Asus M4A78-E User Manual

Asus M4A78-E - Motherboard - ATX Manual

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  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 1
    M4A78-E Motherboard
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - 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. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY
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    ...viii About this guide...ix M4A78-E specifications summary xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!...1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features 1-3 1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features
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    2-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 Updating BIOS 3-1 3.2.1 ASUS Update utility 3-2 3.2.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk 3-4 3.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-5 3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-6 3.3 BIOS setup program 3-7 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen 3-7 3.3.2 Menu
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    ASUS EZ Flash 2 3-33 3.9.2 Express Gate 3-34 3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Profile 3-35 3.9.4 AI NET 2 3-36 3.10 Exit menu 3-37 Chapter 4: Software support 4.1 Installing an operating system 4-1 4.2 Support DVD information 4-1 4.2.1 Running the support DVD 4-1 4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals
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    RAID item in BIOS 4-14 4.4.4 AMD® Option ROM Utility 4-15 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk 4-18 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 4-18 4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows 4-18 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support 5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology
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    . 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
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    service technician or your retailer. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste
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    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: BIOS setup This chapter tells
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    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 , the key names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example: +
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    Audio IEEE 1394 Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon S�e�m��p�ro�n p�ro�c�e�s�s�o�r�s�(�s�o�c�k�e�t �A�M�2�+��/A�M��2�) Compatible with �P�h�e�n�o�m II��/ �A�t�h�lo�n X��4�/�A��th�l�o�n X�3��/ Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU) Supports 45nm CPU AMD® Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology AMD® 790GX / SB750 Up
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    -Surge Protection ASUS Green Design: - ASUS EPU * ASUS EPU is supported by AM2+/AM3 CPU only. - ASUS AI Nap Express Gate ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions: - ASUS Fanless Design: Feather Heatsink solution - ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS Q-Connector - ASUS O.C. Profile - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ
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    ) 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE, Chassis Intrusion Drivers Express Gate ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite AMD OverDrive (AOD) utility Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form
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    xiv
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    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. User Manual ASUS M4A78-E motherboard User guide Support DVD 4 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x VGA switch card 1 x Ultra DMA 133/ 100/66
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    . AMD® 790GX + SB750 Chipset AMD® 790GX+SB750 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x 16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD's latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities
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    -time-helping save power and money! ASUS EPU is supported by AM2+/AM3 CPU only. AI Nap With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. ASUS M4A78-E 1-3
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    easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings. ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables
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    Key ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games-with just one touch! C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows
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    Chapter 1 1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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    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. Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78-E 2-1
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    2.2 Motherboard overview 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Chapter 2 Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 6. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 7. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU) 8. AMD® SB750 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-5) 9. Standby Power LED 10. Chassis intrusion 2-21 2-22 2-29 2-1 2-33 2-36 2-30 2-31 2-27 2-27 2-30 2-35 2-31 Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78-E 2-3
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    in the image below. 2.2.4 Screw holes Place nine 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 Chapter 2 2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Chapter 2 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle. Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not fit in completely. Socket lever ASUS M4A78
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    lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. Chapter 2 6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer. Some heatsinks come with pre-applied thermal
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    bracket CPU fan CPU heatsink Retention module base 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. ASUS M4A78-E 2-7
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    Chapter 2 2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink
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    , 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. Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78-E 2-9
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    2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
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    CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 MHz is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU motherboard. • This motherboard does not support manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78
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    Chapter 2 M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capability Vendor Apacer Apacer Mushkin Team Team Team Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing DIMM (BIOS) Voltage DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* BoxP/N:CH.02GAF.C0KK2 (78.0AG9S.9KF) 2GB (Kit of
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    M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists GL2L128M88BA25AB GL2L128M88BA25AB Heat-Sink Package Timing DIMM (BIOS) 5 5 5 4 Voltage 1.9 DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C 4-4-4-12 2.10 •• 5-5-5-15 1.8 • • 4-4-4-12 2.0 ••• 5-5-5-15 1.8 ••• 4-4-4-12 2.0 ••• ASUS M4A78-E 2-13
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    Asint DDRII1208-GE Asint DDRII1208-GE ••• •• ••• M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability Vendor Part No 64M8CFEG Heat-Sink Package Timing DIMM (BIOS) 5 5 5 N/A N/A 3 Voltage N/A N/A 2.2 DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C 2-14 Chapter
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    Chapter 2 M4A78-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability (continued) Vendor Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of dual‑channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. ASUS M4A78-E
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    system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM: 1. Press the retaining clips the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. 1 1 DIMM notch Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips.
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    cover (if your motherboard is already installed in 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. Refer to the table on the next page for details. ASUS M4A78
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    9 Primary IDE Channel * 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 - - - - PCIE x16_2 shared shared shared shared - - - - USB controller 1 - - - shared - - - - USB
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    x16_1 slot (black, at max. x8 link) If you install two graphics cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 for better thermal environment. See page 2-32 for the connector location. ASUS M4A78-E 2-19
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    card The ASUS VGA switch card allows the Blue PCIe_x16 slot to run at full x16 mode when only one install the VGA switch card to the Black PCIe x16 slot first and the graphics card on the Blue PCIe x16 slot. Installing two graphics cards When you install two graphics cards, remove the VGA switch
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    • 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 behavior
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    you change the jumper setting for extra-high overvoltage ability, use the BIOS items introduced in 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu first to adjust the desired CPU performance. Ensure that your system functions well under the highest BIOS voltage setting before you change the setting of this jumper. • Refer to
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    DVI out port IEEE 1394a port External SATA port USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 Audio I/O ports * To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS settings to [AHCI] mode. See section 3.4.2 Storage Configuration for details. ASUS M4A78-E 2-23
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    data activity) Green (blinking during data activity) Left Right LED LED LAN port *** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel Light Blue Line In Lime Line Out Pink Mic In Orange - Black - Gray - 4-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In - Rear Speaker Out
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    Chapter 2 Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers ASUS M4A78-E 2-25
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    Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers Chapter 2 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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    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. ASUS M4A78-E 2-27
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    Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device. Chapter 2 Single device Two devices Drive
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    through the onboard AMD® SB750 controller. These 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]. ASUS M4A78
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    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
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    the motherboard! 8. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The COM module is purchased separately. ASUS M4A78-E 2-31
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    on the fan connectors! • Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN 1 and CHA_FAN 2 connectors support the ASUS Q-FAN 2 feature. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better themal environment. 2-32 Chapter
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    "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. Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78-E 2-33
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    Wattage Calculator at http://support. asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. • The ATX 12 V Specification 2.0-compliant (1000W) PSU has been tested to support the motherboard power requirements with the following configuration: CPU: AMD Phenom 9950 Memory: 1024
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    chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio motherboard BIOS setup to [HD]; 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]. Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78
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    System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Chapter 2 • System power 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
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    Ground POWER SW RESET SW 2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system panel connector, making sure the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard. 3. The front panel functions are now enabled. The figure shows the Q-Connector is properly installed on the motherboard. ASUS M4A78-E 2-37
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    While the tests are running, the BIOS beeps (see the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything on, hold down the key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3. 2.10 Turning off the computer While the system
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    of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system's failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. The
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    Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file • Update the BIOS directly from the Internet • 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
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    from the dropdown menu, then click Next. 3. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process. M4A78E.ROM ASUS M4A78-E M4A78E Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
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    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 3 3-4 Chapter
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    shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-5
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    . You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • For the M4A78-E motherboard, this utility
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    overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For changing the system boot configuration For configuring options for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    the value of a field, select it then press to display a list of options. Refer to 3.3.7 Pop-up window. 3.3.7 Pop-up window Select a screen. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Suspend Mode Auto] ACPI Version Features [Disabled] ACPI APIC support
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    Screen 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. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    the device occurs in multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer data to and from the hardware devices installed with much less CPU overhead. The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), 3 3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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    an item then press to display the submenu. Main BIOS SETUP UTILITY Storage Configuration OnChip SATA Channel OnChip SATA Type [Enabled you've installed the AHCI driver, so that you could use SATA connectors 1-5 and E-SATA connector in AHCI mode under OS. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-11
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    options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency/Voltage AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto] DRAM Frequency Control [Auto] HT Link
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    Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual]. 3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto] Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Use and to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 3.5.3 CPU GHz] [1.6 GHz] [1.8 GHz] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-13
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    The following two items appear only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual]. 3.5.8 Memory Configuration Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving Channel Interleaving MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID Memory Hole Remapping DCT Unganged Mode Power Down
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    Configuration Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY DRAM Timing of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. DRAM Command Rate [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] Configuration options: [Auto] [DCT 0] [DCT 1] [Both] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-15
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    ] [1.25x] [1.5x] DCT1:Processor on-die termination [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [300 ohms +/- 20%] [150 ohms +/- 20%] [75 ohms +/- 20%] 3.5.10 CPU Voltage [Auto] Allows selection of the processor Voltage. Use the and keys to adjust the value with a 0.0125V interval. Chapter 3 3-16
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    cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings. CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability. Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control. PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability. Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-17
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    The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration AMD Phenom(tm) 9550 Quad-Core Processor Revision: B3 Cache L1: 512KB
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    SRAT Table. CPU Prefetching [Enabled] [Disabled] Disables the CPU prefetching. [Enabled] Enables the CPU prefetching. C1E Support [Disabled] BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced NorthBridge Chipset Configuration ECC Configuration Set the ECC options for cache and dram scrubbing. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    . Set to [Max] to adjust ECC mode automatically. Set to [User] to adjust all the subitems manually. RS780D Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced NorthBridge2 Chipset Configuration Internal Graphics Configuration PCI Express Configuration Primary Video Controller [PCI-E] Internal Graphics
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    you to enable or disable the GFX Engine Clock Override support. Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable] GFX Engine Clock options: [Disabled] [Enable] PCI Express Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced PCI Express Configuration Port #02 ] [x4] [x8 Mode.] [x16] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-21
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    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 Mode.] options: [PCI-E] [PCI] [Onboard] Chapter 3 3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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    the onboard 1394 device support. [Disabled] Disables the �o�n�b�o�a�r�d��1�3�9�4��d�e��v�ic�e��s�u�p�p�o��rt�. 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] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps). [HiSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps). BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand‑off feature. [Disabled] Disables the function. Chapter 3 3-24 Chapter
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    sections may cause system to malfunction. Plug And Play O/S [No] NO: lets the BIOS configure all the devices in the system. YES: lets the operating system configure Plug and for boot. [No] When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-25
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    set to [Disabled], the system disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). [Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Chapter 3 3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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    3.7.4 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power On By PME Di�sa�bl�ed�] [Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Time will become user-configurable with set values. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-27
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    and 2 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis 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
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    item then press to display the submenu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [1st FlOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    to boot the system. Full Screen Logo [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature. [Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] [Force BIOS] The third-party ROM
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    the screen BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.7 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. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    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 Password Check [Setup] [Setup] BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. [Always] BIOS checks for user password both
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 91
    2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data ASUS O.C. Profile AI NET 2 [Enabled] [10 Seconds] [No] Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility supports: 1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w) 2.NTFS (read only) 3.CD-DISC (read only) ←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item Enter Go to Sub
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 92
    ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate's first screen to the BIOS so that the
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 93
    Select Screen ↑↓ the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. M4A78-E VER: 0210 DATE: 12/08/2008 PATH: A:\ A: Restore CMOS BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78
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    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! • We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU
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    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 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-37
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    Chapter 3 3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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    AHCI driver disk. The Manual menu contains the list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. Click
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 98
    4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals. The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 99
    > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet. 3. The Cool 'n' Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage. Chapter 4 Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. ASUS M4A78
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 100
    S/PDIF Out support. Follow the installation wizard to install the VIA® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD that came with the motherboard package. If Chapter 4 Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. 4-4
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    window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. ASUS M4A78-E 4-5
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    Turn off the computer Enter the motherboard BIOS setup Continue booting to existing OS when timer counts down to zero (0); click to immediately enter existing OS Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or click environment for detailed software instructions. in the Express Gate Chapter
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    Suite from the motherboard support DVD. 2. Launch AI Suite by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite as CPU temperature, CPU voltage, fan speed, and CPU/FSB frequency manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. ASUS M4A78-E 4-7
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    appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking ASUS EPU provides you with these modes motherboard support DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to launch the program. EPU main menu Chapter 4 Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 105
    ; Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best cooling effect. Chapter 4 Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup. ASUS M4A78-E click to display the drop-down list and select a Q-Fan 2 mode 4-9
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    are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. Using ASUS AI Nap 1. After installing ASUS AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD, double-click the ASUS Q-Button icon in the Windows notification area to launch the Q-Button user interface. 2. Select
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 107
    or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. • Only AMD® Black Edition processors support the CPU Ratio function. • Set the CPU Ratio item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function in TurboV. See your motherboard manual for details. ASUS M4A78-E 4-11
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    button into a physical overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games-with just one touch! Launching ASUS Turbo Key 1. Install ASUS AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD. 2. Restart your computer. ASUS Q-Button automatically
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    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 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. Chapter 4 ASUS M4A78-E 4-13
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 110
    4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal 4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using SATA HDDs. To do this: 1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST. 2. Go to
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 111
    ROM Utility® To enter the AMD® Option ROM utility® 1. Boot up your computer. 2. Press BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not exactly match the items on your screen. The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration. Chapter 4 ASUS M4A78
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    Press
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    3. The utility prompts the following messages: Press Ctrl-Y to delete the data in the disk! or press any other key to abort... Press
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    the floppy drive then press . 9. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. 4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows® To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®: 1. Start Windows®. 2. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. 3. Go to the Make
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 115
    that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website at www.amd.com. • Ensure your current graphics card drivers. 4. For Windows XP, select Add/Remove. For Windows Vista, select Uninstall. 5. Turn off your computer. ASUS M4A78-E 5-1
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    Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to its user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics . CrossFireX bridge CrossFireX goldfingers 5-2 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 117
    to install the device drivers. Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website at www.amd.com. 5.1.5 Enabling ATI icon in the Windows notification area and select Cayalyst Control Center. ASUS M4A78-E 5-3
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 118
    View window. Enabling CrossFireX technology 1. In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX > Configure. 2. From the Graphics Adapter list, select the graphics card to act as the display GPU. 3. Select Enable CrossFireX. 4. Click Apply, and then click OK to exit
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 119
    CrossFireX™ The motherboard supports the ATI® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that CPU: AM2+ • On-board graphics card RAM: 256MB Visit the ATI Game website at http://game.amd.com for the latest certified graphics card and the supported 3D application list. 5.2.2 Before you proceed Configure the BIOS
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 120
    Chapter 5 5.2.3 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
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 121
    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 card as your main monitor, follow the instructions on the next page. ASUS M4A78-E 5-7
  • Asus M4A78-E | User Manual - Page 122
    Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card. 2. From the ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center screen, click Display Manager > Graphics Adapter. Select ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics [Gabbs, G HW173]. Click OK graphics card as your main monitor. 5-8 Chapter 5: ATI® CrossFireX™ technology support
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Motherboard
M4A78-E