Asus M4A78 User Manual - Page 12

HyperTransport

TM

3.0 support

HyperTransport

TM

3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwith than

HyperTransport

TM

1.0, radically improving system efficiency to create a

smoother, faster computing environment.

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.

High Definition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD

audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC

enables high-quality 192KHz / 24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which

monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and

frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment.

Native DDR2 1066 support

This motherboard supports native DDR2 1066. It provides faster data

transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate

and computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics

and other memory demanding applications.

•

DDR2 1066 is supported by AM3 / AM2+ CPU only. Refer to www.asus.com for the

AM3 / AM2+ CPU model.

•

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.

PCI Express 2.0 support

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed

and bandwidth which enhances system performance.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is

enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efficient power

management for advanced operating systems.

1-2

ASUS M4A78

Section	Page
M4A78 specifications summary	9
Chapter 1	11
1.1 Welcome!	11
1.2 Package contents	11
1.3 Special features	11
1.3.1 Product highlights	11
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features	13
1.4 Before you proceed	15
Onboard LED	15
1.5 Motherboard overview	16
1.5.1 Placement direction	16
1.5.2 Screw holes	16
1.5.3 Motherboard layout	17
1.5.4 Layout contents	17
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)	18
1.6.1 Installing the CPU	18
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan	20
1.7 System memory	21
1.7.1 Overview	21
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 slot	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	33
1.11 Software support	40
1.11.1 Installing an operating system	40
1.11.2 Support DVD information	40
Chapter 2	41
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS	41
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility	41
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility	42
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility	43
2.2 BIOS setup program	44
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen	45
2.2.2 Menu bar	45
2.2.3 Navigation keys	46
2.2.4 Menu items	46
2.2.5 Submenu items	46
2.2.6 Configuration fields	46
2.2.7 General help	46
2.2.8 Pop-up window	46
2.2.9 Scroll bar	46
2.3 Main menu	47
2.3.1 System Time	47
2.3.2 System Date	47
2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave	47
2.3.4 SATA 1, SATA 2, SATA 3, SATA 5, SATA 6, and ESATA	48
2.3.5 SATA Configuration	49
2.3.6 System Information	49
2.4 Advanced menu	49
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration	50
2.4.2 CPU Configuration	52
2.4.3 Chipset	53
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration	54
2.4.5 PCI PnP	54
2.4.6 USB Configuration	55
2.5 Power menu	56
2.5.1 Suspend Mode	56
2.5.2 ACPI Support	56
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support	56
2.5.4 APM Configuration	56
2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration	57
2.6 Boot menu	58
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority	58
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration	58
2.6.3 Security	59
2.7 Tools menu	60
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2	60
2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled]	61
2.7.3 AI NET 2	61

Asus M4A78 User Manual - Page 12

HyperTransport, 0 support, bit CPU support, AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, Native DDR2 1066 support

Page 12 highlights