Asus M3A78 T User Manual
M3A78-T  
 
Contents  
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii  
Notices........................................................................................................ vii  
Safety information .................................................................................... viii  
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix  
M3A78-T specifications summary............................................................. xi  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
1.3.1  
1.3.2  
1.3.3  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
ASUS unique features .................................................... 1-4  
ASUS intelligent performance  
and overclocking features............................................... 1-6  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
2.2  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2  
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-3  
Layout contents............................................................... 2-4  
2.3  
2.4  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6  
Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-8  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-11  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
Overview........................................................................2-11  
Memory configurations.................................................. 2-12  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-13  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-13  
2.5  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-14  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
2.5.5  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-14  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-14  
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-15  
PCI slots........................................................................ 2-16  
PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-16  
iii  
 
Contents  
2.5.6  
2.5.7  
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) .................................... 2-16  
Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white)....... 2-16  
2.6  
2.7  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-18  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-19  
2.7.1  
2.7.2  
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-19  
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-23  
Chapter 3:  
Powering up  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2  
3.2.1  
3.2.2  
Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2  
Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2  
Chapter 4:  
BIOS setup  
4.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
4.1.1  
4.1.2  
4.1.3  
4.1.4  
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 4-2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-3  
AFUDOS utility................................................................ 4-4  
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-6  
4.2  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9  
4.2.1  
4.2.2  
4.4.3  
4.2.4  
4.2.5  
4.2.6  
4.2.7  
4.2.8  
4.2.9  
BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10  
Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10  
Navigation keys............................................................. 4-10  
Menu items ....................................................................4-11  
Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11  
Configuration fields ........................................................4-11  
Pop-up window ..............................................................4-11  
Scroll bar........................................................................4-11  
General help ..................................................................4-11  
4.3  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12  
4.3.1  
4.3.2  
4.3.3  
4.3.4  
4.3.5  
4.3.6  
System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 4-12  
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]....................................... 4-12  
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]................................. 4-12  
Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-13  
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 ............................................................ 4-14  
Storage Configuration................................................... 4-15  
iv  
4.3.7  
System Information....................................................... 4-16  
4.4  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-17  
4.4.1  
4.4.2  
4.4.3  
4.4.4  
4.4.5  
4.4.6  
4.4.7  
4.4.8  
Jumperfree Configuration ............................................. 4-17  
AI NET 2........................................................................ 4-21  
CPU Configuration........................................................ 4-22  
Chipset.......................................................................... 4-23  
ECC Configuration........................................................ 4-26  
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... 4-28  
PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-29  
USB Configuration ........................................................ 4-30  
4.5  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-31  
4.5.1  
4.5.2  
4.5.3  
4.5.4  
4.5.5  
4.5.6  
Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 4-31  
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]................................ 4-31  
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]......................................... 4-31  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 4-31  
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-32  
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-34  
4.6  
4.7  
4.8  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-35  
4.6.1  
4.6.2  
4.6.3  
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-35  
Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 4-36  
Security......................................................................... 4-37  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-39  
4.7.1  
4.7.2  
4.7.3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-39  
Express Gate ................................................................ 4-40  
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 4-41  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-42  
Chapter 5:  
Software support  
5.1  
5.2  
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1  
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1  
5.2.1  
5.2.2  
5.2.3  
5.2.4  
5.2.5  
5.2.6  
Running the support DVD............................................... 5-1  
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2  
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3  
Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5  
Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6  
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-6  
v
5.2.7  
Other information ............................................................ 5-7  
5.3  
Software information ................................................................... 5-9  
5.3.1  
5.3.2  
5.3.3  
5.3.4  
5.3.5  
5.3.6  
5.3.7  
5.3.8  
5.3.9  
ASUS MyLogo2™........................................................... 5-9  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology..........................................5-11  
Audio configurations ..................................................... 5-14  
ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-22  
ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-28  
ASUS AI Gear 2............................................................ 5-30  
ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-31  
ASUS Q-Fan 2.............................................................. 5-32  
ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-33  
5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 5-34  
5.3.11 AMD OverDrive (AOD) ................................................. 5-43  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-44  
5.4  
5.4.1  
5.4.2  
5.4.3  
RAID definitions ............................................................ 5-44  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 5-45  
AMD® RAID configurations............................................ 5-45  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-51  
5.5.1  
5.5.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-51  
Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®............ 5-51  
Chapter 6:  
6.1  
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support  
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™............................................................ 6-1  
6.1.1  
6.1.2  
6.1.3  
6.1.4  
System requirements...................................................... 6-1  
Before you proceed......................................................... 6-1  
Installing AMD Chipset Driver ......................................... 6-2  
Using the ATI CATALYST® Control Center...................... 6-2  
vi  
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.  
vii  
 
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power  
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If  
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add  
a device.  
•
•
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure  
that all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.  
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If  
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact  
your local power company.  
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified  
service technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding 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.  
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,  
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not  
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic  
products.  
viii  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring  
the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports.  
•
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,  
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.  
•
•
•
•
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down  
the system.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 5: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package and the software.  
Chapter 6: ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ support  
This chapter describes the ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™ feature and shows the  
graphics card installation procedures.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1.  
2.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and  
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
Optional documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty  
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not  
part of the standard package.  
ix  
 
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 ��������o�  
x
M3A78-T specifications summary  
AMD® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD® Phenom™ FX /  
CPU  
Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology  
Supports CPU TDP up to 140W  
AMD® 790GX + SB750  
Chipset  
System bus  
Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface  
for AM2+ CPU  
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
Memory  
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered ECC/  
non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667 MHz memory modules  
Supports up to 8 GB system memory  
-
*DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM  
per channel only.  
** When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,  
Windows 32-bit operation system may only recognize  
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less  
than 3GB is recommended.  
Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3300 GPU,  
VGA  
SidePort Memory – onboard 128MB DDR3 1333 memory  
-
-
-
-
Supports HDMI™ Technology (HDCP compliant)  
with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (1080P)  
Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 2560 x  
1600 @ 60Hz  
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2560 x  
1440 @ 75 Hz  
Hybrid CrossFireX™ support (For Windows Vista  
only)  
-
-
HDMI/DVI/RGB output support  
Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, Pixel  
Shader 4.0  
-
Maximum shared memory of 512MB  
3 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots*  
Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture  
1 x PCIe x1 slots  
2 x PCI 2.2 slots  
Expansion slots  
Storage  
-
SB750 chipset  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 interface  
5 x SATA 3Gb/s ports supporting RAID 0, 1, 5 and  
10 configuration  
1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port supporting RAID 0, 1, 5 and  
10 configuration  
Marvell® 88E8056 Gigabit LAN  
LAN  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
 
M3A78-T specifications summary  
Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Definition audio  
High Definition audio  
CODEC  
-
Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O  
LSI® FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports  
IEEE 1394  
(1 at mid-board; 1 on the rear panel)  
USB  
12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 6 on the rear panel)  
ASUS unique features  
ASUS Express Gate:  
-
Web browser, file downloading and uploading*  
-
Further free features upgradable  
*File downloading and uploading through USB devices  
only.  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:  
-
-
-
-
ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design  
ASUS AI Gear 2  
ASUS AI Nap  
ASUS Q-Fan 2  
ASUS Crystal Sound:  
ASUS Noise Filter  
-
ASUS EZ DIY:  
-
-
-
-
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Uses 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer  
Capacitors!  
Other features  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
ASUS exclusive  
Intelligent overclocking tools:  
overclocking features  
-
-
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)  
ASUS AI Booster utility  
Precision Tweaker 2:  
-
-
-
vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment  
vDIMM: 35-step DRAM voltage control  
vChipset: 25-step voltage control  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):  
-
FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz  
increment  
-
-
Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz  
PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200MHz at  
1MHz increment  
Overclocking protection:  
-
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
M3A78-T specifications summary  
1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port  
1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical)  
1 x HDMI Out  
Rear panel I/O ports  
1 x DVI Out  
1 x D-Sub  
1 x External SATA  
1 x IEEE 1394a port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45)  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1  
8-channel audio I/O  
3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x IDE connector  
Internal I/O connectors  
5 x SATA connectors  
1 x CPU Fan connector  
2 x Chassis Fan connectors  
1 x Power Fan connector  
1 x IEEE1394a connector  
1 x Front panel audio connector  
1 x S/PDIF Out Header  
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector  
1 x CD audio in  
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector  
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)  
8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM  
BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2  
BIOS features  
Support DVD contents  
Drivers  
Express Gate  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
AMD AOD  
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiii  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Chapter 1:  
Product  
1
introduction  
Chapter summary  
1
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
ASUS M3A78-T  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A78-T motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it  
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the  
items in your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
Cables  
ASUS M3A78-T  
Serial ATA power cables  
Serial ATA signal cables  
Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
Floppy disk drive cable  
Accessories  
1 x ASUS Q-Shield  
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system  
panel; Retail version only)  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
ASUS motherboard support DVD  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
1-1  
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.  
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.  
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support  
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than  
HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efficiency to create a smoother,  
faster computing environment.  
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™  
CPU support  
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™  
processors. It features 2000/1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus,  
dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™  
Technology.  
AMD® 790GX + SB750 Chipset  
AMD® 790GX + SB750 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s  
HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16  
graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide  
excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.  
Native DDR2 1066 support  
This motherboard is the first AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support.  
It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory  
computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other  
memory demanding applications.  
DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
AMD® Hybrid CrossFireX Technology  
Hybrid CrossFireX Technology is a unique multi-GPU technology combining the  
onboard GPU and the discrete graphics card together to enhance 3D graphics  
performance.  
Visit www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossfireX selected GPUs.  
HDMI/DVI/D-Sub Interface  
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video standards that  
delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video through a single  
cable for full HD 1080p visuals. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD  
DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater  
experience.  
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals for digital display devices  
like LCD monitors.  
SidePort Memory  
This motherboard features SidePort Memory, an individual onboard DDR3 memory  
serving as memory buffer for integrated graphics. With low CPU usage, the  
SidePort Memory provides integrated graphics acceleration and effectively boosts  
graphics performance.  
PCIe 2.0 support  
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and  
bandwidth which enhances system performance.  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology  
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the  
Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specifications, delivering enhanced scalability  
and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. It allows  
RAID 0, 1, 0+1 and 5 configurations.  
IEEE 1394a support  
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video  
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals,  
and other PC portable devices.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
1-3  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater  
audio systems via the coaxial S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out  
jack. It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and  
therefore well preserves signal quality.  
High Definition Audio  
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High  
Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality  
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to  
different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while  
playing multi-channel network games.  
1.3.2  
ASUS unique features  
ASUS Express Gate  
Just 5 seconds to boot up, ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly surf the  
Internet without entering Windows. You can now enjoy Skype, IM, YouTube,  
webmail and Internet file downloads and sharing whenever and wherever you  
want!  
•
The bootup speed depends on system configurations.  
•
Due to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices or  
SATA HDDs (IDE mode) connected to SATA port 1-4 only. Set the SATA  
Operation Mode item in the BIOS to [IDE] before installing and using  
ASUS Express Gate.  
•
Currently, ASUS Express Gate DOES NOT support PATA IDE HDDs. Visit  
www.asus.com for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates.  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the  
overclocking capability.  
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 chnage the mode under operating system to suit  
your needs.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
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.  
Q-Fan 2  
ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis  
fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient  
operation. See page 2-34 for details.  
ASUS Crystal Sound  
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,  
video conference and recording.  
Noise Filter  
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like  
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates  
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.  
ASUS EZ DIY  
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer  
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.  
ASUS Q-Shield  
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “fingers”—  
making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,  
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it  
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).  
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 connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding  
wrong cable connections.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
1-5  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS 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.  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for  
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.  
1.3.3  
ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking  
features  
Precision Tweaker 2  
Allows the user to adjust the CPU voltage in 0.125v steps and NB/DRAM voltage  
in 0.02v steps sto finetune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the  
ultimate overclocking configuration.  
AI Booster  
The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows  
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.  
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. When the  
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system  
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the  
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
This chapter lists the hardware setup  
procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It  
includes description of the jumpers and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
Chapter 2: Hardware  
2
information  
Chapter summary  
2
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
2.6  
2.7  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-11  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-14  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-18  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-19  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
•
•
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to  
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.  
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic  
pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power  
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power  
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,  
peripherals, and/or components.  
Onboard LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up  
to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a  
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before  
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows  
the location of the onboard LED.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-1  
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to  
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage  
motherboard components.  
2.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
2.2.2  
Screw holes  
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard  
to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.2.3  
Motherboard layout  
Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and  
internal connectors.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-3  
2.2.4  
Layout contents  
Slots  
Page  
2-11  
2-16  
2-16  
2-16  
2-16  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
DDR2 DIMM slots  
PCI slots  
PCI Express x1 slot  
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue)  
Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white)  
Jumper  
Page  
2-18  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
Rear panel connectors  
Page  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-19  
2-20  
2-20  
2-20  
2-20  
2-21  
2-21  
2-21  
1.  
PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port  
2.  
Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port  
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2  
LAN (RJ-45) port.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Center/Subwoofer port (orange)  
Rear Speaker Out port (black)  
Line In port (light blue)  
Line Out port (lime)  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
Microphone port (pink)  
Side Speaker Out port (gray)  
USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4  
External SATA port  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
16.  
17.  
IEEE 1394a port  
DVI-D Out port  
HDMI Out port  
Optical S/PDIF Out port  
USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
Internal connectors  
Page  
2-23  
2-24  
2-25  
2-26  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)  
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-5)  
4.  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
2-27  
2-28  
5.  
6.  
CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1-2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)  
2-29  
2-30  
2-31  
2-32  
2-32  
2-33  
2-34  
7.  
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V)  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)  
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL)  
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-5  
2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD® Socket  
AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors or for Socket  
AM2 Athlon series / Sempron processors.  
The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed  
for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the  
AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force  
the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and  
damaging the CPU!  
2.3.1  
Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
2.  
Unlock the socket by pressing the  
lever sideways, then lift it up to a  
90º angle.  
Socket lever  
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU  
will not fit in completely.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
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.  
Gold triangle  
Small triangle  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-7  
2.3.2  
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.  
Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1.  
Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink  
fits properly on the retention module base.  
•
•
•
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.  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.  
Attach one end of the retention bracket  
to the retention module base.  
3.  
Align the other end of the retention  
bracket (near the retention bracket  
lock) to the retention module base.  
A clicking sound denotes that the  
retention bracket is in place.  
Make sure 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-T  
2-9  
5.  
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable  
to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.  
•
•
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring  
errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4  
System memory  
2.4.1  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory  
Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:  
Channel  
Sockets  
Channel A  
Channel B  
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-11  
2.4.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2  
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.  
Recommended Memory Configurations  
Sockets  
Mode  
DIMM_A1  
(yellow)  
DIMM_A2  
(black)  
DIMM_B1  
(yellow)  
DIMM_B2  
(black)  
–
–
–
Populated  
–
–
–
Single-Channel  
Populated  
Dual-channel (1)  
Dual-channel (2)  
Populated  
Populated  
–
Populated  
Populated  
–
Populated  
Populated  
•
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The  
system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel  
configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then  
mapped for single-channel operation.  
•
•
•
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum  
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the  
same vendor.  
When installing a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32-bit  
operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total  
installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.  
This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb  
chips.  
Due to OS limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 8 GB on the  
operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on  
each slot.  
64-bit  
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition  
Windows® Vista x64 Edition  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4.3  
Installing a DIMM  
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other  
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the  
motherboard and the components.  
2
To install a DIMM:  
DIMM notch  
3
1.  
2.  
3.  
Unlock a DIMM socket by  
pressing the retaining clips  
outward.  
Align a DIMM on the socket  
such that the notch on the DIMM  
matches the break on the socket.  
1
Firmly insert the DIMM into the  
socket until the retaining clips  
snap back in place and the  
DIMM is properly seated.  
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.  
2.4.4  
Removing a DIMM  
To remove a DIMM:  
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
Support the DIMM lightly with  
your fingers when pressing the  
retaining clips. The DIMM might  
get damaged when it flips out  
with extra force.  
1
DIMM notch  
1
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-13  
2.5  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections  
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion  
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard  
components.  
2.5.1  
Installing an expansion card  
To install 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.  
2.5.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the software  
settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See  
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
3.  
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
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.  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.5.3  
Interrupt assignments  
Standard interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
0
Priority Standard function  
1
2
System Timer  
1
Keyboard Controller  
2
–
Redirect to IRQ#9  
4
12  
13  
14  
15  
3
Communications Port (COM1)*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
Floppy Disk Controller  
Reserved  
5
6
7
8
System CMOS/Real Time Clock  
AMD ACPI-Compliant System  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
Reserved  
9
4
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
5
6
7
8
Numeric Data Processor  
Primary IDE Channel  
Secondary IDE Channel  
9
10  
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
E
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
F
G
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
H
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIE x16_1  
shared shared shared shared  
shared shared shared shared  
shared shared shared shared  
–
PCIE x16_2  
–
PCIE x16_3  
–
USB 1.0 controller 1  
USB 1.0 controller 2  
USB 1.0 controller 3  
USB 1.0 controller 4  
USB 2.0 controller  
HD audio  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared  
–
–
–
Onboard SATA  
–
shared  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-15  
2.5.4  
PCI slots  
The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other  
cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location  
of the slots.  
2.5.5  
PCI Express x1 slot  
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other  
cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for  
the location of the slot.  
2.5.6  
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue)  
This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics cards that complies with  
the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot.  
2.5.7  
Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white)  
This motherboard also supports two universal PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot at  
maximum x8 (white) and x4 (black) mode. The operating frequency of the slot  
schange, depending on the type of PCI Express card you install. Refer to the figure  
below for the location of the slots.  
PCI_2 slot  
PCI Express x16_1 slot  
PCI Express x1_1 slot  
PCI_1 slot  
PCI Express x16_3 slot  
PCI Express x16_2 slot  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
PCI Express operating mode  
VGA configuration  
PCIex16_1  
x16  
PCIex16_2  
PCIex16_3  
Single VGA/PCIe card  
x4  
x4  
x4  
x8  
x16  
Dual VGA/PCIe card  
Triple VGA/PCIe card  
x8  
x8  
x8  
x8  
x8  
x4  
•
•
•
Currently, only Windows® Vista operation system supports Hybird  
CrossFireX™ mode.  
Currently, only AMD® HD3470, HD3450, HD2400XT and HD2400Pro  
graphics cards support the Hybrid CrossFireX™ function.  
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis  
fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2  
for better thermal environment. See page 2-28 for the connector location.  
•
Visit the AMD official website at www.amd.com for more information about  
Hybrid CrossFireX™ support.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-17  
2.6  
Jumper  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You  
can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by  
erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the  
RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system  
passwords.  
To erase the RTC RAM  
1.  
2.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins  
2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
3.  
4.  
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
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!  
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the  
jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance,  
reinstall the battery.  
•
•
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to  
overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU  
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS  
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.  
Due to the chipset limitation, AC power off is required prior using C.P.R.  
function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the  
power cord before reboot the system.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.7  
Connectors  
2.7.1  
Rear panel connectors  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or a  
PS/2 mouse.  
Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor  
or other VGA-compatible devices.  
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are  
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® 88E1116 Gigabit LAN controller,  
this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a  
network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.  
LAN port LED indications  
ACT/LINK SPEED  
LED LED  
Activity/Link LED  
Speed LED  
Status  
Status  
Description  
No link  
Description  
OFF  
OFF  
10 Mbps connection  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
ORANGE  
BLINKING  
Linked  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
Data activity  
LAN port  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer  
speakers.  
Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a  
4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.  
Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or  
other audio sources.  
Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In  
4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port  
becomes Front Speaker Out.  
9.  
Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.  
10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an  
8-channel audio configuration.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-19  
Refer to the audio configuration table on the next page for the function of the  
audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.  
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Headset  
2-channel  
Light Blue Line In  
Port  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Lime  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Gray  
–
–
–
–
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Ou  
–
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
–
11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are  
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
12. External SATA port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk  
drive.  
The external SATA port supports external SATA  
3.0 Gb/s devices. Longer cables support higher  
power requirements to deliver signal up to two  
meters away, and enables improved hot-swap  
function.  
To use hot-plug, set the SATA Mode Select in the BIOS settings to [AHCI Mode].  
See section 4.3.6 Storage Configuration for details.  
13. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed  
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable  
devices.  
14. DVI-D Out port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device 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 out ports.  
•
•
DVI-D cannot be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and is not  
compatible with DVI-I.  
To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant  
monitor.  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
15. HDMI Out port. This port is for a high-definition  
multimedia interface (HDMI) connector.  
•
•
This motherboard comes with dual-VGA outputs that features different  
displays on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both  
the onboard VGA and HDMI ports.  
Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs  
The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will  
affect the playback quality. Following is a configuration example for your  
reference. Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the  
higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality.  
CPU: AMD Athlon64 ADH3200IAA4DE/512KB (single core)  
DIMM: Kingston DDR2-800 1G x1 (BIOS share memory: 256MB)  
HDD: Seagate ST3160023A (ATA100)  
ODD: Sony BWU100A  
•
To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant  
monitor.  
16. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device  
via an optical S/PDIF cable.  
17. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are  
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-21  
Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:  
If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or  
image is not filling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port  
and the HDMI cable, you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen.  
To resize your HDTV desktop:  
1.  
Install AMD Chipset Driver from the motherboard support DVD. See section  
3.3.2 Drivers menu for details.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Right-click the desktop and select ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center.  
From the Graphics Settings tree, expand DTV (HDMI™) 1.  
Click Scaling Options.  
Move the Underscan/Overscan slider to adjust the overall size of the display  
on the HDMI™ DTV.  
Using this slider increases or decreases any black borders that may be  
visible around the outside of the display.  
3
4
5
6
6.  
To ensure that forcing a custom display mode through the ATI Displays  
Manager does not create conflicting resolutions, select the Use the scaling  
values instead of the customized settings when the desktop resolution  
does not match your DFP resolution check box.  
The Scaling Options function of the DTV (HDMI™) 1 item in the ATI  
CATALYST Control Center is adjustable only when you are using an HDTV  
compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.7.2  
Internal connectors  
1.  
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert  
one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the  
signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.  
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when  
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-23  
2.  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)  
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable.  
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable:  
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE  
connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.  
Drive jumper setting  
Mode of  
Cable connector  
device(s)  
Single device  
Two devices  
Cable-Select or Master  
Cable-Select  
–
Black  
Master  
Slave  
Master  
Slave  
Black  
Gray  
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 133/100/66/33 IDE devices.  
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device  
jumpers have the same setting.  
2-24  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3.  
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-5)  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk  
and optical disk drives.  
If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,  
and RAID 10 configuration through the onboard controller.  
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, RAID 5 and  
RAID 10, refer to the RAID manual in the support DVD.  
•
If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set  
the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to [RAID].  
right angle side  
Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal  
cable to SATA device. Or you may connect  
the right-angle side of SATA cable to the  
onboard SATA port to avoid mechanical  
conflict with huge graphics cards.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-25  
4.  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1112)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable  
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the  
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0  
specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB,  
blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector  
onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.  
2-26  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
5.  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module  
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back  
of the system chassis.  
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage  
the motherboard!  
You can connect the front panel 1394 cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (1394,  
red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector  
onboard if your chassis supports front panel 1394 ports.  
The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-27  
6.  
CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin  
CHA_FAN1-2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.)  
or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan  
connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each  
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
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 the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1 and CHA_FAN2 connectors support the  
ASUS Q-Fan 2 feature.  
If you install two graphics cards, we recommend that you plug the rear  
chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or  
CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment.  
2-28  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
7.  
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.  
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this  
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to  
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal  
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.  
By default , the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with  
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the  
chassis intrusion detection feature.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-29  
8.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V)  
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs  
are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper  
orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply  
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version)  
and provides a minimum power of 600 W.  
•
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the  
system will not boot.  
•
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when  
configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system  
may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
•
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your  
system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator  
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.  
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.  
•
The ATX 12 V Specification 2.0-compliant (500W) PSU has been tested  
to support the motherboard power requirements with the following  
configuration:  
CPU: AMD FX-62  
Memory 1024 MB DDR2-800 (x4)  
Graphics card: PCI Express x16 NVIDIA 7900GTX  
Serial ATA device: SATA hard disk drive (x2)  
Optical drives: DVD-RW  
2-30  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
9.  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that  
supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end  
of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.  
•
•
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio  
module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio  
capability.  
If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this  
connector, set the Front Panel Support Type item in the BIOS setup to  
[HD Audio]; if you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to  
this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to  
[HD Audio].  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-31  
10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)  
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources  
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.  
11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)  
port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install  
the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.  
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.  
2-32  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis  
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when  
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.  
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity  
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is  
read from or written to the HDD.  
•
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The  
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSR)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button  
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending  
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds  
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.  
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system  
reboot without turning off the system power.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
2-33  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter describes the power up  
sequence, the vocal POST messages,  
and ways of shutting down the system.  
Chapter 3:  
Powering up  
3
Chapter summary  
3
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2  
ASUS M3A78-T  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time  
1.  
2.  
3.  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Be sure that all switches are off.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system  
chassis.  
4.  
5.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge  
protector.  
Turn on the devices in the following order:  
a. Monitor  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power  
6.  
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case  
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up  
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”  
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up  
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are  
running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the screen.  
If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on  
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper  
settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.  
BIOS beep codes  
BIOS Beep  
Description  
One short beep  
No keyboard detected  
No memory detected  
One continuous beep followed by two  
short beeps then a pause (repeated)  
One continuous beep followed by three  
short beeps  
No VGA detected  
One continuous beep followed by four  
short beeps  
Hardware component failure  
7.  
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup..  
ASUS M3A78-T  
3-1  
3.2  
Turning off the computer  
3.2.1  
Using the OS shut down function  
If you are using Windows® XP:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.  
Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.  
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.  
If you are using Windows® Vista™:  
1.  
2.  
Click the Start button then select ShutDown.  
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.  
3.2.2  
Using the dual function power switch  
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts  
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.  
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the  
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter tells how to change the  
system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS  
parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 4:  
BIOS setup  
4
Chapter summary  
4
4.1  
4.2  
4.3  
4.4  
4.5  
4.6  
4.7  
4.8  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-17  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-31  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-35  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-39  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-42  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic  
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.  
1.  
2.  
3.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk, USB Flash, or the  
motherboard support DVD during POST.)  
ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy  
disk.)  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-1  
4.1.1  
Creating a bootable floppy disk  
1.  
Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.  
DOS environment  
a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive.  
b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <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.  
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.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-2  
4.1.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go  
through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based  
utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing  
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Visit the ASUS website (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 V3.06  
FLASH TYPE: PMC 25LV080  
Current ROM  
BOARD: M3A78-T  
VER: 0106  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: 07/02/08  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Esc] Exit  
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2  
and press <Enter> to enable it.  
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 disks or floppy disks  
with FAT 32/16 format only.  
•
Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent  
system boot failure!  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-3  
4.1.3  
AFUDOS utility  
The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using  
a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to  
copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets  
corrupted during the updating process.  
Copying the current BIOS  
To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:  
•
•
Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least  
1024KB 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.  
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 not 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.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-4  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:  
1.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for  
the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.  
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.  
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 /iM3A78T.ROM  
4.  
The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS.  
A:\>afudos /iM3A78T.ROM  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))  
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Reading file ....... 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 /iM3A78T.ROM  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))  
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Reading file ....... done  
Reading flash ...... done  
Advance Check ......  
Erasing flash ...... done  
Writing flash ...... done  
Verifying flash .... done  
Please restart your computer  
A:\>  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-5  
4.1.4  
ASUS Update utility  
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the  
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you  
to:  
•
•
•
•
•
Save the current BIOS file  
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet  
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file  
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and  
View the BIOS version information.  
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard  
package.  
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an  
Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
Installing 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. 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.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-6  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-7  
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.  
2.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start  
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update  
main window appears.  
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.  
M3A78T.ROM  
4.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
M3A78T  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-8  
4.2  
BIOS setup program  
This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can update  
using the provided utility described in section 2.1 Managing and updating your  
BIOS.  
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring  
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure  
your system using this utility.  
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the  
configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the  
security password feature or change the power management settings. This  
requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the  
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the  
LPC chip.  
The firmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up  
the computer, the system provides you 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, restart the system by pressing  
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can  
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if  
the first two failed.  
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a  
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make  
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.  
•
The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions  
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after  
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system  
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the  
Exit Menu. See section 4.8 Exit menu.  
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
•
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for  
this motherboard.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-9  
4.2.1  
BIOS menu screen  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot Tools Exit  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Use [ENTER]. [TAB],  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
[17:41:19]  
[Mon 02/18/2008]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Use [+] or [-] to  
Primary IDE Master  
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
configure system time.  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
[HDT722516DLA380]  
[ASUS CRW-5232A1]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Storage Configuration  
+- Change Option  
F1 General Help  
F10Save and Exit  
ESCExit  
System Information  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Sub-menu items  
Navigation keys  
4.2.2  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
Advanced  
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 configuring options for special functions  
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings  
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard  
until the desired item is highlighted.  
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS  
information.  
4.4.3  
Navigation keys  
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that  
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change  
the settings.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-10  
Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.  
4.2.4  
Menu items  
Use [ENTER], [TAB],  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
[06:22:54]  
[Fri 01/18/2008]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in]  
The highlighted item on the menu  
bar displays the specific items for  
that menu. For example, selecting  
Main shows the Main menu items.  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system  
Time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
[WDC WD800JD-00LSA0]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
Storage Configuration  
System Information  
The other items (Advanced, Power,  
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar  
have their respective menu items.  
Main menu items  
4.2.5  
Sub-menu items  
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a  
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
4.2.6  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- configurable,  
you can change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item  
that is not user-configurable.  
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To  
change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Refer to 4.2.7 Pop-up window.  
4.2.7  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the  
configuration options for that item.  
4.2.8  
Scroll bar  
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a  
menu screen when there are items that do  
not fit on the screen. Press the  
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page  
Down> keys to display the other items on  
the screen.  
Pop-up window  
4.2.9  
General help  
Scroll bar  
At the top right corner of the menu screen  
is a brief description of the selected item.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-11  
4.3  
Main menu  
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving  
you an overview of the basic system information.  
Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen  
items and how to navigate through them.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Use [ENTER]. [TAB],  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
[17:41:19]  
[Thu 05/15/2008]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
Use [+] or [-] to  
Primary IDE Master  
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
configure system time.  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
[HDT722516DLA380]  
[ASUS CRW-5232A1]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Storage Configuration  
+- Change Option  
Tab Select Field  
F1 General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
System Information  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.3.1  
System Time [xx:xx:xx]  
Allows you to set the system time.  
4.3.2  
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]  
Allows you to set the system date.  
4.3.3  
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-12  
4.3.4  
Primary IDE Master/Slave  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.  
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then  
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Primary IDE Master  
Select the type  
of device connected  
to the system.  
Device  
: Not Detected  
Type  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
LBA/Large Mode  
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M  
PIO Mode  
DMA Mode  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+- Change Option  
F1 General Help  
F10Save and Exit  
ESCExit  
v04.61 (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.  
Type [Auto]  
Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the  
appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specifically configuring a  
DVD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device  
is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.  
Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]  
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]  
Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the  
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA  
mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]  
Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data  
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device  
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer  
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
PIO Mode [Auto]  
Selects the PIO mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-13  
DMA Mode [Auto]  
Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1]  
[SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2]  
[UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] [UDMA6]  
SMART Monitoring [Auto]  
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]  
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.3.5  
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA  
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item  
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Third IDE Master  
Disabled: Disables LBA  
Mode.  
Device  
: Hard Disk  
: HDT722516DLA380  
: 164.7GB  
Ayto: Enables LBA  
Mode if the device  
supports it and the  
device is not already  
formatted with LBA  
Mode disabled.  
Vendor  
Size  
LBA Mode  
Block Mode  
PIO Mode  
Async DMA  
Ultra DMA  
: Supported  
: 16Sectors  
: 4  
: MultiWord DMA-2  
: Ultra DMA-6  
SMART Monitoring: Supported  
LBA/Large Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Block(Multi-sector Transfer)M  
PIO Mode  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
DMA Mode  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v04.61 (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.  
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]  
Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the  
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA  
mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-14  
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] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0]  
[MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]  
[UDMA6]  
SMART Monitoring [Auto]  
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]  
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.3.6  
Storage Configuration  
The Storage Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage device(s).  
Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
OnChip SATA channel  
OnChip SATA Type  
[Enabled]  
[IDE]  
Options  
Disabled  
Enabled  
OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled]  
Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
OnChip SATA Type [IDE]  
This item appears only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled]  
and allows you to set the OnChip SATA Type.  
Configuration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-15  
•
•
If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical  
storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE].  
If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host  
Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. The AHCI allows  
the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that  
increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive  
to internally optimize the order of commands.  
•
If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 configuration from the  
Serial ATA hard disk drives, set this item to [RAID].  
4.3.7  
System Information  
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS  
automatically detects the items in this menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
AMIBIOS  
Version  
:0106  
Build Date :07/02/08  
Processor  
Brand  
:AMD Phenom(tm) 8400 Triple-Core  
Processor  
:2100MHz  
:3  
Speed  
Count  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
General Help  
System Memory  
F1  
Installed Size: 1024MB  
Usable Size  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
: 896MB  
v04.61 (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.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-16  
4.4  
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.  
The configuration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and  
DIMM model you install on the motherboard.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
JumperFree Configuration  
AI NET 2  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
ECC Configuration  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
PCIPnP  
USB Configuration  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.4.1  
Jumperfree Configuration  
Advanced  
Select the target CPU  
Configure System Frequency/Voltage  
frequency, and the  
relevant parameters  
will be auto-adjusted.  
Frequencies higher  
than CPU manufacturer  
recommends are not  
guaranteed to be  
AI Overclocking  
[Auto]  
Processor Voltage  
Processor-NB Voltage  
CPU-NB HT Link Speed  
CPU Tweak  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
PLL1 Spread Spectrum  
PLL2 Spread Spectrum  
stable. If the system  
becomes unstable,  
return to the default.  
AI Overclocking [Auto]  
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal  
frequency. Select any one of the preset overclocking configuration options:  
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
Manual  
Auto  
Loads the standard settings for the system.performance.  
Standard  
Overclock Profile  
Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability  
when overclocking.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-17  
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to  
[Overclock Profile].  
Overclock Options [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the overclocking options.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%]  
[Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%]  
The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to  
[Manual].  
FSB Frequency [XXX]  
Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI  
bus. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the  
desired FSB frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to  
600.  
PCIE Frequency [XXX]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also type the  
desired PCIE frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to  
150.  
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to  
[Manual], [Standard], or [Overclock Profile].  
Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto]  
Allows selection of the processor frequency multiplier.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [8.00x] [8.50x] [9.00x] [9.50x] [10.00x] [10.50x]  
Processor-NB Frequency Multiplier [Auto]  
Allows selection of the processor frequency multiplier.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [4.00x] [5.00x] [6.00x] [7.0x] [8.00x] [9.00x]  
The following two items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the  
numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <->  
keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the  
keyboard and press the <Enter> key.  
Processor Voltage [Auto]  
Allows selection of the Processor Voltage. The values range from 0.8000V to  
1.6875V with a 0.0125V interval.  
Processor-NB Voltage [Auto]  
Allows selection of the Processor Voltage. The values range from 0.8000V to  
1.6875V with a 0.0125V interval.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-18  
CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU-Northbridge HyperTransport link speed.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [400 MHz] [600 MHz] [800 MHz] [1 GHz]  
[1.2 GHz] [1.4 GHz] [1.6 GHz] [1.8 GHz]  
The following three items appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item  
to [Manual], [Standard], or [Overclock Profile] and are adjusted by typing the  
desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can  
also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting,  
type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.  
DDR Voltage [Auto]  
Allows selection of the DDR2 reference voltage. The values range from 1.80V to  
2.50V with a 0.02V interval.  
Southbridge Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the Northbridge Voltage.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.25V] [1.30V] [1.35V]  
Northbridge Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the Northbridge voltage. The following three items appear when  
you set Northbridge Voltage to [Manual]. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]  
HyperTransport Voltage [Auto]  
You can enter the desired HyperTransport voltage using the numeric keypad.  
The values range from 1.20V to 1.40V with a 0.02V interval.  
Core/PCIe Voltage [Auto]  
You can enter the desired Core/PCIe voltage using the numeric keypad. The  
values range from 1.10V to 1.60V with a 0.02V interval.  
CPU Tweak [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Tweak feature.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-19  
DRAM Timing Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
DRAM Timing Configuration  
Options  
Memory Clock Mode  
2T Mode  
DRAM Timing Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Auto  
Limit  
Manual  
The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending oon the  
DIMMs you install on the motherboard.  
Memory Clock Mode [Auto]  
Allows selection of the DRAM Frequency programming method.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Limit] [Manual]  
Memclock Value [400 MHz]  
This sub-item appears only when you set the Memory Clock Mode item to  
[Limit] and [Manual].  
Configuration options: [400 MHz] [533 MHz] [667 MHz] [800 MHz] [1066  
MHz]*  
2T Mode [Auto]  
Allows selection of the 2T Mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]  
Allows selection of the DRAM Timing Mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [DCT 0] [DCT 1] [Both]  
The following sub-items appear only when you set the DRAM Timing Mode item  
to [DCT 0]. [DCT 1], and [Both].  
CAS Latency (CL) [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK  
DH_Only]  
TCWL [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLk] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK]  
TRCD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]  
TRP [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]  
TRAS [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-20  
tWR [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]  
tRFC0 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]  
tRFC1 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]  
tRFC2 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]  
tRFC3 [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns]  
TRC [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto]  
TRRD [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK]  
tWTR [Auto]  
Specifies the write to read delay when accessing the same DIMM.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK]  
tRTP [Auto]  
Specifies the read CAS# to precharge time.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [2-4 CLK] [3-5 CLK]  
PLL1/2 Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
Allows selection of the PLL1/2 Spread Spectrum settings for EMI control.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.4.2  
AI NET 2  
This menu displays the status of the Local Area Network (LAN) cable connected to  
the LAN (RJ-45) port.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
AI NET 2  
Pair Status  
Check Realtek LAN  
cable during POST.  
Length  
1-2 N/A Realtek Controller 0  
3-6 N/A  
4-5 N/A  
7-8 N/A  
Marvell POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-21  
Marvell POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST. When enabled, the  
menu reports the cable faults or shorts, and displays the point (length) where the  
faults or shorts are detected.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.4.3  
CPU Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
CPU Configuration  
Enable/Disable  
Secure Virtual Machine  
Mode (SVM)  
Module Version: 13.28  
AGESA Version:3.1.7.0  
Physical Count: 1  
Logical Count: 3  
AMD Phenom(tm) 8400 Triple-Core Processor  
Revision: B2  
Cache L1: 384KB  
Cache L2: 1536KB  
Cache L3: 2048  
Speed  
: 2100MHz,  
NB Clk: 1800MHz  
Able to Change Freq. : Yes  
uCode Patch Level  
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Function [Disabled]  
: 0x1000065  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
ACPI SRAT Table  
C1E Support  
Processor Downcore  
TLB Fix  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Auto]  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
AMD Live!  
[Disabled]  
Advanced Clock Caliberation [Disabled]  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
AMD Cool‘n’Quiet Function [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
C1E Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Processor Downcore [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-22  
TLB Fix [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable TLB patch for the AMD Phenom processor.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
AMD Live! [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the AMD Live! technology support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Advanced Clock Caliberation [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the advanced clock caliberation.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [All Cores] [Per Core]  
4.4.4  
Chipset  
The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
PCI Express Configuration  
PCI Express Configuration  
Internal Graphics Configuration  
PCI Express Configuration  
This menu allows you to change the PCI Express Configuration settings. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Advanced  
PCI Express Configuration  
GPP Slots Power Limit, W  
[25]  
Port #02 Features  
Port #03 Features  
Port #04 Features  
Port #09 Features  
Port #10 Features  
NB-SB Port Features  
GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the  
numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255.  
Port #02/03 Features  
Gen2 High Speed Mode [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Software Initiated] [Advertised RC]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-23  
Link ASPM [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0s & L1]  
Link Width [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [x1] [x2] [x4] [x8] [x16]  
Slot Power Limit, W [75]  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the  
numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255.  
Port #04/09/10 Features  
Gen2 High Speed Mode [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Software Initiated] [Advertised RC]  
Link ASPM [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0s & L1]  
NB-SB Port Features  
NB-SB link ASPM [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [L1]  
NP NB-SB VC1 Traffic Support [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Link Width [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [x1] [x2] [x4]  
Internal Graphics Configuration  
This menu allows you to change the onboard graphics configuration settings.  
Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Advanced  
Internal Graphics Configuration  
Options  
Internal Graphics Mode  
UMA Frame Buffer Size  
SIDEPORT Clock Speed  
SIDEPORT Memory Voltage  
GFX Engine Clock Override  
UMA-SP Interleave Mode  
[UMA+SIDEPORT]  
Disable  
UMA  
[Auto]  
[400MHz]  
[Auto]  
[Disable]  
[Auto]  
SIDEPORT  
UMA+SIDEPORT  
Surround View  
NB Azalia  
[Auto]  
[Enable]  
Internal Graphics Mode [UMA+SIDEPORT]  
Configuration options: [Disable] [UMA] [SIDEPORT] [UMA+SIDEPORT]  
UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-24  
SIDEPORT Clock Speed [667MHz]  
Configuration options: [667MHz] [682MHz] [697MHz] [712MHz]...[850MHz]  
SIDEPORT Memory Voltage [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.60V] [1.70V] [1.80V]  
GFX Engine Clock Override [Disable]  
Allows you to enable or disable the GFX Engine Clock Override support.  
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable]  
GFX Engine Clock [500]  
This item appears only when you enable the GFX Engine Clock Override item.  
Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the  
numeric keypad. The values range from 150 to 1500.  
UMA-SP Interleave Mode [Auto]  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Coarse] [Fine]  
Surround View [Disabled]  
If you set the PCI Express device as the primary display and enable this item, you  
may use the internal graphics as the secondary display.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable]  
NB Azalia [Enable]  
Enables or disables the Northbridge Azalia support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-25  
4.4.5  
ECC Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
ECC Configuration  
Set the level of ECC  
protection. Note: The  
‘Super’ ECC mode  
ECC Mode  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
DRAM ECC Enable  
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT  
4-Bit ECC Mode  
DRAM BG Scrub  
dynamically sets 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]  
Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and  
correct memory errors. Set this item to [Basic] [Good] or [Max] to allow ECC mode  
auto-adjustment. Set this item to [Super] to adjust the DRAM BG Scrub sub-item  
manually. You may also adjust all sub-items by setting this item to [User].  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User]  
DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to allow hardware to report and correct memory  
errors automatically, maintaining system integrity.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT feature that allows the  
system to correct the DRAM ECC errors immediately when they occur.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the ECC chip kill feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM BG SCRUB [Disabled]  
Disables or sets the DRAM BG Scrub.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns]  
[1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us]  
[327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [4.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms]  
[42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]  
Disables or sets the Data Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the L1 Data  
Cache RAM to be corrected when idle.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns]  
[1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us]  
[327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [4.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms]  
[42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-26  
L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]  
Disables or sets the L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the L2/L3 Data  
Cache RAM to be corrected when idle.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns]  
[1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us]  
[327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [4.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms]  
[42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-27  
4.4.6  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Advanced  
Allows BIOS to Select  
Serial Port1 Base  
Addresses.  
Onboard Devices Configuraiton  
Serial Port1 Address  
HD Audio Azalia Device  
Front Panel Support Type  
SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting  
Onboard 1394  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
[Auto]  
[HD Audio]  
[SPDIF Output]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Onboard Marvell Lan  
Onboard Marvell LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
Primary Display Adapter  
[PCI-E]  
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]  
HD Audio Azalia Device [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable the High Definition Audio. The following item  
appears only when you set this item to [Auto].  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]  
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or  
high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio  
module supports.  
Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]  
SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output]  
If your graphics card has HDMI output and needs to use SPDIF signal from the  
SPDIF_Out header, you need to set to HDMI output for HDMI audio output.  
Configuration options: [SPDIF Output] [HDMI Output]  
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard 1394 device support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Ennabled]  
Onboard Marvell LAN [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Enable] [Disabled]  
Onboard Marvell LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
This item appears only when you enable the previous item.  
Configuration options: [Enable] [Disabled]  
Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]  
Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.  
Configuration options: [PCI-E] [PCI] [Onboard]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-28  
4.4.7  
PCI PnP  
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP  
devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either  
PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA  
devices.  
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  
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings  
No: lets the BIOS  
configure all the  
devices in the system.  
Yes: lets the  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
operating system  
configure Plug and Play  
(PnP) devices not  
required for boot if  
your system has a Plug  
and Play operating  
system.  
Plug And Play O/S  
PCI Latency Timer  
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA  
Palette Snooping  
[No]  
[64]  
[Yes]  
[Disabled]  
IRQ3  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
IRQ4  
IRQ5  
IRQ7  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
IRQ9  
IRQ10  
IRQ11  
IRQ14  
IRQ15  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v04.61 (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]  
PCI Latency Timer [64]  
Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency  
timer register.  
Configuration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]  
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]  
When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for  
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even  
if requested.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
Palette Snooping [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], the palete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that  
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function  
correctly.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-29  
IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]  
When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.  
When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.  
Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]  
4.4.8  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
USB Configuration  
Options  
USB Devices Enabled:  
1 Mouse  
Disabled  
Enabled  
USB Functions  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[HiSpeed]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
USB 2.0 Controller  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode  
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off  
Legacy USB Support  
The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB  
device is detected, the item shows None.  
USB Functions [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item appears only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].  
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]  
Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or  
FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Configuration options: [FullSpeed] [HiSpeed]  
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off  
feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the support for legacy USB devices. Setting to  
[Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If  
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected,  
the legacy USB support is disabled.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-30  
4.5  
Power menu  
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced  
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management  
(APM). Select an 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.  
Suspend Mode  
[Auto]  
[No]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Repost Video on S3 Resume  
ACPI 2.0 Support  
ACPI APIC Support  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.5.1  
Suspend Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state  
to be used for system suspend.  
Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]  
4.5.2  
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]  
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
4.5.3  
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) 2.0 support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.5.4  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set  
to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-31  
4.5.5  
APM Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
Power Button Mode  
[On/Off]  
Select Power button  
functionality.  
Power On By PCI devices  
Power On By PCIE Devices  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]  
Power On By RTC Alarm  
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard  
Power On By PS/2 Mouse  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Power Off]  
Power Button Mode [On/Off]  
Allows you to set the power button function.  
Configuration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]  
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]  
This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer  
when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and  
applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first  
try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off  
causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.  
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is  
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Hour/ RTC Alarm Minute/  
RTC Alarm Second will become user-configurable with set values.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]  
Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys  
on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power  
supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Power Key] [Ctrl-Esc]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-32  
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on  
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on  
the +5VSB lead.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to  
Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state  
was before the AC power loss.  
Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-33  
4.5.6  
Hardware Monitor  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
Hardware Monitor  
CPU Temperature  
CPU Temperature  
MB Temperature  
[37ºC/98.5ºF]  
[39ºC/102ºF]  
CPU Fan Speed  
Chassis Fan Speed  
Power Fan Speed  
[3292RPM]  
[N/A]  
[N/A]  
VCORE Voltage  
3.3V Voltage  
5V Voltage  
[ 1.344V]  
[ 3.280V]  
[ 4.966V]  
[11.916V]  
12V Voltage  
Smart Q-FAN Function  
[Disabled]  
CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
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 / Chassis / Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU  
/ Chassis / Power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not  
connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not  
wish to display the detected speed.  
VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through  
the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this  
item.  
Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the  
fan speeds for more efficient system operation.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only if you set the Smart Q-Fan Function to  
[Enabled].  
Smart Q-Fan Profile [Optimal]  
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When  
set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU  
temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan  
operation, or [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.  
Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-34  
4.6  
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  
Boot Settings  
Boot Device Priority  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Specifies the Boot  
Device Priority  
sequence.  
A virtual floppy disk  
drive (Floppy Drive B:)  
may appear when you set  
the DVD-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  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.6.1  
Boot Device Priority  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Boot Device Priority  
1st Boot Device  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
[1st FLOPPY DRIVE]  
[Hard Drive]  
[ATAPI DVD-ROM]  
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st FlOPPY 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 DVD-ROM]  
[Disabled]  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-35  
4.6.2  
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  
Full Screen Logo  
AddOn ROM Display Mode  
Bootup Num-Lock  
PS/2 Mouse Support  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display  
Chassis Intrusion  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Force BIOS]  
[On]  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Quick Boot [Enabled]  
Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while  
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],  
BIOS performs all the POST items.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.  
Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]  
Sets the display mode for option ROM.  
Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]  
Bootup Num-Lock [On]  
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.  
Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]  
When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error  
occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]  
When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”  
during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Chassis Intrusion [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-36  
4.6.3  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disable 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 user  
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 clear it by erasing the CMOS  
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumpers for information on how  
to erase the RTC RAM.  
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to  
change other security settings.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-37  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disabled password.  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Installed  
: Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
User Access Level  
Change User Password  
Clear User Password  
Password Check  
[Full Access]  
[Setup]  
User Access Level [Full Access]  
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.  
Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]  
No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.  
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field.  
Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.  
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.  
Change User Password  
Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on  
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this  
item shows Installed.  
To set a User Password:  
1.  
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]  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-38  
4.7  
Main  
Tools menu  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot Tools Exit  
Advanced  
Power  
Press ENTER to run  
the utility to select  
and update BIOS.  
This utility doesn’t  
support:  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Express Gate  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
1. NTFS format  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.7.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a confirmation  
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then  
press <Ok> to confirm your choice.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06  
FLASH TYPE: PMC 25LV080  
Current ROM  
BOARD: M3A78-T  
VER: 0106  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: 07/02/08  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Esc] Exit  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-39  
4.7.2  
Express Gate  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Tools  
Express Gate  
Express Gate  
Options  
Disabled  
Enabled  
[Enabled]  
[10]  
[No]  
Boot Out Timer  
Reset User Data  
You have to install the ASUS Express Gate application from the support DVD  
first before you can enable this feature. See page 3-5 for details.  
Express Gate [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. ASUS Express  
Gate is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet  
browser and Skype.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Boot Out Timer [10]  
Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first  
screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Disabled] to  
stay at the first screen of Express Gate for user action.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 second] ~ [30 seconds]  
The time length is adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric  
keypad and press the <Enter> key.  
Reset User Data [No]  
Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.  
Configuration options: [No] [Reset]  
When setting this item to [Reset], make sure to save the setting to the BIOS  
so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the Express  
Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as any personal  
information stored by the web browser (bookmarks, cookies, browsing  
history, etc.). This is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the  
Express Gate environment from launching properly.  
The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate  
environment after clearing its settings.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-40  
4.7.3  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Tools  
O.C. PROFILE Configuration  
Save BIOS settings  
to Profile 1  
O.C. Profile 1 Status : Not Installed  
O.C. Profile 2 Status : Not Installed  
Save to Profile 1  
Load from Profile 1  
Save to Profile 2  
Load from Profile 2  
Start O.C. Profile  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Save to Profle 1/2  
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to save  
the file.  
Load from Profile 1/2  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press  
<Enter> to load the file.  
Start O.C. Profile  
Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the  
utility.  
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility V1.06  
Current CMOS  
BOARD: M3A78-T  
VER: 0106  
Restore CMOS  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: 07/02/08  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Esc] Exit  
•
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk or a floppy  
disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.  
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to  
prevent the system boot failure!  
ASUS M3A78-T  
4-41  
4.8  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the  
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Exit  
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.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4-42  
This chapter describes the contents of  
the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Chapter 5: Software  
5
support  
Chapter summary  
5
5.1  
5.2  
5.3  
5.4  
5.5  
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1  
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1  
Software information ................................................................... 5-9  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-44  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-51  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit Vista operating  
systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to  
maximize the features of your hardware.  
•
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 Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows®  
XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better  
compatibility and system stability.  
5.2  
Support DVD information  
The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,  
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard  
features.  
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without  
notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.  
5.2.1  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-1  
5.2.2  
Drivers menu  
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed  
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.  
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and drivers  
Installs all of the drivers and the Anti-Virus utility through the installation wizard.  
Norton Internet Security 2008  
Installs the Norton® Internet Security 2008 software.  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver  
Installs the AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ technology driver.  
Realtek Audio Driver  
Installs the Realtek® ALC1200 audio driver and application.  
AMD Chipset Driver  
Installs the AMD® chipset driver.  
Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet Driver  
Installs the Marvell® Yukon Gigabit Ethernet driver.  
5-2  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.2.3  
Utilities menu  
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard  
supports.  
Click to display the  
next page  
Click to return to the  
previous page  
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities  
Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.  
AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD)  
Installs the AMD OverDrive utility.  
Marvell Yukon VCT Application  
Installs the Marvell® Yukon Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT) application that diagnoses  
and reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry  
(TDR) technology.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-3  
Marvell Yukon NCU Application  
Installs the Marvell® Yukon Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT) application that diagnoses  
and reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry  
(TDR) technology.  
ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility  
This item installs the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility.  
ASUS Update  
Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.  
Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection  
so you can connect to the ASUS website.  
ASUS PC Probe 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 AI Suite  
Installs the ASUS AI Suite.  
ASUS Express Gate Installer  
Allows you to Install or update ASUS Express Gate functions.  
Adobe Acrobat Reader 8  
Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print  
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c  
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0 is a multimedia  
technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX® improves the  
multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies,  
capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website  
(www.microsoft.com) for updates.  
Ulead Burn.Now  
Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation.  
Corel MediaOne Starter  
Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage, edit share and  
protect your multimedia data.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: Software support  
CyberLink PowerBackup  
Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily.  
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE  
Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.  
Winzip 11  
Installs the Winzip utility for easy file-compression and protection.  
Norton Internet Security 2008  
Installs the Norton® Internet Security 2008 software.  
5.2.4  
Make Disk menu  
The Make Disk menu contains items to create the ATI® force™ RAID/AHCI driver  
disk.  
ATI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit WinXP/Vista Driver  
Allows you to create ATI RAID/AHCI driver disks for 32/64bit Windows® XP/Vista.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-5  
5.2.5  
Manual menu  
The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an 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.  
5.2.6  
ASUS Contact information  
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find  
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.2.7  
Other information  
The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the  
motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the  
specified information.  
Motherboard Info  
Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.  
Browse this DVD  
Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-7  
Technical support Form  
Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when  
requesting technical support.  
File list  
Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text  
format.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3  
Software information  
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently  
guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came  
with the software application for more information.  
5.3.1  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the  
image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS  
MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from  
the support DVD. See section 5.2.3 Utilities menu for details.  
•
Before using the ASUS MyLogo2™, use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy  
of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS  
website. See section 4.1.3 AFUDOS utility.  
•
Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled] if  
you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2. See section 4.6.2 Boot Settings  
Configuration.  
•
You can create your own boot logo image in GIF format.  
•
The file size should be smaller than 150 K.  
To launch the ASUS MyLogo2™:  
1.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility  
for details.  
2.  
3.  
Select Options from the drop down menu, then click Next.  
Check the option Launch MyLogo to replace system boot logo before  
flashing BIOS, then click Next.  
4.  
5.  
Select Update BIOS from a file from the drop down menu, then click Next.  
When prompted, locate the new  
BIOS file, then click Next. The ASUS  
MyLogo window appears.  
6.  
From the left window pane, select the  
folder that contains the image you  
intend to use as your boot logo.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-9  
7.  
8.  
9.  
When the logo images appear on the  
right window pane, select an image to  
enlarge by clicking on it.  
Adjust the boot image to your desired  
size by selecting a value on the Ratio  
box.  
When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to  
load the new boot logo.  
10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo  
during POST.  
5-10  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.2  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology  
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically  
and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power  
depending on the task the CPU performs.  
Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology  
To enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the  
Power On Self-Tests (POST).  
Go to Advanced > CPU Configuration > AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet Function and  
set it to [Enabled]. See section 4.4 Advanced menu.  
3.  
4.  
Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.  
Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on  
your operating system.  
Windows® XP  
1.  
From the Windows® XP operating system, click Start. Select Settings >  
Control Panel.  
2.  
3.  
Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View.  
Double-click the Display icon in the Control Panel then select the Screen  
Saver tab.  
4.  
5.  
Click the Power button. The following dialogue box appears.  
From the Power schemes combo list box, select Minimal Power  
Management.  
6.  
Click OK to effect settings.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-11  
Windows® Vista  
1.  
From the Windows® Vista operating system, click Start. Select Control  
Panel.  
2.  
3.  
Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View.  
Double-click the Personalization icon in the Control Panel then click the  
Screen Saver item.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Click “Change power settings...”. The following dialogue box appears.  
From the Preferred plans, select Power saver.  
Close all windows.  
•
•
•
Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before  
using this feature.  
The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works only with the AMD  
heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip  
If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS  
Q-Fan technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed  
according to your system loading.  
5-12  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software  
The motherboard support CD/DVD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that  
enables you to view your system’s real-time CPU Frequency and voltage.  
Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support  
CD/DVD. Refer to section 5.2.3 Utilities menu for details.  
To launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
If you are using Windows® XP, click the Start button. Select Programs >  
ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.  
If you are using Windows® Vista, click the Start button. Select All Programs  
> ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.  
The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current  
CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-13  
5.3.3  
Audio configurations  
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the  
ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing  
function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes  
the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports,  
eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience.  
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support  
CD/DVD that came with the motherboard package.  
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the Realtek HD  
Audio Manager icon on the taskbar.  
From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundEffect icon to display the Realtek HD  
Audio Manager.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager  
A.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows Vista™  
Set default Minimize  
Exit button  
Device  
device button  
button  
advanced  
settings  
Configuration  
option tabs  
Connector  
settings  
Analog  
and digital  
connector  
status  
Control  
settings  
window  
Information  
button  
5-14  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Information  
Click the Information button (  
) to  
display information about the audio driver  
version, DirectX version, audio controller,  
audio codec, and language setting.  
Device advanced settings  
Click Device advanced settings to show  
further settings for the playback and  
recording device.  
Connector settings  
Click the Connector Settings button (  
) to show further settings for the  
analog/digital output/input ports.  
Exit  
Click the Exit button or the OK button (  
) to exit the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager.  
Configuration options  
Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings.  
In the Windows Vista™ environment, Realtek HD Audio Manager automatically  
detects devices connected to the analog/digital ports and shows corresponding  
configuration options tabs.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-15  
Digital Output  
The Realtek® audio CODEC allows you to  
connect an external audio output device  
via the coaxial/digital S/PDIF port. You  
can set your listening environment, set  
the karaoke, or select pre-programmed  
equalizer settings for your listening  
pleasure.  
To set the digital output options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Digital Output  
tab.  
2.  
3.  
Click Set Default Device to set the digital output port as the default audio  
output device.  
Click the Sound Effects sub-tab for options on changing the acoustic  
environment and karaoke settings, or click the Default Format sub-tab for  
options on changing the default audio output format.  
4.  
Click  
to effect the Digital Output settings and exit.  
Speakers  
The Speakers tab allows you to configure  
audio output settings using the analog  
audio ports.  
To set the speakers options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Speakers tab.  
2.  
Click Set Default Device to set the  
analog ports as the default audio  
output device.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Click the Speaker Configuration  
sub-tab for audio channel options and test.  
Click the Sound Effects sub-tab for options on changing the acoustic  
environment and karaoke settings.  
Click the Room Correction sub-tab for individual speaker distance  
adjustment.  
Click the Default Format sub-tab for options on changing the default audio  
output format.  
7.  
Click  
to effect the Speakers settings and exit.  
5-16  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Line In  
The Line In tab allows you to configure  
audio input settings using the analog line  
in port.  
To set the analog line in options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Line In tab.  
2.  
Click Set Default Device to set the  
analog line in port as the default  
audio input device.  
3.  
4.  
The Line In tab allows you to adjust  
the recording and playback volume and set a default format for audio input.  
Click  
to effect the Line In settings and exit.  
Microphone  
The Microphone tab allows you to  
configure the audio input settings using  
the analog microphone port and to check  
if your microphone device is connected  
properly.  
To set the Microphone options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Microphone tab.  
2.  
In the Microphone Effects sub-  
tab, click the Noise Suppression  
option button to reduce the static background noise when recording. Click the  
Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from the front  
speakers when recording. Click the Beam Forming option button to eliminate  
surrounding noise interferences.  
3.  
4.  
Click the Default Format sub-tab for options on changing the default audio  
input format.  
Click  
to effect the Microphone settings and exit.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-17  
B.  
Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP™  
Exit button  
Configuration  
options  
Minimize  
button  
Control settings  
window  
Information  
button  
Information  
Click the information button (  
) to  
display information about the audio driver  
version, DirectX version, audio controller,  
audio codec, and language setting.  
Minimize  
Click the minimize button (  
) to minimize the window.  
Exit  
Click the exit button (  
) to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager.  
5-18  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Configuration options  
Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings.  
Sound Effect  
The Realtek® audio CODEC allows you  
to set your listening environment, adjust  
the equalizer, set the karaoke, or select  
pre-programmed equalizer settings for  
your listening pleasure.  
To set the sound effect options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Sound Effect  
tab.  
2.  
Click the shortcut buttons or the  
drop-down menus for options on changing the acoustic environment, adjust  
the equalizer, or set the karaoke to your desired settings.  
3.  
Click  
to effect the Sound Effect settings and exit.  
Mixer  
The Mixer option allows you to configure  
audio output (playback) volume and audio  
input (record) volume.  
To set the mixer options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Mixer tab.  
2.  
Turn the volume buttons to adjust  
the Playback and/or Record volume.  
The Mixer option activates voice input from all channels by default. Make sure  
to set all channels to mute (  
) if you do not want voice input.  
3.  
4.  
Make adjustments to Wave, SW Synth, Front, Rear, CD volume, Mic volume,  
Line Volume, and Stereo mix, etc. by clicking the control tabs and dragging  
them up and down until you get the desired levels.  
Click the next button (  
) to display more menu options.  
Click  
to effect the Mixer settings and exit.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-19  
Audio I/O  
The Audio I/O option allows you configure  
your input/output settings.  
To set the Audio I/O options  
1.  
2.  
3.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Audio I/O tab.  
Click the drop-down menu to select  
the channel configuration.  
The control settings window displays  
the status of connected devices.  
Click  
for analog and digital options.  
4.  
Click <OK> to effect the Audio I/O settings and exit  
Microphone  
The Microphone option allows you  
configure your input/output settings  
and to check if your audio devices are  
connected properly.  
To set the Microphone options  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the Microphone  
tab.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Click the Noise Suppression  
option button to reduce the static background noise when recording.  
Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from  
the front speakers when recording.  
Click the Beam Forming option button to eliminate surrounding noise  
interferences. Click  
to start microphone calibration.  
5.  
Click to effect the Microphone settings and exit.  
5-20  
Chapter 5: Software support  
3D Audio Demo  
The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a  
demonstration of the 3D audio feature.  
To start the 3D Audio Demo  
1.  
From the Realtek HD Audio  
Manager, click the 3D Audio Demo  
tab.  
2.  
Click the option buttons to change  
the sound, moving path, or  
environment settings.  
3.  
4.  
Click  
Click  
to test your settings.  
to effect the 3D Audio Demo settings and exit.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-21  
5.3.4  
ASUS PC Probe II  
PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects  
and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan  
rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC  
Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment  
you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a  
healthy operating condition. Refer to page 1-9 for the OS that supports this utility.  
Installing PC Probe II  
To install PC Probe II on your computer:  
1.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab  
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.  
If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DVD to locate the setup.exe file from the ASUS PC Probe II folder. Double-click  
the setup.exe file to start installation.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS PC Probe II.  
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.  
Launching PC Probe II  
You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the  
Windows® desktop.  
To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs  
> ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window  
appears.  
After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows®  
taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.  
Using PC Probe II  
Main window  
The PC Probe II main window  
allows you to view the current  
status of your system and change  
the utility configuration. By  
default, the main window displays  
the Preference section. You can  
close or restore the Preference  
section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle.  
Click to close the  
Preference panel  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Button  
Function  
Opens the Configuration window  
Opens the Report window  
Opens the Desktop Management Interface window  
Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window  
Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window  
Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window  
Shows/Hides the Preference section  
Minimizes the application  
Closes the application  
Sensor alert  
When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle  
turns red, as the illustrations below show.  
When displayed, the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red. Refer to the  
Monitor panels section for details.  
Preference  
You can customize the application using  
the Preference section in the main window.  
Click the box before each preference to  
activate or deactivate.  
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Hardware monitor panels  
The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as  
fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages.  
The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and  
rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the  
Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.  
Small display  
Large display  
Changing the monitor panels position  
To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop,  
click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select  
another position from the list box. Click OK when finished.  
Moving the monitor panels  
All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If  
you want to detach a monitor panel from  
the group, click the horseshoe magnet  
icon. You can now move or reposition the  
panel independently.  
Adjusting the sensor threshold value  
You can adjust the sensor threshold  
value in the monitor panel by  
clicking the or buttons. You can  
also adjust the threshold values  
Click to  
increase  
value  
using the Config window.  
Click to  
You cannot adjust the sensor  
threshold values in a small  
monitoring panel.  
decrease  
value  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Monitoring sensor alert  
The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower  
than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below.  
Small display  
Large display  
WMI browser  
Click to display the  
WMI (Windows Management  
Instrumentation) browser. This  
browser displays various Windows®  
management information. Click an  
item from the left panel to display on  
the right panel. Click the plus sign (+)  
before WMI Information to display the  
available information.  
You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner  
of the browser.  
DMI browser  
Click to display the DMI  
(Desktop Management Interface)  
browser. This browser displays various  
desktop and system information.  
Click the plus sign (+) before DMI  
Information to display the available  
information.  
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5-25  
PCI browser  
Click  
to display the PCI  
(Peripheral Component Interconnect)  
browser. This browser provides  
information on the PCI devices installed  
on your system. Click the plus sign  
(+) before the PCI Information item to  
display available information.  
Usage  
The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive  
space, and memory usage. Click  
to display the Usage browser.  
CPU usage  
The CPU tab displays real-  
time CPU usage in line graph  
representation. If the CPU has  
an enabled Hyper-Threading,  
two separate line graphs display  
the operation of the two logical  
processors.  
Hard disk drive space usage  
The Hard Disk tab displays the  
used and available hard disk  
drive space. The left panel of the  
tab lists all logical drives. Click  
a hard disk drive to display the  
information on the right panel.  
The pie chart at the bottom of  
the window represents the used  
(blue) and the available HDD  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Memory usage  
The Memory tab shows both used  
and available physical memory. The  
pie chart at the bottom of the window  
represents the used (blue) and the  
available physical memory.  
Configuring PC Probe II  
Click  
to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.  
The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/  
Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold  
values. The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the  
temperature scale.  
Loads the default  
Loads your saved  
configuration  
threshold values for  
each sensor  
Cancels or  
ignores your  
changes  
Applies your  
changes  
Saves your  
configuration  
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5.3.5  
ASUS AI Suite  
ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 2, AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2  
utilities easily.  
Installing AI Suite  
To install AI Suite on your computer:  
1.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab  
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite.  
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.  
Launching AI Suite  
You can launch the AI Suite right after installation or anytime from the Windows®  
desktop.  
To launch the AI Suite from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs >  
ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.xx. The AI Suite main window appears.  
After launching the application, the AI Suite icon appears in the Windows® taskbar.  
Click this icon to close or restore the application.  
Using AI Suite  
Click the AI Gear 2, AI Nap, AI Booster, or Q-Fan 2 icon to launch the utility, or click  
the Normal icon to restore the system to normal state.  
Press to restore to normal  
Press to launch AI Nap  
Press to launch AI Gear 2  
Press to launch AI Booster  
Press to launch Q-Fan 2  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Other feature buttons  
Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window.  
Displays the CPU/  
system temperature,  
CPU/memory/PCIE  
voltage, and CPU/  
chassis fan speed  
Displays the FSB/CPU  
frequency  
Click  
on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from  
degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.  
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5.3.6  
ASUS AI Gear 2  
ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to  
select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use  
utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise  
and power consumption.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch AI Gear 2  
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on your Windows OS taskbar and then click the  
AI Gear 2 button on the AI Suite main window.  
Shift the gear to the performance setting that you like.  
Maximum  
Medium  
Performance  
Performance  
High  
Maximum  
Performance  
Power Saving  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.7  
ASUS AI Nap  
This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer  
whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and  
a more quiet system operation.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by  
double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap  
button on the AI Suite main window.  
Click Yes on the confirmation screen.  
To exit AI Nap mode, press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on  
the confirmation screen.  
To switch the power button functions from AI Nap to shutting down, just right  
click the AI Suite icon on the OS taskbar, select AI Nap and click Use power  
button. Unclick the the item to switch the function back.  
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5.3.8  
ASUS Q-Fan 2  
This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance  
level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efficient system  
operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically  
adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the  
maximum fan speed.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by  
double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the Q-Fan  
2 button on the AI Suite maIn window.  
Click the drop-down menu button and display the fan names. Select CPU Q-Fan 2  
or CHASSIS Q-Fan 2. Click the box of Enable Q-Fan 2 to activate this function.  
drop-down list  
button  
Enable Q-Fan 2 box  
Profile list appears after clicking the Enable Q-Fan 2 box. Click the drop-down  
list button and select a profile. Optimal mode makes the fans adjust speed  
with the temperature; Silent mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation;  
Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best  
cooling effect.  
click to display the drop-  
down list and select a  
Q-Fan 2 mode  
Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.9  
ASUS AI Booster  
The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in  
WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.  
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility  
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the AI  
Booster button on the AI Suite main window.  
The options on the taskbar allow you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/  
Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking  
configurations.  
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5.3.10  
ASUS Express Gate  
ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to  
the Internet. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer, you will be at the  
Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser, Skype, or other Express  
Gate softwares.  
Installing ASUS Express Gate  
•
•
ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs in IDE mode only.  
ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset-  
controlled onboard SATA ports only. All onboard extended SATA ports  
and external SATA ports are NOT supported. See chapter 2 for the exact  
location of onboard SATA ports.  
•
ASUS Express Gate supports installation on USB HDDs and Flash drives,  
but the software performance may be slower than installed on SATA HDDs.  
To install Express Gate on your computer  
1.  
2.  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab  
appears if your computer has enabled Autorun feature.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Express Gate Installer.  
3.  
Select the language for installation  
and click OK.  
4.  
The InstallShield Wizard for  
Express Gate appears. Click Next  
to continue.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
5.  
6.  
Select the target disk volume for  
you to install Express Gate. If you  
have multiple volumes and OS  
installed in your hard drive, it is  
recommended to install Express  
Gate in Volume C. Click Next to  
continue.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete installation.  
The First Screen  
Express Gate’s first screen appears  
within a few seconds after you power  
on the computer. From here, you can  
immediately start the web browser or  
Skype.  
You can also choose to continue booting  
normally (e.g. to your installed OS such  
as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power  
off.  
If you don’t make any selection, Express  
Gate will automatically exit and boot to your normal OS after a certain amount of  
time. The timer countdown is shown on-screen inside the “boot to OS” button. As  
you move the mouse or type a key, the countdown stops and the timer disappears,  
so you can take your time to make a selection.  
The Express Gate Environment  
The very first time you enter the Express  
Gate environment (by launching either  
web or Skype from the first screen), a  
first time wizard will guide you through  
basic Express Gate configurations. Basic  
configurations include language, date  
and time and screen resolution.  
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5-35  
Once inside the Express Gate environment, click on the icons on the LaunchBar,  
by default at bottom of the screen, to launch or switch between softwares. You  
can re-arrange, re-size and move windows. Bring a window to the foreground  
by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding software icon. Re-size a  
window by dragging any of its four corners. Move a window by dragging its title bar.  
Besides using the LaunchBar, you can also switch between softwares by pressing  
<Alt> +<Tab> on the keyboard. You can also right-click anywhere on the desktop to  
bring up a menu of softwares.  
The red triangle on an software icon in the LaunchBar denotes that the software is  
already running. This means that you can switch to it without any delay. In the rare  
case where an software stops responding, right-click on its icon to force close it.  
Knowing the Express Gate hot-keys  
Here is a list of common-used hot-keys for Express Gate.  
In the First Screen:  
Key  
Function  
PAUSE/BREAK  
Power-off  
ESC  
DEL  
F8  
Continue to boot OS  
Enter BIOS setup  
Enter Boot selection pop-up  
In the Express Gate Environment:  
Key  
Function  
<Alt> + <Tab>  
Switch between softwares  
Bring up Power-Off dialog box  
Save screen snapshot as picture to file  
<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>  
<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Print Screen>  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Using the Configuration Panel  
Use the configuration panel to change various Express Gate settings.  
Click on an icon to open a particular configuration tool. The following tools are  
available:  
•
•
•
•
Date and Time: set current date and time as well as time zone.  
Input Method: choose your preferred input language and method.  
Language and Keyboard: choose your language and keyboard preferences.  
LaunchBar Settings: customize your LaunchBar (where it docks, whether it  
auto-hides, etc.)  
•
Network: Specify how your computer connects to the Internet. Enable all the  
network ports that you may use (LAN1, LAN2, and/or wireless [optional]). LAN1  
and LAN2 refer to the two RJ-45 network ports on your computer.  
•
•
The number of the LAN ports may differ from motherboards.  
You can connect the LAN cable to either port, and Express Gate will  
automatically use the connected port.  
Also specify whether each port uses DHCP (most common) or static IP. For  
PPPoE and wireless (optional), set the login credentials (user name, password,  
SSID, etc.) as well.  
•
Environment Settings: This function allows you to clear the Express Gate  
settings, as well as any personal information stored by the web browser  
(Bookmarks, Cookies, History, etc.). The user data will be reset to the original  
default configuration.  
After you click Restore System, a confirmation dialog box will open. If you click  
“Yes” in the confirmation dialog box, your system will immediately restart and  
then re-enter Express Gate to finish clearing the settings. This is also useful in  
the rare case where settings might become corrupted.  
The first-time Wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate  
environment after clearing its settings.  
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5-37  
•
•
Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display.  
Volume Control: Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone  
input, etc.  
Using the LaunchBar  
The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses  
and let you configure individual Express Gate settings. The LaunchBar can be  
configured to auto-hide, if you want more screen space for the softwares. It can  
also be configured to dock on any of the four sides of the screen.  
Starts the Web Browser for quick access to the World Wide Web.  
Starts the Photo Manager album / organizer tool.  
Starts the Chat instant messaging tool.  
Start the Skype software, which lets you call other people on Skype  
for free, as well as offering affordable, high quality voice communications  
to phones all over the world.  
Opens Configuration Panel, which lets you specify network settings  
and other preferences.  
In the rare case that one of the above softwares stops responding, you can right-  
click on its icon and then select Close to force it to close.  
The smaller icons on the right side of the LaunchBar are:  
Click on this icon to open the File Manager window, which lets you  
conveniently access the files on a USB drive. If a USB device is  
detected, the icon contains a green arrow.  
ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB  
drive and downloading to USB drives only.  
Shows network status; click to configure network.  
Shows mute status; click to change volume.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard  
shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default).  
Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc).  
Click to show the “ASUS Utility” panel.  
Click to show “About Express Gate ”.  
Click to open Express Gate Help.  
Click to bring up power options window to boot to OS, restart or power  
down. This window is also shown when you press Ctrl-Alt-Del on the  
keyboard.  
Power off  
Enter OS  
Restart  
Check to save  
user profile  
Cancel and return to  
Express Gate  
How Do I Get on to the Internet  
If Internet doesn’t seem to be working in the Express Gate environment, check the  
following:  
1.  
Open the Configuration Panel.  
Open Configuration Panel  
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5-39  
2.  
Open Network.  
Network  
3.  
Make the proper network configurations.  
Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next  
to it.  
•
•
If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then  
connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2. Express  
Gate will automatically use whichever port (LAN1 or LAN2) is connected.  
If you plug the network cable into a different port while Express Gate is running  
(e.g. move the cable from LAN1 to LAN2), you may need to press the “Refresh”  
button to detect the change.  
The most common scenario is for your computer to automatically obtain  
network settings (i.e. DHCP). If this is the case, you don’t need to click Setup  
for any LAN port. If this is not the case, click Setup to configure the static IP  
settings manually.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
•
•
If you have wireless network, click Setup for the WiFi option. In the WiFi tab of  
the Advanced Network Settings box, enter the name of your wireless access  
point in the SSID field. If your wireless access point has security enabled,  
select the corresponding security algorithm from the drop-down list (e.g.  
WEPAUTO) in the Encryption Type field, and enter the password.  
Click OK to enable WiFi and establish the wireless connection.  
If you use a network cable connected directly to your DSL/cable modem (no  
router in between), click Setup for xDSL/cable dial-up. This method is also  
referred to as PPPoE. Choose whether the DSL/cable modem is connected  
to your computer’s LAN port. Then enter the username and password for your  
dial-up account.  
Click OK to enable xDSL/cable dial-up and establish the PPPoE connection.  
When PPPoE is enabled, the port it uses will automatically be unchecked and  
grayed out.  
Using the Photo Manager  
Express Gate provides a easy-to-use Photo Manager that allows you to view  
pictures stored in your hard drive or external storage devices (such as USB  
dongles, card readers, or optical disks). You can view pictures in thumbnail view;  
in an enlarged view individually; in a filename/data list view; or play them in a  
slideshow with background music and fancy transition effects. JPEG, GIF, BMP,  
and PNG formats are supported. Refer to the on-line Help for detailed software  
operation.  
Photo slideshow  
Help  
View mode  
selection  
Shows  
the image  
folder(s)  
found in your  
hard drive  
or external  
devices  
Shows user-  
created image  
album(s)  
Image  
control bar  
ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset-  
controlled onboard SATA ports only. All onboard extended SATA ports and  
external SATA ports are NOT supported.  
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Configuring Express Gate in BIOS Setup  
Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the  
BIOS setup icon on Express Gate’s first screen. Express Gate configuration  
options are under the Tools menu. Refer to section 3.8.2 Express Gate for details.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Ai Tweaker  
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  
Enter OS Timer  
Reset User Data  
[Enabled]  
[10 Seconds]  
[No]  
1.NTFS format  
Updating Express Gate  
You may update your existing Express Gate software to new versions. New  
versions of the Express Gate software will be released regularly, adding  
refinements or new applications. You can find original version of the software on  
the support DVD or download new versions from the ASUS support website.  
To update Express Gate  
1.  
Double-click the Express Gate setup  
file to start software update.  
2.  
A software update confirmation  
dialog box appears. Click Yes to  
continue.  
3.  
The InstallShield Wizard for Express Gate appears. Click Next to continue.  
4.  
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.  
Repairing Express Gate  
In case Express Gate cannot start normally, you can repair Express Gate by  
reinstalling the software or using the repairing utility.  
To repair Express Gate  
•
Click Start > All Programs > Express  
Gate > Express Gate Installer >  
Repair this software.  
OR  
•
Double click the Express Gate setup  
file, choose Repair, and click Next to  
continue.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.11  
AMD OverDrive (AOD)  
The AMD® OverDrive™ utility allows you to configure system and overclocking  
settings in WIndows® environment. These configurations will not be saved to BIOS  
after the system reboots.  
Some advanced options in AOD are only supported by certain AMD Black  
Edition CPUs (such as Phenom 9600 Black Edition, Phenom 9850 Black Edition  
and Phenom 9950 Black Edition). visit the AMD official website at www.amd.  
com for CPU support lists.  
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5.4  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to configure  
Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following  
RAID configurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10.  
5.4.1  
RAID definitions  
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write  
data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a  
single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone,  
thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives  
is required for this setup.  
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from  
one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software  
directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of  
the data in the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and  
increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an  
existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same  
size or larger than the existing drive.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard  
disk drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better  
HDD performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID  
5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing, relational database  
applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems. Use a  
minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.  
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy  
data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 0+1 configuration you get  
all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk  
drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.  
For Windows XP, If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included  
in a RAID set, first copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to a floppy disk  
before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to  
section 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
5.4.2  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks  
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,  
install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.  
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
5.4.3  
AMD® RAID configurations  
This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 configurations  
for Serial ATA hard disks drives through the AMD SB750 chip.  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS  
You must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID  
set(s). To do this:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
3.  
Install the internal Serial ATA hard disk drives to the SATA connectors labeled  
SATA_1/2/3/4/5/6.  
Boot up your computer, and press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS  
setup.  
In the Main Menu, go to Storage Configuration, and set the OnChip SATA  
Type item to [RAID].  
Press <F10> to save the changes and exit.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and  
may not exactly match the items on your screen.  
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AMD® FastBuild™ Utility  
To enter the AMD® FastBuild™ utility:  
1.  
2.  
Boot up your computer.  
Press <Ctrl+F> during POST to display the main menu of the utility.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Main Menu ]  
View Drive Assignments........[1]  
Define LD.....................[2]  
Delete LD.....................[3]  
Controller Configuration......[4]  
[ Keys Available ]  
Press 1..4 to Select Option  
[ESC] Exit  
The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main  
Menu options include:  
•
•
•
•
View Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives.  
Define LD: creates a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration.  
Delete LD: deletes a selected RAID set and partition.  
Controller Configuration: Shows the system resources configuration.  
Press <1>, <2>, <3>, or <4> to enter the option you need; press <ESC> to exit the  
utility.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
Creating a RAID 0 configuration  
To create a RAID 0 set:  
1.  
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function.  
2.  
Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
RAID Mode  
RAID 0  
Total Drv  
2
Strip Block:  
Gigabyte Boundary: ON  
64 KB  
Fast Init: OFF  
Cache Mode: WriteThru  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
Drive Model  
Channel:ID  
Assignment  
Capacity (MB)  
1:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
Y
Y
N
N
2:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
3:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
4:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
[ Keys Available ]  
[ESC]Exit [Space] Change Option  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[Ctrl-Y]Save  
3.  
4.  
Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 0.  
Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to any  
two of the drives.  
5.  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to save the setting. The utility prompts the following  
messages:  
Press Ctrl-Y if you are sure to erase MBR! Press any other  
key to ignore this option...  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to erase MBR or press any key to continue.  
Press Ctrl-Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key  
to use maxinum capacity...  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to key in the desired capacity or press any key to continue.  
The utility displays the following screen.  
6.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
LD 2  
LD 3  
LD 4  
LD 5  
LD 6  
LD 7  
LD 8  
RAID Mode  
RAID 0  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
Total Drv  
2
Capacity(MB)  
xxxxxx  
----  
Status  
Functional  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
[ Keys Available ]  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[ESC]Exit [Enter] Select  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-47  
Creating a RAID 1 configuration  
To create a RAID 1 set:  
1.  
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function.  
2.  
Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
RAID Mode  
RAID 1  
Total Drv  
2
Strip Block:  
Gigabyte Boundary: ON  
64 KB  
Fast Init: OFF  
Cache Mode: WriteThru  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
Drive Model  
Channel:ID  
Assignment  
Capacity (MB)  
1:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
Y
Y
N
N
2:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
3:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
4:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
[ Keys Available ]  
[ESC]Exit [Space] Change Option  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[Ctrl-Y]Save  
3.  
4.  
Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 1.  
Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to any  
two of the drives.  
5.  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to save the setting. The utility prompts the following  
messages:  
Press Ctrl-Y if you are sure to erase MBR! Press any other  
key to ignore this option...  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to erase MBR or press any key to continue.  
Press Ctrl-Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key  
to use maxinum capacity...  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to key in the desired capacity or press any key to continue.  
The utility displays the following screen.  
6.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
LD 2  
LD 3  
LD 4  
LD 5  
LD 6  
LD 7  
LD 8  
RAID Mode  
RAID 1  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
Total Drv  
2
Capacity(MB)  
xxxxxx  
----  
Status  
Functional  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
[ Keys Available ]  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[ESC]Exit [Enter] Select  
5-48  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Creating a RAID 10 configuration  
To create a RAID 10 set:  
1.  
In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function.  
2.  
Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
RAID Mode  
RAID 10  
Total Drv  
4
Strip Block:  
Gigabyte Boundary: ON  
64 KB  
Fast Init: OFF  
Cache Mode: WriteThru  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
Drive Model  
Channel:ID  
Assignment  
Capacity (MB)  
1:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
xxxxxx  
Y
Y
Y
Y
2:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
3:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
4:Mas xxxxxxxxx  
[ Keys Available ]  
[ESC]Exit [Space] Change Option  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[Ctrl-Y]Save  
3.  
4.  
Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 10.  
Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y to any  
four of the drives.  
5.  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to save the setting. The utility prompts the following  
messages:  
Press Ctrl-Y if you are sure to erase MBR! Press any other  
key to ignore this option...  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to erase MBR or press any key to continue.  
Press Ctrl-Y to Modify Array Capacity or press any other key  
to use maxinum capacity...  
Press <Ctrl+Y> to key in the desired capacity or press any key to continue.  
The utility displays the following screen.  
6.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Define LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
LD 2  
LD 3  
LD 4  
LD 5  
LD 6  
LD 7  
LD 8  
RAID Mode  
RAID 10  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
Total Drv  
4
Capacity(MB)  
xxxxxx  
----  
Status  
Functional  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
[ Keys Available ]  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[ESC]Exit [Enter] Select  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-49  
Deleting a RAID configuration  
To create a RAID set:  
1.  
2.  
In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” function.  
Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <Del> or <Alt+D>.  
FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.  
[ Delete LD Menu ]  
LD No  
LD 1  
LD 2  
LD 3  
LD 4  
LD 5  
LD 6  
LD 7  
LD 8  
RAID Mode  
RAID 10  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
Total Drv  
4
Capacity(MB)  
xxxxxx  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
Status  
Functional  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
----  
[ Keys Available ]  
[↑]Up  
[↓]Down  
[ESC]Exit [Del or Alt+D] Delete  
5-50  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP  
operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
For Windows® Vista™ operating system, use either the motherboard support CD/  
DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver.  
5.5.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS  
To create a RAID/SATA driver disk without entering the OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Boot your computer.  
Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.  
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.  
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.  
Save changes and exit BIOS.  
Press any key when the system prompts “Press any key to boot from the  
optical drive.”  
7.  
8.  
9.  
When the menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.  
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the floppy drive then press <Enter>.  
Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
5.5.2  
Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®  
1.  
Start Windows®.  
2.  
3.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Make Disk menu, then click ATI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit WinXP/Vista  
Driver to create a RAID driver disk.  
4.  
Insert a floppy disk/USB device into the floppy disk drive/USB port.  
5.  
Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.  
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to  
install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.  
Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk  
drive.  
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, make sure you select  
SB 750.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
5-51  
To install the RAID driver in Windows® Vista™:  
1.  
Insert the floppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive/  
USB port.  
2.  
3.  
During the OS installation, select SB 750.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
5-52  
Chapter 5: Software support  
This chapter describes the ATI  
Hybrid CrossFireX™ feature and  
shows the graphics card installation  
procedures.  
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™  
6
technology support  
Chapter summary  
6
6.1  
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™............................................................ 6-1  
ASUS M3A78-T  
6.1  
ATI® Hybrid CrossFireX™  
The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you  
to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards.  
6.1.1  
System requirements  
Before using ATI Hybrid CrossFireX, ensure that your system meets the following  
basic requirements:  
•
•
•
•
Operating System: Windows® Vista  
Memory capacity: Minimum 1GB  
On-board graphics RAM: 256MB  
Add-on GPU: HD2400 PRO/HD2400 XT/HD3450/HD3470  
•
•
Visit the AMD official website at www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossFireX  
selected GPUs.  
Currently, Hybrid CrossFireX supports only one discrete GPU which works  
with the integrated GPU.  
6.1.2  
Before you proceed  
Configure the BIOS settings for the graphics card to support ATI Hybrid  
CrossFireX.  
To set Internal Graphics  
1.  
2.  
Press <Del> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup  
utility.  
Select Advanced > Chipset > Internal Graphics Configuration, set UMA  
Frame Buffer Size to [256MB], and set Surround View to [Enabled].  
Advanced  
Options  
Internal Graphics Configuration  
Internal Graphics Mode  
UMA Frame Buffer Size  
SIDEPORT Clock Speed  
SIDEPORT Memory Voltage  
GFX Engine Clock Override  
UMA-SP Interleave Mode  
[UMA+SIDEPORT]  
Auto  
[256MB]  
[400MHz]  
[Auto]  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
[Disable]  
[Auto]  
Surround View  
NB Azalia  
[Enabled]  
[Enable]  
3.  
Press <F10> to save the changes and exit BIOS settings. Select OK to  
confirm.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
6-1  
6.1.3  
Installing AMD Chipset Driver  
To install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology:  
1.  
Insert the Support DVD that comes with your motherboard into the optical  
drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled  
in your computer.  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the  
ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.  
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.  
6.1.4  
Using the ATI CATALYST® Control Center  
Using an add-on graphics card  
1.  
2.  
Install a graphics card onto your motherboard. Refer to the User Guide that  
comes with your graphics card for details.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop, then click ATI CATALYST(R) Control  
Center from the shortcut menu. The ATI CATALYST Control Center screen  
appears.  
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.  
Chapter 6: ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support  
6-2  
Using the onboard graphics card  
1.  
Right-click on the Windows® desktop, and then click ATI CATALYST(R)  
Control Center from the shortcut menu. The ATI CATALYST Control Center  
screen appears.  
2.  
Click Graphics Settings >  
CrossFire™, then clear the Enable  
CrossFire™ check box. When a  
confirmation message pops up,  
click Yes. The screen blacks out for  
about one minute.  
3.  
Click OK.  
4.  
5.  
Right-click on the Windows®  
desktop, then click Personalize  
from the shortcut menu.  
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.  
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.  
7.  
8.  
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.  
ASUS M3A78-T  
6-3  
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.  
Chapter 6: ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support  
6-4  

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