Asus M4A78 PRO User Manual - Page 14

AMD

®

780G chipset

The AMD 780G Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both

HT1.0 and 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and

external graphics in PCI Express 2.0 standard. It features the integrated

ATI RV610-based graphics and fully Directx 10.0 compliant.

Dual channel DDR2 1066 support

This motherboard supports DDR2 1066, which provides faster data

transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate

and computing efficiency. This enhances system performance in 3D

graphics and other memory demanding applications.

Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 is supported per channel. When four

DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for

system stability.

AMD

®

Hybrid CrossFireX Technology

Hybrid CrossFireX Technology is a unique multi-GPU technology

combining the onboard GPU and the discrete graphics card together to

enhance 3D graphics performance.

Visit www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossfireX selected GPUs.

1.3.2

Innovative ASUS features

ASUS Power Solution

ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design

To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU’s potential, ASUS M4A78

PRO motherboard has adopted a brand-new 4-phase VRM power

design. It delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability.

Furthermore, high quality power components can effective lower system

temperature to ensure longer component lifespan. ASUS M4A78 PRO also

features an extra 1-phase power for integrated memory/HT controller to

provide independent power to vital components.

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system energy

efficiency by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating

power in real-time. It automatically provides the most appropriate power

usage for the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, hard drives, and system

fans—helping save power and money!

ASUS Anti-Surge

This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from

damage caused by lighting strikes or power surges.

1-2

ASUS M4A78 PRO

Section	Page
Contents	3
Notices	6
Safety information	7
About this guide	7
M4A78 PRO specifications summary	9
Chapter 1 Product introduction	13
1.1 Welcome!	13
1.2 Package contents	13
1.3 Special features	13
1.3.1 Product highlights	13
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features	14
1.4 Before you proceed	16
1.5 Motherboard overview	17
1.5.1 Placement direction	17
1.5.2 Screw holes	17
1.5.3 Motherboard layout	18
1.5.4 Layout contents	18
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)	19
1.6.1 Installing the CPU	19
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan	20
1.7 System memory	22
1.7.1 Overview	22
1.7.2 Memory configurations	22
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM	27
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM	27
1.8 Expansion slots	28
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card	28
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card	28
1.8.3 PCI slots	28
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots	28
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot	28
1.9 Jumpers	29
1.10 Connectors	31
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors	31
1.10.2 Internal connectors	34
1.11 Software support	43
1.11.1 Installing an operating system	43
1.11.2 Support DVD information	43
Chapter 2 BIOS information	45
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS	45
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk	45
2.1.2 ASUS Update utility	46
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility	47
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility	48
2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility	49
2.2 BIOS setup program	50
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen	51
2.2.2 Menu bar	51
2.2.3 Navigation keys	52
2.2.4 Menu items	52
2.2.5 Submenu items	52
2.2.6 Configuration fields	52
2.2.7 General help	52
2.2.8 Pop-up window	52
2.2.9 Scroll bar	52
2.3 Main menu	53
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]	53
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]	53
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]	53
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave	53
2.3.5 SATA 1–6	54
2.3.6 Storage Configuration	55
2.3.7 System Information	55
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu	56
2.4.1 AI Overclocking [Auto]	56
2.4.2 DRAM Frequency Control [Auto]	56
2.4.3 HT Link Speed [Auto]	57
2.4.4 Processor Voltage [Auto]	59
2.4.5 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]	59
2.4.6 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]	60
2.4.7 DRAM Voltage [Auto]	60
2.4.8 HT Voltage [Auto]	60
2.4.9 NB Voltage [Auto]	60
2.4.10 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto]	60
2.4.11 SB Voltage [Auto]	60
2.4.12 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled]	60
2.4.13 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled]	60
2.4.14 SB Clock Spread Spectrum [Disabled]	60
2.5 Advanced menu	61
2.5.1 CPU Configuration	61
2.5.2 Chipset	62
2.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration	64
2.5.4 USB Configuration	65
2.6 Power menu	65
2.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]	66
2.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]	66
2.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]	66
2.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]	66
2.6.5 APM Configuration	66
2.6.6 Hardware Monitor	67
2.7 Boot menu	68
2.7.1 Boot Device Priority	68
2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration	68
2.7.3 Security	69
2.8 Tools menu	70
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2	70
2.8.2 Express Gate [Enabled]	70
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile	71
2.8.4 AI NET 2	71

Asus M4A78 PRO User Manual - Page 14

Innovative ASUS features - am3 cpu

Page 14 highlights