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Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M3A78-EM specifications summary x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-2 1.2 Package contents 1-2 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features 1-6 1.3.3 ASUS stylish features 1-8 1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features 1-8 1.4 Before you proceed 1-9 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-10 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1-10 1.5.2 Placement direction 1-11 1.5.3 Screw holes 1-11 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-12 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-12...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M3A78-EM specifications summary x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-2 1.2 Package contents 1-2 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features 1-6 1.3.3 ASUS stylish features 1-8 1.3.4 ASUS intelligent overclocking features 1-8 1.4 Before you proceed 1-9 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-10 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1-10 1.5.2 Placement direction 1-11 1.5.3 Screw holes 1-11 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-12 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-12...
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...staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry. • Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it may become wet. • Place the product on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems ...not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables from the existing system before you are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before using , contact your...
...staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry. • Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it may become wet. • Place the product on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems ...not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables from the existing system before you are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before using , contact your...
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.... 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. 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. Refer to the following parts: • Chapter...
.... 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. 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. Refer to the following parts: • Chapter...
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...@60Hz Supports D-Sub with max. M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. resolution up to 2456 x 1536 @75Hz Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology (For Windows Vista OS only) Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, and Pixel Shader 4.0 * Refer to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. (continued on... to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. ** Due to www...
...@60Hz Supports D-Sub with max. M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. resolution up to 2456 x 1536 @75Hz Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology (For Windows Vista OS only) Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, and Pixel Shader 4.0 * Refer to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. (continued on... to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. ** Due to www...
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. 1Product introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. 1Product introduction
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This is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M3A78-EM motherboard! Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M3A78-EM motherboard 2 x Serial ATA signal cables 2 x Serial ATA power cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x FDD cable 2 in 1 Q-Connector ASUS motherboard support DVD User manual If any of the above items...
This is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M3A78-EM motherboard! Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M3A78-EM motherboard 2 x Serial ATA signal cables 2 x Serial ATA power cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x FDD cable 2 in 1 Q-Connector ASUS motherboard support DVD User manual If any of the above items...
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...mainstream Hybrid CrossFire Technology that significantly optimizes your 3D performance. See page 1-12 for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better ...64 X2 / . Technology. See page 1-12 for a cool and quiet operating environment. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, which supports dual VGA outputs including DVI/HDMI interface with HDCP compliant ,and incorporates ...
...mainstream Hybrid CrossFire Technology that significantly optimizes your 3D performance. See page 1-12 for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better ...64 X2 / . Technology. See page 1-12 for a cool and quiet operating environment. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, which supports dual VGA outputs including DVI/HDMI interface with HDCP compliant ,and incorporates ...
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...like LCD monitors. DDR2 memory support This motherboard is an AMD® platform with an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card. • Hybrid CrossFireX technology is supported by Windows Vista® OS only. • Refer to www.asus.com for double speed and bandwidth which ...lists the GPUs that support the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. Due to DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard supports digital HDMI/DVI and analog D-Sub standards. PCI Express 2.0 support ...
...like LCD monitors. DDR2 memory support This motherboard is an AMD® platform with an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card. • Hybrid CrossFireX technology is supported by Windows Vista® OS only. • Refer to www.asus.com for double speed and bandwidth which ...lists the GPUs that support the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. Due to DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard supports digital HDMI/DVI and analog D-Sub standards. PCI Express 2.0 support ...
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... times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfers. 8-channel high definition audio Enjoy high-quality sound system on this motherboard only supports video signals. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- The onboard ATI® SB700 allows RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 configurations for details. Backwards compatible with an ACPI management function to chipset...
... times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfers. 8-channel high definition audio Enjoy high-quality sound system on this motherboard only supports video signals. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- The onboard ATI® SB700 allows RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 configurations for details. Backwards compatible with an ACPI management function to chipset...
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...CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction 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 touch with independent power to ensure quiet, cool, and ... You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS AI Life Features Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is subject to hardware configurations and...
...CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction 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 touch with independent power to ensure quiet, cool, and ... You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS AI Life Features Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is subject to hardware configurations and...
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... BIOS or back up your favorite settings. See page 1-42 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to the OS environment, ... data from profiles to suit your BIOS easily without entering the OS. See page 2-6 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable one at minimum power and noise when...
... BIOS or back up your favorite settings. See page 1-42 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to the OS environment, ... data from profiles to suit your BIOS easily without entering the OS. See page 2-6 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable one at minimum power and noise when...
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... then eliminates it in case the system hangs due to overclocking failure, C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in the incoming audio stream while recording. 1.3.3 ASUS stylish features ASUS MyLogo2™ This feature allows you to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data...
... then eliminates it in case the system hangs due to overclocking failure, C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in the incoming audio stream while recording. 1.3.3 ASUS stylish features ASUS MyLogo2™ This feature allows you to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data...
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... and/or components. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you install or remove any motherboard component. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to indicate that the system is a reminder that you ...came with a standby power LED that the ATX power supply is switched off mode. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM Onboard LED SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS M3A78-EM 1- Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord ...
... and/or components. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you install or remove any motherboard component. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to indicate that the system is a reminder that you ...came with a standby power LED that the ATX power supply is switched off mode. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM Onboard LED SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS M3A78-EM 1- Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord ...
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1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis R M3A78-EM ASUS M3A78-EM 1-11 Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation.
1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis R M3A78-EM ASUS M3A78-EM 1-11 Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation.
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1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Locate the CPU socket on the socket...1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. 1. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™... up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in only one correct orientation. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM CPU Socket AM2+ 2.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Locate the CPU socket on the socket...1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. 1. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™... up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in only one correct orientation. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM CPU Socket AM2+ 2.
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...corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package. 7. CPU_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to plug this connector. Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. 3.... errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! The lever clicks on the motherboard. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket until it is in one correct orientation. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to indicate that it fits in place. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-13
...corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package. 7. CPU_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to plug this connector. Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. 3.... errors can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! The lever clicks on the motherboard. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket until it is in one correct orientation. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to indicate that it fits in place. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-13
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...come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. Ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction If the instructions in...The retention module base is properly applied to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that you install the heatsink and fan assembly...
...come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. Ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction If the instructions in...The retention module base is properly applied to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that you install the heatsink and fan assembly...
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... Pins R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Channel 1 Channel 2 Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 Populated - 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with...
... Pins R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Channel 1 Channel 2 Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 Populated - 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with...
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... Windows® Vista x64 Edition ASUS M3A78-EM 1-17 install identical DIMMs in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets) • Always use this excess memory space and the system will not cause any problem; The excess over 3GB of 2 GB DIMMs on the operating system listed below. The motherboard can not use identical DDR2 DIMM...
... Windows® Vista x64 Edition ASUS M3A78-EM 1-17 install identical DIMMs in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets) • Always use this excess memory space and the system will not cause any problem; The excess over 3GB of 2 GB DIMMs on the operating system listed below. The motherboard can not use identical DDR2 DIMM...