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Asus M3A78 Owner's Manual
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Asus M3A78 Owner's Manual

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  • Page 1 M3A78...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................viii M3A78 specifications summary ..............x Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-2 Package contents ................. 1-2 Special features ................1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ............ 1-5 Before you proceed ..............
  • Page 4 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........2-2 2.1.2 AFUDOS utility ..............2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-6 2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 2-8 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ............2-9 BIOS setup program ..............2-12 2.2.1...
  • Page 5 Boot Device Priority ............2-33 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-33 2.6.3 Security ................. 2-35 Tools menu ................. 2-37 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-37 2.7.2 Express Gate ..............2-38 2.7.3 AI NET 2................ 2-38 Exit menu ..................2-39 Chapter 3: Software support Installing an operating system ...........

  • Page 6: Notices

    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.

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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.

  • Page 8: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 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.

  • Page 9: Conventions Used In This Guide

    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.

  • Page 10: M3A78 Specifications Summary

    DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability. ** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) *** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,...
  • Page 11 SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to features 300MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.025V increment ASUS CPR (CPU Parameter Recall) Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector...
  • Page 12 M3A78 specifications summary Accessories User manual 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 cable 1 x FDD cable 1 x I/O shield Support DVD Drivers Express Gate ASUS PC Probe II ASUS LiveUpdate Utility...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...

  • Page 14: Welcome

    ® 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.
  • Page 15 64-bit CPU support 64-bit computing, the next generation technology to replace the current 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access, and increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture. ASUS M3A78...
  • Page 16 Dual-Core CPU Enjoy the extraordinary CPU power from the latest dual-core CPU. The advanced processing technology contains two physical CPU cores with individually dedicated L2 cache to satisfy the rising demand for more powerful processing capability. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’...

  • Page 17: Asus Unique Features

    See page 2-34 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-6 for details.
  • Page 18 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.

  • Page 19: Before You Proceed

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR Standby Powered M3A78 M3A78 Power M3A78 M3A78 Onboard LED ASUS M3A78...

  • Page 20: Motherboard Overview

    Motherboard layout 24.4cm(9.6in) KB_USB56 CHA_FAN ATX12V SPDOF_O USB34 LAN1_USB12 CPU_FAN AUDIO AMD 770 880T-792 PWR_FAN PCIEX16 SB_PWR 8111C BIOS PCIEX1_1 M3A78 SB700 PCIEX1_2 PCI1 PRI_IDE PCI2 CR2032 3V VT1708B Lithium Cell CMOS Power CLRTC PCI3 PANEL FLOPPY SPDIF_OUT AAFP USB1112 USB910...

  • Page 21: Placement Direction

    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 M3A78 ASUS M3A78...

  • Page 22: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M3A78 M3A78 CPU Socket AM2+ Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely.
  • Page 23 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M3A78 M3A78 CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. ASUS M3A78...

  • Page 24: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Ensure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.
  • Page 25 Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. ASUS M3A78 1-13...

  • Page 26: System Memory

    240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: M3A78 M3A78 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Sockets Channel 1...
  • Page 27 You may install a maximum of 2GB DIMMs on each slot. 64-bit Windows XP Professional x64 Edition ® Windows Vista x64 Edition ® M3A78 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066MHz capability DIMM support (Optional) Size Vendor Part No. Chip Brand Chip No.
  • Page 28 • Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability. • The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
  • Page 29 Dual-channel memory configuration • C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2 DIMM modules for this motherboard. ASUS M3A78 1-17...

  • Page 30: Installing A Dimm

    1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure that you unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing DDR2 DIMM notch the retaining clips outward.

  • Page 31: Expansion Slots

    Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. ASUS M3A78 1-19...

  • Page 32: Interrupt Assignments

    Interrupt assignments Standard function System timer Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard Programmable interrupt controller Standard OpenHCI USB Host Controller Communications Port (COM 1)* ACPI IRQ Holder for PCI IRQ Steering (free) (free) System CMOS / Real Time Clock SCI IRQ used by ACPI bus Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA) (free) Microsoft PS/2 Port Mouse...

  • Page 33: Irq Assignments For This Motherboard

    When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS M3A78 1-21...

  • Page 34: Pci Slots

    1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The photo shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI...

  • Page 35: Jumpers

    Normal Clear RTC (Default) M3A78 Clear RTC RAM You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

  • Page 36: 1.10 Connectors

    1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. LPT port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 37 13. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 14. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. ASUS M3A78 1-25...

  • Page 38: Internal Connectors

    M3A78 Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. (black) M3A78 M3A78 Internal Audio Connector 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 39 If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. PRI_IDE M3A78 PIN1 NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the ID ribbon cable to PIN 1. M3A78 IDE Connector ASUS M3A78 1-27...
  • Page 40 RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXP1 M3A78 SATA Connectors Install the Windows XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA. ® • For detailed instructions on how to configure RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, and JBOD, refer to the RAID manual in the support DVD.
  • Page 41 Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors. Only CPU Fan supports Q-Fan. CHA_FAN CPU_FAN M3A78 PWR_FAN M3A78 Fan Connectors ASUS M3A78 1-29...
  • Page 42 480 Mbps connection speed. USB1112 USB78 USB910 M3A78 M3A78 USB 2.0 Connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
  • Page 43 M3A78 SPDIF_OUT M3A78 Digital Audio Connector Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to configure the setting.
  • Page 44 Azalia-compliant pin definition pin definition AAFP M3A78 M3A78 Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this...

  • Page 45: Atx Power Connectors

    -12 Volts M3A78 +3 Volts +3 Volts M3A78 ATX Power Connector • We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specification 2.0-compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.

  • Page 46: System Panel Connector

    PLED M3A78 Reset +IDE_LED PWRSW M3A78 System Panel Connector • System power LED This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

  • Page 47: Chapter 2: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...

  • Page 48: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    USB flash disk or the motherboard Support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk during POST. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows environment.

  • Page 49: Afudos Utility

    Ensure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1.2MB free space to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as shown. ASUS M3A78...
  • Page 50 Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.
  • Page 51 The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iM3A78.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 ..

  • Page 52: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD , the floppy disk or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 53: Recovering The Bios From The Support Dvd

    Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file. Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk To recover the BIOS from the USB flash disk: Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to the USB port.

  • Page 54: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...

  • Page 55: Asus Update Utility

    DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you • Save the current BIOS file;...
  • Page 56 Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 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...
  • Page 57 To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 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.

  • Page 58: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. 2-12...

  • Page 59: Bios Menu Screen

    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 at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS information. ASUS M3A78 2-13...

  • Page 60: Navigation Keys

    2.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.

  • Page 61: Pop-Up Window

    :[Not Detected] 2.88M, 3.5 in. SATA5 :[Not Detected] Select Screen SATA6 :[Not Detected] Select Item SATA Configuration Change Field Select Field General Help System Information Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Pop-up window ASUS M3A78 2-15...

  • Page 62: Main Menu

    Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced...

  • Page 63: Primary Ide Master/Slave

    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 2-17...

  • Page 64: Sata 1-6

    DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.5 SATA 1-6 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA...

  • Page 65: Sata Configuration

    Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Options SATA Configuration Disabled OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] Enabled OnChip SATA Type [SATA] OnChip SATA Channel [Enabled] Enables or disables OnChip SATA Channel. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3A78 2-19...

  • Page 66: System Information

    OnChip SATA Type [SATA] This item appears only when you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled]. Allows you to set the OnChip SATA Type. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] 2.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu.

  • Page 67: Advanced Menu

    DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] General Help Memory OverVoltage [Auto] Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Scroll down to display the following items: Chipset Voltage Chipset OverVoltage [Auto] v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M3A78 2-21...
  • Page 68 CPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select any one of the preset overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] [Overclock Profile] [Test Mode] PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to to configure overclocking of PCIE. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to set the processor frequency multiplier.

  • Page 69: Cpu Configuration

    Enables or disables Microcode Updation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Enables or disables Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM) Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M3A78 2-23...

  • Page 70: Chipset

    2.4.3 Chipset Chipset Configuration Memory Options & Memory Options & Information Information NorthBridge Configuration Primary Display Adapter [GFX-GPP-PCI] NorthBridge Configuration NorthBridge Chipset Configuration Memory Configuration ECC Configuration Alternate VID [Auto] Memory CLK :333MHz CAS Latency(Tc1) :5.0 RAS/CAS Delay(Trcd) :5 CLK Row Precharge Time(Trp) :5 CLK Min Active RAS(Tras)

  • Page 71: Ecc Configuration

    Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] Alternate VID [Auto] Specifies the alternate VID while in low power states. Configuration options: [1.150V] [1.125V] [1.100V] [1.075V] [1.050V] [1.025V] [1.000V] [0.975V] [0.950V] [0.925V] [0.900V] [0.875V] [0.850V] [0.825V] [0.800V] [Auto] ASUS M3A78 2-25...

  • Page 72: Onboard Device Configuration

    Primary Display Adapter [GFX-GPP-PCI] Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. Configuration options: [GFX-GPP-PCI] [GPP-GFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX-GPP] 2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Allows BIOS to Select Onboard Devices configuration Serial Port1 Base Addresses.

  • Page 73: Pcipnp

    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] ASUS M3A78 2-27...

  • Page 74: Usb Configuration

    2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Configuration Options Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4 Disabled Enabled USB Devices Enabled: None USB Functions [Enabled]...

  • Page 75: Power Menu

    Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M3A78 2-29...

  • Page 76: Apm Configuration

    2.5.4 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration Options Restore on AC Power Loss [Always Off] Power on From S5 By PME# [Disabled] Always Off Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled] Always On Power on From S5 By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Last State Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled]...

  • Page 77: Hw Monitor Configuration

    The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed. ASUS M3A78 2-31...

  • Page 78: Boot Menu

    The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Smart Q-Fan Function [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V]...

  • Page 79: Boot Device Priority

    AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] system. Bootup Num-Lock [On] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M3A78 2-33...
  • Page 80 This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM.

  • Page 81: Security

    If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM. After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. ASUS M3A78 2-35...

  • Page 82: Change User Password

    BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot <Enter> to change Security Settings password. <Enter> again to Supervisor Password :Installed disabled password. User Password :Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password Password Check [Setup] Select Screen Select Item Enter Change General Help Save and Exit Exit...

  • Page 83: Tools Menu

    2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. See section 2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility for details.

  • Page 84: Express Gate

    2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first...

  • Page 85: Exit Menu

    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. ASUS M3A78 2-39...
  • Page 86 2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup...

  • Page 87: Chapter 3: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...

  • Page 88: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. 3.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD into the optical drive.

  • Page 89: Drivers Menu

    Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Launches the ASUS InstallAll - installation wizard for anti-virus and drivers. Norton Internet Security 2008 Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008.

  • Page 90: Utilities Menu

    This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a ®...
  • Page 91 Ulead Burn.Now Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation. Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software. ASUS Express Gate Installer Allows you to install or update Express Gate functions. ASUS M3A78...

  • Page 92: Make Disk Menu

    3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista32 Driver Allows you to create an ATI Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for 32bit ® Vista operation system. Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista64 Driver Allows you to create an ATI Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for 64bit ®...

  • Page 93: Manual Menu

    The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual ® ® file. ASUS M3A78...

  • Page 94: Asus Contact Information

    3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD.

  • Page 95: Technical Support Form

    Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.

  • Page 96: Asus Express Gate

    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.
  • Page 97 The very first time you enter the Express Gate environment (by launching either web or Skype from the first screen), a first time wizard will guide you through basic Express Gate configurations. Basic configurations include language, date and time and screen resolution. ASUS M3A78 3-11...
  • Page 98 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.

  • Page 99: Using The Configuration Panel

    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. ASUS M3A78 3-13...

  • Page 100: Using The Launchbar

    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.
  • Page 101 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.
  • Page 102 Open Network. Network 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.
  • Page 103 Shows user- created image album(s) Image control bar ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset- controlled onboard SATA ports only. All onboard extended SATA ports and external SATA ports are NOT supported. ASUS M3A78 3-17...

  • Page 104: Updating Express Gate

    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 Double-click the Express Gate setup file to start software update.

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