Asus M3A78 EM User Manual

M3A78-EM  
Contents  
Chapter.1:.  
iii  
Contents  
Chapter.2:.  
iv  
Contents  
Chapter.3:.  
Appendix:.  
ATI®.Hybrid.CrossFireX™  
v
Notices  
Federal.Communications.Commission.Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If  
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
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 approved 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.  
vi  
 
Safety information  
Electrical.safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power  
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If  
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add  
a device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure  
that all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.  
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
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 devices 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.  
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical  
and electronic equipment, and Mercury-containing button cell battery) should  
not be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of  
electronic products.  
vii  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring  
the motherboard.  
How.this.guide.is.organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
•.  
Chapter.1:.Product.introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware setup procedures  
that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes  
description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.  
•.  
•.  
•.  
Chapter.2:.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.3:.Software.support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD/DVD that comes with  
the motherboard package.  
Appendix  
This chapter describes how to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows  
Vista OS.  
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.  
2.. 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.  
viii  
 
Conventions.used.in.this.guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following  
symbols used throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself  
when trying to complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components  
when trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold.text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and  
greater-than sign means that you must  
press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must  
press the Enter or Return key.  
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3>  
If you must press two or more keys  
simultaneously, the key names are linked  
with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>  
Command  
Means that you must type the command  
exactly as shown, then supply the  
required item or value enclosed in  
brackets.  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type  
the command line:  
afudos /i[filename]  
afudos /iM3A78EM.ROM  
ix  
M3A78-EM specifications summary  
CPU.  
AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for Phenom™FX / Phenom /  
Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology  
Supports CPU up to 140W  
Chipset  
AMD 780G / SB700  
System.bus  
Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface  
for AM2+ CPU  
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU  
Memory  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and  
non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667MHz memory modules  
Supports up to 8GB system memory  
* Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported  
by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.  
** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for  
Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)  
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,  
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only  
recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a maximum of 3GB  
system memory is recommended if you are using a  
Windows 32-bit operation system.  
Expansion.slots  
Graphics  
1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot  
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot  
2 x PCI 2.2 slots  
Supports PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture  
Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU  
Supports maximum shared memory up to 256MB  
Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution up to  
2560 x 1600@60Hz  
Supports HDMI™ Technology 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 2456 x 1536  
@75Hz  
Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology (For Windows  
Vista OS only)  
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, and  
Pixel Shader 4.0  
* Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics  
GPU QVL which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX  
technology.  
** Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this  
motherboard only supports video signals.  
(continued on the next page)  
x
 
M3A78-EM specifications summary  
USB  
Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports  
at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)  
Storage./.RAID  
ATI SB700 chipset supports  
1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector  
5 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors with RAID 0, RAID 1, and  
RAID 10 configuration support  
1 x ESATA 3Gb/s connector with RAID 0, RAID 1, and  
RAID 10 configuration support  
Audio  
LAN  
Realtek® ALC1200 High Definition Audio 8-channel  
CODEC  
Optical S/PDIF out port at back panel  
Gigabit LAN  
ASUS.overclocking.  
features  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to  
300MHz at 1MHz increment  
Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.05V increment  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
ASUS.special.features  
Express Gate  
ASUS Q-Fan  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3  
ASUS EZ Flash2  
ASUS MyLogo2  
ASUS Noise Filter  
AI NAP  
Back.panel.I/O.ports  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port  
1 x optical S/PDIF Out port  
1 x HDMI port  
1 x DVI port  
1 x D-Sub port  
1 x 1394 port  
1 x ESATA port  
1 x DisplayPort  
1 x RJ45 port  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
8-channel Audio I/O ports  
BIOS  
8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,  
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
M3A78-EM specifications summary  
Internal.I/O.connectors  
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0  
ports  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x IDE connector  
1 x COM connector  
5 x SATA connectors  
1 x 1394 connector  
High definition front panel audio connector  
1 x system panel connector  
1 x CD audio-in connector  
1 x S/PDIF out header  
1 x Chassis intrusion connector  
Power/CPU/Chassis fan connectors  
24-pin EATX power connector  
4-pin ATX 12V power connector  
Accessories.  
User manual  
2 x Serial ATA cables  
2 x Serial ATA power cables  
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable  
1 x FDD cable  
2 in 1 Q-Connector  
Form.Factor  
Support.CD  
uATX Form factor: 9.6’’ x 9.6’’ (24.4cm x 24.4cm)  
Drivers  
Express Gate  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility  
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xii  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
 
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78-EM motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it  
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the  
items in your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
Cables  
ASUS M3A78-EM motherboard  
2 x Serial ATA signal cables  
2 x Serial ATA power cables  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
1 x FDD cable  
Accessories  
2 in 1 Q-Connector  
Application.DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD  
Documentation User manual  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1.  
Product.highlights  
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.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
AMD®.Socket.AM2+.Phenom™.FX./.  
Phenom./.Athlon™./.Sempron™.CPU.support  
.
.
.
.
.
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with  
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power  
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and  
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based  
system bus. See page 1-12 for details.  
AMD.Socket.AM2.Athlon.64.X2./.  
.
.
.
.
Athlon.64.FX./.Athlon.64./.Sempron.CPU.support  
The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and  
dual-core Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB  
L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s  
HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology. See page 1-12 for details.  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology  
..  
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors  
system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool  
and quiet operating environment. See page 2-23 for details.  
AMD®.780G.and.ATI.SB700.chipsets.  
AMD 780G Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and  
5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and external graphics  
in PCI Express™ 2.0/1.1 standard ,.It features the integrated DX10 compliant ATI  
RV610-based graphics ,which supports dual VGA outputs including DVI/HDMI  
interface with HDCP compliant ,and incorporates AMD’s UVD with hardware  
acceleration of H.264, VC1 and Mpeg2 used in HD DVD and BluRay disks.  
Meanwhile it can also support the future mainstream Hybrid CrossFire Technology  
that significantly optimizes your 3D performance.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-3  
HDMI.Interface.  
.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first and only industry-supported,  
uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP  
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content.  
See page 1-26 for details.  
HDMI/DVI/RGB.Support.  
With an HDMI to DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard can support both  
DVI and HDMI output. DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals  
for digital display devices like LCD monitors. The interface of this motherboard  
supports digital HDMI/DVI and analog D-Sub standards.  
Hybrid.CrossFireX.  
.
ATI new technology Hybrid CrossFireX greatly boosts graphics performance with  
an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card.  
Hybrid CrossFireX technology is supported by Windows Vista® OS only.  
Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which lists the  
GPUs that support the Hybrid CrossFireX technology.  
PCI.Express.2.0.support.  
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and  
bandwidth which enhances system performance.  
DDR2.memory.support.  
.
This motherboard is an AMD® platform with DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster  
data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and  
computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other  
memory demanding applications.  
Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one  
DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Serial.ATA.3Gb/s.technology.  
.
The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new  
SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard ATI® SB700 allows RAID 0, RAID  
1 and RAID 10 configurations for five onboard SATA connectors. See pages 1-33  
and 2-19 for details.  
Gigabit.LAN.solution.  
The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is  
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efficient power  
management for advanced operating systems.  
USB.2.0.technology.  
USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and  
peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0  
delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and  
ultra-fast data transfers.  
8-channel high definition audio  
.
Enjoy high-quality sound system on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio  
(High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality  
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature, which automatically detects and  
identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies  
users of inappropriate connection, meaning there will be no more confusion of  
Line-in, Line-out and Mic jacks. See pages 1-27, 1-35 and 2-27 for details.  
DisplayPort.  
This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard -  
DisplayPort. This new design features a small and user-friendly connector. It  
delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate, and color depth and  
improves digital display connectivity.  
Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video  
signals.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-5  
1.3.2.  
ASUS.unique.features  
ASUS.AI.Life.Features  
Express.Gate  
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop  
gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the  
most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and  
Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather  
and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture  
manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!  
The actual boot time is subject to hardware configurations and product  
models.  
Due to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices or  
SATA HDDs (IDE mode) connected to SATA port 1-4 only. Set the OnChip.  
SATA.Type item in the BIOS to [SATA] 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.Power.Saving.Solution  
ASUS Power Saving Solution intelligently and automatically provides banlanced  
computing power and energy consumption.  
Q-Fan  
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according  
to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.  
See page 2-33 for details.  
4+1.Phase.Power.Design  
ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design unleashes ultimate memory performances  
with independent power to core components, while providing fast transient  
response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking  
modes.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
AI.Gear.2  
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from profiles to adjust CPU frequency and  
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption  
at most. You can real-time change the mode under operating system to suit  
your needs.  
AI.Nap  
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise  
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS  
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.  
ASUS.EZ.DIY  
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer  
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.  
ASUS Q-Connector  
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 plugging in one cable one at a time, making connection quick and  
accurate. See page 1-42 for details.  
ASUS.CrashFree.BIOS.3.  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data  
from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. See page 2-6 for details.  
ASUS.EZ.Flash.2.  
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly 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. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-7  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to  
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be  
stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and  
distribute their favorite overclocking settings.  
ASUS.Crystal.Sound  
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,  
video conference and recording.  
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.  
1.3.3.  
ASUS.stylish.features  
ASUS.MyLogo2™.  
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.  
1.3.4.  
ASUS.intelligent.overclocking.features  
C.P.R..(CPU.Parameter.Recall).  
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 failure. When  
the system hangs due to overclocking failure, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open  
the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the  
system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default settings for each  
parameter.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.4  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to  
avoid damaging them due to static electricity  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic  
pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power  
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power  
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,  
peripherals, and/or components.  
Onboard.LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that  
the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you  
should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or  
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location  
of the onboard LED.  
SB_PWR  
R
M3A78-EM  
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Powered  
Power  
Off  
M3A78-EM Onboard LED  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-9  
 
1.5  
Motherboard overview  
1.5.1.  
Motherboard.layout  
24.4cm (9.6in)  
PWR_FAN  
KB_USB56  
CPU_FAN  
ATX12V  
DP-  
HDMI-  
SPDIFO  
F_  
ESATA_  
USB34  
LAN1_USB12  
AUDIO  
SATA6  
SATA5  
SATA3  
SATA2  
SATA1  
JMB  
381  
AMD 780G  
IE1394_1  
ICS  
9LPRS485  
PCIEX1_1  
CR2032 3V  
R
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
RTL  
8111C  
PCIEX16  
M3A78-EM  
Super I/O  
SB700  
PCI1  
CHASSIS  
LPT  
CLRTC  
8Mb  
FLOPPY  
PCI2  
ALC1200  
BIOS  
SPDIF_OUT  
COM1  
SB_PWR  
PANEL  
CD  
AAFP  
USB910  
USB1112  
USB78  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.5.2.  
Placement.direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
1.5.3.  
Screw.holes  
Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the  
motherboard to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place.this.side.towards.  
the.rear.of.the.chassis  
R
M3A78-EM  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-11  
 
1.6  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD®  
Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor.  
The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed  
for the AMD Opteron processor. Ensure you use a CPU designed for the  
AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force  
the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and  
damaging the CPU!  
1.6.1.  
Installing.the.CPU  
To install a CPU.  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM CPU Socket AM2+  
2.  
Unlock the socket by pressing the  
lever sideways, then lift it up to a  
90°-100° angle.  
Socket.lever  
Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU  
does not fit in completely.  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
3.  
4.  
Position the CPU above the socket  
such that the CPU corner with the  
gold triangle matches the socket  
corner with a small triangle.  
Carefully insert the CPU into the  
socket until it fits in place.  
Small.triangle  
Gold.triangle  
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the  
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!  
5.  
6.  
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.  
Install a CPU heatsink and fan  
following the instructions that came  
with the heatsink package.  
7.  
Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.  
CPU_FAN  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM CPU Fan Connector  
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors  
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-13  
1.6.2.  
Installing.the.heatsink.and.fan  
The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor requires a  
specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition  
and performance.  
Ensure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly.  
Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.  
1.  
Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink  
fits properly on the retention module base.  
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.  
If 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.  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
2.  
Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.  
3.  
Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock)  
to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention  
bracket is in place.  
Ensure that the fan and heatsink  
assembly perfectly fits the  
retention mechanism module  
base; otherwise, you cannot snap  
the retention bracket in place.  
4.  
Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure  
the heatsink and fan to the module base.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-15  
1.7  
System memory  
1.7.1.  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory  
Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a  
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched  
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets  
Channel  
Sockets  
Channel 1  
Channel 2  
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2  
1.7.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC  
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.  
Recommended memory configurations  
Sockets  
Mode  
DIMM_A1  
DIMM_B1  
Populated  
DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B2  
Single-Channel  
Populated  
Populated  
Populated  
Dual-channel.(1)  
Dual-channel.(2)  
Populated  
Populated  
Populated  
Populated  
1-16  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from  
slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.  
For dual-channel configuration (2), you may:  
-
-
install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR  
install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets)  
and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black  
sockets)  
Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For  
optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules  
from the same vendor.  
Important.notice.on.installing.Windows®.Vista./.XP.32-bit.version.  
If you are using a Windows 32-bit version operating system (e.g. 32-bit  
Windows XP, 32-bit Vista) without the Physical Address Extension (PAE)  
support, the system will allocate a certain amount of memory space for  
system devices.  
We recommend that you install only a maximum of 3GB system memory  
when using a Windows 32-bit version operating system without the PAE.  
The excess over 3GB of installed memory will not cause any problem;  
however, the system can not use this excess memory space and the  
system will display less than the total size of physical memory installed.  
The motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating system  
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  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-17  
M3A78-EM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL).  
DDR2-1066.MHz.capability  
DIMM.support.  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Part.No.  
CL  
Chip.Brand  
.Chip.No.  
A*  
B*  
C*  
512MB Kingston  
KVR1066D2N7/512  
KHX8500D2/1G  
N/A  
N/A  
6
Elpida  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
E5108AJBG-1J-E  
1G  
1G  
1G  
1G  
1G  
1G  
1G  
Kingston  
Qimonda  
Kingmax  
Transcend  
OCZ  
Kingston  
Qimonda  
Kingmax  
Transced  
OCZ  
Heat-Sink Package  
HYB18T512800CF19FFSS24313  
KKA8FFIXF-JFS-18A  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
HYS64T128020EU-19F-C  
KLED48F-A8K15  
N/A  
5
TX1066QLJ-2GK1GB  
OCZ2N1066SR2DK  
GE22GB1066C5DC  
GE24GB1066C5QC  
N/A  
5
GEIL  
GEIL  
GEIL  
5
GEIL  
Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one  
DIMM per channel only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.  
DDR2-800.MHz.capability  
DIMM.support.  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Part.No.  
CL  
Chip.Brand  
.Chip.No.  
A*  
B*  
C*  
1G  
Kingston  
KHX6400D2LL/1G  
KVR800D2N5/512  
KHX6400D2/2G  
N/A Kingston  
N/A Promos  
N/A Kingston  
N/A Elpida  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Heat-Sink Package  
512MB Kingston  
V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA  
Heat-Sink Package  
2G  
4G  
Kingston  
Kingston  
N/A  
E2108ABSE-8G-E  
512MB Samsung  
M378T6553GZS-CF7  
M37875663QZ3-CF7  
M391T5663QZ3-CF7  
HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2  
MT9HTF12872AY-800E1  
XMS2-6400  
6
6
6
6
6
4
5
5
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Qimonda  
Micron  
K4T51083QG-HCF7  
2G  
2G  
Samsung  
Samsung  
K4T1G084QQ-HCF7  
K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC)  
HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380  
D9HNP 7YE22(ECC)  
Heat-Sink Package  
512MB Qimonda  
1G  
1G  
Micron  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Hynix  
512MB HY  
1G HY  
512MB Kingmax  
1G Kingmax  
512MB Apacer  
2G Apacer  
512MB Transcend  
1G Transcend  
512MB VDATA  
HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB  
HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB  
KLDC28F-A8KI5  
HY5PS12821CFP-S5  
HY5PS12821CFPS5  
Hynix  
N/A Kingmax  
N/A Kingmax  
KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A  
KKA8FFIXF-HFS-25A  
AM4B5708JQJS8E0751C  
AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E  
7HD22 D9GMH  
KLDD48F-A8K15  
78.91G91.9K5  
5
5
Apacer  
Apacer  
78.A1GA0.9K4  
TS128MLQ64V8J512MB  
505485-1034  
N/A Micron  
5
Transcend  
TQ123PJF8F0801  
M2GVD6G3H3160Q1E52  
M2OAD6G314170Q1E58  
AL8E8F73C-8E1  
N/A VDATA  
N/A ADATA  
VD29608A8A-25EG20813  
AD29608A8A-25EG80810  
A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E  
A3R1GE3CFF750RABBP(ECC)  
Heat-Sink Package  
1G  
2G  
2G  
1G  
2G  
1G  
1G  
2G  
4G  
1G  
1G  
ADATA  
PSC  
5
5
5
5
4
4
5
5
6
5
PSC  
PSC  
GEIL  
GEIL  
PSC  
AL7E8E63H-10E1K  
GX22GB6400DC  
GEIL  
GEIL  
GE28GB800C5QC  
Heat-Sink Package  
Super Talent T800UB1GC4  
Super Talent DS  
Heat-Sink Package  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
OCZ  
F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
G.SKILL  
OCZ  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
Heat-Sink Package  
F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ  
F2-6400CL5Q-16GNQ  
OCZ2VU8004GK  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
Elixir  
M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C  
Elixir  
N2TU51280BE-25C802006Z1DV  
1-18  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR2-667MHz.capability.  
DIMM.support.  
(Optional)  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Part.No.  
CL  
Chip.Brand  
.Chip.No.  
A*  
B*  
C*  
512MB Kingston  
1G Kingston  
512MB Qimonda  
KVR667D2N5/512  
KVR667D2N5/1G  
HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2  
HYS64T128020EU-3S-B2  
XMS2-5400  
N/A  
N/A  
5
Hynix  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
HY5PS12821EFP-Y5  
Hynix  
HY5PS12821EFP-Y5  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Corsair  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Elpida  
ADATA  
ADATA  
PSC  
HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171  
HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171  
Heat-Sink Package  
1G  
1G  
Qimonda  
Corsair  
5
4
512MB Kingmax  
1G Kingmax  
512MB Apacer  
KLCC28F-A8KB5  
KLCD48F-A8KB5  
78.91G92.9K5  
N/A  
N/A  
5
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
AM4B5708JQJS7E0751C  
AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B  
AM4B5808CQJS7E0749B  
E5108AJBG-6E-E  
1G  
2G  
1G  
1G  
2G  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Transcend  
ADATA  
ADATA  
AU01GE667C5KBGC  
78.A1G9O.9K4  
N/A  
5
506010-4894  
5
M2OAD5G314170Q1C58  
M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53  
AL6E8E63J-6E1  
N/A  
N/A  
5
AD29608A8A-3EG80814  
AD20908A8A-3EG 30724  
A3R12E3JFF717B9A00  
A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J  
NT5TU64M8AE-3C  
512MB PSC  
1G PSC  
512MB Nanya  
AL7E8F73C-6E1  
5
PSC  
NT512T64U88A1BY-3C  
GX21GB5300SX  
N/A  
3
Nanya  
GEIL  
1G  
2G  
GEIL  
GEIL  
Heat-Sink Package  
GX24GB5300LDC  
8D-A3JK5MPETP  
LRMP512U64A8-Y5  
5
GEIL  
Heat-Sink Package  
512MB Twinmos  
1G Leadmax  
5
PSC  
A3R12E3GEF633ACAOY  
HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 C 702AA  
N/A  
Hynix  
SS.-.Single-sided./.DS.-.Double-sided  
DIMM.support:  
A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory  
configuration  
B*:. Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the  
black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration  
C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the black  
slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration  
Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2 DIMM modules for this motherboard.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-19  
1.7.3.  
Installing.a.DIMM  
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or  
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both  
the motherboard and the components.  
2
1.  
2.  
Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing  
the retaining clips outward.  
DDR2.DIMM.notch  
3
Align a DIMM on the socket such  
that the notch on the DIMM matches  
the break on the socket.  
1
3.  
Firmly insert the DIMM into the  
socket until the retaining clips snap  
back in place and the DIMM is  
properly seated.  
1
Unlocked.retaining.clip  
A DDR2 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
1.7.4.  
Removing.a.DIMM  
To remove a DIMM:  
1
1
1.  
Simultaneously press the retaining  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
1
DDR2.DIMM.notch  
Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips.  
The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.  
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
1-20  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.8  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections  
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion  
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard  
components.  
1.8.1.  
Installing.an.expansion.card  
To install an expansion card:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with  
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.  
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a  
chassis).  
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw  
for later use.  
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is  
completely seated on the slot.  
5.  
6.  
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.  
Replace the system cover.  
1.8.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See  
Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
3.  
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-21  
 
Interrupt.assignments  
IRQ  
0
Standard.function  
System timer  
1
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard  
Programmable interrupt controller  
Standard OpenHCI USB Host Controller  
Communications Port (COM 1)  
ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering  
(free)  
2
3
4
5
6
7
(free)  
8
System CMOS / Real Time Clock  
SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus  
Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA)  
(free)  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse  
Numeric data processor  
Primary IDE controller (single fifo)  
Secondary IDE controller (single fifo)  
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.  
1-22  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
shared  
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
PCIEX1 Slot  
PCIEX16 Slot  
shared  
Onboard USB1.1 Controller 1 shared  
Onboard USB1.1 Controller 2  
Onboard USB1.1 Controller 3  
Onboard USB1.1 Controller 4  
Onboard USB1.1 Controller 5  
Onboard USB2.0 Controller 1  
Onboard USB2.0 Controller 2  
Onboard ATI RS780G AZALIA  
Onboard IDE PORT  
Onboard HD Audio  
Onboard LAN  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
Onboard VGA  
shared  
Onchip SATA  
shared  
JMB1394  
shared  
shared  
PCI Card1  
PCI Card2  
shared  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-23  
1.8.3.  
PCI.slots  
The PCI slots support cards such as  
a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card,  
and other cards that comply with PCI  
specifications. The photo shows a LAN  
card installed on a PCI slot.  
1.8.4.  
PCI.Express.x1.slot  
This motherboard supports PCI Express  
x1 network cards, SCSI cards and  
other cards that comply with the PCI  
Express specifications. The photo shows  
a network card installed on the PCI  
Express x1 slot.  
1.8.5.  
PCI.Express.x16.slot  
This motherboard supports PCI Express  
x16 graphics cards that comply with PCI  
Express specifications. The photo shows  
a graphics card installed on the PCI  
Express x16 slot.  
The Surroundview function works only when you install an ATI graphics  
card on the PCI Express x16 slot and enable the Surround.View item in  
the BIOS. See page 2-26 for details.  
The Surroundview function supports up to four monitors, two from the  
onboard VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports, with the other two from the VGA  
and DVI-D/HDMI out ports on an ATI graphics card.  
1-24  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
1.9  
Jumpers  
1.. Clear.RTC.RAM.(CLRTC)  
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in  
CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup  
parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button  
cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup  
information such as system passwords.  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
2. Remove the onboard battery.  
3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on  
pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
4. Reinstall the battery.  
5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
6. Hold down the <Del> 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!  
CLRTC  
1 2  
2 3  
R
M3A78-EM  
Normal  
Clear RTC  
(Default)  
M3A78-EM Clear RTC RAM  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-25  
 
1.10 Connectors  
1.10.1. Rear.panel.connectors  
1
2
3
8
5
6
7
9
4
10  
11  
12  
18  
13  
17  
16  
15  
14  
1.. PS/2.keyboard/Mouse.Combo.port.(purple). This port is for a PS/2  
keyboard or mouse.  
2.. Optical.S/PDIF.Out.port..This port connects an external audio output device  
via a optical S/PDIF cable.  
3.. HDMI.port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)  
connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray  
and other protected content.  
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/HDMI out ports.  
DVI-D can't be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and isn't compatible  
with DVI-I.  
To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant  
monitor.  
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. Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and  
bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the  
playback quality.  
4.. Video.Graphics.Adapter.(VGA).port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor  
or other VGA-compatible devices.  
5.. IEEE.1394a.port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed  
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable  
devices.  
6.. USB.2.0.ports.3.and.4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
1-26  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
 
7.. LAN.(RJ-45).port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area  
Network (LAN) through a network hub.  
LAN.port.LED.indications  
ACT/LINK. SPEED.  
LED LED  
Activity/Link.Speed.LED  
Status  
Description  
No link  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
OFF  
10 Mbps connection  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
ORANGE  
BLINKING  
Linked  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
Data activity  
LAN.port  
8.. Rear.Speaker.Out.port.(black). This port connects the rear speakers in a  
4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.  
9... Center/Subwoofer.port.(orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer  
speakers.  
10.. Line.In.port.(light.blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or  
other audio sources.  
11.. 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.  
12.. Microphone.port.(pink). This port connects a microphone.  
13.. Side.Speaker.Out.port.(gray). This port connects the side speakers in an  
8-channel audio configuration.  
Refer to the audio configuration table 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  
Port  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
Light Blue  
Lime  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Line In  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Ou  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
Gray  
Ensure the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio  
(the.name.may.be.different.based.on.the.OS). Go to Start.>.Control.Panel.>.  
Sounds.and.Audio.Devices.>.Sound.Playback to configure the setting.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-27  
14.. USB.2.0.ports.1.and.2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
15.. External.SATA.port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk  
drive.  
DO NOT insert different connectors to the external SATA port.  
To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA.Type in the BIOS settings to [AHCI].  
See section 2.3.6 SATA Configuration for details.  
16.. DVI-D.Out.port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device and is HDCP  
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray and other protected  
content.  
17.. DisplayPort. This port connects a display monitor or a home-theater system.  
Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports  
video signals.  
Due to chipset limitation, when a DisplayPort monitor is plugged in, PCIE  
x16 slot will not be able to support an add-on card. Set the DisplayPort.  
Configuration item in the BIOS to [Enabled] to use the DisplayPort. See  
page 2-26 for details.  
18.. USB.2.0.ports.5.and.6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
1-28  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.10.2. 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 an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.  
FLOPPY  
R
PIN1  
M3A78-EM  
NOTE: Orient the red markings on  
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
M3A78-EM Floppy Disk Drive Connector  
2.. Serial.port.connector.(10-1.pin.COM1)  
The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module  
cable to the connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of  
the system chassis.  
The serial port bracket (COM1) is purchased separately.  
COM1  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM COM Port Connector  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-29  
 
3.. IDE.connector.(40-1.pin.PRI_IDE)  
The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.  
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:  
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE  
connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device(s).  
Mode.of.  
device(s)  
Drive.jumper.setting  
Cable.connector  
Single device  
Two devices  
Cable-Select or Master  
-
Black  
Black  
Gray  
Master  
Slave  
Master  
Slave  
Cable-Select  
Master  
Slave  
Black or gray  
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 IDE devices.  
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device  
jumpers have the same setting.  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM IDE Connector  
1-30  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
4.. Serial.ATA.connectors..  
.
.
.
.
(7-pin.SATA1,.SATA2,.SATA3,.SATA5,.SATA6)  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA  
3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward  
compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the  
Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra  
DMA133).  
If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,  
and RAID 10 configuration through the onboard SB700 controller.  
SATA6  
SATA5  
SATA3  
SATA2  
R
M3A78-EM  
SATA1  
M3A78-EM SATA Connectors  
Important.note.on.Serial.ATA  
Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA.  
For detailed instructions on how to configure RAID 0, RAID 1, 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]. See page 2-20 for  
details.  
If you want to do the task as GHOST, we suggest you connect the original  
disk to the SATA5 or SATA6.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-31  
5.. Power,.CPU,.and.Chassis.Fan.connectors.  
(3-pin.PWR_FAN,.4-pin.CPU_FAN,.3-pin.CHA_FAN)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or  
a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan  
connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable  
matches the ground pin of the connector.  
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air  
flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are  
not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors.  
Only CPU Fan supports Q-Fan.  
PWR_FAN  
CHA_FAN  
CPU_FAN  
GND  
+12V  
Rotation  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM Fan Connectors  
1-32  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
6.. USB.connectors.(10-1.pin.USB78,.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.  
USB78  
USB910  
USB1112  
1
1
1
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM USB 2.0 Connectors  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.  
7.. Optical.drive.audio.in.connector.(4-pin.CD)  
This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources  
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.  
CD  
(black)  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM Internal Audio Connector  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-33  
8.. Digital.audio.connector.(4-1.pin.SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)  
port(s). Connect the HDMI module cable to this connector, then install the  
module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.  
R
M3A78-EM  
SPDIF_OUT  
M3A78-EM Digital Audio Connector  
Ensure the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio  
(the.name.may.be.different.based.on.the.OS). Go to Start.>.Control.Panel.>.  
Sounds.and.Audio.Devices.>.Sound.Playback to configure the setting.  
9.. LPT.connector  
The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a  
printer. LPT standardizes as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on  
IBM PC-compatible computers.  
LPT  
R
M3A78-EM  
1
M3A78-EM Parallel Port Connector  
1-34  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
10.. Front.panel.audio.connector.(10-1.pin.AAFP)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that  
supports either High Definition Audio or AC’97 audio standard. Connect one  
end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.  
Legacy ACʼ97-compliant  
pin definition  
Azalia-compliant  
pin definition  
AAFP  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector  
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module  
to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability.  
If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this  
connector, ensure that the Front.Panel Select item in the BIOS is set to  
[HD.Audio]; if you want to connect an AC`97 front panel audio module to  
this connector, set the item to [AC97]. See page 2-27 for details.  
Make sure the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition  
Audio.(the.name.may.be.different.based.on.the.OS). Go to Start.>.  
Control.Panel.>.Sounds.and.Audio.Devices.>.Sound.Playback to  
configure the setting.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-35  
11.. Chassis.intrusion.connector.(4-1.pin.CHASSIS)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.  
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this  
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to  
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal  
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.  
By default, the pins labeled “Chassis Signal” and “GND” are shorted with  
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the  
chassis intrusion detection feature.  
R
M3A78-EM  
CHASSIS  
(Default)  
M3A78-EM Intrusion Connector  
12.. IEEE.1394a.port.connector.(10-1.pin.IE1394_1)  
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.  
R
IE1394_1 1  
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM IEEE 1394a Connector  
1-36  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage  
the motherboard!  
You can attach a FireWire/1394 cable to this connector if your chassis suppots  
the front panel IEEE1394 port. Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector  
(1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector  
onboard.  
13.. ATX.power.connectors.(24-pin.EATXPWR,.4-pin.ATX12V)  
These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power  
supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the  
proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
ATX12V  
EATXPWR  
+12V DC  
GND  
+12V DC  
GND  
+3 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+12 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
-5 Volts  
Ground  
Ground  
Ground  
PSON#  
Ground  
-12 Volts  
+3 Volts  
+5V Standby  
Power OK  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+3 Volts  
+3 Volts  
R
M3A78-EM  
M3A78-EM ATX Power Connector  
We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specification 2.0-compliant  
power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU  
type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.  
If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, make sure  
that the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that  
the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300 W. The system may become  
unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the  
system will not boot up.  
We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output 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.  
You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install  
additional devices.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-37  
14.. System.panel.connector.(20-8.pin.PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
PANEL  
SPEAKER  
PLED  
R
M3A78-EM  
Reset  
PWRSW  
+IDE_LED  
M3A78-EM System Panel Connector  
System power LED  
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  
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  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The  
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
Power/Soft-off button  
This 2-pin 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  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system  
reboot without turning off the system power.  
1-38  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Q-Connector (system panel)  
You can use ASUS Q-Connector to connect / disconnect chassis front panel  
cables by only a few steps. Directions below shows how to install ASUS  
Q-Connector.  
Step1.  
Connect correct front panel to ASUS  
Q-Connector first. You can refer to the  
marking on Q-Connector itself to know the  
detail pin definition.  
Step2.  
Properly install the ASUS Q-Connector to the  
System panel connctor.  
Step3.  
Front panel functions are enabled.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
1-39  
1-40  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter tells how to change  
the system settings through the BIOS  
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions  
of the BIOS parameters are also  
provided.  
BIOS setup  
2
 
2.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic  
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.  
1.. ASUS.AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy  
disk.  
2.. ASUS.CrashFree.BIOS.3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk, a  
USB flash disk or the motherboard Support DVD when the BIOS file fails or  
gets corrupted.  
3.. ASUS.EZ.Flash.2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk  
during POST.  
4.. ASUS.Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
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.  
2.1.1  
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 <Enter>.  
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 disk from the  
format options field, then click Start.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
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.  
2.  
Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy  
disk.  
2.1.2.  
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:  
Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1.2  
MB free space to save the file.  
The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS  
screen displays may not be same as shown.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-3  
 
1.  
2.  
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 /o[filename]  
where the [filename] is any user-assigned filename no more than eight  
alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric  
characters for the extension name.  
A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom  
Main filename  
Extension.name  
3.  
Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk.  
A:\>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 ..... done  
Write to file...... ok  
A:\>  
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file.  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:  
1.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file  
for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.  
Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS  
filename at the DOS prompt.  
2.  
3.  
Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to  
the bootable floppy disk you created earlier or a USB flash disk.  
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:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom  
2-4  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
4.  
The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS.  
A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))  
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Reading file ....... done  
Reading flash ...... done  
Advance Check ......  
Erasing flash ...... done  
Writing flash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)  
Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to  
prevent system boot failure!  
5.  
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is  
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.  
A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))  
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Reading file ....... done  
Reading flash ...... done  
Advance Check ......  
Erasing flash ...... done  
Writing flash ...... done  
Verifying flash .... done  
Please restart your computer  
A:\>  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-5  
2.1.3.  
ASUS.CrashFree.BIOS.3.utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore  
the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can  
update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD , the floppy disk  
or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.  
Prepare the motherboard Support DVD, the floppy disk or the USB flash  
disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.  
Ensure that you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy disk  
or the USB flash disk to M3A78EM.ROM.  
Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk  
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk  
drive.  
3.  
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the  
floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted  
BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
Floppy found!  
Reading file “M3A78EM.ROM”. Completed.  
Start flashing...  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
Recovering.the.BIOS.from.the.Support.DVD  
To recover the BIOS from the Support DVD:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system.  
Insert the Support DVD to the optical drive.  
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the  
floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
When no floppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive  
for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then updates the corrupted  
BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
Floppy not found!  
Checking for CD-ROM...  
CD-ROM found!  
Reading file “M3A78EM.ROM”. Completed.  
Start flashing...  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file.  
Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk  
To recover the BIOS from the USB flash disk:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to the USB port.  
Turn on the system.  
The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file When found,  
the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-7  
Only the USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can  
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than  
8GB.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so  
can cause system boot failure!  
2.1.4.  
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  
<Alt>.+.<F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for  
the motherboard.  
Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk, then restart the  
system.  
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 <Alt>.+.<F2> during POST to display the following.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.21  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005  
Current ROM  
BOARD: M3A78-EM  
VER: 0204 (H:00 B:05)  
DATE: 05/22/2008  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch  
[V] Drive Info  
[ESC] Exit  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[B] Backup  
2-8  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu then select EZ.Flash2  
and press <Enter>.  
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct file  
is found. Then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update  
process and automatically reboots the system when done.  
This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, or 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  
system boot failure!  
2.1.5.  
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.ASUS.Update  
To install ASUS Update:  
1.  
2.  
Place the Support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. See page  
3-4 for the Utilities screen menu.  
3.  
The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.  
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-9  
 
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.  
>.Programs.>.ASUS.>.ASUSUpdate.>.ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update  
main window appears.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from the  
Internet option from the drop-down  
menu, then click Next.  
3.  
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest  
you to avoid network traffic, or  
click Auto Select. Click Next.  
2-10  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
4.  
5.  
From the FTP site, select the BIOS  
version that you wish to download.  
Click Next.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
The ASUS Update utility is  
capable of updating itself through  
the Internet. Always update the  
utility to avail all its features.  
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file  
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:  
1.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start.  
>.Programs.>.ASUS.>.ASUSUpdate.>.ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update  
main window appears.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from a file  
option from the drop-down menu,  
then click Next.  
3.  
Locate the BIOS file from the Open  
window, then click Open.  
M3A78EM.ROM  
4.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
M3A78EM  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-11  
2.2  
BIOS setup program  
This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip  
that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing  
and updating your BIOS.”  
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring  
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to configure  
your system using this utility.  
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  
SPI chip.  
The SPI chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the  
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press  
<Del> 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, reboot the system by doing any of the  
following procedures:  
• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.  
• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.  
• Press the reset button on the system chassis.  
• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on.  
Using the power.button,.reset.button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del>.keys to  
force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data  
or system. We recommend to always shut-down the system properly from the  
operating system.  
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.  
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 “2.8 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 at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file  
for this motherboard.  
2-12  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.2.1.  
BIOS.menu.screen  
Menu.items  
Menu.bar  
General.help  
Configuration fields  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Main Settings  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
[19:34:30]  
[Tue 11/19/2007]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in]  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system  
Time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA5  
SATA6  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
E-SATA  
SATA Configuration  
Change Field  
+-  
Tab  
F1  
Select Field  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
System Information  
F10  
ESC  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Navigation.keys  
Sub-menu.items  
2.2.2.  
Menu.bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
Advanced  
Power  
For changing the advanced system settings  
For changing the advanced power management (APM)  
configuration  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For changing the system tools configuration  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-13  
 
2.2.3.  
Navigation.keys  
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that  
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change  
the settings.  
Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.  
2.2.4.  
Menu.items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.  
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.  
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have  
their respective menu items.  
2.2.5.  
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 <Enter>.  
2.2.6  
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 <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Refer to “2.2.8 Pop-up window.”  
2.2.7.  
General.help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected  
item.  
2-14  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.2.8.  
Pop-up.window  
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the  
configuration options for that item.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Main Settings  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
[19:34:30]  
[Tue 11/19/2007]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in]  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system  
Time.  
Options  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
Disabled  
360K,  
5.25 in.  
1.2M,  
720K, 3.5 in.  
1.44M, 3.5 in.  
5.25 in.  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA5  
3.5 in.  
2.88M,  
SATA6  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
E-SATA  
SATA Configuration  
Change Field  
+-  
Tab  
F1  
Select Field  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
System Information  
F10  
ESC  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Pop-up.Window  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-15  
 
2.3  
Main menu  
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving  
you an overview of the basic system information.  
Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen  
items and how to navigate through them.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Main Settings  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
[19:34:30]  
[Tue 11/19/2007]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in]  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system  
Time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA5  
SATA6  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
E-SATA  
SATA Configuration  
Change Field  
+-  
Tab  
F1  
Select Field  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
System Information  
F10  
ESC  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
2.3.1.  
System.Time.[xx:xx:xx]  
Allows you to set the system time.  
2.3.2.  
System.Date.[Day.xx/xx/xxxx]  
Allows you to set the system date.  
2.3.3.  
Legacy.Diskette.A.[1.44M,.3.5.in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[360K , 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M , 3.5 in.]  
2-16  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.3.4.  
Primary.IDE.Master/Slave  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.  
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then  
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.  
Select the type of  
device connected to the  
system.  
Primary IDE Master  
Device  
: Not Detected  
Type  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Disabled]  
LBA/Large Mode  
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer) M  
PIO Mode  
DMA Mode  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, 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  
Not Detected 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  
CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is  
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.  
Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]  
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]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-17  
 
PIO.Mode.[Auto]  
Selects the PIO mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]  
DMA.Mode.[Auto]  
Selects the DMA mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto]  
SMART.Monitoring.[Auto]  
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
32Bit.Data.Transfer.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.3.5.  
SATA.1,.2,.3,.5,.6,.and.E-SATA  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA  
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item  
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
SATA1  
Disabled: Disables  
LBA Mode  
Device  
: Hard Disk  
: ST380817AS  
: 80.0GB  
: Supported  
: 16Sectors  
: 4  
Auto: Enables LBA  
Mode if the device  
supports it and  
the device is not  
already formatted  
with LBA Mode  
Vendor  
Size  
LBA Mode  
Block Mode  
PIO Mode  
Async DMA  
Ultra DMA  
: MultiWord DMA-2  
: Ultra DMA-6  
disabled.  
SMART Monitoring: Supported  
LBA/Large Mode  
[Auto]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer) M  
PIO Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
DMA Mode  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
[Disabled]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, 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 if no IDE device is installed in the system.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
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]  
DMA.Mode.[Auto]  
Selects the DMA mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto]  
SMART.Monitoring.[Auto]  
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
32Bit.Data.Transfer.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.3.6  
SATA Configuration  
The Storage Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage device(s).  
Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Options  
Storage Configuration  
Disabled  
Enabled  
OnChip SATA Channel  
OnChip SATA Type  
SATA IDE Combined Mode  
[Enabled]  
[SATA]  
[Enabled]  
OnChip.SATA.Channel.[Enabled]  
Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-19  
 
OnChip.SATA.Type.[SATA]  
This item appears only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled].  
Allows you to set the OnChip SATA Type.  
Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI]  
If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID  
set, copy the RAID driver from the Support DVD to a floppy before you install an  
operating system to the selected hard disk drive.  
SATA.IDE.Combined.Mode.[Enabled]  
Enables or disables SATA IDE Combined Mode  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.3.7.  
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  
Main  
AMIBIOS  
Version  
:0102  
Build Date :05/10/08  
Processor  
Type  
Speed  
Count  
:AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+  
:1800MHz  
:1  
System Memory  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
General Help  
Installed Size: 512MB  
F1  
Usable Size  
: 512MB  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
AMI.BIOS  
Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.  
Processor  
Displays the auto-detected CPU specification.  
System.Memory  
Displays the auto-detected system memory.  
2-20  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.4  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other  
system devices.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect  
field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Advanced Settings  
Adjust System  
Frequency/Voltage  
etc.  
JumperFree Configuration  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
PCIPnP  
USB Configuration  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Field  
+-  
Tab Select Field  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
2.4.1  
JumperFree Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Configure System Frequency/Voltage  
Select the target  
CPU frequency,  
CPU Overclocking  
GPU Overclocking  
PCIE Overclocking  
[Auto]  
and the relevant  
parameters will  
be auto-adjusted.  
Frequencies higher  
than CPU manufacturer  
recomends are not  
guaranteed to be  
stable. If the system  
becomes unstable,  
return to the  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
CPU Ratio and Voltage  
Processor Frequency Multiplier  
Processor Voltage  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Processor-NB Voltage  
Hyper Transport Configuration  
Hyper Transport Speed  
Hyper Transport Width  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
default.  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Memory Timming and Voltage  
Memory Clock Mode  
DRAM Timing Mode  
Memory OverVoltage  
+-  
F1  
Change Field  
General Help  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Scroll down to display the following items:  
Chipset Voltage  
Chipset OverVoltage  
[Auto]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-21  
 
CPU.Overclocking.[Auto]  
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal  
frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking. Configuration options:  
[Auto] [Manual] [Overclock Profile] [Test Mode]  
GPU.Overclocking.[Auto]  
Allows you to configure overclocking of GPU. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Manual]  
PCIE.Overclocking.[Auto]  
Allows you to to configure overclocking of PCIE. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Manual]  
Processor.Frequency.Multiplier.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the processor frequency multiplier. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz]  
[x9.0 1800MHz]  
Processor.Voltage.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the processor voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv]  
[+100mv] [+150mv]  
Processor-NB.Voltage.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the processor-NB voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv]  
[+100mv] [+150mv]  
Hyper.Transport.Speed.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the HyperTransport link speed. Configuration options: [200MHz]  
[400MHz] [600MHz] [800 MHZ] [1 GHz] [Auto]  
Hyper.Transport.Width.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the HyperTransport link width. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[4 Bit] [8 Bit] [16 Bit]  
Memory.Clock.Mode.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
DRAM.Timing.Mode.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the DRAM timing mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [DCT 0]  
Memory.Over.Voltage.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to  
2.24375V with a 0.00625V interval. Configuration options: [Auto]  
2-22  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Chipset.Over.Voltage.[Auto]  
Allows you to set the chipset over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv]  
[+100mv] [+150mv]  
2.4.2  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS  
automatically detects.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
CPU Configuration  
This option should  
remain disabled for  
the normal operation.  
The driver developer  
may enable it for  
testing purpose.  
Module Version: 13.24  
AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0  
Physical Count: 1  
Logical Count: 1  
AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+  
Revision: F2  
Cache L1: 128 KB  
Cache L2: 128 KB  
Cache L3: N/A  
Speed  
: 1800MHz  
NB Clk: N/A  
HT Frequency: 800MHz  
Current FSB Multiplier: 9x  
Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Able to change Freq. : Yes  
uCode Patch Level  
GART Error Reporting  
Microcode Updation  
: 0x62  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet  
[Enabled]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
GART.Error.Reporting.[Disabled]  
This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer  
may enable it for testing purpose.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Microcode.Updation.[Enabled]  
Enables or disables Microcode Updation.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Secure.Virtual.Machine.Mode.[Enabled]  
Enables or disables Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM)  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-23  
 
2.4.3.  
Chipset  
Memory Options &  
Information  
Chipset Configuration  
NorthBridge Configuration  
Internal Graphics  
NorthBridge Configuration  
NorthBridge Chipset Configuration  
Memory Configuration  
ECC Configuration  
Memory CLK  
:333MHz  
CAS Latency(Tc1)  
RAS/CAS Delay(Trcd)  
Row Precharge Time(Trp)  
Min Active RAS(Tras)  
RAS/RAS Delay(Trrd)  
Row Cycle(Trc)  
:5.0  
:5 CLK  
:5 CLK  
:15 CLK  
:3 CLK  
:21 CLK  
Memory Configuration  
Advanced  
Enable Bank Memory  
Interleaving  
Memory Configuration  
Bank Interleaving  
[Auto]  
Channel Interleaving  
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID  
Memory Hole Remapping  
DCT Unganged Mode  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Auto]  
Power Down Enable  
[Enabled]  
Bank Interleaving [Auto]  
Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Channel Interleaving [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6]  
[Address bits 12] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]]  
[XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]]  
2-24  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to select unganged DRAM mode (64-bit width).  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Always]  
Power Down Enable [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ECC Configuration  
Options  
Set the level of ECC  
protection. Note:  
ECC Configuration  
The ‘Super‘ ECC mode  
dynamically sets  
ECC Mode  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
DRAM ECC Enable  
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT  
4-Bit ECC Mode  
DRAM BG Scrub  
the DRAM scrub rate  
so all of memory is  
scrubbed in 8 hours.  
Data Cache BG Scrub  
L2 Cache BG Scrub  
L3 Cache BG Scrub  
ECC Mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the ECC mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic]  
[Good] [Super] [Max] [User]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-25  
Internal.Graphics  
GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI  
GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI  
PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX  
IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI  
Internal Graphics  
Primary Video Controller  
UMA Frame Buffer Size  
Surround View  
AMD 780 HD Audio  
DisplayPort Config  
[GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Primary.Video.Controller.[GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]  
Configuration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI]  
[PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI]  
GFX0: VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCIE x16 slot  
GPP:  
IGFX  
PCI:  
VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCIE x1 slot  
Internal VGA out port  
VGA out port on a graphics card connected into a PCI slot  
UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB]  
Surround.View.[Auto]  
Allows you to disable or enable the Surround View function.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
This item becomes user-configurable when you install an ATI graphics card into  
the PCI Express x16 slot.  
AMD.780.HD.Audio.[Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable AMD 780 HD audio.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
DisplayPort Configuration [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the DisplayPort. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-26  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.4.4  
Onboard Device Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Allows BIOS to Select  
Serial Port1 Base  
Addresses.  
Onboard Devices configuration  
Serial Port1 Address  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
[378]  
[Normal]  
[IRQ7]  
Parallel Port Address  
Parallel Port Mode  
Parallel Port IRQ  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
HDAudio Controller  
[Enabled]  
Front Panel Select  
[HD Audio]  
[SPDIF Output]  
[Enabled]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting  
OnBoard LAN Controller  
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM  
1394 Controller  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]  
Parallel.Port.Address.[378]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]  
Parallel.Port.Mode.[Normal]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.  
Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP]  
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]  
Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]  
HDAudio.Controller.[Enabled]  
Enables or disables the high definition audio controller.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Front.Panel.Select.[HD.Audio]  
Configuration options: [HD Audio] [AC97]  
SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output]  
Allows you to set the SPDIF_OUT mode.  
Configuration options: [HDMI Output] [SPDIF Output]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-27  
 
OnBoard.LAN.Controller.[Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
1394.Controller.[Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the 1394 controller. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.4.5.  
PCIPnP  
The PCI.PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP  
devices. 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.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect  
field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
No: lets the BIOS  
configure all the  
devices in the  
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
system.  
Yes: lets the  
Plug And Play O/S  
[No]  
operating system  
configure Plug and  
Play (PnP) devices  
not required for  
boot if your system  
has a Plug and Play  
operating system.  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Plug.and.Play.O/S.[No]  
When set to [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]  
2-28  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.4.6  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
USB Configuration  
Options  
Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4  
Disabled  
Enabled  
USB Devices Enabled:  
None  
USB Functions  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Auto]  
USB 2.0 Controllers  
Legacy USB Support  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode  
[HiSpeed]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+- Change Option  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the  
auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.  
USB.Functions.[Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [Enabled]  
USB.2.0.Controllers.[Enabled]  
Enables or disables USB 2.0 Controllers. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Legacy.USB.Support.[Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for Legacy USB storage devices, including  
USB flash drives and USB hard drives. 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]  
USB.2.0.Controller.Mode.[HiSpeed]  
Allows you to configure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or Full  
Speed (12 Mbps). Configuration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-29  
 
2.5  
Power menu  
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced  
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management  
(APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select the ACPI state  
used for System  
Suspend.  
Power Settings  
Suspend Mode  
[Auto]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
ACPI Support  
ACPI APIC support  
APM Configuration  
HW Monitor Configuration  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
2.5.1.  
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]  
2.5.2.  
ACPI.Support.[Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) 2.0 support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.5.3.  
ACPI.APIC.Support.[Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When  
set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-30  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.5.4  
APM Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
APM Configuration  
Options  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
Power on From S5 By PME#  
Power on From S5 By Ring  
[Always Off]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
Always Off  
Always On  
Last State  
Power on From S5 By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]  
Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
+-  
F1  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Restore.on.AC.Power.Loss.[Always.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.  
Configuration options: [Always Off] [Always On] [Last State]  
Power.on.From.S5.By.PME#.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables PME wake from sleep states.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power.on.From.S5.By.Ring.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables ring to generate a wake event.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power.on.From.S5.By.PS/2.KB/MS.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power.on.From.S5.By.RTC.Alarm.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-31  
 
2.5.5  
HW Monitor Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
Hardware Monitor  
CPU Temperature  
CPU Temperature  
MB Temperature  
[43ºC/109ºF]  
[40ºC/104ºF]  
CPU Fan Speed  
Chassis Fan Speed  
Power Fan Speed  
[3552RPM]  
[N/A]  
[N/A]  
VCORE Voltage  
3.3V Voltage  
5V Voltage  
[1.280V]  
[3.312V]  
[5.120V]  
[11.916V]  
12V Voltage  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Field  
General Help  
Smart Q-FAN Function  
[Enabled]  
[5.0V]  
+-  
F1  
Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp  
Fan Auto Mode Full Speed Temp  
[25ºC]  
[55ºC]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
CPU.Temperature.[xxxºC/xxxºF].or.[Ignored].  
MB.Temperature.[xxxºC/xxxºF].or.[Ignored]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard  
and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected  
temperatures.  
CPU.Fan.Speed.[xxxxRPM].or.[Ignored]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU  
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.  
Chassis.Fan.Speed.[N/A].or.[Ignored]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis  
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the  
motherboard, the specific field shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to  
display the detected speed.  
Power.Fan.Speed.[N/A].or.[Ignored]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the power  
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the  
motherboard, the specific 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.[xx.xxxV].or.  
[Ignored]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through  
the onboard voltage regulators.  
2-32  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
Smart Q-Fan Function [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the  
fan speeds for more efficient system operation.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Fan.Auto.Mode.Start.Voltage.[5.0V]  
Allows you to select the fan auto mode start voltage. Configuration options: [4.0V]  
[4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.0V]  
Fan.Auto.Mode.Start.Speed.Temp.[25ºC]  
Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan start working temperature. Configuration  
options: [25ºC] ~ [40ºC]  
Fan.Auto.Mode.Full.Speed.Temp.[55ºC]  
Allows you to set the smart Q-Fan full speed temperature. Configuration options:  
[51ºC] ~ [66ºC]  
2.6  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Specifies the Boot  
Device Priority  
sequence.  
Boot Settings  
Boot Device Priority  
A virtual floppy disk  
drive (Floppy Drive B:)  
may appear when you set  
the CD-ROM drive as the  
first boot device.  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Security  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-33  
 
2.6.1.  
Boot.Device.Priority  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Boot Device Priority  
Specifies the boot  
sequence from the  
available devices.  
1st Boot Device  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
[1st FLOPPY DRIVE]  
[Hard Drive]  
[ATAPI CD-ROM]  
A device enclosed  
in parenthesis has  
been disabled in  
the corresponding  
type menu.  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
+-  
F10  
ESC  
F1  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
1st.~.xxth.Boot.Device.[xxx.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 FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM]  
[Disabled]  
2.6.2  
Boot Settings Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Allows BIOS to skip  
certain tests while  
booting. This will  
decrease the time  
needed to boot the  
system.  
Quick Boot  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Force BIOS]  
[On]  
Full Screen Logo  
AddOn ROM Display Mode  
Bootup Num-Lock  
PS/2 Mouse Support  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
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]  
2-34  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
Full.Screen.Logo.[Enabled]  
This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.  
AddOn.ROM.Display.Mode.[Force.BIOS]  
Sets the display mode for option ROM.  
Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]  
Bootup.Num-Lock.[On]  
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.  
Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
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]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-35  
2.6.3.  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disabled password.  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Not Installed  
: Not Installed  
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.  
2.  
Select the Change.Supervisor.Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters  
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
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  
supervisor password.  
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change.Supervisor.Password then  
press <Enter>. The message “Password.uninstalled” appears.  
If you forget your BIOS password, you can 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.  
2-36  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to  
change other security settings.  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disabled password.  
Security Settings  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Installed  
: Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
User Access Level  
Change User Password  
Clear User Password  
Password Check  
[Full Access]  
[Setup]  
Select Screen  
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.  
2.  
Select the Change.User.Password item and press <Enter>.  
On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six  
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
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 to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing  
Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-37  
2.7  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Press ENTER to run  
the utility to select  
and update BIOS.  
This utility doesn't  
support :  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Express Gate  
[Enabled]  
[10 Seconds]  
[No]  
Enter OS Timer  
Reset User Data  
1.NTFS format  
AI NET2  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
Change Field  
Enter Go to Sub  
Screen  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.  
2.7.1.  
ASUS.EZ.Flash.2  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation  
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],  
then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Please see section 2.1.4 for details.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.21  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005  
Current ROM  
BOARD: M3A78-EM  
VER: 0204 (H:00 B:05)  
DATE: 05/22/2008  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch  
[V] Drive Info  
[ESC] Exit  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[B] Backup  
2-38  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
2.7.2.  
Express.Gate.[Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS  
Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick  
access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]  
Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first  
screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt.  
User] to stay at the first screen of Express Gate for user action.  
Configuration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds]  
[10 seconds] [15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]  
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.  
The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate  
environment after clearing its settings.  
2.7.3.  
AI.NET.2  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Tools  
Check Realtek LAN  
cable during POST.  
AI NET 2  
Pair Status Length  
It will take 1 or 2  
minutes to diagnose  
LAN cable.  
Check Realtek LAN cable  
[Disabled]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Check.Realtek.LAN.cable.[Disabled]  
Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On  
Self-Test (POST).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
2-39  
 
2.8  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the  
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Exit Options  
Exit system setup  
after saving the  
changes.  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Discard Changes  
F10 key can be used  
for this operation.  
Load Setup Defaults  
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options  
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.  
Exit.&.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 the 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.  
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 <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.  
Exit.&.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 <F5>, a confirmation  
window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit.&.Save.Changes  
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.  
2-40  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
 
This chapter describes the contents of  
the Support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Software  
3
support  
 
3.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ Vista operating systems (OS). Always  
install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features  
of your hardware.  
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.  
Make sure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later  
versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system  
stability.  
3.2  
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 at www.asus.com for updates.  
3.2.1.  
Running.the.Support.DVD  
Place the Support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the  
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
Click.an.icon.to.  
display.Support.  
DVD.motherboard.  
information  
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.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: Software support  
 
3.2.2.  
Drivers.menu  
The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects  
installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.  
ASUS.InstAll.-.Installation.Wizard.for.Drivers  
Launches the ASUS InstallAll - drivers installation wizard.  
AMD.Chipset.Driver  
Installs the AMD chipset driver.  
Realtek.Audio.Driver  
Installs the Realtekaudio driver.  
ATI.HDMI.Driver  
Installs the ATI HDMI driver.  
AMD.VGA.Driver  
Installs the AMD VGA driver.  
Realtek.RTL8111B/C.10/100/1000M.LAN.Driver  
Installs the Realtek® RTL8111B/C 10/100/1000M LAN driver  
AMD Cool‘n’Quiet Driver  
Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.  
The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different  
operating system versions.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
3-3  
 
3.2.3.  
Utilities.menu  
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the  
motherboard supports.  
ASUS.InstAll.-.Installation.Wizard.for.Utilities  
Launches the ASUS InstAll - installation wizard for utilities.  
ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility  
This item guides you in installing the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility.  
ASUS.PC.Probe.II  
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,  
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer  
in healthy operating condition.  
ASUS.Update.  
The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a  
Windows® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a  
network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
AMD.Raid/AHCI.RaidXpert  
Installs the AMD Raid/AHCI RaidXpert.  
Realtek.Diagnostics.Utility  
Installs the Realtek diagnostics utility.  
3-4  
Chapter 3: Software support  
 
Microsoft.DirectX.9.0c  
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a  
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX®  
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching  
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the  
Microsoft website at www.microsoft.com for updates.  
Corel.MediaOne.Starter  
Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage, edit share and  
protect your multimedia data.  
CyberLink.PowerBackup  
Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily.  
Adobe.Acrobat.Reader.8  
Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print  
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
Click  
to show the rest of the utilities under the Utilities menu.  
WinZip.11  
Installs the Winzip utility for easy file-compression and protection.  
Ulead.Burn.Now  
Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
3-5  
Ulead.PhotoImpact.12.SE  
Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.  
ASUS.Express.Gate.Installer  
Installs the ASUS Expres Gate.  
Anti-Virus.Utility  
Installs the anti-virus application that detects and protects your computer from  
viruses that destroy data.  
Anti-Virus.Utility.Download  
Downloads and installs the latest anti-virus application.  
ASUS.AI.Nap  
Installs the ASUS AI Nap.  
3.2.4.  
Make.Disk.menu  
The Make.disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.  
3-6  
Chapter 3: Software support  
 
Make.ATI.RAID/AHCI.Vista32.Driver  
Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI Vista32 driver disk.  
Make.ATI.RAID/AHCI.Vista64.Driver  
Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI Vista64 driver disk.  
Make.ATI.RAID/AHCI.Driver.XP.32/64bit.Driver  
Allows you to create an ATI® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver for XP/XP 64bit.  
3.2.5.  
Manual.menu  
The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to  
open the folder of the user manual.  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
3-7  
 
3.2.6.  
ASUS.Contact.information  
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find  
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.  
3.2.7.  
Other.information  
The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the  
motherboard and the contents of the Support DVD. Click an icon to display the  
specified information.  
Motherboard.Info  
Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.  
3-8  
Chapter 3: Software support  
 
Browse.this.DVD  
Displays the Support DVD contents in graphical format.  
Technical.support.Form  
Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when  
requesting technical support.  
Filelist  
Displays the contents of the Support DVD and a brief description of each in text  
format.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
3-9  
3-10  
Chapter 3: Software support  
This chapter describes how to enable ATI  
Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows Vista  
OS.  
Appendix  
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™  
The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you  
to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards.  
A.1.  
System.requirements  
Before using ATI Hybrid CrossFireX, ensure that your system meets the following  
basic requirements:  
Operating.System:.Windows® Vista  
Memory.capacity:. Minimum 1GB  
CPU:. AM2+  
On-board.graphics.card.RAM: 256MB  
Add-on.GPU:.HD2400 PRO/HD2400 XT/HD3450/HD3470  
We recommend that you use a graphics card with an HD2400 PRO GPU.  
A.2.  
Before.you.proceed  
Configure the BIOS settings for the graphics card to support ATI Hybrid  
CrossFireX.  
To set Internal Graphics:  
1.  
2.  
Press <Del> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup  
utility.  
Select Advanced > Chipset > Internal.Graphics, set the UMA.Frame.  
Buffer.Size to [256M], and set the Surround.View to [Enabled].  
GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI  
Internal Graphics  
GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI  
PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX  
IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI  
Primary Video Controller  
UMA Frame Buffer Size  
Surround View  
[GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI]  
[256M]  
[Enabled]  
3.  
Press <F10> to save the changes and exit BIOS settings. Select OK to  
confirm.  
A-2  
Appendix  
 
A.3.  
Installing.AMD.Chipset.Driver  
To install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology:  
1.  
Insert the Support DVD that comes with your M3A78-EM into the optical  
drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled  
in your computer.  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the  
ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.  
2.  
From the Drivers menu, click AMD.Chipset.Driver to install it. Follow the  
onscreen instructions to finish the installation.  
3.  
4.  
Restart your computer after the installation is completed.  
When the system restarts, wait for a few seconds for the driver to load  
automatically.  
A.4.  
Using.the.ATI.CATALYST®.Control.Center  
Using.an.add-on.graphics.card  
1.  
Install a graphics card onto your motherboard. Refer to the User Guide that  
comes with your graphics card for details.  
2.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop, then click ATI.CATALYST(R).Control.  
Center from the shortcut menu. The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen  
appears.  
3.  
4.  
Click.Graphics.Settings >  
CrossFire™, then select the  
Enable.CrossFire™ check box.  
When a confirmation message  
pops up, click Yes. The screen  
blacks out for about one minute.  
Click OK. The add-on graphics  
card is set to be the main monitor.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
A-3  
 
Using.the.onboard.graphics.card  
1.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop, then click ATI.CATALYST(R).Control.  
Center from the shortcut menu. The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen  
appears.  
2.  
Click.Graphics.Settings >  
CrossFire™, then clear the  
Enable.CrossFire™ check box.  
When a confirmation message  
pops up, click Yes. The screen  
blacks out for about one minute.  
3.  
4.  
Click OK.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop, then click Personalize from the  
shortcut menu.  
5.  
Click Display.Settings. Select [Default.  
Monitor].on.ATI.Radeon.HD.3200.  
Graphics, then select the check boxes  
of This.is.my.main.monitor and Extend.  
the.desktop.onto.this.monitor. Click  
OK, and then Yes from the confirmation  
window.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Restart the system. 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 > CrossFire™, then select the Enable.  
CrossFire™ check box. When a coonfirmation pops up, click Yes. The  
screen blacks out for about one minute.  
Click OK. The onboard graphics card is set to be the main monitor.  
If you are using both an add-on and the on-board graphics cards at same time  
and want to set the onboard graphics card as your main monitor, follow the  
instructions on the next page.  
A-4  
Appendix  
1.  
2.  
Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using.the.onboard.graphics.card.  
From the ATI CATALYST(R)  
Control Center screen, click  
Display.Manager.> Graphics.  
Adapter. Select ATI.Radeon.  
HD.3200.Graphics.[Gabbs,.G.  
HW173]. Click OK, and then Yes  
from the confirmation window.  
3.  
Follow steps 6 to step 8 on Using.  
the.onboard.graphics.card to complete the process of setting up the  
onboard graphics card as your main monitor.  
ASUS M3A78-EM  
A-5  
A-6  
Appendix  

HP Hewlett Packard Hewlett Packard Computer Monitor ZR2040W User Manual
Haier HTF201 User Manual
GE 21920 User Manual
Fujitsu Mainboard D1544 User Manual
Fisher PC 25S00, PC 27S90 User Manual
EVGA nForce 630i User Manual
Dacor Cooktop RR30NIFS User Manual
Cypress PSoC FirstTouch CY3261A RGB User Manual
Asus Computer Monitor VH226S User Manual
Apollo SA 02 015 User Manual