up click Yes The screen blacks out for about one minute 8 Click OK The onboard graphics card is set to be the main monitor Mat eee ee A eet ED LOG eer and want to set the onboard graphics card as your main monitor follow the V If you are using both an add on and the on board graphics cards at same time instructions on the next page ASUS M3A78 T 6 3 1 Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card 2 From the ATI CATALYST R Control Center screen click Display nn enn ee Manager gt 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 set
21. Pas itii Bik MOE EE HURAR BE GSA ERT Pou moTHERDG ARE 5 REvEtbon Pi oP piini E TPAD Phim ismi i FERDEN 8 en FRAMS see mn I map bie Petal aimi feos JAHD Petey mur 5 Leal Gaurd mobilt mipi Jimia SP eh IDEL miry gt EJ N QARK l Le D H Kr IEL R rense iE een SLOT a i File list Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format Chapter 5 Software support 5 3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information 5 3 1 ASUS MyLogo2 The ASUS MyLogo2 utility lets you customize the boot logo The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power On Self Tests POST The ASUS MyLogo2 is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from the support DVD See section 5 2 3 Utilities menu for details LN e Before using the ASUS MyLogo2 use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy of your original BIOS file or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website See section 4 1 3 AFUDOS utility Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to Enabled if you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2 See section 4 6 2 Boot Settings Configuration You can create your own boot logo image in GIF format The file size should be smaller than 15
22. RAID 10 4 Strip Block 64 KB Fast Init OFF Gigabyte Boundary ON Cache Mode WriteThru Channel ID Drive Model Capacity MB Assignment 1 Mas xxxxxxxxx XXXXXX 2 Mas xxxxxxxxx XXXXXX 3 Mas xxxxxxxxx XXXXXX 4 Mas xxxxxxxxx XXXXXX 1 Up Down ESC Exit Space Change Option Ctrl Y Save 3 Highlight the LD1 item and press lt Space gt to select RAID 10 4 Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to any four of the drives 5 Press lt Ctrl Y gt to save the setting The utility prompts the following messages Press Ctrl Y if you are sure to erase MBR Press any other key to ignore this option Press lt Ctrl Y gt to erase MBR or press any key to continue Press Ctrl Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key to use maxinum capacity Press lt Ctrl Y gt to key in the desired capacity or press any key to continue 6 The utility displays the following screen FastBuild tm Utility c 2004 2005 ATI Technology Inc RAID Mode Total Drv Capacity MB Status XXXXXX Functional 1 Up Down ESC Exit Enter Select ASUS M3A78 T 5 49 Deleting a RAID configuration To create a RAID set 1 In the Main Menu press lt 3 gt to enter the Delete LD function 2 Select the RAID item you want to delete and press lt Del gt or lt Alt D gt 1 Up Down ESC Exit Del or Alt D Delete 5 50 Chapter 5 Software support 5 5 Creating a RAID dr
23. a healthy operating condition Refer to page 1 9 for the OS that supports this utility Installing PC Probe Il To install PC Probe II on your computer 1 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature Z If Autorun is not enabled in your computer browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the setup exe file from the ASUS PC Probe II folder Double click the setup exe file to start installation 2 Click the Utilities tab then click ASUS PC Probe II 3 Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Launching PC Probe II You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the Windows desktop To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows desktop click Start gt All Programs gt ASUS gt PC Probe II gt PC Probe Il v1 xx xx The PC Probe II main window appears After launching the application the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows taskbar Click this icon to close or restore the application Using PC Probe II Main window The PC Probe II main window de ant allows you to view the current status of your system and change the utility configuration By default the main window displays the Preference section You can close or restore the Preference section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle Click to close the Preference panel Chapter 5 Software support Func
24. allows you to open view and print documents in Portable Document Format PDF Microsoft DirectX 9 0c Installs the Microsoft DirectX 9 0 driver The Microsoft DirectX 9 0 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 www microsoft com for updates Ulead Burn Now Installs the Ulead Burn Now application for Audio DVD CD and data disc creation Corel MediaOne Starter Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage edit share and protect your multimedia data Chapter 5 Software support CyberLink PowerBackup Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily Ulead Photolmpact 12 SE Installs the Photolmpact image editing software Winzip 11 Installs the Winzip utility for easy file compression and protection Norton Internet Security 2008 Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008 software 5 2 4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the ATI force RAID AHCI driver disk Make disk Dinare airs eva ma bk fg iiri ATI RAID AHCI 32 64bit WinXP Vista Driver Allows you to create ATI RAID AHCI driver disks for 32 64bit Windows XP Vista ASUS M3A78 T 5 5 5 2 5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals Click an
25. computer you will be at the Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser Skype or other Express Gate softwares Installing ASUS Express Gate A N e ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs in IDE mode only ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset controlled onboard SATA ports only All onboard extended SATA ports and external SATA ports are NOT supported See chapter 2 for the exact location of onboard SATA ports ASUS Express Gate supports installation on USB HDDs and Flash drives but the software performance may be slower than installed on SATA HDDs To install Express Gate on your computer 1 5 34 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has enabled Autorun feature Click the Utilities tab then click ASUS Express Gate Installer Select the language for installation crou Setsp Language and click OK i Lebri fe Large fice ar misa bror F hoss baio Engh LiSA The InstallShield Wizard for Pee Express Gate appears Click Next ee ie hand aner fe to continue Bar mye ee ee al eel prs farer 3 1 TE i Chapter 5 Software support 5 Select the target disk volume for apen aks 198 be ind r you to install Express Gate If you kler l ge is ER have multiple volumes and OS 3 installed in your hard drive it is recommended to install Express Gate in Volume C Click Next to
26. display the configuration options Security Settings lt Enter gt to change Supervisor Password Not Installed EE to User Password Not Installed disable password Change Supervisor Password Change User Passward 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 After you set a password this item shows Installed To set a Supervisor Password 1 Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press lt Enter gt 2 From the password box type a password composed of at least six letters and or numbers then press lt Enter gt 3 Confirm the password when prompted The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password To change the supervisor password follow the same steps as in setting a user password To clear the supervisor password select the Change Supervisor Password then press lt Enter gt The message Password Uninstalled appears aN If you forget your BIOS password you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock RTC RAM See section 1 9 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM After you have set a supervisor password the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings ASUS M3A78 T 4 37 4 38 Security Settings lt Enter gt to change Supervisor Password Installed password User Pas
27. if no IDE device is installed in the system 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 Chapter 4 BIOS setup 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 IConfiguration options Auto SWDMAO SWDMA1 SWDMA2 MWDMAQ MWDMA1 MWDMA2 UDMAO UDMA1 UDMA2 UDMA3 UDMA4 UDMA5 UDMA6 SMART Monitoring Auto Sets the Smart Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled 32Bit Data Transfer Enabled Enables or disables 32 bit data transfer Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 3 6 Storage Configuration The Storage Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage device s Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY OnChip SATA Type IDE Disabled Ena
28. item to open the folder of the user manual Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format PDF Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file ee FT rn re ee i z j im j mna aa Manual Fie a oer lest brie rie Viet igh vain 5 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 5 6 Chapter 5 Software support 5 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 Fe p tT ig Vien Sr ee ied at re nim TS VE Drivers Finse salen Parrys rm ket Age san Motherfoard rotor a Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format ASUS M3A78 T 5 7 5 8 Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support GLP iHe LIDE Fa GR Fana V r Hep J ijf T rset ST BPG ee Pee BRE ERE ERE SWE EEE EEE EEE EE EEE EAN EEE EEE ENE ETTE EE EE EE EE EEE ere Fu dTED BEL bET FA tm TT pre T SETT MHA Piel FARER
29. pue0qu3YJON E4018 Second Edition July 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 Product warranty or service will not be extended if 1 the product is repaired modified or altered unless such repair modification 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 AN
30. to display the other items on the screen Pop up window 4 2 9 General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item Scroll bar ASUS M3A78 T 4 11 4 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 4 2 1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit 4 3 1 System Time xx xx xx Allows you to set the system time 4 3 2 System Date Day xx xx xxxx Allows you to set the system date 4 3 3 Legacy Diskette A 1 44M 3 5 in Sets the type of floppy drive installed Configuration options Disabled 720K 3 5 in 1 44M 3 5 in Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 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 lt Enter gt to display the IDE device information BIOS SETUP UTILITY Primary IDE Master Select the type of device connected Device Not Detected to the system Type Auto LBA Large Mode Auto Block Multi Sector Transfer M Auto PIO Mode Auto DMA Mode Auto SMART Monitoring Auto 32Bit Data Transfer Enabled m Select Screen tl Select Item Change Option F1 General Help F10Save and Exit ES
31. up for the first time srrssrrnnvnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvennvevnvennr 3 1 3 2 Turning off the computer rrsevrssrersvrvnnvnnnnernnvrrnanennnevnnnennnennnnvnner 3 2 ASUS M3A78 T 3 1 Starting up for the first time 1 After making all the connections replace the system case cover 2 Be sure that all switches are off 3 Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis 4 Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector 5 Turn on the devices in the following order a Monitor b External SCSI devices starting with the last device on the chain c System power 6 After applying power the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up For systems with ATX power supplies the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button If your monitor complies with green standards or if it has a power standby feature the monitor LED may light up or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on The system then runs the power on self tests or POST While the tests are running the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the screen If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power the system may have failed a power on test Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance BIOS beep codes BIOS Beep Description One short beep No keyboard detected One
32. wake the system and return to the OS environment simply click the mouse or press a key Q Fan 2 ASUS Q Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet cool and efficient operation See page 2 34 for details ASUS Crystal Sound This feature can enhance speech centric applications like Skype online game video conference and recording Noise Filter This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises non voice signals like computer fans air conditioners and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings ASUS Q Shield The specially designed ASUS Q Shield does without the usual fingers making it convenient and easy to install With better electric conductivity it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference EMI mt ASUS Q Connector lerk ASUS Q Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections ASUS M3A78 T 1 5 FETTER gt eS ASUS EZ Flash 2 S ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user f
33. www amd com for the Hybrid CrossFireX selected GPUs Currently Hybrid CrossFireX supports only one discrete GPU which works with the integrated GPU 6 1 2 Before you proceed Configure the BIOS settings for the graphics card to support ATI Hybrid CrossFireX To set Internal Graphics 1 Press lt Del gt during the Power On Self Test POST to enter the BIOS Setup utility 2 Select Advanced gt Chipset gt Internal Graphics Configuration set UMA Frame Buffer Size to 256MB and set Surround View to Enabled Internal Graphics Configuration Internal Graphics Mode UMA SIDEPORT Auto UMA SET Buffer Size DONE 32MB R 64MB SIDEPORT Memory Voltage Auto 128MB GFX Engine Clock Override Disable 256MB UMA SP Interleave Mode Auto 512MB Surround View Enabled NB Azalia Enable 3 Press lt F10 gt to save the changes and exit BIOS settings Select OK to confirm ASUS M3A78 T 6 1 6 1 3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver To install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology 1 Insert the Support DVD that comes with your motherboard 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 From the Drivers menu click AMD Chipset Driver to install it Follow the
34. you are away Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation After installing Al Suite from the bundled support DVD you can launch the utility by double clicking the Al Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the Al Nap button on the Al Suite main window Click Yes on the confirmation screen Are pou sure that pou want to enter Al Nap mode To exit Al Nap mode press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on the confirmation screen re vou sure that you want to leave AI Nap mode To switch the power button functions from Al Nap to shutting down just right click the Al Suite icon on the OS taskbar select Al Nap and click Use power button Unclick the the item to switch the function back ASUS M3A78 T 5 31 5 3 8 ASUS Q Fan 2 This ASUS Q Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q Fan 2 or the Chassis Q Fan 2 for more efficient system operation After enabling the Q Fan 2 function the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature to decrease fan speed or to achieve the maximum fan speed After installing Al Suite from the bundled support DVD you can launch the utility by double clicking the Al Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the Q Fan 2 button on the Al Suite maln window Click the drop down menu button and display the fan names Select CPU Q Fan 2 or CHA
35. 0 K To launch the ASUS MyLogo2 1 Launch the ASUS Update utility Refer to section 4 1 1 ASUS Update utility for details 2 Select Options from the drop down menu then click Next 3 Check the option Launch MyLogo to replace system boot logo before flashing BIOS then click Next 4 Select Update BIOS from a file from the drop down menu then click Next 5 When prompted locate the new BIOS file then click Next The ASUS MyLogo window appears 6 From the left window pane select the folder that contains the image you intend to use as your boot logo ASUS M3A78 T 5 9 7 When the logo images appear on the right window pane select an image to enlarge by clicking on it a Fl La dl bill won af HE au F ro 8 Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box 9 When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo 10 After flashing the BIOS restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST 5 10 Chapter 5 Software support 5 3 2 Cool n Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool n Quiet Technology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed voltage and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs Enabling Cool n Quiet Technology To enable Cool n Quiet Technology 1 Turn on the system and
36. 08 DATE Unknown Enter Select or Load B Backup Esc Exit Tab Switch Up Down Home End Move 2 Enter BIOS setup program Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and press lt Enter gt to enable it You can switch between drives by pressing lt Tab gt before the correct file is found Then press lt Enter gt 4 When the correct BIOS file is found EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done AN e This function can support devices such as USB flash disks or floppy disks with FAT 32 16 format only Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure ASUS M3A78 T 4 3 4 1 3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file 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 Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility e Make sure that the floppy disk is not write protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the file _ e The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as shown 1 Copy the AFUDOS utility afudos exe from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier 2 Boot the sys
37. 5 14 5 3 4 ASUS PC Probe lL rrnnrnonnrnnnvrnnnvnnnvnnnnennavsnnnvnnnvrnnnvennn 5 22 5 3 5 AFR MSN 5 28 536 ASUS AGE rrisin 5 30 537 ASUS MNA Luse eee 5 31 538 ASUS CFIN Zune 5 32 5 3 9 ASUS Al Booster uuensemmmmjmin jn 5 33 5 3 10 ASUS Express Gate rrnsvrrrravvrrnvvrrsvrrrnvvrrorvrrsrrrrrnnren 5 34 5 3 11 AMD OverDrive AOD rrrrrrnnnrrrnnsvrrrssnnvrsrsnrvrrrsnrrrennnr 5 43 RAID configurations sioricsccicccasiconcscecarssinsccstarcteemavensexseceusiooienes 5 44 5 4 1 RAID definitions soc ccciscisvusewisidcstdeussdedersticeucturavensavetocend ts 5 44 5 4 2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ureessrrrrvrrrnrrrrvrrrnrennr 5 45 5 4 3 AMD RAID configurations 5 45 Creating a RAID driver disk rrrraxnvrnvnvrvanvrrnnnvrnnnvvrnnvvennnerevnnennn 5 51 5 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 5 51 5 5 2 Creating a RAID SATA driver disk in Windows 5 51 Chapter 6 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support ATP Hybrid CrossFireX Lugano 6 1 6 1 1 System requirements r rrrrrrnnrvrrnnvrnnnvrrrnvvrrnnvrrsnnvrnrnnenn 6 1 6 1 2 Before you proceed ccccceccccsssccsssesssseesssessseeessseees 6 1 6 1 3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver ussnrrvvnrrrrrrrrrnrrervrernnens 6 2 6 1 4 Using the ATI CATALYST Control Center 0008 6 2 Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following
38. 8 white and x4 black mode The operating frequency of the slot schange depending on the type of PCI Express card you install Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots PCI 2 slot PCI Express x16 1 slot PCI 1 slot PCI Express x1 1 slot PCI Express x16 3 slot PCI Express x16 2 slot Chapter 2 Hardware information PCI Express operating mode VGA configuration Single VGA PCIe card Dual VGA PCIe card Triple VGA PCIe card aN e Currently only Windows Vista operation system supports Hybird CrossFireX mode Currently only AMD HD3470 HD3450 HD2400XT and HD2400Pro graphics cards support the Hybrid CrossFireX function If you install two VGA cards we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment See page 2 28 for the connector location Visit the AMD official website at www amd com for more information about Hybrid CrossFireX support ASUS M3A78 T 2 17 2 18 2 6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM 3 pin 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 syste
39. A2 MWDMAO MWDMA1 MWDMA2 UDMAO UDMA1 UDMA2 UDMA3 UDMA4 UDMA5 UDMA6 SMART Monitoring Auto Sets the Smart Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled 32Bit Data Transfer Enabled Enables or disables 32 bit data transfer Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 3 5 SATA1 2 3 4 5 6 While entering Setup the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices There is a Separate sub menu for each SATA device Select a device item then press lt Enter gt to display the SATA device information BIOS SETUP UTILITY Third IDE Master Disabled Disables LBA Device Hard Disk eee Vendor HDT722516DLA380 Ayto Enables LBA Size 164 7GB Mode if the device LBA Mode Supported supports it and the Block Mode 16Sectors device is not already PIO Mode 4 formatted with LBA Async DMA MultiWord DMA 2 Mode disabled Ultra DMA Ultra DMA 6 SMART Monitoring Supported LBA Large Mode Auto Block Multi sector Transfer M Auto Select Screen PIO Mode Auto Select Item DMA Mode Auto Change Option SMART Monitoring Auto General Help 32Bit Data Transfer Enabled Save and Exit Exit American Megatrends Inc The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items Device Vendor Size LBA Mode Block Mode PIO Mode Async DMA Ultra DMA and SMART monitoring These values are not user configurable These items show N A
40. Audio Jack technology for all audio ports eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek Audio Driver from the support CD DVD that came with the motherboard package If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed you will find the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar From the taskbar double click on the SoundEffect icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager EE Realtek HD Audio Manager A Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows Vista Set default Minimize Exit button device button button ara Device advanced Configuration aave option tabs settings Connector settings Analog and digital ve connector pt status window Information button 5 14 Chapter 5 Software support Information Click the Information button L to display information about the audio driver version DirectX version audio controller audio codec and language setting Device advanced settings Click Device advanced settings to show further settings for the playback and recording device Connector settings Click the Connector Settings button Va to show further settings for the analog digital output input ports Exit kaii D rir 60 3 a ET P Htl dates Dorig HE Bases lade Loder BLI XXXX do ee r al Die arr a mee Erik wh amg ad uriy jad om Pigeon inar Buin fa vr Ure ee ee ie se
41. Booster or Q Fan 2 icon to launch the utility or click the Normal icon to restore the system to normal state ME Press to restore to normal Press to launch Al Nap Press to launch Al Gear 2 Press to launch Al Booster Press to launch Q Fan 2 5 28 Chapter 5 Software support Other feature buttons Click ta on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window Displays the CPU system temperature FE CPU memory PCIE Hl JUTE voltage and CPU chassis fan speed Displays the FSB CPU frequency Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit ASUS M3A78 T 5 29 5 3 6 ASUS Al Gear 2 ASUS Al Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs This easy to use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption After installing Al Suite from the bundled support DVD you can launch Al Gear 2 by double clicking the Al Suite icon on your Windows OS taskbar and then click the Al Gear 2 button on the Al Suite main window Shift the gear to the performance setting that you like Medium Performance Maximum Performance High Maximum Performance Power Saving 5 30 Chapter 5 Software support 5 3 7 ASUS Al Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever
42. CExit The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items Device Vendor Size LBA Mode Block Mode PIO Mode Async DMA Ultra DMA and SMART monitoring These values are not user configurable These items show N A if no IDE device is installed in the system 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 DVD 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 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 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 ASUS M3A78 T 4 13 DMA Mode Auto Selects the DMA mode Configuration options Auto SWDMAO SWDMA1 SWDM
43. Configuring PC Probe II Click w to view and adjust the sensor threshold values The Config window has two tabs Sensor Threshold and Preference The Sensor Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts or change the temperature scale PIGIGLGNEE a Loads the default threshold values for Cancels or each sensor ignores your Applies your changes changes ASUS M3A78 T Loads your saved configuration Saves your configuration 5 27 5 3 5 ASUS Al Suite ASUS Al Suite allows you to launch Al Gear 2 Al Booster Al Nap and Q Fan 2 utilities easily Installing Al Suite To install Al Suite on your computer 1 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature 2 Click the Utilities tab then click Al Suite 3 Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Launching Al Suite You can launch the Al Suite right after installation or anytime from the Windows desktop To launch the Al Suite from the Windows desktop click Start gt All Programs gt ASUS gt Al Suite gt Al Suite v1 xx xx The Al Suite main window appears After launching the application the Al Suite icon appears in the Windows taskbar Click this icon to close or restore the application Using Al Suite Click the Al Gear 2 Al Nap Al
44. D RW 2 30 Chapter 2 Hardware information 9 Front panel audio connector 10 1 pin AAFP This connector is for a chassis mounted front panel audio I O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC 97 audio standard Connect one end of the front panel audio I O module cable to this connector g E rw ae o u Lu Fa LU g W LU LU z og2 2L gs Zeo EE On N i E gJ W AAFP PIN 1 O O owwrae ERGE C IC msazs t Kenr ASUS OOO wO E mm aan g Z Lu SSS HD audio compliant un pin definition M3A78 T Analog front panel connector NN ASUS M3A78 T We recommend that you connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard s high definition audio capability If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector set the Front Panel Support Type item in the BIOS setup to HD Audio if you want to connect an AC 97 front panel audio module to this connector set the item to AC97 By default this connector is set to HD Audio AGND NC NC NC MICPWR Line a Line see Legacy AC 97 compliant definition 2 31 10 Optical drive audio connector 4 pin CD These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD ROM T
45. D 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 identification or explanation and to the owners benefit without intent to infringe Contents Ce lil NOU vii SANNA viii About this QUIGG Luise Ix M3A78 T specifications SUMMATy rrrasnvrnnnvvrnnnvrnnnvnvnnnvnnnnernvnnnnnnnvnnnnennnnnnn xi Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1 Welcome sss ssiecsetecreseccecenscrnvecenancteutansuceiienceecensvetauseeenienecsedeeeueiuee 1 1 1 2 Package COMENIS vis issccecsssccrvencencssnsnessitveusnsnceversennexiesctnsceesnesenrede 1 1 1 3 Special TEAL CS vss ean 1 2 1 3 1 Product NINE csiis 1 2 1 3 2 ASUS unique features mrrsnrrsvvrrrnvvrrnrverrnvrrrrrvrrnnvrrrnneen 1 4 1 3 3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features nnsrnsvrrnrrvvrrrnrrrrnrerrrenrnnens 1 6 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 1 Before YOU ProcCeed Lu unnssmmmmnninjdineeennmiade 2 1 2 2 Motherboard OverVieW rrrrxvvrnvnnvnvnnnnvrnnnnvnnnnnnnvnnnnnvnennnnvennnneeennn 2 2 2 2 1 Placement direction srrrarnrvvrnnavveansnrernrnnvesasnrvnsnsnverennns 2 2 2 22 Screw holes cccccsscecsscecsssecssseesseeeeseseesseeesssseessneeess 2 2 2 2 3 Mo
46. DEC enables high quality 192KHz 24 bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while playing multi channel network games 1 3 2 ASUS unique features Q ASUS Express Gate Just 5 seconds to boot up ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly surf the Internet without entering Windows You can now enjoy Skype IM YouTube webmail and Internet file downloads and sharing whenever and wherever you want Z e The bootup speed depends on system configurations a Due to chipset limitation ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices or SATA HDDs IDE mode connected to SATA port 1 4 only Set the SATA Operation Mode item in the BIOS to IDE before installing and using ASUS Express Gate Currently ASUS Express Gate DOES NOT support PATA IDE HDDs Visit www asus com for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability Al Gear 2 Al 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 chnage the mode under operating system to suit your needs Chapter 1 Product Introduction Al Nap E With AI Nap the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away To
47. External SATA port IEEE 1394a port DVI D Out port HDMI Out port Optical S PDIF Out port USB 2 0 ports 5 and 6 st od be ee ee rd ee ok M 2 4 Chapter 2 Hardware information Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector 34 1 pin FLOPPY IDE connector 40 1 pin PRI IDE Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA1 5 USB connectors 10 1 pin USB78 USB910 USB1112 IEEE 1394a port connector 10 1 pin I1E1394 2 CPU chassis and power fan connectors 4 pin CPU FAN 3 pin CHA FAN1 2 3 pin PWR FAN Chassis intrusion connector 4 1 pin CHASSIS ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 4 pin ATX12V Front panel audio connector 10 1 pin AAFP Optical drive audio connector 4 pin CD Digital audio connector 4 1 pin SPDIF OUT System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL ASUS Q Connector system panel ASUS M3A78 T 2 3 Central Processing Unit CPU The motherboard comes with an AM2 AM2 socket designed for AMD Socket AM2 Phenom FX Phenom Athlon Sempron processors or for Socket AM2 Athlon series Sempron processors AN The AM2 AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940 pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AM2 AM2 socket The CPU fits in only one correct orientation DO NOT force the CP
48. Features NB SB link ASPM Disabled Configuration options Disabled L1 NP NB SB VC1 Traffic Support Disabled Configuration options Enabled Disabled Link Width Auto Configuration options Auto x1 x2 x4 Internal Graphics Configuration This menu allows you to change the onboard graphics configuration settings Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu Advanced Internal Graphics Configuration Internal Graphics Mode UMA SIDEPORT Disable UMA Frame Buffer Size Auto UMA SIDEPORT Clock Speed 400MHz SIDEPORT SIDEPORT Memory Voltage Auto UMA SIDEPORT GFX Engine Clock Override Disable UMA SP Interleave Mode Auto Surround View Auto NB Azalia Enable Internal Graphics Mode UMA SIDEPORT Configuration options Disable UMA SIDEPORT UMA SIDEPORT UMA Frame Buffer Size Auto Configuration options Auto 32MB 64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB Chapter 4 BIOS setup SIDEPORT Clock Speed 667MHz Configuration options 667MHz 682MHz 697MHz 712MH2 850MHz SIDEPORT Memory Voltage Auto Configuration options Auto 1 60V 1 70V 1 80V GFX Engine Clock Override Disable Allows you to enable or disable the GFX Engine Clock Override support Configuration options Disable Enable GFX Engine Clock 500 This item appears only when you enable the GFX Engine Clock Override item Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to change the value or type the desi
49. Gate environment after clearing its settings mest ASUS M3A78 T 5 37 5 38 Screen Settings Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display Volume Control Control the volume for your speaker output microphone input etc Using the LaunchBar The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses and let you configure individual Express Gate settings The LaunchBar can be configured to auto hide if you want more screen space for the softwares It can also be configured to dock on any of the four sides of the screen 11 58 AM E 5 l ja Lt bara 9 3 fr EN t3 r fay pa 2 2008 Starts the Web Browser for quick access to the World Wide Web ya Starts the Photo Manager album organizer tool Sy Starts the Chat instant messaging tool Start the Skype software which lets you call other people on Skype 3 for free as well as offering affordable high quality voice communications to phones all over the world ol Opens Configuration Panel which lets you specify network settings Lt and other preferences In the rare case that one of the above softwares stops responding you can right click on its icon and then select Close to force it to close The smaller icons on the right side of the LaunchBar are Click on this icon to open the File Manager window which lets you conveniently access the files on a USB drive If a USB device is mill detected the icon cont
50. M 3 5 in select a field Primary IDE Master Not Detected Use or to Primary IDE Slave Not Detected configure system time SATA1 HDT722516DLA380 SATA2 ASUS CRW 5232A1 SATA3 Not Detected SATA4 Not Detected SATA5 Not Detected SATA6 Not Detected Select Screen Storage Configuration tl Select Item Change Option F1 General Help F10Save and Exit ESCExit a F a F a a a a F F System Information Sub menu items Navigation keys 4 2 2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items Main For changing the basic system configuration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management APM configuration Boot For changing the system boot configuration Tools For configuring options for special functions Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings To select an item on the menu bar press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only and may not exactly match what you see on your screen Visit the ASUS website www asus com to download the latest BIOS information 4 4 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 4 10
51. No BIOS configures all the devices in the system When set to Yes and if you install a Plug and Play operating system the operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot Configuration options No Yes PCI Latency Timer 64 Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency timer register Configuration options 32 64 96 128 160 192 224 248 Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA Yes When set to Yes BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for an IRQ When set to No BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even if requested Configuration options No Yes Palette Snooping Disabled When set to Enabled the palete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function correctly Configuration options Disabled Enabled ASUS M3A78 T 4 29 4 30 IRQ xx assigned to PCI Device When set to PCI Device the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI PnP devices When set to Reserved the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices Configuration options PCI Device Reserved 4 4 8 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB related features Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the configuration options BIO UP Y U USB Devices Enabled 1 Mouse Disabled Enabled USB Functions Enabled USB 2 0 Cont
52. P8 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 1 1 1 a a a GND GND GND USB P11 USB 5V USB P11 USB 5V USB P9 USB P9 USB 5V USB P7 USB P7 M3A78 T USB 2 0 connectors AN Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors Doing so will damage the motherboard You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q Connector USB blue first and then install the Q Connector USB to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports 2 26 Chapter 2 Hardware information 5 IEEE 1394a port connector 10 1 pin IE1394 2 This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis Tg T E O z H Ing i UD DC M3A78 T E Y Q A z O A es e FGETS 3 j om IE1394 2 tiri mr PIN 1 L E l i 0 gt IZo M3A78 T IEEE 1394 connector COR Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector Doing so will damage the motherboard red first and then install the Q Connector 1394 to the 1394 connector onboard if your chassis supp
53. SSIS Q Fan 2 Click the box of Enable Q Fan 2 to activate this function sr 0 drop down list Enable Q Fan 2 box button hl Profile list appears after clicking the Enable Q Fan 2 box Click the drop down list button and select a profile Optimal mode makes the fans adjust speed with the temperature Silent mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best cooling effect Far Pate JA ER k l re Drait click to display the drop down list and select Q Fan 2 mode CPUGFAM peii O Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup 5 32 Chapter 5 Software support 5 3 9 ASUS Al Booster The ASUS Al Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS After installing Al Suite from the bundled support DVD you can launch the utility by double clicking the Al Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the Al Booster button on the Al Suite main window HI Booster Mode Default Auto bE Pee aT a a The options on the taskbar allow you to use the default settings adjust CPU Memory PCI E frequency manually or create and apply your personal overclocking configurations ASUS M3A78 T 5 33 5 3 10 ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an instant on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet Within a few seconds of powering on your
54. Table Enabled a anes C1E Support Disabled apical PN Processor Downcore Disabled General Help Auto Save and Exit Exit Select Screen Disabled Advanced Clock Caliberation Disabled C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends Inc Secure Virtual Machine Mode Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode Configuration options Disabled Enabled AMD Cool n Quiet Function Disabled Enables or disables the AMD Cool n Quiet function Configuration options Disabled Enabled ACPI SRAT Table Enabled Enables or disables the building of ACPI SRAT Table Configuration options Disabled Enabled C1E Support Enabled Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support Configuration options Disabled Enabled Processor Downcore Enabled Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 22 Chapter 4 BIOS setup TLB Fix Auto Allows you to enable or disable TLB patch for the AMD Phenom processor Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled AMD Live Disabled Enables or disables the AMD Live technology support Configuration options Disabled Enabled Advanced Clock Caliberation Disabled Allows you to set the advanced clock caliberation Configuration options Disabled Auto All Cores Per Core 4 4 4 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the adv
55. U into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU 2 3 1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU 1 Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard O HRA 01 M3A78 T E 5 H Oeece LU m 1 I fiin M3A78 T CPU socket AM2 2 Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways then lift it up to a 90 angle Socket lever LN Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90 angle otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely 2 6 Chapter 2 Hardware information 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 Gold triangle Small 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 6 Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package ASUS M3A78 T 2 7 2 8 2 3 2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Phenom FX Phenom Athlon Sempron processor requires a specially designe
56. V tuner or MPEG card c BSR M3A78 T SUS Left Audio Channel Right Audio Channel gr OO i Oat op aban M3A78 T Internal audio connector 11 Digital audio connector 4 1 pin SPDIF OUT This connector is for an additional Sony Philips Digital Interface S PDIF port s Connect the S PDIF Out module cable to this connector then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis la E o i i S O m El vi Da ID a 3 az NO SPDIF OUT M3A78 T Digital audio connector Z The S PDIF module is purchased separately Pt 2 32 Chapter 2 Hardware information 12 System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL This connector supports several chassis mounted functions r ran NO 100 E CI RSH A m U gt Z m m a a PLED fa 0 o w PLED ao foo m o m m 2 Ground m m w 5V Ground Speaker PIN Aa ce vg Ww LU J 3 ee a ne ge LU O
57. able to PIN 1 O wo i CI CICICT Him M3A78 T IDE connector PIN1 Drive jumper setting Mode of Cable connector device s Single device Cable Select or Master Black Master Black Slave Gray Master Master Black or gray Slave Slave Cable Select Two devices P e Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable Use the 80 conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133 100 66 33 IDE devices If any device jumper is set as Cable Select make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting Chapter 2 Hardware information Serial ATA connectors 7 pin SATA1 5 These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk and optical disk drives If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives you can create a RAID 0 RAID 1 and RAID 10 configuration through the onboard controller 109 RSATA RXN4 RSATA TXP4 RSATA TXN4 RSATA TXP4 RSATA RXN5 RSATA TXP5 GND GND GND GND GND i E LI Za 2h za 28 XX XX XX XX RE ma ie PE E Se EE oe ee a Q Q Q Q a 23352332 23352532 Orrorro Orrorro
58. ains a green arrow ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from SATA HDDs ODDs and USB drive and downloading to USB drives only e E Shows network status click to configure network _ Shows mute status click to change volume Chapter 5 Software support Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts Ctrl Space by default a Click to change LaunchBar options auto hide docking position etc CE Click to show the ASUS Utility panel Click to show About Express Gate fr Click to open Express Gate Help Click to bring up power options window to boot to OS restart or power fi down This window is also shown when you press Ctrl Alt Del on the GE keyboard Power off Enter OS Restart Check to save user profile Cancel and return to Express Gate How Do I Get on to the Internet If Internet doesn t seem to be working in the Express Gate environment check the following 1 Open the Configuration Panel rz Gy Wal ce E3 PA S 3 EN f be E oazuz Open Configuration Panel ASUS M3A78 T 5 39 2 Open Network ae hatal In g H r i Dante md Tira anus Meth Lange ard L nartiker erhia kopler zl j Network TF ay a J Hel ork lider iu Serre el rica Vite Oorts Fas 3 Make the proper network configurations Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it or z rental a
59. anced chipset settings Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY PCI Express Configuration PCI Express Configuration H Internal Graphics Configuration PCI Express Configuration This menu allows you to change the PCI Express Configuration settings Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu Advanced PCI Express Configuration GPP Slots Power Limit W 25 Port 02 Features Port 03 Features Port 04 Features Port 09 Features Port 10 Features NB SB Port Features TTYTT TY GPP Slots Power Limit W 25 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to change the value or type the desired value using the numeric keypad The values range from 0 to 255 Port 402 03 Features Gen2 High Speed Mode Disabled Configuration options Auto Disabled Software Initiated Advertised RC ASUS M3A78 T 4 23 4 24 Link ASPM Disabled Configuration options Disabled LOs L1 LOs amp L1 Link Width Auto Configuration options Auto x1 x2 x4 x8 x16 Slot Power Limit W 75 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to change the value or type the desired value using the numeric keypad The values range from 0 to 255 Port 04 09 10 Features Gen2 High Speed Mode Disabled Configuration options Auto Disabled Software Initiated Advertised RC Link ASPM Disabled Configuration options Disabled LOs L1 LOs amp L1 NB SB Port
60. annel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 ASUS M3A78 T 2 4 2 Memory configurations You may install 512 MB 1 GB and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets Recommended Memory Configurations Sockets Populated Single Channel Populated p BEGER Populated Populated BEEN ee Populated Populated Populated Populated 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 For optimum compatibility it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor When installing a total memory of 4GB capacity or more Windows 32 bit Operation system may only recognize less than 3GB Hence a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb chips Due to OS limitation this motherboard can only support up to 8 GB on the operating systems listed below You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot 64 bit Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Windows Vista x64 Edition Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 4 3 Installing a DIMM AN Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs o
61. bes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system Chapter 4 BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided Chapter 5 Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software Chapter 6 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX support This chapter describes the ATI Hybrid CrossFireX feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures Where to find 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 Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation such as warranty flyers that may have been added by your dealer These documents are not part of the standard package 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 A CAUTION Information to prevent damage to the components e when trying to complete a task A IMPORTANT Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task Z NOTE Tips and additional informati
62. ble device and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD Blu Ray and other protected content LN This motherboard comes with dual VGA output that features different display on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both the onboard VGA and DVI D out ports DVI D cannot be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and is not compatible with DVI I To play HD DVD or Blu Ray Disc make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor Chapter 2 Hardware information 15 HDMI Out port This port is for a high definition multimedia interface HDMI connector This motherboard comes with dual VGA outputs that features different displays on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both the onboard VGA and HDMI ports Playback of HD DVD and Blu Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU Memory DVD player and drivers will affect the playback quality Following is a configuration example for your reference Using the CPU Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality CPU AMD Athlon64 ADH3200IAA4DE 51 2KB single core DIMM Kingston DDR2 800 1G x1 BIOS share memory 256MB HDD Seagate ST3160023A ATA100 ODD Sony BWU100A To play HD DVD or Blu Ray Disc make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor 16 Optical S PDIF Out port This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S PDIF cable 17 USB 2 0 port
63. bled This item appears only when you enable the previous item Configuration options Enable Disabled Primary Display Adapter PCI E Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device Configuration options PCI E PCI Onboard Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 4 7 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 AN Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction Advanced PCI PnP Settings No lets the BIOS z configure all the WARNING Setting wrong values in below sections devices in the system may cause system to malfunction Yes lets the ting system Plug And Play O S No Cree ae PCI Latency Timer 64 een seen Play Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA Yes Pal 3 Di 1 required for boot if alette Snooping Disabled your system has a Plug IRQ3 PCI Device and Play operating IRQ4 PCI Device Sy IRQ5 PCI Device IRQ7 PCI Device a Select Screen IRQ9 PCI Device ti Select Item IRQ10 PCI Device Change Option IRQ11 PCI Device F1 General Help IRQ14 PCI Device F10 Save and Exit IRQ15 PCI Device ESC Exit v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends Inc Plug and Play O S No When set to
64. bled OnChip SATA Channel Enabled Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel Configuration options Disabled Enabled OnChip SATA Type IDE This item appears only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to Enabled and allows you to set the OnChip SATA Type Configuration options IDE RAID AHCI ASUS M3A78 T 4 15 4 16 e If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices keep the default setting IDE If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller Interface AHCI set this item to AHCI The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands If you want to create a RAID 0 RAID 1 and RAID 10 configuration from the Serial ATA hard disk drives set this item to RAID 4 3 7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY AMIBIOS Version 0106 Build Date 07 02 08 Processor Brand AMD Phenom tm 8400 Triple Core Processor Speed 2100MHz Count 23 Select Screen i Select Item Installed Size 1024MB General Help Usable Size 896MB Save and Exit Exit System Memory v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends Inc AMI BIOS Displays the a
65. board Devices Configuraiton Allows BIOS to Select tm ee a a Serial Portl Base Serial Portl Address 3F8 IRQ4 Addresses HD Audio Azalia Device Auto Front Panel Support Type HD Audio SPDIF OUT Mode Setting SPDIF Output Onboard 1394 Enabled Onboard Marvell Lan Enabled Onboard Marvell LAN Boot ROM Disabled Primary Display Adapter PCI E Serial Porti Address 3F8 IRQ4 Allows you to select the Serial Porti base address Configuration options Disabled 3F8 IRQ4 2F8 IRQ3 3E8 IRQ4 2E8 IRQ3 HD Audio Azalia Device Auto Allows you to enable or disable the High Definition Audio The following item appears only when you set this item to Auto Configuration options Auto Disabled Front Panel Support Type HD Audio Allows you to set the front panel audio connector AAFP mode to legacy AC 97 or high definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports Configuration options AC97 HD Audio SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting SPDIF Output If your graphics card has HDMI output and needs to use SPDIF signal from the SPDIF_Out header you need to set to HDMI output for HDMI audio output Configuration options SPDIF Output HDMI Output Onboard 1394 Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the onboard 1394 device support Configuration options Disabled Enabled Onboard Marvell LAN Enabled Configuration options Enable Disabled Onboard Marvell LAN Boot ROM Disa
66. ck Mode item to Limit and Manual Configuration options 400 MHz 533 MHz 667 MHz 800 MHz 1066 MHz 2T Mode Auto Allows selection of the 2T Mode Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled DRAM Timing Mode Auto Allows selection of the DRAM Timing Mode Configuration options Auto DCT 0 DCT 1 Both The following sub items appear only when you set the DRAM Timing Mode item to DCT 0 DCT 1 and Both CAS Latency CL Auto Configuration options Auto 3 CLK 4 CLK 5 CLK 6 CLK 7 CLK DH Only TCWL Auto Configuration options Auto 5 CLk 6 CLK 7 CLK 8 CLK TRCD Auto Configuration options Auto 3 CLK 4 CLK 5 CLK 6 CLK TRP Auto Configuration options Auto 3 CLK 4 CLK 5 CLK 6 CLK TRAS Auto Configuration options Auto Chapter 4 BIOS setup tWR Auto Configuration options Auto 3 CLK 4 CLK 5 CLK 6 CLK tRFCO Auto Configuration options Auto 75ns 105ns 127 5ns 195ns 327 5ns tRFC1 Auto Configuration options Auto 75ns 105ns 127 5ns 195ns 327 5ns tRFC2 Auto Configuration options Auto 75ns 105ns 127 5ns 195ns 327 5ns tRFC3 Auto Configuration options Auto 75ns 105ns 127 5ns 195ns 327 5ns TRC Auto Configuration options Auto TRRD Auto Configuration options Auto 2 CLK 3 CLK 4 CLK 5 CLK tWTR Auto Specifies the write to read delay when accessing
67. continue l pr rs 6 Follow the screen instructions to complete installation The First Screen Express Gate s first screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer From here you can immediately start the web browser or Skype Express Gate You can also choose to continue booting EI GS normally e g to your installed OS such as Windows enter BIOS setup or power OD t o off arts If you don t make any selection Express Gate will automatically exit and boot to your normal OS after a certain amount of time The timer countdown is shown on screen inside the boot to OS button As you move the mouse or type a key the countdown stops and the timer disappears so you can take your time to make a selection The Express Gate Environment The very first time you enter the Express Gate environment by launching either web or Skype from the first screen a first time wizard will guide you through basic Express Gate configurations Basic configurations include language date and time and screen resolution ASUS M3A78 T 5 35 5 36 Once inside the Express Gate environment click on the icons on the LaunchBar by default at bottom of the screen to launch or switch between softwares You can re arrange re size and move windows Bring a window to the foreground by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding software icon Re size a window by dragging any of its four corn
68. continuous beep followed by two No memory detected short beeps then a pause repeated One continuous beep followed by three No VGA detected short beeps One continuous beep followed by four Hardware component failure short beeps 7 At power on hold down the lt Delete gt key to enter the BIOS Setup ASUS M3A78 T 3 1 3 2 3 2 Turning off the computer 3 2 1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows XP 1 Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer 2 Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer 3 The power supply should turn off after Windows shuts down If you are using Windows Vista 1 Click the Start button then select ShutDown 2 The power supply should turn off after Windows shuts down 3 2 2 Using the dual function power switch While the system is ON pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system to sleep mode or to soft off mode depending on the BIOS setting Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft off mode regardless of the BIOS setting Chapter 3 Powering up This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided BIOS setup 4 1 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 6 4 7 4 8 Managing and updating your BIOS eranvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnvrnnersnernnnr 4 1 BIOS setup program Lana haidddruuden 4 9 Mai
69. ction of the processor frequency multiplier Configuration options Auto 8 00x 8 50x 9 00x 9 50x 10 00x 10 50x Processor NB Frequency Multiplier Auto Allows selection of the processor frequency multiplier Configuration options Auto 4 00x 5 00x 6 00x 7 0x 8 00x 9 00x The following two items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the lt Enter gt key You can also use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value To restore the default setting type auto using the keyboard and press the lt Enter gt key s Processor Voltage Auto Allows selection of the Processor Voltage The values range from 0 8000V to 1 6875V with a 0 0125V interval Processor NB Voltage Auto Allows selection of the Processor Voltage The values range from 0 8000V to 1 6875V with a 0 0125V interval Chapter 4 BIOS setup CPU NB HT Link Speed Auto Allows you to set the CPU Northbridge HyperTransport link speed Configuration options Auto 200 MHz 400 MHz 600 MHz 800 MHz 1 GHz 1 2 GHz 1 4 GHz 1 6 GHz 1 8 GHz The following three items appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to Manual Standard or Overclock Profile and are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the lt Enter gt key You can also use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value To restore the default setting type auto using th
70. current date and time as well as time zone e Input Method choose your preferred input language and method Language and Keyboard choose your language and keyboard preferences e LaunchBar Settings customize your LaunchBar where it docks whether it auto hides etc e Network Specify how your computer connects to the Internet Enable all the network ports that you may use LAN1 LAN2 and or wireless optional LAN1 and LAN refer to the two RJ 45 network ports on your computer Z The number of the LAN ports may differ from motherboards Cam e You can connect the LAN cable to either port and Express Gate will automatically use the connected port Also specify whether each port uses DHCP most common or static IP For PPPoE and wireless optional set the login credentials user name password SSID etc as well Environment Settings This function allows you to clear the Express Gate settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser Bookmarks Cookies History etc The user data will be reset to the original default configuration After you click Restore System a confirmation dialog box will open If you click Yes in the confirmation dialog box your system will immediately restart and then re enter Express Gate to finish clearing the settings This is also useful in the rare case where settings might become corrupted The first time Wizard will run again when you enter the Express
71. d heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance Make sure 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 e 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 e f you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly CPU fan CPU heatsink Retention module base Retention bracket Retention bracket lock Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU heatsink and the retention mechanism If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation follow the latter Chapter 2 Hardware information 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 aN Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base otherwise
72. e CMOS RAM An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off When you select this option a confirmation window appears Select Ok to save changes and exit A If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting Press lt Enter gt to save the changes while exiting Exit amp Discard Changes Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program If you made changes to fields other than System Date System Time and Password the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting Discard Changes This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values After selecting this option a confirmation appears Select Ok to discard any changes and load the previously saved values Load Setup Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus When you select this option or if you press lt F5 gt a confirmation window appears Select OK to load default values Select Exit amp Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non volatile RAM Chapter 4 BIOS setup This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package Software support 5 1 5 2 5 3 5 4 5 5 Installing an opera
73. e keyboard and press the lt Enter gt key _ DDR Voltage Auto Allows selection of the DDR2 reference voltage The values range from 1 80V to 2 50V with a 0 02V interval Southbridge Voltage Auto Allows you to set the Northbridge Voltage Configuration options Auto 1 20V 1 25V 1 30V 1 35V Northbridge Voltage Auto Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage The following three items appear when you set Northbridge Voltage to Manual Configuration options Auto Manual HyperTransport Voltage Auto You can enter the desired HyperTransport voltage using the numeric keypad The values range from 1 20V to 1 40V with a 0 02V interval Core PCle Voltage Auto You can enter the desired Core PCle voltage using the numeric keypad The values range from 1 10V to 1 60V with a 0 02V interval CPU Tweak Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Tweak feature Configuration options Enabled Disabled ASUS M3A78 T 4 19 DRAM Timing Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Memory Clock Mode Auto Auto 2T Mode Auto Limit DRAM Timing Mode Auto Manual The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard Memory Clock Mode Auto Allows selection of the DRAM Frequency programming method Configuration options Auto Limit Manual Memclock Value 400 MHz This sub item appears only when you set the Memory Clo
74. e option allows you configure your input output settings and to check if your audio devices are connected properly To set the Microphone options 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the Microphone tab Click the Noise Suppression option button to reduce the static background noise when recording Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from the front speakers when recording Click the Beam Forming option button to eliminate surrounding noise interferences Click GI to start microphone calibration Click E to effect the Microphone settings and exit Chapter 5 Software support 3D Audio Demo The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a demonstration of the 3D audio feature To start the 3D Audio Demo 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the 3D Audio Demo tab 2 Click the option buttons to change the sound moving path or environment settings 3 Click l to test your settings 4 Click to effect the 3D Audio Demo settings and exit ASUS M3A78 T 5 21 5 22 5 3 4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe Il is a utility that monitors the computer s vital components and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components PC Probe II senses fan rotations CPU temperature and system voltages among others Because PC Probe Il is software based you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on With this utility you are assured that your computer is always at
75. e port pink This port connects a microphone 10 Side Speaker Out port gray This port connects the side speakers in an 8 channel audio configuration ASUS M3A78 T 2 19 2 20 Refer to the audio configuration table on the next page for the function of the audio ports in 2 4 6 or 8 channel configuration Audio 2 4 6 or 8 channel configuration Headset 2 channel Light Blue Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out 4 channel 6 channel 8 channel Pink Micin MicIn Mic In Mic In Orange a Center Subwoofer Center Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Qu Rear Speaker Out Gray Side Speaker Out 11 USB 2 0 ports 3 and 4 These 4 pin Universal Serial Bus USB ports are available for connecting USB 2 0 devices 12 External SATA port This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk drive The external SATA port supports external SATA 3 0 Gb s devices Longer cables support higher power requirements to deliver signal up to two meters away and enables improved hot swap function LN To use hot plug set the SATA Mode Select in the BIOS settings to AHCI Mode See section 4 3 6 Storage Configuration for details 13 IEEE 1394a port This 6 pin IEEE 1394a port provides high speed connectivity for audio video devices storage peripherals PCs or portable devices 14 DVI D Out port This port is for any DVI D compati
76. eeeesees 4 12 4 3 2 System Date Day xx XX XXXX ccecceesseessteesseeeeeees 4 12 4 3 3 Legacy Diskette A 1 44M 3 5 in cc ecesseeseseeeeeneees 4 12 4 3 4 Primary IDE Master Slave 4 13 4 3 5 SATA 2 3 4 5 6 c cccccccccssecssesesceeseessscensseesnensseenss 4 14 4 3 6 Storage Configuration srrvnvnrnvrnrrvnrrrvnrrrrrnrerrrrrrrrnennr 4 15 4 4 4 5 4 6 4 7 4 8 4 3 7 System Information ccccecescesssecsssseessseesseesseeesees 4 16 Advanced MENU srir 4 17 4 4 1 Jumperfree Configuration rrasrranvrrvvvnrnrrvrrvnrvrnnrnneen 4 17 4 4 2 ANE 4 21 4 43 CPU Configuration urerrnvrrnvrvrvrrrvrrrnrrrrrrernrrernrersrerenne 4 22 4 44 Chipset mmum muurrmmmnmmmmmmmnmmnnenenn 4 23 4 4 5 ECC Configuration ureernvrrnvrrrnrrrrvrrrnvrrrrrernrrrrnrerserenne 4 26 4 4 6 Onboard Devices Configuration srrrsvrrnvrrrnvrrrvrnrnn 4 28 ar POP Lesere 4 29 4 4 8 USB Configuration rrrrrrernvvrrrrrvrrrrnvrrrrrernrrrrnrernrerenne 4 30 Power MEN laap 4 31 4 5 1 Suspend Mode Auto ccccccessscesssseeesssseeesssseeesees 4 31 4 5 2 Repost Video on S3 Resume NO cccccescccseecsseeees 4 31 4 53 ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled rrrnrrrrnnrrrrnnvrronvrrrnnnrrn 4 31 4 5 4 ACPI APIC Support Enabled rnrrrrrnrrrrnnrrronrrrrnnrrrn 4 31 4 5 5 APMConfiguration rresvvrrnvvrrnvrrrvrrrnvrrrrrernrernrersrreenne 4 32 4 5 6 Hardware Monitor eeranvrrnanvr
77. enter BIOS by pressing the lt Del gt key during the Power On Self Tests POST 2 Goto Advanced gt CPU Configuration gt AMD Cool n Quiet Function and set it to Enabled See section 4 4 Advanced menu 3 Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup 4 Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on your operating system Windows XP 1 From the Windows XP operating system click Start Select Settings gt Control Panel 2 Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View 3 Double click the Display icon in the Control Panel then select the Screen Saver tab 4 Click the Power button The following dialogue box appears 5 From the Power schemes combo list box select Minimal Power Management 6 Click OK to effect settings Patent OU plies Prose rie dr PE Peet Da betes there UP z akeri i eer chee SE he net aco Taz bo dg Senger Bode that cheng be s re bere sell rei a ASUS M3A78 T 5 11 Windows Vista 1 From the Windows Vista operating system click Start Select Control Panel 2 Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View 3 Double click the Personalization icon in the Control Panel then click the Screen Saver item Click Change power settings The following dialogue box appears 5 From the Preferred plans select Power saver 6 Close all windows P e Make sure to install the AMD Cool n Quiet driver and applica
78. er the option you need press lt ESC gt to exit the utility 5 46 Chapter 5 Software support Creating a RAID 0 configuration To create a RAID 0 set 1 2 In the Main Menu press lt 2 gt to enter the Define LD function Press lt Enter gt and the following screen appears FastBuild tm Utility c 2004 2005 ATI Technology Inc RAID Mode Total Drv RAID 0 Strip Block Fast Init OFF Gigabyte Boundary ON Cache Mode WriteThru Channel ID Drive Model Capacity MB Assignment 1 Up Down ESC Exit Space Change Option Ctrl Y Save Highlight the LD1 item and press lt Space gt to select RAID 0 Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to any two of the drives Press lt Ctrl Y gt to save the setting The utility prompts the following messages Press Ctrl Y if you are sure to erase MBR Press any other key to ignore this option Press lt Ctrl Y gt to erase MBR or press any key to continue Press Ctrl Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key to use maxinum capacity Press lt Cirl Y gt to key in the desired capacity or press any key to continue The utility displays the following screen FastBuild tm Utility c 2004 2005 ATI Technology Inc IDI RAIDO 2 xxx Functional 1 Up Down ESC Exit Enter Select ASUS M3A78 T 5 47 5 48 Creating a RAID 1 configuration To create a RAID 1 set 1 2 In the Mai
79. ers Move a window by dragging its title bar Besides using the LaunchBar you can also switch between softwares by pressing lt Alt gt lt Tab gt on the keyboard You can also right click anywhere on the desktop to bring up a menu of softwares The red triangle on an software icon in the LaunchBar denotes that the software is already running This means that you can switch to it without any delay In the rare case where an software stops responding right click on its icon to force close it Knowing the Express Gate hot keys Here is a list of common used hot keys for Express Gate In the First Screen Function PAUSE BREAK Power off ESC Continue to boot OS DEL Enter BIOS setup F8 Enter Boot selection pop up In the Express Gate Environment Function lt Alt gt lt Tab gt Switch between softwares lt Ctrl gt lt Alt gt lt Del gt Bring up Power Off dialog box lt Ctrl gt lt Alt gt Print Screen gt Save screen snapshot as picture to file Chapter 5 Software support Using the Configuration Panel Use the configuration panel to change various Express Gate settings _______ aaf T i p Biia ia Language ard Dante mod Tire karag Met z Erpin I fr nearer Het rn i di Se eel Uriel je Dee bd Lemay Laahr Bertien Click on an icon to open a particular configuration tool The following tools are available Date and Time set
80. ess ENTER to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 the utility to select and update BIOS Express Gate Enabled This utility doesn t Enter OS Timer 10 Seconds support Reset User Data No 1 NTFS format Updating Express Gate You may update your existing Express Gate software to new versions New versions of the Express Gate software will be released regularly adding refinements or new applications You can find original version of the software on the support DVD or download new versions from the ASUS support website To update Express Gate 1 Double click the Express Gate setup file to start software update Tia mig sell Geer ar gn ar UA Ege Gale Des sg eer bo rir i 2 Asoftware update confirmation dialog box appears Click Yes to continue 3 The InstallShield Wizard for Express Gate appears Click Next to continue 4 Follow the screen instructions to complete installation Repairing Express Gate In case Express Gate cannot start normally you can repair Express Gate by reinstalling the software or using the repairing utility To repair Express Gate e Click Start gt All Programs gt Express Gate gt Express Gate Installer gt Repair this software OR e Double click the Express Gate setup Eg Ste fester em magre ha mierina a continue 5 42 Chapter 5 Software support 5 3 11 AMD OverDrive AOD The AMD OverDrive utility allows you to configure system and overclocking settings in Windows environment
81. g Lote XX XX XX XX LERF ikg Lak 7 a T Irae utg rer l r fr fh e e f you use a network cable connected to a home router which is then connected to your DSL cable modem enable both LAN1 and LAN2 Express Gate will automatically use whichever port LAN1 or LAN2 is connected If you plug the network cable into a different port while Express Gate is running e g move the cable from LAN1 to LAN2 you may need to press the Refresh a button to detect the change The most common scenario is for your computer to automatically obtain network settings i e DHCP If this is the case you don t need to click Setup for any LAN port If this is not the case click Setup to configure the static IP settings manually 5 40 Chapter 5 Software support e If you have wireless network click Setup for the WiFi option In the WiFi tab of the Advanced Network Settings box enter the name of your wireless access point in the SSID field If your wireless access point has security enabled select the corresponding security algorithm from the drop down list e g WEPAUTO in the Encryption Type field and enter the password Click OK to enable WiFi and establish the wireless connection e f you use a network cable connected directly to your DSL cable modem no router in between click Setup for xDSL cable dial up This method is also referred to as PPPoE Choose whether the DSL cable modem is connected to your computer
82. g options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency Select any one of the preset overclocking configuration options Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system Standard Loads the standard settings for the system performance Overclock Profile Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking ASUS M3A78 T 4 17 The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to Overclock Profile Overclock Options Disabled Allows you to set the overclocking options Configuration options Disabled Overclock 3 Overclock 5 Overclock 10 Overclock 15 Overclock 20 Overclock 30 Z The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to Manual S FSB Frequency XXX Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the FSB frequency You can also type the desired FSB frequency using the numeric keypad The values range from 200 to 600 PCIE Frequency XXX Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the PCIE frequency You can also type the desired PCIE frequency using the numeric keypad The values range from 100 to 150 The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to Manual Standard or Overclock Profile Processor Frequency Multiplier Auto Allows sele
83. gement Interface se ene browser This browser displays various desktop and system information Deskrap be PET oe Click the plus sign before DMI Information to display the available information ASUS M3A78 T 5 25 PCI browser Click EE to display the PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect browser This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system Click the plus sign before the PCI Information item to display available information Perpheral Lampanent Imierroraer Freer I FP AY Usage The Usage browser displays real time information on the CPU hard disk drive space and memory usage Click to display the Usage browser CPU usage The CPU tab displays real time CPU usage in line graph representation If the CPU has an enabled Hyper Threading two separate line graphs display the operation of the two logical processors Hard disk drive space usage The Hard Disk tab displays the used and available hard disk drive space The left panel of the tab lists all logical drives Click a hard disk drive to display the information on the right panel The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used blue and the available HDD Chapter 5 Software support Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used blue and the available physical memory
84. gging in any motherboard component The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED g E Halam aaja a afa a a a 7 imil SB_PWR M3A78 T E mi een l m gg Omg 3 OFF M3A78 T Onboard LED ASUS M3A78 T Standy Power Powered Off 2 1 2 2 2 2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it 4 Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components 2 2 1 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 2 2 2 Screw holes Place nine 9 screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis AN Do not overtighten the screws Doing so can damage the motherboard e Gi LJ Place this side towards Zz the rear of the chassis nagoa cqQu0nnu0nQ0N LO
85. ion the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third party SCSI or RAID driver 2 Press lt F6 gt then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive 3 When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install make sure you select SB 750 4 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation ASUS M3A78 T 5 51 5 52 To install the RAID driver in Windows Vista 1 Insert the floppy disk USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive USB port 2 During the OS installation select SB 750 3 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation Chapter 5 Software support This chapter describes the ATI Hybrid CrossFireXT feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support 6 1 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX a cciccssisscevcrsccurcscnaenacusansancersedecesetaveancanne 6 1 ASUS M3A78 T 6 1 ATI Hybrid CrossFirex The motherboard supports the ATI Hybrid CrossFire technology that allows you to install multi graphics processing units GPU CrossFireX cards 6 1 1 System requirements Before using ATI Hybrid CrossFireX ensure that your system meets the following basic requirements e Operating System Windows Vista Memory capacity Minimum 1GB e On board graphics RAM 256MB e Add on GPU HD2400 PRO HD2400 XT HD3450 HD3470 P e Visit the AMD official website at
86. is enabled in your computer ee PS ntetart sad Staden PP ee Fru ti m i Frat vu han ret mit Click an icon to display support DVD motherboard information Drivers Huken s ker Boone ma Ba ngi alle Click an item to install 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 ASUS M3A78 T 5 1 5 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 Drivers Pusen beter Beane ma Ba Agir sri ASUS InstAll Installation Wizard for Anti Virus and drivers Installs all of the drivers and the Anti Virus utility through the installation wizard Norton Internet Security 2008 Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008 software AMD Cool n Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool n Quiet technology driver Realtek Audio Driver Installs the Realtek ALC1200 audio driver and application AMD Chipset Driver Installs the AMD chipset driver Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet Driver Installs the Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet driver Chapter 5 Software support 5 2 3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports Utilities Phats mbad eerie na the high saim Click
87. isk from the format options field then click Start Windows Vista environment a Insert a formatted high density 1 44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive b Click from the Windows desktop then select Computer 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 Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 1 2 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 The EZ Flash 2 utility is built in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing lt Alt gt lt F2 gt during the Power On Self Test POST To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2 1 Visit the ASUS website www asus com to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard 2 Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk then restart the system 3 You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods 1 Insert the floppy disk USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file to the floppy disk drive or the USB port Press lt Alt gt lt F2 gt during POST to display the following ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3 06 FLASH TYPE BMONZSENOSUNNNN a BOARD MSA7S Ty i BOARD URKHGwH VER 0106 VER Unknown DATE 077027
88. ith the opportunity to run this program Press lt Del gt during the Power On Self Test POST to enter the Setup utility otherwise POST continues with its test routines If you wish to enter Setup after POST restart the system by pressing lt Cirl Alt Delete gt or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on Do this last option only if the first two failed The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible Being a menu driven program it lets you scroll through the various sub menus and make your selections from the available options using the navigation keys aN The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure optimum performance If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability Select the Load Default Settings item under the Exit Menu See section 4 8 Exit menu The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only and may not exactly match what you see on your screen Visit the ASUS website www asus com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard ASUS M3A78 T 4 9 4 2 1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time 17 41 19 System Date Mon 02 18 2008 i Legacy Diskette A 1 44
89. iver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set For Windows Vista operating system use either the motherboard support CD DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver 5 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS To create a RAID SATA driver disk without entering the OS Boot your computer Press lt Del gt during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility Set the optical drive as the primary boot device Insert the support DVD into the optical drive Save changes and exit BIOS Press any key when the system prompts Press any key to boot from the optical drive ot EE se 7 When the menu appears press lt 1 gt to create a RAID driver disk 8 Insert a formatted floppy disk into the floppy drive then press lt Enter gt 9 Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process 5 5 2 Creating a RAID SATA driver disk in Windows 1 Start Windows 2 Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive 3 Go to the Make Disk menu then click ATI RAID AHCI 32 64bit WinXP Vista Driver to create a RAID driver disk 4 Insert a floppy disk USB device into the floppy disk drive USB port 5 Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process Z Write protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection To install the RAID driver in Windows XP 1 During the OS installat
90. m passwords To erase the RTC RAM 1 2 Fe gt mr Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord Move the jumper cap from pins 1 2 default to pins 2 3 Keep the cap on pins 2 3 for about 5 10 seconds then move the cap back to pins 1 2 Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer Hold down the lt Del gt key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re enter data Except when clearing the RTC RAM never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position Removing the cap will cause system boot failure If the steps above do not help remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data After the CMOS clearance reinstall the battery g L I Bb O a T o WHE O pm CC O M3A78 T ASUS faa L i L ormen Looms OM MM fim M3A78 T Clear RTC RAM 2 Normal Clear RTC Default You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking For system failure due to overclocking use the C P R CPU Parameter Recall feature Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values Due to the chipset limitation AC power off is required prior using C P R function You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before reb
91. n MEMU up vvs 4 12 Advanced Menu EE nnmnnn 4 17 POWER NE Lue 4 31 BO NN ences ce ca raicea sete tet eee epee teases 4 35 1008 TEL Per E 4 39 Eu Mean 4 42 ASUS M3A78 T 4 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 EZ Flash 2 Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk USB Flash or the motherboard support DVD during POST 2 ASUS AFUDOS Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk 3 ASUS Update Updates the BIOS in Windows environment Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities aN Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities ASUS M3A78 T 4 1 4 1 1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 1 Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk DOS environment a Insert a 1 44MB floppy disk into the drive b At the DOS prompt type format A S then press lt Enter gt Windows XP environment a Insert a 1 44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive b Click Start from the Windows desktop then select My Computer c Select the 3 1 2 Floppy Drive icon d Click File from the menu then select Format A Format 3 1 2 Floppy Disk window appears e Windows XP users Select Create an MS DOS startup d
92. n Menu press lt 2 gt to enter the Define LD function Press lt Enter gt and the following screen appears FastBuild tm Utility c 2004 2005 ATI Technology Inc LD No RAID Mode Total Drv ED RD Strip Block 64 KB Fast Init OFF Gigabyte Boundary ON Cache Mode WriteThru Channel ID Drive Model Capacity MB Assignment 1 1Up Down ESC Exit Space Change Option Ctrl Y Save Highlight the LD1 item and press lt Space gt to select RAID 1 Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to any two of the drives Press lt Ctrl Y gt to save the setting The utility prompts the following messages Press Ctrl Y if you are sure to erase MBR Press any other key to ignore this option Press lt Ctrl Y gt to erase MBR or press any key to continue Press Ctrl Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key to use maxinum capacity Press lt Cirl Y gt to key in the desired capacity or press any key to continue The utility displays the following screen FastBuild tm Utility c 2004 2005 ATI Technology Inc 1 Up Down ESC Exit Enter Select Chapter 5 Software support Creating a RAID 10 configuration To create a RAID 10 set 1 Inthe Main Menu press lt 2 gt to enter the Define LD function 2 Press lt Enter gt and the following screen appears FastBuild tm Utility c 2004 2005 ATI Technology Inc LD No RAID Mode Total Drv LD
93. n expansion card 1 Before installing the expansion card read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card 2 Remove the system unit cover if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis 3 Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use Keep the screw for later use 4 Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot 5 Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier 6 Replace the system cover 2 5 2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card configure the it by adjusting the software settings 1 Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings if any See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup 2 Assign an IRQ to the card Refer to the tables on the next page 3 Install the software drivers for the expansion card aN When using PCI cards on shared slots ensure that the drivers support Share IRQ or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments otherwise conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups making the system unstable and the card inoperable Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 5 3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard function System Timer Keyboard Controller Redirect to IRQ 9 Communications Port COM1 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering Floppy Disk Controller Reserved
94. nd i ee i GN inn ee oe ee ji ee eed Ba Ag Ded fr DE DE Mn EL GE eek GR DE wr r sd mr pris dm eee Tila vr TE Lm coun Click the Exit button or the OK button OK to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager Configuration options Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings configuration options tabs ASUS M3A78 T In the Windows Vista environment Realtek HD Audio Manager automatically detects devices connected to the analog digital ports and shows corresponding 5 15 5 16 Digital Output The Realtek audio CODEC allows you to va connect an external audio output device EEE via the coaxial digital S PDIF port You F can set your listening environment set iina the karaoke or select pre programmed oe equalizer settings for your listening MG ii a pleasure E oe 2 E amp n n To set the digital output options if 1 From the Realtek HD Audio io Manager click the Digital Output tab 2 Click Set Default Device to set the digital output port as the default audio output device 3 Click the Sound Effects sub tab for options on changing the acoustic environment and karaoke settings or click the Default Format sub tab for options on changing the default audio output format 4 Click to effect the Digital Output settings and exit TELH T Speakers The Speakers tab allows you to configure is audio output settings using the anal
95. nerennnnnnnnnrennn 3 1 Turning off the Computer s rraxnvruvnvrrnnvvrnnnvrnnnnvnnnnvenanevnvnnernvnvennn 3 2 3 2 1 Using the OS shut down function rsrrrrarvrrrvvrrrnvrrrnnn 3 2 3 2 2 Using the dual function power SWiItCh rrsrrrrnvrrrnnvrnnns 3 2 Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 1 4 2 4 3 Managing and updating your BIOS rsnvrranvrnnvrnnnvrnnvvnnnvrnnvesvnvennn 4 1 4 1 1 Creating a bootable floppy diSK c ccccscssereesseeeeees 4 2 4 1 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility srorernnvrrnrrrravrrsrrrsrvrrnvvrrnvrrnrnnn 4 3 4 1 3 AFUDOS utility ene 4 4 4 1 4 ASUS Update utility rrnnrrrnnvernnrvrrnnrrrnnvrrrsrvrrsnvrrrnnnernnr 4 6 BIOS setup PograNuvsvesv vs samsemsdmmaenienn 4 9 4 2 1 BIOS menu SCreen rrnsnrarnnrrrnnarvrrsnnnrrsrsnrrrrsnnrrsrrnvnnenn 4 10 4 2 2 ME o s geennenemers air meen entero ier inert eerntmerr ery eeenen en epee 4 10 4 43 Navigation Keys rrrrrnrrnrnvrrnrnvvrrrrnnrrrrrrnrrrrrrrrnerrnernnrens 4 10 42 4 Menu items rrernrsnrvrarnrrvrnsnverrennrrransrrvsnsanresnsnvvnsssnvessnnns 4 11 4 2 5 Sub menu items srrrranrrnrnvvrravvrrnnvrrrnnvrrrnvrrrsrvrrnnrersnveen 4 11 4 2 6 Configuration fields rrrrrnrrrvnvnrnvrnrvrrvrrnrrrervrrerreennn 4 11 4 2 7 Pop up WINGOW serisinden aani 4 11 20 4 11 4 29 General help rmrrnrvrrnnrvnrnvvrnnnvernnrvrrnnrrnrnvrrnnrnrsnnrensnnsenn 4 11 Main MEN vase 4 12 4 3 1 System Time XX XX XX ceccesssscesssseeessseeessseessss
96. ng Start gt Programs gt ASUS gt ASUSUpdate gt ASUSUpdate The ASUS Update main window appears 2 Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop down menu then click Next 1 Leseren DE eo ne i fie Van a a Ea a ee PT eel ii ng user L Piik i hje dea Bi mange Die on bree ia ake 3 Locate the BIOS file from the Open window then click Open teke ee a i M3A78T ROM 4 Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process Fiepeee M3A787 Tar Filen ol pe P Ven aed hare aoe cel 4 8 Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware 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 Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program you can change the configuration of your computer in the future For example you can enable the security password feature or change the power management settings This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the LPC chip The firmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility When you start up the computer the system provides you w
97. ns Disabled Enabled Power On By PS 2 Keyboard Disabled Allows you to disable the Power On by PS 2 keyboard function or set specific keys on the PS 2 keyboard to turn on the system This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the 5VSB lead Configuration options Disabled Space Bar Power Key Ctrl Esc Chapter 4 BIOS setup Power On By PS 2 Mouse Disabled When set to Enabled this parameter allows you to use the PS 2 mouse to turn on the system This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the 5VSB lead Configuration options Disabled Enabled Restore On AC Power Loss Power Off When set to Power Off the system goes into off state after an AC power loss When set to Power On the system goes on after an AC power loss When set to Last State the system goes into either off or on state whatever the system state was before the AC power loss Configuration options Power Off Power On Last State ASUS M3A78 T 4 33 4 34 4 5 6 Hardware Monitor BIOS SETUP UTILITY Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature CPU Temperature 37 C 98 5 F MB Temperature 39 C 102 F CPU Fan Speed 3292RPM Chassis Fan Speed N A Power Fan Speed N A VCORE Voltage 1 344v 3 3V Voltage 3 280V 5V Voltage 4 966V 12V Voltage 11 916V Smart Q FAN Function Disabled CPU Temperature xxx C xxx F MB Temperature xxx C xxx F The onboard hardware m
98. o Always BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system Configuration options Setup Always Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 7 Tools menu BIOS SETUP U Y Main Advanced Power Boot Exit Press ENTER to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 the utility to select s Cae and update BIOS F xpress Gate This utility doesn t support ASUS O C Profile 1 NTFS format v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends 4 7 1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 When you press lt Ok gt a confirmation message appears Use the left right arrow key to select between Yes or No then press lt Ok gt to confirm your choice ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3 06 FLASH TYPE 0 Enter Select or Load B Backup Esc Exit Tab Switch Up Down Home End Move ASUS M3A78 T 4 39 4 40 4 7 2 Express Gate Express Gate Enabled Disabled Boot Out Timer 10 Enabled Reset User Data No PP You have to install the ASUS Express Gate application from the support DVD first before you can enable this feature See page 3 5 for details Express Gate Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature ASUS Express Gate is a unique instant on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype Configuration options Enabled Disabled Boot Out Timer 10 Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate s first
99. o g mE Os IDE LED PWRSW RESET Lam Sd I Requires an ATX power supply M3A78 T System panel connector 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 The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power and blinks when the system is in sleep mode Hard disk drive activity LED 2 pin IDE_LED This 2 pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD System warning speaker 4 pin SPEAKER This 4 pin connector is for the chassis mounted system warning speaker The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings ATX power button soft off button 2 pin PWRSR This connector is for the system power button Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft off mode depending on the BIOS settings Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF Reset button 2 pin RESET This 2 pin connector is for the chassis mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power ASUS M3A78 T 2 33 2 34 Chapter 2 Hardware information This chapter describes the power up sequence the vocal POST messages and ways of shutting down the system Powering up 3 1 Starting
100. og ee FE D man audio ports To set the speakers options E oe sl ete 1 i F 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the Speakers tab nf 2 Click Set Default Device to set the paar am analog ports as the default audio output device 3 Click the Speaker Configuration sub tab for audio channel options and test 4 Click the Sound Effects sub tab for options on changing the acoustic environment and karaoke settings 5 Click the Room Correction sub tab for individual speaker distance adjustment 6 Click the Default Format sub tab for options on changing the default audio output format 7 Click to effect the Speakers settings and exit I Chapter 5 Software support Line In The Line In tab allows you to configure audio input settings using the analog line in port To set the analog line in options 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the Line In tab 2 Click Set Default Device to set the analog line in port as the default audio input device 3 The Line In tab allows you to adjust Tau Te TRE Ne the recording and playback volume and set a default format for audio input 4 Click to effect the Line In settings and exit Microphone The Microphone tab allows you to configure the audio input settings using the analog microphone port and to check if your microphone device is connected properly To set the Microphone options 1 From the Real
101. on to help you complete a task Typography Bold text Italics lt Key gt lt Key1 Key2 Key3 gt Command Indicates a menu or an item to select Used to emphasize a word or a phrase Keys enclosed in the less than and greater than sign means that you must press the enclosed key Example lt Enter gt means that you must press the Enter or Return key If you must press two or more keys simultaneously the key names are linked with a plus sign Example lt Ctrl Alt D gt 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 M3A78T rom M3A78 T specifications summary Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Storage AMD Socket AM2 AM2 for AMD Phenom FX Phenom Athlon Sempron processors AMD Cool n Quiet Technology Supports CPU TDP up to 140W AMD 790GX SB750 Up to 5200 MT s HyperTransport 3 0 interface for AM2 CPU 2000 1600 MT s for AM2 CPU Dual channel memory architecture 4x 240 pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered ECC non ECC DDR2 1066 800 667 MHz memory modules Supports up to 8 GB system memory DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2 CPU for one DIMM per channel only When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more Windows 32 bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB
102. onitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures CPU Chassis Power Fan Speed xxxxRPM or Ignored The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU Chassis Power fan speed in rotations per minute RPM If the fan is not connected to the motherboard the field shows N A Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed VCORE Voltage 3 3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item Smart Q Fan Function Disabled 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 The following items appear only if you set the Smart Q Fan Function to Enabled Smart Q Fan Profile Optimal Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q Fan When set to Optimal the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature Set this item to Silent to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation or Performance to achieve maximum CPU fan speed Configuration options Performance Optimal Silent Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot opti
103. ons Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the sub menu BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Settings Specifies the Boot _ _ Device Priority Hk Boot Device Priority sequence A virtual floppy disk Hk Boot Settings Configuration drive Floppy Drive B kp Security may appear when you set the DVD ROM drive as the first boot device Select Screen tl Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends Inc 4 6 1 Boot Device Priority Boot Device Priority Ist Boot Device lst FLOPPY DRIVE 2nd Boot Device Hard Drive 3rd Boot Device ATAPI DVD ROM 1st xxth Boot Device ist FIOPPY DRIVE These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system Configuration options 1st FIOPPY DRIVE Hard Drive ATAPI DVD ROM Disabled ASUS M3A78 T 4 35 4 36 4 6 2 Boot Settings Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Settings Configuration Allows BIOS to skip Quick Boot Enabled certain tests while Full Screen Logo Enabled booting This will AddOn ROM Display Mode Force BIOS decrease the time Bootup Num Lock On needed to boot the PS 2 Mouse Support Auto system Wait For Fl If Error Enabled Hit DEL Message Display Enabled Cha
104. oot the system Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 7 Connectors 2 7 1 Rear panel connectors 0000000 DO i 000000000 Ee 000000000 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 1 PS 2 keyboard mouse combo port This port is for a PS 2 keyboard or a PS 2 mouse 2 Video Graphics Adapter VGA port This 15 pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA compatible devices 3 USB 2 0 ports 1 and 2 These 4 pin Universal Serial Bus USB ports are available for connecting USB 2 0 devices 4 LAN RJ 45 port Supported by Marvell 88E1116 Gigabit LAN controller this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network LAN through a network hub Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications LAN port LED indications Activity Link LED Speed LED ACT LINK SPEED LED LED OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity 1 Gbps connection LAN port 5 Center Subwoofer port orange This port connects the center subwoofer speakers 6 Rear Speaker Out port black This port connects the rear speakers in a 4 channel 6 channel or 8 channel audio configuration 7 Line In port light blue This port connects the tape CD DVD player or other audio sources 8 Line Out port lime This port connects a headphone or a speaker In 4 channel 6 channel and 8 channel configuration the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out 9 Microphon
105. or 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S PDIF Out Header 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 1x CD audio in 1 x 24 pin ATX Power connector 1 x 4 pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel Q Connector BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM AMI BIOS PnP DMI 2 0 WfM2 0 SM BIOS 2 5 ACPI 2 0a ASUS EZ Flash 2 Support DVD contents Drivers Express Gate ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update AMD AOD Anti virus Utility OEM version Form factor ATX form factor 12 in x 9 6 in 30 5 cm x 24 4 cm Specifications are subject to change without notice xiii XIV This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports Product introduction 1 1 Welcome vasse 1 1 1 2 Package ConleniSuuuaavdaausmammntmeanukea nnt 1 1 13 Special fedues massar 1 2 ASUS M3A78 T 1 1 Welcome Thank you for buying an ASUS M3A78 T 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 Motherboard ASUS M3A78 T Cables Serial ATA power cables Serial ATA signal cables Ultra DMA 133 100 66 cable Floppy disk drive cable Accessories 1 x ASUS Q Shield 1 x ASUS Q Connector Ki
106. orts front panel 1394 ports The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately LN You can connect the front panel 1394 cable to the ASUS Q Connector 1394 ASUS M3A78 T 2 27 2 28 CHA FAN1 2 3 pin PWR FAN CPU chassis and power fan connectors 4 pin CPU FAN 3 pin The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA 2000 mA 24 W max or a total of 1 A 7 A 84 W 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 AN Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components These are not jumpers Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors 2 gt Ona olBBEBEERHE gt Ld 1 Osa O u CJ Finn M3A78 T FAN connectors el ASUS Q Fan 2 feature CPU FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND PWR FAN GND 12V Rotation CHA_FAN2 He Rotation CHA FAN1 He Rotation Only the CPU FAN CHA FAN1 and CHA FAN2 connectors support the If you install two graphics cards we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA FAN1 or CHA FAN2 for bette
107. ower On By PCIE Devices Disabled Power On By External Modems Disabled Power On By RTC Alarm Disabled Power On By PS 2 Keyboard Disabled Power On By PS 2 Mouse Disabled Restore on AC Power Loss Power Off Power Button Mode On Off Allows you to set the power button function Configuration options On Off Suspend Power On By PCI Devices Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from 55 by PCI devices Configuration options Disabled Enabled Power On By PCIE Devices Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event Configuration options Disabled Enabled Power On By External Modems Disabled This allows either settings of Enabled or Disabled for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft off mode Configuration options Disabled Enabled Z The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully running Thus connection cannot be made on the first try Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system power on Power On By RTC Alarm Disabled Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event When this item is set to Enabled the items RTC Alarm Date RTC Alarm Hour RTC Alarm Minute RTC Alarm Second will become user configurable with set values Configuration optio
108. r larger than the existing drive RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance fault tolerance and higher storage capacity The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing relational database applications enterprise resource planning and other business systems Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity redundancy data having to be calculated and written With the RAID 0 1 configuration you get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup aN For Windows XP If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set first copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive Refer to section 5 5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details 5 44 Chapter 5 Software support 5 4 2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives For optimal performance install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration 1 Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays 2 Connect the SATA signal cables 3
109. r other system components Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components To install a DIMM 7 2 DIMM notch 1 Unlock a DIMM socket by 3 I pressing the retaining clips outward Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated Unlocked retaining clip N e ADDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction Do not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs DO not install DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets 2 4 4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM 1 Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the w 2 Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM retaining clips The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force DIMM notch Remove the DIMM from the socket ASUS M3A78 T 2 13 2 5 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 2 5 1 Installing an expansion card To install a
110. r thermal environment Chapter 2 Hardware information 7 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 By default the pin labeled Chassis Signal and Ground are shorted with a jumper cap Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature les E fam a la ja m a fa n a al F w T OUOU c mM D T S U N o C maazs t aa i ASUS ep 2 Q FY gt LO C z OO SS r O Os Oo Gio 4 EJA chassis mn MIC 1 M3A78 T Chassis intrusion connector ASUS M3A78 T 2 29 8 ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 4 pin ATX12V These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit
111. red value using the numeric keypad The values range from 150 to 1500 UMA SP Interleave Mode Auto Configuration options Auto Coarse Fine Surround View Disabled If you set the PCI Express device as the primary display and enable this item you may use the internal graphics as the secondary display Configuration options Disabled Enable NB Azalia Enable Enables or disables the Northbridge Azalia support Configuration options Disabled Enable ASUS M3A78 T 4 25 4 4 5 ECC Configuration ECC Configuration Set the level of ECC ECC Mode Disabled ee etre DRAM ECC Enable Disabled ar Ne DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT Disabled ha dd ee ao 4 Bit ECC Mode Disabled all of memory is DRAM BG Scrub Disabled SNE Data Cache BG Scrub Disabled 4 L2 Cache BG Scrub Disabled L3 Cache BG Scrub Disabled ECC Mode Disabled Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors Set this item to Basic Good or Max to allow ECC mode auto adjustment Set this item to Super to adjust the DRAM BG Scrub sub item manually You may also adjust all sub items by setting this item to User Configuration options Disabled Basic Good Super Max User DRAM ECC Enable Disabled Set this item to Enabled to allow hardware to report and correct memory errors automatically maintaining system integrity Configuration options Disabled Enabled DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT
112. riendly BIOS update utility Simply press the predefined hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS based flash utility ASUS MyLogo 2 I This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256 color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen 1 3 3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features ov Od Precision Tweaker 2 8 Allows the user to adjust the CPU voltage in 0 125v steps and NB DRAM voltage in 0 02v steps sto finetune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking configuration Al Booster The ASUS Al Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS C P R CPU Parameter Recall ran The C P R feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking When the system hangs due to overclocking 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 default setting for each parameter Chapter 1 Product Introduction This chapter 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
113. rnnnnvvnnsnvrrnrsnnvrrrsnrrerssrrnens 4 34 BOO MEN seen 4 35 4 6 1 Boot Device Priority rrsrrrarnrvvansavvrannnrvenrnrersannvveansrveens 4 35 4 6 2 Boot Settings Configuration srrasvranvrrrvrrrnrervrrrnverenn 4 36 26 Pee 4 37 TOOIS MEN see 4 39 4 7 1 ASUS EL FAN Lee 4 39 2712 Bos GE eee 4 40 4 73 ASUS O C Profile rrrrnnvrrnnvvrrnnvrronvrrsnvvrrsnversnrnrrnvnenn 4 41 RUNE 4 42 Chapter 5 Software support 5 1 5 2 Installing an operating System rrrrrnnvrrnnnvvnnnnnnvennnnvrennnnvensnnevennn 5 1 Support DVD information rrrnvrrnnvrrnnnvrnnnnvrnnnvnnnnnnnnnnennnnvnennnnennnn 5 1 5 2 1 Running the support DVD ersnvvrrravvvrrsnrvrrrnnvvrrrsnverrrnns 5 1 5 2 2 Drivers EE 5 2 5 2 3 Utilities menu sed veaike 5 3 5 2 4 Make Disk menu rrsnrrrrnnnnrrrrrnnnnrvrnrssnnvvnssnsnnvnnsrssavnnnennn 5 5 5 2 5 Manual Menu sess ceraceescdeseesscivaidaieuivcieniietdciceniedet nina 5 6 5 2 6 ASUS Contact information rrrvvvrnrrrrvrrnnrrevrrnnnvrnsnnnreennn 5 6 Vi 5 3 5 4 5 5 6 1 5 2 7 Other information cccccccccceececcceeecccceuceceeeauceeeeeaaeeeens 5 7 SOMW AFC INONDAUON wiccssecscictessinscceseersteanccencensensestssoisetncsearanscectacs 5 9 5 3 1 ASUS MyLogo2 M sarecsanccacstscesadlmosconctoneeraianeapareuncaninoeees 5 9 5 3 2 Cool n Quiet Technology rrrrrrrrrrvvrrrvrrrrrnrrernrernnn 5 11 5 3 3 Audio configurations rarvrrvvrrnrrrrnvrrrrrvrrrrenrrrrrrrrrnrenne
114. roller Enabled USB 2 0 Controller Mode HiSpeed BIOS EHCI Hand Off Enabled Legacy USB Support Enabled The USB Devices Enabled item shows 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 Disabled Enabled The following item appears only when you set USB Functions to Enabled USB 2 0 Controller Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2 0 controller Configuration options Enabled Disabled USB 2 0 Controller Mode HiSpeed Allows you to set the USB 2 0 controller mode to HiSpeed 480 Mbps or FullSpeed 12 Mbps Configuration options FullSpeed HiSpeed BIOS EHCI Hand off Enabled Allows you to enable the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand off feature Configuration options Disabled Enabled Legacy USB Support Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the support for legacy USB devices Setting to Auto allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup If detected the USB controller legacy mode is enabled If no USB device is detected the legacy USB support is disabled Configuration options Disabled Enabled Auto Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 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 i
115. roved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate this equipment Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES 003 vii viii 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 adpater or extension cord These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit Make sure 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 fix it by yourself Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer Operation safety Before installing the motherboard and adding device
116. s 5 and 6 These 4 pin Universal Serial Bus USB ports are available for connecting USB 2 0 devices ASUS M3A78 T 2 21 Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is not filling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen To resize your HDTV desktop 1 SE adle dl he Install AMD Chipset Driver from the motherboard support DVD See section 3 3 2 Drivers menu for details Right click the desktop and select ATI CATALYST R Control Center From the Graphics Settings tree expand DTV HDMI 1 Click Scaling Options Move the Underscan Overscan slider to adjust the overall size of the display on the HDMI DTV Using this slider increases or decreases any black borders that may be visible around the outside of the display en Lae Lals Later r k ms EG mme 18 Pate Safed ran be kimin LET Feje HO DU ryhe GLE EA Saar laari Urban t z Diria JEP nae hanes I is le Dee nay Ts cee ol Bee ae ee pe ree We heh taps mer mn eel chs pe T chi To ensure that forcing a custom display mode through the ATI Displays Manager does not create conflicting resolutions select the Use the scaling values instead of the customized settings when the desktop resolution does not match your DFP resol
117. s LAN port Then enter the username and password for your dial up account Click OK to enable xDSL cable dial up and establish the PPPoE connection When PPPoE is enabled the port it uses will automatically be unchecked and grayed out Using the Photo Manager Express Gate provides a easy to use Photo Manager that allows you to view pictures stored in your hard drive or external storage devices such as USB dongles card readers or optical disks You can view pictures in thumbnail view in an enlarged view individually in a filename data list view or play them in a slideshow with background music and fancy transition effects JPEG GIF BMP and PNG formats are supported Refer to the on line Help for detailed software operation Photo slideshow Help View mode selection Shows the image folder s found in your hard drive or external devices Shows user created image album s Image control bar ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset controlled onboard SATA ports only All onboard extended SATA ports and external SATA ports are NOT supported ASUS M3A78 T 5 41 Configuring Express Gate in BIOS Setup Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gate s first screen Express Gate configuration options are under the Tools menu Refer to section 3 8 2 Express Gate for details BIOS SETUP UTILITY Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Pr
118. s on it carefully read all the manuals that came with the package Before using the product make sure 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 qualified service technician or your retailer electronic equipment and mercury containing button cell battery should not be placed in municipal waste Check local regulations for disposal of electronic K This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product electrical products 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 Chapter 2 Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components It includes description of the switches jumpers and connectors on the motherboard Chapter 3 Powering up This chapter descri
119. ssis Intrusion Enabled Quick Boot Enabled Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests POST while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system When set to Disabled BIOS performs all the POST items Configuration options Disabled Enabled Full Screen Logo Enabled This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature Configuration options Disabled Enabled P Set this item to Enabled to use the ASUS MyLogo 2 feature Add On 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 Configuration options Off On PS 2 Mouse Support Auto Allows you to enable or disable support for PS 2 mouse Configuration options Disabled Enabled Auto Wait for F1 If Error Enabled When set to Enabled the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs Configuration options Disabled Enabled 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 Chassis Intrusion Enabled Configuration options Disabled Enabled Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 6 3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings Select an item then press lt Enter gt to
120. sword Installed lt Enter gt again to disabled password Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Full Access Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check Setup 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 Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility 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 lt Enter gt 2 On the password box that appears type a password composed of at least six letters and or numbers then press lt Enter gt 3 Confirm the password when prompted The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully To change the user password follow the same steps as in setting a user password Clear User Password Select this item to clear the user password Password Check Setup When set to Setup BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility When set t
121. t USB 1394 system panel Retail version only Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD Documentation User guide Z If any of the above items is damaged or missing contact your retailer na ASUS M3A78 T 1 2 1 3 Special features 1 3 1 Product highlights pre 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 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 HyperTransport 3 0 support TTE HyperTransport 3 0 technology provides 2 6 times more bandwidth than HyperTransport 1 0 radically improving system efficiency to create a smoother faster computing environment AMD Socket AM2 Athlon Series Sempron Ne CPU support This motherboard supports AMD Socket AM2 Athlon Safes 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
122. tek HD Audio Manager click the Microphone tab 2 Inthe Microphone Effects sub tab click the Noise Suppression option button to reduce the static background noise when recording Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from the front speakers when recording Click the Beam Forming option button to eliminate surrounding noise interferences 3 Click the Default Format sub tab for options on changing the default audio input format 4 Click to effect the Microphone settings and exit ASUS M3A78 T 5 17 B Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP Exit button Configuration options Minimize button Control settings window Information button Information Click the information button G R to display information about the audio driver version DirectX version audio controller audio codec and language setting Minimize Click the minimize button to minimize the window Exit Click the exit button 36 to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager Chapter 5 Software support Configuration options Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings Sound Effect The Realtek audio CODEC allows you to set your listening environment adjust the equalizer set the karaoke or select pre programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure To set the sound effect options 1 From the Realtek HD Audio Manager click the Sound Effect tab
123. tem in DOS mode then at the prompt type afudos o filename where the filename is any user assigned filename not more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension name A gt afudos oOLDBIOS1 rom Main filename Extension name 3 Press lt Enter gt The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk A gt afudos oOLDBIOS1 rom AMI Firmware Update Utility Version 1 19 ASUS V2 07 03 11 24BB Copyright C 2002 American Megatrends Inc All rights reserved Reading flash Write to file A gt The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file 4 4 Chapter 4 BIOS setup Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility 1 Visit the ASUS website www asus com and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk V Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper You need to type the exact BIOS 5 filename at the DOS prompt Copy the AFUDOS utility afudos exe from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier Boot the system in DOS mode then at the prompt type afudos i filename where filename is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable floppy disk A gt afudos iM3A78T ROM The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS A gt afudos iM3A78T ROM AMI Firmware Update U
124. tem then press lt Enter gt to display the configuration options BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Boot Tools Exit Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend Suspend Mode Auto Repost Video on S3 Resume No ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled ACPI APIC Support Enabled Hk APM Configuration E Hardware Monitor Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends 4 5 1 Suspend Mode Auto Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI state to be used for system suspend Configuration options S1 POS Only S3 Only Auto 4 5 2 Repost Video on S3 Resume No Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3 STR resume Configuration options No Yes 4 5 3 ACPI 2 0 Support Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI 2 0 support Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 5 4 ACPI APIC Support Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface ACPI support in the Application Specific Integrated Circuit ASIC When set to Enabled the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list Configuration options Disabled Enabled ASUS M3A78 T 4 31 4 32 4 5 5 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Button Mode On Off Select Power button Power On By PCI devices Disabled functionality P
125. the same DIMM Configuration options Auto 1 CLK 2 CLK 3 CLK tRTP Auto Specifies the read CAS to precharge time Configuration options Auto 2 4 CLK 3 5 CLK PLL1 2 Spread Spectrum Disabled Allows selection of the PLL1 2 Spread Spectrum settings for EMI control Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 42 AINET2 This menu displays the status of the Local Area Network LAN cable connected to the LAN RJ 45 port BIOS SETUP UTILITY AI NET 2 Check Realtek LAN Pair Status Length cable during POST 1 2 N A Realtek Controller 0 3 6 N A 4 5 N A 7 8 N A Marvell POST Check LAN cable Disabled ASUS M3A78 T 4 21 Marvell POST Check LAN cable Disabled Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST When enabled the menu reports the cable faults or shorts and displays the point length where the faults or shorts are detected Configuration options Disabled Enabled 4 4 3 CPU Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration Enable Disable Module Version 13 28 Secure Virtual Machine AGESA Version 3 1 7 0 Mode SVM Physical Count 1 Logical Count 3 AMD Phenom tm 8400 Triple Core Processor Revision B2 Cache L1 384KB Cache L2 1536KB Cache L3 2048 Speed 2100MHz NB Clk 1800MHz Able to Change Freq Yes uCode Patch Level 0x1000065 Secure Virtual Machine Mode Enabled AMD Cool n Quiet Function Disabled Select Item ACPI SRAT
126. therboard layout rrsrnrrnnrrrrnnnvvrnrnnvernrsrvnrrsnnvrsrnnvneens 2 3 2 2 4 Layout COMES Lasnesemmkrmdsmmtanmvdnas 2 4 2 3 Central Processing Unit CPU rrrannvvrrnnnnvrnnnnvrnnnnnvvnnnnnvrsnnnvenr 2 6 2 3 1 Installing the CPU emserrrvvrnrrrrrrersverrnrrrsrerrnrersreervreeener 2 6 2 3 2 Installing the heatsink and fan sserssorrrvrernvrrrvrrrvrrrrnren 2 8 2 4 SYSTEM MEMNON serica eaaa 2 11 2 4 1 NM 2 11 2 4 2 Memory configurationS srrrrrnnrrrvrnrnvnrnrnrnrrrnrrrnrernnnn 2 12 2 4 3 Installing a DIMM ssissncnesttvnierexsantmeisrannitencontadhahaunnaetiartnass 2 13 2 4 4 Removing a DIMM ssrnrenrrnnnnrrnrnvrnnrrrnnrnrrnrsrrererrnernnrens 2 13 2 5 EXPANSION SIOUS sieniin n aai 2 14 2 5 1 Installing an expansion card sseresnrnnnnrrnnrnrrnrnrvnrrnnneenr 2 14 2 5 2 Configuring an expansion card s s s 2 14 2 5 3 Interrupt assignments sserrrnnvernnvrvrnvnrrnnvrnrnsrersrerensern 2 15 POSOD re 2 16 255 POUL Express X1 SIN said 2 16 Contents 2 6 2 7 2 5 6 PCI Express 2 0 x16 slot blue rrrrrnrrrrrsnrrrrrnnvrrrnnns 2 16 2 5 7 Universal PCI Express x16 slots black and white 2 16 MUD OR ude 2 18 EMEA 2 19 2 7 1 Rear panel CONNECHOSS cccccesesceesssseeesssteeessneeessseees 2 19 2 7 2 Internal connectors cccccccccssssseeeeeesessseeeeeeesessseeeeess 2 23 Chapter 3 Powering up 3 1 3 2 Starting up for the first time rrrnvrrrnvrrnnnvrrnnvrnnnnvnnn
127. tility 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 Reading flash Advance Check Erasing flash Writing flash 0x0008CC00 9 Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed Reboot the system from the hard disk drive A gt afudos iM3A78T 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 Reading flash Advance Check Erasing flash Writing flash Verifying flash Please restart your computer A gt ASUS M3A78 T 4 5 4 6 4 1 4 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage save and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment The ASUS Update utility allows you to Save the current BIOS file Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file Update the BIOS directly from the Internet and View the BIOS version information This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider ISP Installing
128. ting system rrrsnvrnvnvrnnnvvrnnnvrnnnnvennvvrnenernnnnnr 5 1 Support DVD information s rserrsvranvrnvrnvrnnvrnnvnnvrnvrnnvrnvnnnvsnnvnnernenn 5 1 Software information rssvrnnvrnnvrnnvnnvvrnvvrnvvrnvrnnvrsnensnennnennnennnnennn 5 9 RAID COnnqufations ssassn 5 44 Creating a RAID driver disk rnernnnvrnnnvnnnvnnnnvnnnvennnvennvrnnnvennevennr 5 51 ASUS M3A78 T 5 1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows XP 64 bit XP Vista 64 bit Vista operating systems OS Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware e 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 e Make sure that you install Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability 5 2 Support DVD information The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers software applications and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice Visit the ASUS website www asus com for updates Fr 5 2 1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun
129. ting up the onboard graphics card as your main monitor 6 4 Chapter 6 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support
130. tion Neonrael Opens the Configuration window KE Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive memory CPU usage window Shows Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert When a system sensor detects a problem the main window right handle turns red as the illustrations below show When displayed the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red Refer to the Monitor panels section for details Preference You can customize the application using F Preference the Preference section in the main window Click the box before each preference to activate or deactivate Enable Monitoring Panel Scheme Right Always on Top Small Enable Sound Effect Run in Boot up Session ASUS M3A78 T 5 23 Hardware monitor panels The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation CPU temperature and voltages The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes hexagonal large and rectangular small When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the Preference section the monitor panels appear on your computer s desktop CPU Small display Large display Changing the monitor panels position To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop
131. tion before using this feature The AMD Cool n Quiet technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package use the ASUS Q Fan technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed according to your system loading 5 12 Chapter 5 Software support Launching the Cool n Quiet software The motherboard support CD DVD includes the Cool n Quiet software that enables you to view your system s real time CPU Frequency and voltage LN Make sure to install the Cool n Quiet software from the motherboard support CD DVD Refer to section 5 2 3 Utilities menu for details To launch the Cool n Quiet program 1 If you are using Windows XP click the Start button Select Programs gt ASUS gt Cool amp Quiet gt Cool amp Quiet 2 Ifyou are using Windows Vista click the Start button Select All Programs gt ASUS gt Cool amp Quiet gt Cool amp Quiet 3 The Cool n Quiet technology screen appears and displays the current CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage ASUS M3A78 T 5 13 5 3 3 Audio configurations The Realtek audio CODEC provides 8 channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer The software provides Jack Sensing function S PDIF Out support and interrupt capability The CODEC also includes the Realtek proprietary UAJ Universal
132. to display the next page Utilities Pha poled eerie na ka likt saim Click to return to the previous page ASUS Install Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard AMD OverDrive Utility AOD Installs the AMD OverDrive utility Marvell Yukon VCT Application Installs the Marvell Yukon Virtual Cable Tester VCT application that diagnoses and reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry TDR technology ASUS M3A78 T 5 3 5 4 Marvell Yukon NCU Application Installs the Marvell Yukon Virtual Cable Tester VCT application that diagnoses and reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry TDR technology ASUS Cool n Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool n Quiet utility ASUS Update Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website Before using the ASUS Update make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website ASUS PC Probe Il This smart utility monitors the fan speed CPU temperature and system voltages and alerts you of any detected problems This utility helos you keep your computer in healthy operating condition ASUS Al Suite Installs the ASUS Al Suite ASUS Express Gate Installer Allows you to Install or update ASUS Express Gate functions Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 Installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader that
133. two conditions e This device may not cause harmful interference and e 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 e Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver e Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected e Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help 4 The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly app
134. ution check box P The Scaling Options function of the DTV HDMI 1 item in the ATI CATALYST Control Center is adjustable only when you are using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i 720i or 1080i Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 7 2 Internal connectors 1 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 a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5 lala aafaa a a tala a a a iml FLOPPY M3A78 T SUS PIN1 NOTE Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1 M3A78 T Floppy disk drive connector ASUS M3A78 T 2 23 2 24 IDE connector 40 1 pin PRI IDE The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133 100 66 33 signal cable There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 100 66 33 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 PRI IDE NOTE Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon c
135. uto detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto detected system memory Chapter 4 BIOS setup 4 4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices q Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction Z The configuration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you install on the motherboard BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration AI NET 2 CPU Configuration Chipset ECC Configuration Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen General Help Save and Exit Exit v04 61 C Copyright 1985 2008 American Megatrends Inc 4 4 1 Jumperfree Configuration Advanced Configure System Frequency Voltage Select the target CPU _ O requency and the AI Overclocking Auto relevant parameters Processor Voltage Auto will be auto adjusted Processor NB Voltage Auto Frequencies higher CPU NB HT Link Speed Auto than CPU manufacturer CPU Tweak Enabled recommends are not PLL1 Spread Spectrum Disabled guaranteed to be PLL2 Spread Spectrum Disabled stable If the system becomes unstable return to the default Al Overclocking Auto Allows selection of CPU overclockin
136. 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 ASUS M3A78 T 2 9 5 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU FAN la CPU FAN CPU FAN PWM E CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR B J GND g g Hg a E O e CO M3A78 T SUS 006 mm E O um CJ I fm M3A78 T CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector This connector is backward compatible with old 3 pin CPU fan 2 10 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 4 System memory 2 4 1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 DDR2 Dual Inline Memory Modules DIMM sockets The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets DIMM B2 DIMM B1 DIMM A2 DIMM A1 Ciam alala aafaa a a dl fim v L O Os mO _ l M3A78 T 240 pin DDR2 DIMM sockets E D ol Ch

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