User Guide
Page 4
... 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 2-2 2.1.2 AFUDOS utility 2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 2-6 2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 2-8 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility 2-9 2.2 BIOS setup program 2-12 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen 2-13 2.2.2 Menu bar 2-13 2.2.3 Navigation keys 2-14 2.2.4 Menu items 2-14 2.2.5 Sub-menu items 2-14 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2-14 2.2.7 General help 2-14 2.2.8 Pop-up window 2-...
... 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 2-2 2.1.2 AFUDOS utility 2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 2-6 2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 2-8 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility 2-9 2.2 BIOS setup program 2-12 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen 2-13 2.2.2 Menu bar 2-13 2.2.3 Navigation keys 2-14 2.2.4 Menu items 2-14 2.2.5 Sub-menu items 2-14 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2-14 2.2.7 General help 2-14 2.2.8 Pop-up window 2-...
User Guide
Page 8
... sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to perform when installing system components. How this guide...
... sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to perform when installing system components. How this guide...
User Guide
Page 11
M3A78-EM specifications summary USB Storage / RAID Audio LAN ASUS overclocking features ASUS special features Back panel I/O ports BIOS Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel) ATI SB700 chipset supports 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector 5 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors ...
M3A78-EM specifications summary USB Storage / RAID Audio LAN ASUS overclocking features ASUS special features Back panel I/O ports BIOS Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel) ATI SB700 chipset supports 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 connector 5 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors ...
User Guide
Page 18
... transient response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction See page 2-33 for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates. You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo... only. What's more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your house. It's a unique motherboard built-in OS. Visit www.asus.com for details. 4+1 Phase Power Design ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design unleashes ultimate memory performances with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails ...
... transient response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction See page 2-33 for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates. You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo... only. What's more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your house. It's a unique motherboard built-in OS. Visit www.asus.com for details. 4+1 Phase Power Design ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design unleashes ultimate memory performances with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails ...
User Guide
Page 19
...USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. See page 1-42 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. AI Gear 2 AI Gear 2 allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. AI Nap With AI...components, update the BIOS or back up your BIOS easily without entering the OS. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to launch the utility and update the BIOS without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature ...
...USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. See page 1-42 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. AI Gear 2 AI Gear 2 allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. AI Nap With AI...components, update the BIOS or back up your BIOS easily without entering the OS. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to launch the utility and update the BIOS without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature ...
User Guide
Page 20
... favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for each parameter. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction ASUS O.C. eliminates the need to convert your screen. 1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to overclocking failure...
... favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for each parameter. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction ASUS O.C. eliminates the need to convert your screen. 1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to overclocking failure...
User Guide
Page 33
... that came with it by adjusting the software settings. 1. Keep the screw for the card. 2. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-21 Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on BIOS setup. 2. Turn on the next page. 3. Failure to do so may cause you may need... expansion cards. Install the software drivers for information on the slot. 5. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you removed earlier. 6. ...
... that came with it by adjusting the software settings. 1. Keep the screw for the card. 2. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-21 Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on BIOS setup. 2. Turn on the next page. 3. Failure to do so may cause you may need... expansion cards. Install the software drivers for information on the slot. 5. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you removed earlier. 6. ...
User Guide
Page 36
... out ports on the PCI Express x16 slot and enable the Surround View item in the BIOS. The photo shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with PCI specifications. The photo shows a LAN... card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other two from the onboard VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports, with the other cards that ...
... out ports on the PCI Express x16 slot and enable the Surround View item in the BIOS. The photo shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with PCI specifications. The photo shows a LAN... card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other two from the onboard VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports, with the other cards that ...
User Guide
Page 37
The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) Clear RTC You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due...) feature. For system failure due to overclocking. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 You can automatically reset parameter settings to pins 1-2. 4. Remove the onboard battery. 3. Reinstall the battery. 5. Plug the power cord...
The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) Clear RTC You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due...) feature. For system failure due to overclocking. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 You can automatically reset parameter settings to pins 1-2. 4. Remove the onboard battery. 3. Reinstall the battery. 5. Plug the power cord...
User Guide
Page 40
... DO NOT insert different connectors to an external Serial ATA hard disk drive. To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS to [Enabled] to use the DisplayPort. This port connects to the external SATA port. DisplayPort. 14. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. See... section 2.3.6 SATA Configuration for details. 18. Set the DisplayPort Configuration item in the BIOS settings to support an add-on this motherboard only supports video signals. • Due to chipset limitation, when a DisplayPort monitor is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD...
... DO NOT insert different connectors to an external Serial ATA hard disk drive. To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS to [Enabled] to use the DisplayPort. This port connects to the external SATA port. DisplayPort. 14. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. See... section 2.3.6 SATA Configuration for details. 18. Set the DisplayPort Configuration item in the BIOS settings to support an add-on this motherboard only supports video signals. • Due to chipset limitation, when a DisplayPort monitor is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD...
User Guide
Page 43
... the onboard SB700 controller. 4. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-31 The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133). See page 2-20... RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3 GND RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND SATA3 GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM SATA Connectors SATA2 SATA1 Important note on Serial ATA Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA....
... the onboard SB700 controller. 4. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-31 The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133). See page 2-20... RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3 GND RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND SATA3 GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM SATA Connectors SATA2 SATA1 Important note on Serial ATA Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA....
User Guide
Page 47
...MIC2_R Line out_R NC Line out_L MIC2_L MIC2_R HP_R Jack_Sense HP_L M3A78-EM Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect... the item to [HD Audio]; Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to this connector, set to [AC97]. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-35 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for details. • Make sure the audio device of the front panel audio...
...MIC2_R Line out_R NC Line out_L MIC2_L MIC2_R HP_R Jack_Sense HP_L M3A78-EM Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect... the item to [HD Audio]; Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to this connector, set to [AC97]. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-35 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for details. • Make sure the audio device of the front panel audio...
User Guide
Page 50
... system beeps and warnings. • Power/Soft-off the system power. 1-38 Chapter 1: Product introduction The speaker allows you turn on the BIOS settings. PWR Ground Reset Ground R M3A78-EM +IDE_LED M3A78-EM System Panel Connector Reset PWRSW • System power LED This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the chassis power...
... system beeps and warnings. • Power/Soft-off the system power. 1-38 Chapter 1: Product introduction The speaker allows you turn on the BIOS settings. PWR Ground Reset Ground R M3A78-EM +IDE_LED M3A78-EM System Panel Connector Reset PWRSW • System power LED This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the chassis power...
User Guide
Page 53
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. 2 BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. 2 BIOS setup
User Guide
Page 54
...disk, a USB flash disk or the motherboard Support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 3. b. c. e. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in the future. Insert a 1.44MB...of the following utilities allow you need to the floppy disk drive. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in case you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk. 2. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy ...
...disk, a USB flash disk or the motherboard Support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 3. b. c. e. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in the future. Insert a 1.44MB...of the following utilities allow you need to the floppy disk drive. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in case you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk. 2. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy ...
User Guide
Page 55
...Computer. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to the floppy disk drive. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. This utility also allows you to copy the ... allows you can use as shown. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. d. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. Click Start. 2. b. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-
...Computer. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to the floppy disk drive. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. This utility also allows you to copy the ... allows you can use as shown. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. d. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. Click Start. 2. b. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-
User Guide
Page 56
...ok A:\> The utility returns to type the exact BIOS filename at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the extension name. Visit the ASUS website at the DOS prompt. 2. You need to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom AMI Firmware Update...AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier or a USB flash disk. 3. 1. Version 1.19 (ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Boot...
...ok A:\> The utility returns to type the exact BIOS filename at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the extension name. Visit the ASUS website at the DOS prompt. 2. You need to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom AMI Firmware Update...AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier or a USB flash disk. 3. 1. Version 1.19 (ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Boot...
User Guide
Page 57
... Writing flash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%) Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - WARNING!! done Please restart your computer A:\> ASUS M3A78-EM 2- The utility returns to prevent system boot failure! 5. All rights reserved. done Reading...
... Writing flash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%) Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. A:\>afudos /iM3A78EM.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - WARNING!! done Please restart your computer A:\> ASUS M3A78-EM 2- The utility returns to prevent system boot failure! 5. All rights reserved. done Reading...
User Guide
Page 58
... flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Ensure that allows you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy disk or the USB flash disk to M3A78EM.ROM. Turn on the system. 2. Bad BIOS checksum. Bad BIOS checksum. Start flashing... 4. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery...
... flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Ensure that allows you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy disk or the USB flash disk to M3A78EM.ROM. Turn on the system. 2. Bad BIOS checksum. Bad BIOS checksum. Start flashing... 4. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery...
User Guide
Page 59
... found ! Start flashing... 4. ASUS M3A78-EM 2- Reading file "M3A78EM.ROM". Completed. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. Starting BIOS recovery... Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file. Remove any floppy disk ...BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for floppy... Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to the USB port. 2. Insert the Support DVD to the optical drive. 3. Checking for this motherboard. The utility then updates the corrupted BIOS...
... found ! Start flashing... 4. ASUS M3A78-EM 2- Reading file "M3A78EM.ROM". Completed. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. Starting BIOS recovery... Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file. Remove any floppy disk ...BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for floppy... Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to the USB port. 2. Insert the Support DVD to the optical drive. 3. Checking for this motherboard. The utility then updates the corrupted BIOS...