User Guide
Page 5
Contents 2.5.4 APM Configuration 2-31 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration 2-32 2.6 Boot menu 2-33 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority 2-34 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration 2-34 2.6.3 Security 2-36 2.7 Tools menu 2-38 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2-38 2.7.2 Express Gate 2-39 2.7.3 AI NET 2 2-39 2.8 Exit menu 2-40 Chapter 3: Software support 3.1 Installing an operating system 3-2 3.2 Support DVD information 3-2 3.2.1 Running the Support ...
Contents 2.5.4 APM Configuration 2-31 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration 2-32 2.6 Boot menu 2-33 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority 2-34 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration 2-34 2.6.3 Security 2-36 2.7 Tools menu 2-38 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2-38 2.7.2 Express Gate 2-39 2.7.3 AI NET 2 2-39 2.8 Exit menu 2-40 Chapter 3: Software support 3.1 Installing an operating system 3-2 3.2 Support DVD information 3-2 3.2.1 Running the Support ...
User Guide
Page 18
... to [SATA] before leaving your pictures without entering Windows at anytime! • The actual boot time is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! Visit www.asus.com for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction You ... power to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS Power Saving Solution ASUS Power Saving Solution intelligently and automatically provides banlanced computing power and energy consumption. It's a unique motherboard built-in OS. 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS AI Life Features Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to...
... to [SATA] before leaving your pictures without entering Windows at anytime! • The actual boot time is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! Visit www.asus.com for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction You ... power to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS Power Saving Solution ASUS Power Saving Solution intelligently and automatically provides banlanced computing power and energy consumption. It's a unique motherboard built-in OS. 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS AI Life Features Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to...
User Guide
Page 20
...the CPU default settings for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. 1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. The BIOS settings can enhance speech-centric applications like computer fans, air conditioners,... and other background noises then eliminates it in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot ...
...the CPU default settings for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. 1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. The BIOS settings can enhance speech-centric applications like computer fans, air conditioners,... and other background noises then eliminates it in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot ...
User Guide
Page 37
... the computer. 6. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to pins 1-2. 4. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove...
... the computer. 6. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to pins 1-2. 4. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove...
User Guide
Page 49
...until the connectors completely fit. otherwise, the system will damage the motherboard! Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the IEEE 1394a connector. ATX12V EATXPWR R M3A78-EM +12V DC GND +12V DC +3 Volts GND +12 Volts...+5 Volts +5 Volts -5 Volts Ground Ground Ground PSON# Ground -12 Volts +3 Volts M3A78-EM ATX Power Connector • We recommend that the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300 W power rating. Doing so will not boot up. • We recommend that you intend to use a PSU with a higher ...
...until the connectors completely fit. otherwise, the system will damage the motherboard! Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the IEEE 1394a connector. ATX12V EATXPWR R M3A78-EM +12V DC GND +12V DC +3 Volts GND +12 Volts...+5 Volts +5 Volts -5 Volts Ground Ground Ground PSON# Ground -12 Volts +3 Volts M3A78-EM ATX Power Connector • We recommend that the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300 W power rating. Doing so will not boot up. • We recommend that you intend to use a PSU with a higher ...
User Guide
Page 56
...] where [filename] is any user-assigned filename no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for the motherboard. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the DOS prompt. 2. ok A:\> The utility returns to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier...USB flash disk. 3. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to file...... The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the extension name.
...] where [filename] is any user-assigned filename no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for the motherboard. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the DOS prompt. 2. ok A:\> The utility returns to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier...USB flash disk. 3. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to file...... The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the extension name.
User Guide
Page 57
... not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ....... done Reading flash ...... done Verifying flash .... The utility returns to prevent system boot failure! 5. A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Erasing flash ...... WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS ... the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. done Please restart your computer A:\> ASUS M3A78-EM 2- A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - done Advance Check...
... not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ....... done Reading flash ...... done Verifying flash .... The utility returns to prevent system boot failure! 5. A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Erasing flash ...... WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS ... the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. done Please restart your computer A:\> ASUS M3A78-EM 2- A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - done Advance Check...
User Guide
Page 60
Save the BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Press + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). ...to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using EZ Flash 2: 1. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.21 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M3A78-EM VER: 0204 (H:00 B:05) DATE... 2- Chapter 2: BIOS setup To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. You can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk, then restart the system. 3. The device size...
Save the BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Press + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). ...to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using EZ Flash 2: 1. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.21 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M3A78-EM VER: 0204 (H:00 B:05) DATE... 2- Chapter 2: BIOS setup To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. You can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk, then restart the system. 3. The device size...
User Guide
Page 61
...(ISP). Place the Support DVD in the Support DVD that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. Go to your system. The ASUS Update utility allows you to : • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file... ASUS Update: 1. ASUS M3A78-EM 2- When the correct BIOS file is found . The ASUS Update utility is a utility that comes with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS ...
...(ISP). Place the Support DVD in the Support DVD that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. Go to your system. The ASUS Update utility allows you to : • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file... ASUS Update: 1. ASUS M3A78-EM 2- When the correct BIOS file is found . The ASUS Update utility is a utility that comes with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS ...
User Guide
Page 65
...v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-13 Sub-menu items Navigation keys 2.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit For changing the basic system configuration For ... (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Main Advanced Main Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Boot Tools System Time 19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M,...
...v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-13 Sub-menu items Navigation keys 2.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit For changing the basic system configuration For ... (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Main Advanced Main Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Boot Tools System Time 19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M,...
User Guide
Page 66
Refer to display a list of options. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on the menu bar displays ...
Refer to display a list of options. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on the menu bar displays ...
User Guide
Page 67
... ASUS M3A78-EM 2-15 Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Select Screen Select Item +- Use [+] or [-] to select a field. Pop-up window with the configuration options for that item. Main Advanced Main Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Boot...
... ASUS M3A78-EM 2-15 Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Select Screen Select Item +- Use [+] or [-] to select a field. Pop-up window with the configuration options for that item. Main Advanced Main Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Boot...
User Guide
Page 68
Main Advanced Main Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Boot Tools Exit System Time 19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in .] 2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Use [+] or [-] to navigate ...
Main Advanced Main Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Boot Tools Exit System Time 19:34:30] System Date [Tue 11/19/2007] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in .] 2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Use [+] or [-] to navigate ...
User Guide
Page 72
...-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in this menu. Allows you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled]. Processor Displays the auto-detected...
...-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in this menu. Allows you set the OnChip SATA Channel item to [Enabled]. Processor Displays the auto-detected...
User Guide
Page 73
... be auto-adjusted. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-21 Scroll down to malfunction. Select Screen Select Item +- Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Configure System...
... be auto-adjusted. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-21 Scroll down to malfunction. Select Screen Select Item +- Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Configure System...
User Guide
Page 79
...Configuration HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] 1394 Controller [Enabled] Select Screen Select Item +- Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] ...] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [HDMI Output] [SPDIF Output] ASUS M3A78-EM 2-27 Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ...
...Configuration HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] 1394 Controller [Enabled] Select Screen Select Item +- Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] ...] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [HDMI Output] [SPDIF Output] ASUS M3A78-EM 2-27 Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ...
User Guide
Page 80
... The PCI PnP menu items allow you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Select Screen Select Item +- Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Advanced Advanced PCI/PnP Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY WARNING:.... The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for boot if your system has a Plug and Play operating system. Plug and Play O/S [No] When set to enable or disable the 1394 controller...
... The PCI PnP menu items allow you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Select Screen Select Item +- Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Advanced Advanced PCI/PnP Settings BIOS SETUP UTILITY WARNING:.... The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for boot if your system has a Plug and Play operating system. Plug and Play O/S [No] When set to enable or disable the 1394 controller...
User Guide
Page 82
... to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the RSDT pointer list. Main Advanced Power Settings Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Suspend Mode [Auto] ACPI Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled] APM Configuration HW Monitor Configuration Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend...
... to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the RSDT pointer list. Main Advanced Power Settings Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Suspend Mode [Auto] ACPI Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled] APM Configuration HW Monitor Configuration Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend...
User Guide
Page 85
... options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V] Allows you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device. Configuration options: [4.0V] [4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.0V] Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [25ºC] Allows you...186;C] 2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Boot Settings Power Boot Device Priority BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-33
... options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Fan Auto Mode Start Voltage [5.0V] Allows you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device. Configuration options: [4.0V] [4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.0V] Fan Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [25ºC] Allows you...186;C] 2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Boot Settings Power Boot Device Priority BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-33
User Guide
Page 86
... American Megatrends, Inc. Configuration options: [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] PS/2 ... 2: BIOS setup Select Screen Select Item +- When set to skip certain tests while booting. Select Screen Select Item +- Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to boot the system. A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the system. This...
... American Megatrends, Inc. Configuration options: [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] PS/2 ... 2: BIOS setup Select Screen Select Item +- When set to skip certain tests while booting. Select Screen Select Item +- Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to boot the system. A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the system. This...