User Manual
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...Contents...iii Notices ...vii Safety information...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........... 1-5 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-2 2.2.2 Layout contents 2-3 2.2.3 Placement direction 2-4 2.2.4 Screw holes 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit...
...Contents...iii Notices ...vii Safety information...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........... 1-5 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-2 2.2.2 Layout contents 2-3 2.2.3 Placement direction 2-4 2.2.4 Screw holes 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit...
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...3-9 3.4.2 Storage Configuration 3-11 3.4.3 System Information 3-12 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu 3-12 3.5.1 AI Overclocking Tuner 3-12 3.5.2 CPU Ratio 3-13 3.5.3 CPU Bus Frequency 3-13 3.5.4 PCIE Frequency 3-13 ...first time 2-38 2.10 Turning off the computer 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 bar 3-7 3.3.3 Navigation keys 3-8...
...3-9 3.4.2 Storage Configuration 3-11 3.4.3 System Information 3-12 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu 3-12 3.5.1 AI Overclocking Tuner 3-12 3.5.2 CPU Ratio 3-13 3.5.3 CPU Bus Frequency 3-13 3.5.4 PCIE Frequency 3-13 ...first time 2-38 2.10 Turning off the computer 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 bar 3-7 3.3.3 Navigation keys 3-8...
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... 100 MHz to 600 MHz at back panel) ASUS Power Solutions: - 8+1 Phase Power Design - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Green Design: - Profile - Intelligent overclocking tools: - ASUS EPU * ASUS EPU is required when advanced overclocking functions of AMD® OverDrive are enabled. M4A78-E specifications summary USB ASUS unique features Special features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Back panel I /O ports (continued on the next...
... 100 MHz to 600 MHz at back panel) ASUS Power Solutions: - 8+1 Phase Power Design - ASUS Anti-Surge Protection ASUS Green Design: - Profile - Intelligent overclocking tools: - ASUS EPU * ASUS EPU is required when advanced overclocking functions of AMD® OverDrive are enabled. M4A78-E specifications summary USB ASUS unique features Special features ASUS exclusive overclocking features Back panel I /O ports (continued on the next...
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...65533;M����3����C����P���U��) This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 �m�u��lt�i-�c�o�r�e��p�r�...;e��L�3��c�a��c�h�e��a�n�d� delivers better overclocking capabilities with onboard GPU and discrete graphics card ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology is optimized with rendering speed...
...65533;M����3����C����P���U��) This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 �m�u��lt�i-�c�o�r�e��p�r�...;e��L�3��c�a��c�h�e��a�n�d� delivers better overclocking capabilities with onboard GPU and discrete graphics card ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology is optimized with rendering speed...
User Manual
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... controller. HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub. It delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability. ASUS M4A78-E 1-3 ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for full... consumption. 8+1 Phase Power Design To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU's potential, the ASUS M4 Series motherboards have adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. ASUS EPU is a set of the environment. Chapter 1 HDMI support Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia ...
... controller. HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub. It delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability. ASUS M4A78-E 1-3 ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for full... consumption. 8+1 Phase Power Design To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU's potential, the ASUS M4 Series motherboards have adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. ASUS EPU is a set of the environment. Chapter 1 HDMI support Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia ...
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... preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS O.C. You can be stored in OS. What's more stable and enhance the overclocking capability. Not only the beautifully curved fins upgrade the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special Streamline Airflow Guiding design lowers the temperature of...
... preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS O.C. You can be stored in OS. What's more stable and enhance the overclocking capability. Not only the beautifully curved fins upgrade the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special Streamline Airflow Guiding design lowers the temperature of...
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...to overclocking. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter. feature of real-time OC-now a reality with just a few clicks away. ASUS M4A78-E... to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. Chapter 1 1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default ...
...to overclocking. and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with the ASUS TurboV. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter. feature of real-time OC-now a reality with just a few clicks away. ASUS M4A78-E... to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. Chapter 1 1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default ...
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...to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. For system stability, when four DIMMs are using a 32-bit Windows OS. - Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to the memory address limitation on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for one DIMM per ... higher frequency, see section 3.6 Advanced menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use of the following: - Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78-E 2-11 2.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non‑ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. ...
...to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. For system stability, when four DIMMs are using a 32-bit Windows OS. - Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to the memory address limitation on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for one DIMM per ... higher frequency, see section 3.6 Advanced menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use of the following: - Chapter 2 ASUS M4A78-E 2-11 2.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non‑ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. ...
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... the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. ASUS M4A78-E 2-21 Chapter 2 To erase the RTC RAM 1. 2.7 Jumpers 1. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the jumper again to overclocking. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! • If...is required to the chipset behavior, AC power off and on CLRTC jumper default position. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. For system failure due to pins 2-3. You can automatically reset parameter settings to default values. ...
... the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. ASUS M4A78-E 2-21 Chapter 2 To erase the RTC RAM 1. 2.7 Jumpers 1. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the jumper again to overclocking. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! • If...is required to the chipset behavior, AC power off and on CLRTC jumper default position. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. For system failure due to pins 2-3. You can automatically reset parameter settings to default values. ...
User Manual
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...motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to update your BIOS if necessary. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in the system's failure to ensure optimum performance. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-1 ASUS...BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on these utilities. Chapter 3 Chapter 3: 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS setup BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, ...
...motherboard BIOS setup program. 1. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to update your BIOS if necessary. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in the system's failure to ensure optimum performance. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-1 ASUS...BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on these utilities. Chapter 3 Chapter 3: 3.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS setup BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, ...
User Manual
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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 BIOS item modification. The Setup program is provided for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78...• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. Sub-menu items Navigation keys 3.3.2 Menu bar The menu bar on the system chassis. When ...
...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 BIOS item modification. The Setup program is provided for special functions For selecting the exit options and loading default settings Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78...• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. Sub-menu items Navigation keys 3.3.2 Menu bar The menu bar on the system chassis. When ...
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... 3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Loads the optimal settings for this menu. 3.4.3 System Information This menu gives you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to... Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency/Voltage AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto] DRAM Frequency Control [Auto] HT Link Speed [Auto] ******* Please key in this chapter vary depending on the motherboard. Select any of the general system specifications. Main BIOS SETUP...
... 3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Loads the optimal settings for this menu. 3.4.3 System Information This menu gives you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to... Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency/Voltage AI Overclocking Tuner [Auto] DRAM Frequency Control [Auto] HT Link Speed [Auto] ******* Please key in this chapter vary depending on the motherboard. Select any of the general system specifications. Main BIOS SETUP...
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... the FSB Frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] [1 GHz] [1.2 GHz] [1.4 GHz] [1.6 GHz] [1.8 GHz] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-13 The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 3.5.3 CPU Bus Frequency [XXX] Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to select... the CPU/NB frequency. The following item appears only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual]. 3.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency. Configuration options: [Auto]...
... the FSB Frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] [1 GHz] [1.2 GHz] [1.4 GHz] [1.6 GHz] [1.8 GHz] Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-13 The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 3.5.3 CPU Bus Frequency [XXX] Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to select... the CPU/NB frequency. The following item appears only when you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual]. 3.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency. Configuration options: [Auto]...
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...] [Enabled] Power Down Mode [Channel] Allows you set the DDR power down mode. The following two items appear only when you to 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...
...] [Enabled] Power Down Mode [Channel] Allows you set the DDR power down mode. The following two items appear only when you to 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...
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...PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability. The values range from 1.30V to 1.60V with a 0.02V interval. 3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Northbridge voltage. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-17 The values range from 1.20V to...[Enabled] • Setting the above voltages to select the HyperTransport voltage. CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability. T�h��e�m��a�x�im��u�m��v�a�l�u�e�v�...
...PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability. The values range from 1.30V to 1.60V with a 0.02V interval. 3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Northbridge voltage. Chapter 3 ASUS M4A78-E 3-17 The values range from 1.20V to...[Enabled] • Setting the above voltages to select the HyperTransport voltage. CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability. T�h��e�m��a�x�im��u�m��v�a�l�u�e�v�...
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... EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking ASUS EPU provides you with a total system power-saving solution. 4.3.6 ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with these modes to choose from the motherboard support DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to the current system...
... EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking ASUS EPU provides you with a total system power-saving solution. 4.3.6 ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with these modes to choose from the motherboard support DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to the current system...
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...item in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for details. Load existing ASUS Turbo profiles. ASUS M4A78-E 4-11 Three pre-defined profiles are provided: "Race Car", "Jet Plane", and "Rocket". See your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after ...to the software manual in BIOS to [Auto] before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Install the ASUS TurboV utility from the motherboard support DVD. 2. 4.3.9 ASUS TurboV ASUS TurboV allows you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, DRAM voltage, and CPU/NB voltage in WIndows® ...
...item in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for details. Load existing ASUS Turbo profiles. ASUS M4A78-E 4-11 Three pre-defined profiles are provided: "Race Car", "Jet Plane", and "Rocket". See your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after ...to the software manual in BIOS to [Auto] before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Install the ASUS TurboV utility from the motherboard support DVD. 2. 4.3.9 ASUS TurboV ASUS TurboV allows you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, DRAM voltage, and CPU/NB voltage in WIndows® ...
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... Suite from the motherboard support DVD. 2. Select your motherboard manual for 4 seconds will turn off the Turbo Key function. Select Power to take effect. See your desired power button action. Press and hold the power button for ASUS TurboV configurations. 4. Restart your computer. Select ...again to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. Double-click the ASUS Q-Button icon in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for all settings to keep the power button as a common switch. Configuring ASUS Turbo Key 1 2 3 4 1. After the easy...
... Suite from the motherboard support DVD. 2. Select your motherboard manual for 4 seconds will turn off the Turbo Key function. Select Power to take effect. See your desired power button action. Press and hold the power button for ASUS TurboV configurations. 4. Restart your computer. Select ...again to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. Double-click the ASUS Q-Button icon in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for all settings to keep the power button as a common switch. Configuring ASUS Turbo Key 1 2 3 4 1. After the easy...