Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product M3A78-T Asus
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Motherboard M3A78-T.
ii E4018 Second Edition July 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmit.
iii Contents Contents ...................................................................................................... iii Notices ........................................................................................................ vii Safety information .
iv Contents 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) .................................... 2-16 2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white) ....... 2-16 2.6 Jumper ...............................................................................
v 4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-16 4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-17 4.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration ..................................
vi 5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7 5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ........................................
vii 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.
viii Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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.
ix About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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.
x Conventions used in this guide T o make sure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
xi M3A78-T specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU AMD ® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD ® Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ T echnology Supports CPU TDP up to 140W Chipset AMD ® 790GX + SB750 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperT ransport™ 3.
xii High Denition audio Realtek ® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition audio CODEC - Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O IEEE 1394 LSI ® FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 at mid-board; 1 on the rear panel) USB 12 x USB 2.
xiii M3A78-T specications summary specications summary Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port 1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical) 1 x HDMI Out 1 x DVI Out 1 x D-Sub 1 x External SA T A 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) 6 x USB 2.
xiv.
1 Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports..
ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features .
ASUS M3A78-T 1-1 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 .
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 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).
ASUS M3A78-T 1-3 AMD ® Hybrid CrossFireX T echnology Hybrid CrossFireX T echnology 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 CrossreX selected GPUs.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 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 .
ASUS M3A78-T 1-5 AI Nap With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away . T o wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key .
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility . Simply press the predened 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 ash utility .
2 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 jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .
ASUS M3A78-T 2-1 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.
2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-3 2.2.3 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors..
2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2.4 Layout contents Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-1 1 2. PCI slots 2-16 3. PCI Express x1 slot 2-16 4. PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) 2-16 5. Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white) 2-16 Jumper Page Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLR TC) 2-18 Rear panel connectors Page 1.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-5 Internal connectors Page 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-23 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-24 3. Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-5) 2-25 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1 1 12) USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1 1 12) 2-26 5.
2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3.1 Installing the CPU T o 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-7 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place. 5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU.
2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD ® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires a Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires a processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-9 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.
2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector .
ASUS M3A78-T 2-1 1 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.4.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Congurations • Y ou may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-13 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM T o install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-15 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard function 0 1 System T imer 1 2 Keyboard Controller 2 – Redirect to IRQ#9 4 12 Communications Port (.
2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 specications.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-17 VGA conguration PCI Express operating mode PCIex16_1 PCIex16_2 PCIex16_3 Single VGA/PCIe card x16 x4 x8 Dual VGA/PCIe card x16 x4 x4 x8 x8 x8 T riple VGA/PCIe card x8 x4 x8 • Currently , only Windows ® Vista operation system supports Hybird CrossFireX™ mode.
2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-19 2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or a PS/2 mouse. 2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.
2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Spea.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-21 15. HDMI Out port. This port is for a high-denition 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.
2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information T roubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling: If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is not lling 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-23 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided oppy 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 oppy disk drive.
2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 .
ASUS M3A78-T 2-25 3. Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-5) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk and optical disk drives. If you install Serial A T A hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 conguration through the onboard controller .
2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1 1 12) 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-27 5. IEE E 1394 a 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 .
2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information 6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 3-pin CHA_F AN1-2, 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan c onnect ors su pport cooli ng fan s of 3 50 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-29 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 .
2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 600 W . • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin A TX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot.
ASUS M3A78-T 2-31 9. Front panel audio co nne cto r (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 .
2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information 10. Optical drive audio con nec tor (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. 1 1. Digital audio co nne cto r (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
ASUS M3A78-T 2-33 • 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.
2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information.
3 Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system..
ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 3 3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1 3.2 T urning off the computer .
ASUS M3A78-T 3-1 3.1 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector .
3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up 3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select T urn Off Computer . 2. Click the T urn Off button to shut down the computer . 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts down.
4 Chapter 4: 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.
Chapter summary 4 ASUS M3A78-T 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9 4.3 Main menu .........................
ASUS M3A78-T 4-1 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk, USB Flash, or the motherboard support DVD during POST .
4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-3 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 oppy disk and using a DOS-based utility .
4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-5 Updating the BIOS le T o 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. 5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed.
4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Installing ASUS Update T o install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update . See page 3-4 for the Utilities screen menu.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-7 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select . Click Next . Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate .
4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le T o update the BIOS through a BIOS le: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Update main window appears.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-9 4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable rmware 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, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.
4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.2.1 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 (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-1 1 Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another . 4.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 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. 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-13 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.
4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.3.5 SA T A1/2/3/4/5/6 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SA T A devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SA T A device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SA T A device information.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-15 Block (Multi-sector T ransfer) 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.
4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specication. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory . Select Screen Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v04.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-17 The conguration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you install on the motherboard. 4.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.
4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Overclock Prole]. Overclock Options [Disabled] Allows you to set the overclocking options.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-19 CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU-Northbridge HyperT ransport link speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [400 MHz] [600 MHz] [800 MHz] [1 GHz] [1.
4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced DRAM Timing Conguration Memory Clock Mode [Auto] 2T Mode [Auto] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Options Auto Limit Manual The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-21 tWR [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] tRFC0 [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] tRFC1 [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.
4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-23 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.
4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Link ASPM [Disabled] Conguration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0s & L1] Link Width [Auto] Conguration 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-25 SIDEPORT Clock Speed [667MHz] Conguration options: [667MHz] [682MHz] [697MHz] [712MHz]...[850MHz] SIDEPORT Memory V oltage [Auto] Conguration 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.
4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4.5 ECC Conguration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced ECC Conguration ECC Mode [Disabled] DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled] DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled] Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] Set the level of ECC protection.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-27 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. Conguration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.
4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses. Onboard Devices Conguraiton Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] HD Audio Azalia Device.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-29 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.
4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-31 4.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.
4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.5 APM Conguration Power Button Mode [On/Off] Allows you to set the power button function. Conguration 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-33 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 A TX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.6 Hardware Monitor CPU T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB T emperature [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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-35 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.
4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-37 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 conguration options.
4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility .
ASUS M3A78-T 4-39 4.7 Tools menu 4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Y es] or [No], then press <Ok> to conrm your choice.
4-40 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.7.2 Express Gate Express Gate Express Gate [Enabled] Boot Out Timer [10] Reset User Data [No] BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Options Disabled Enabled Y ou have to install the ASUS Express Gate application from the support DVD rst before you can enable this feature.
ASUS M3A78-T 4-41 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.
4-42 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 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 elds other than System Date, System T ime, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.
5 Chapter 5: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package..
ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 5 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. 5.1 Installing an operating system .
ASUS M3A78-T 5-1 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder .
5-2 Chapter 5: Software support 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-3 5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD) Installs the AMD OverDrive utility .
5-4 Chapter 5: Software support Marvell Y ukon NCU Application Installs the Marvell ® Y ukon Virtual Cable T ester™ (VCT) application that diagnoses and reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the T ime Domain Reectometry (TDR) technology . ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility .
ASUS M3A78-T 5-5 5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the A TI ® force™ RAID/AHCI driver disk. A TI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit WinXP/Vista Driver Allows you to create A TI RAID/AHCI driver disks for 32/64bit Windows ® XP/Vista.
5-6 Chapter 5: Software support 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 les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual le.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-7 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 specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard.
5-8 Chapter 5: Software support T echnical support Form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support. File list Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-9 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 le that came with the software application for more information.
5-10 Chapter 5: Software support 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility , ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST . 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-1 1 5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs.
5-12 Chapter 5: Software support • Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature. • The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works o.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-13 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. T o launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program: 1.
5-14 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.3 Audio congurations 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 .
ASUS M3A78-T 5-15 Device advanced settings Click Device advanced settings to show further settings for the playback and recording device. Information Click the Information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting.
5-16 Chapter 5: Software support Digital Output The Realtek ® audio CODEC allows you to connect an external audio output device via the coaxial/digital S/PDIF port. Y ou can set your listening environment, set the karaoke, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-17 Line In The Line In tab allows you to congure audio input settings using the analog line in port. T o 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.
5-18 Chapter 5: Software support Control settings window Conguration options Information button Exit button Minimize button B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP™ Information Click the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-19 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. T o set the sound effect options 1.
5-20 Chapter 5: Software support Audio I/O The Audio I/O option allows you congure your input/output settings. T o set the Audio I/O options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Audio I/O tab. 2. Click the drop-down menu to select the channel conguration.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-21 3D Audio Demo The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a demonstration of the 3D audio feature. T o 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.
5-22 Chapter 5: Software support 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-23 Button Function Opens the Conguration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Win.
5-24 Chapter 5: Software support Changing the monitor panels position T o 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 nished.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-25 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 . Large display Small display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser .
5-26 Chapter 5: Software support 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-27 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 . Conguring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.
5-28 Chapter 5: Software support 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 T o install AI Suite on your computer: 1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-29 Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window . Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
5-30 Chapter 5: Software support 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-31 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.
5-32 Chapter 5: Software support 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 efcient system operation.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-33 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.
5-34 Chapter 5: Software support 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-35 The First Screen Express Gate’s rst screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer . From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. Y ou can also choose to continue booting normally (e.g. to your installed OS such as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power off.
5-36 Chapter 5: Software support Knowing the Express Gate hot-keys Here is a list of common-used hot-keys for Express Gate. In the First Screen: Key Function P AUSE/BREAK Power-off ESC Continue to boo.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-37 Using the Conguration Panel Use the conguration panel to change various Express Gate settings. Click on an icon to open a particular conguration tool. The following tools are available: • Date and T ime : set current date and time as well as time zone.
5-38 Chapter 5: Software support • Screen Settings : Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display . • V olume Control : Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone input, etc.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-39 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 ”.
5-40 Chapter 5: Software support 2. Open Network. 3. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. Network • 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.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-41 • If you have wireless network, click Setup for the WiFi option. In the W iFi tab of the Advanced Network Settings box, enter the name of your wireless access point in the SSID eld. If your wireless access point has security enabled, select the corresponding security algorithm from the drop-down list (e.
5-42 Chapter 5: Software support Conguring 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 rst screen. Express Gate conguration options are under the T ools menu.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-43 5.3.1 1 AMD OverDrive (AOD) The AMD ® OverDrive™ utility allows you to congure system and overclocking settings in WIndows ® environment.
5-44 Chapter 5: Software support 5.4 RAID congurations The motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to congure Serial A T A hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID congurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-45 5.4.3 AMD ® RAID congurations This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 congurations for Serial A T A hard disks drives through the AMD SB750 chip. Setting the RAID item in BIOS Y ou must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID set(s).
5-46 Chapter 5: Software support The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include: • V iew Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives. • Dene LD: creates a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 conguration.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-47 Creating a RAID 0 conguration T o create a RAID 0 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. 3. Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 0 .
5-48 Chapter 5: Software support Creating a RAID 1 conguration T o create a RAID 1 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. 3. Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 1 .
ASUS M3A78-T 5-49 Creating a RAID 10 conguration T o create a RAID 10 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. 3. Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 10 .
5-50 Chapter 5: Software support Deleting a RAID conguration T o create a RAID set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” function. 2. Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <Del> or <Alt+D>. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc.
ASUS M3A78-T 5-51 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy 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 .
5-52 Chapter 5: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® Vista™: 1. Insert the oppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the oppy disk drive/ USB port. 2. During the OS installation, select SB 750. 3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
6 ATI ® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support This chapter describes the A TI Hybrid CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.
ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 6 6.1 A TI ® Hybrid CrossFireX™ ............................................................ 6-1.
6-1 ASUS M3A78-T 6.1 ATI ® Hybrid CrossFireX™ The motherboard supports the A TI ® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards.
6-2 Chapter 6: A TI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support 6.1.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver T o 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 .
6-3 ASUS M3A78-T Using the onboard graphics card 1. Right-click on the Windows ® desktop, and then click A TI CA T AL YST(R) Control Center from the shortcut menu. The A TI CA T AL YST Control Center screen appears. 2. Click Graphics Settings > CrossFire™ , then clear the Enable CrossFire™ check box.
6-4 Chapter 6: A TI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support 1. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card . 2. From the A TI CA T AL YST(R) Control Center screen, click Display Manager > Graphics Adapter . Select A TI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics [Gabbs, G HW173] .
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If you already are a holder of Asus M3A78-T, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Asus M3A78-T.
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