User Guide
Page 3
... 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 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan...
... 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 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan...
User Guide
Page 4
... 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 ... 3, 5, 6, and E-SATA 2-18 2.3.6 SATA Configuration 2-19 2.3.7 System Information 2-20 2.4 Advanced menu 2-21 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration 2-21 2.4.2 CPU Configuration 2-23 2.4.3 Chipset 2-24 2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration 2-27 2.4.5 PCIPnP 2-28 2.4.6 USB Configuration 2-29 2.5 Power menu 2-30 2.5.1 Suspend Mode...
... 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 ... 3, 5, 6, and E-SATA 2-18 2.3.6 SATA Configuration 2-19 2.3.7 System Information 2-20 2.4 Advanced menu 2-21 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration 2-21 2.4.2 CPU Configuration 2-23 2.4.3 Chipset 2-24 2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration 2-27 2.4.5 PCIPnP 2-28 2.4.6 USB Configuration 2-29 2.5 Power menu 2-30 2.5.1 Suspend Mode...
User Guide
Page 10
...less than 3GB. resolution up to 2560 x 1600@60Hz Supports HDMI™ Technology with max. M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. Hence, a maximum of 3GB system memory is supported by AM2+ CPU for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. ** Due to 2560 ... 10, OpenGL 2.0, and Pixel Shader 4.0 * Refer to www.asus.com for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to 1920 x 1200(1080P) Supports DVI with max. resolution up to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. (continued on the next page)
...less than 3GB. resolution up to 2560 x 1600@60Hz Supports HDMI™ Technology with max. M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. Hence, a maximum of 3GB system memory is supported by AM2+ CPU for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which supports the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. ** Due to 2560 ... 10, OpenGL 2.0, and Pixel Shader 4.0 * Refer to www.asus.com for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to 1920 x 1200(1080P) Supports DVI with max. resolution up to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. (continued on the next page)
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 ... port at back panel Gigabit LAN SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 300MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.05V increment ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Express Gate ASUS Q-Fan ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 ASUS EZ Flash2 ASUS MyLogo2 ASUS Noise Filter AI NAP 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port 1 x optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x HDMI port 1 x ...
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 ... port at back panel Gigabit LAN SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 300MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.05V increment ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Express Gate ASUS Q-Fan ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 ASUS EZ Flash2 ASUS MyLogo2 ASUS Noise Filter AI NAP 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port 1 x optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x HDMI port 1 x ...
User Guide
Page 12
M3A78-EM specifications summary Internal I/O connectors Accessories Form Factor Support CD 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 5 x SATA connectors 1 x 1394 connector High definition front panel audio connector 1 x system panel connector 1 x CD audio-in connector 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x Chassis intrusion connector Power/CPU/Chassis fan connectors 24...
M3A78-EM specifications summary Internal I/O connectors Accessories Form Factor Support CD 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 5 x SATA connectors 1 x 1394 connector High definition front panel audio connector 1 x system panel connector 1 x CD audio-in connector 1 x S/PDIF out header 1 x Chassis intrusion connector Power/CPU/Chassis fan connectors 24...
User Guide
Page 15
... 780G and ATI SB700 chipsets AMD 780G Northbridge is based on 64-bit architecture. Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron CPU support The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX processors with hardware acceleration...the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, which is the latest AMD chipset designed for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / . Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better...
... 780G and ATI SB700 chipsets AMD 780G Northbridge is based on 64-bit architecture. Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron CPU support The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX processors with hardware acceleration...the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, which is the latest AMD chipset designed for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / . Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better...
User Guide
Page 16
PCI Express 2.0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for the supported CPU models. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction Refer to www.asus.com for double speed and bandwidth which lists the GPUs that support the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. See page 1-26 for... graphics card. • Hybrid CrossFireX technology is supported by Windows Vista® OS only. • Refer to www.asus.com for one DIMM per channel only. Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which enhances system performance.
PCI Express 2.0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for the supported CPU models. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction Refer to www.asus.com for double speed and bandwidth which lists the GPUs that support the Hybrid CrossFireX technology. See page 1-26 for... graphics card. • Hybrid CrossFireX technology is supported by Windows Vista® OS only. • Refer to www.asus.com for one DIMM per channel only. Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which enhances system performance.
User Guide
Page 18
...! Messenger to keep in OS. Q-Fan The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the system loading to core components, while providing fast transient response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction It's a unique motherboard built-in touch with independent power to ensure...
...! Messenger to keep in OS. Q-Fan The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the system loading to core components, while providing fast transient response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction It's a unique motherboard built-in touch with independent power to ensure...
User Guide
Page 19
...one cable one at most. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you with easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or ... corrupted BIOS data from profiles to the motherboard. Simply press the predefined hotkey to suit your favorite settings. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you to easily... connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU...
...one cable one at most. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you with easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or ... corrupted BIOS data from profiles to the motherboard. Simply press the predefined hotkey to suit your favorite settings. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you to easily... connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU...
User Guide
Page 20
... overclocking failure. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores 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. ASUS O.C. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. ASUS Crystal Sound This feature can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving...
... overclocking failure. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores 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. ASUS O.C. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. ASUS Crystal Sound This feature can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving...
User Guide
Page 24
... it up to a 90°-100° angle. Ensure you use a CPU designed for AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM CPU Socket AM2+ 2. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to... 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard...
... it up to a 90°-100° angle. Ensure you use a CPU designed for AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM CPU Socket AM2+ 2. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to... 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard...
User Guide
Page 25
... 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. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-13 When the CPU is locked. 6. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket until it is in place, push ... indicate that it fits in one correct orientation. 3. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in place. Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the motherboard.
... 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. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-13 When the CPU is locked. 6. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket until it is in place, push ... indicate that it fits in one correct orientation. 3. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in place. Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the motherboard.
User Guide
Page 26
... in this section do not have 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. ...™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to install the CPU heatsink and fan. 1. 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
... in this section do not have 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. ...™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to install the CPU heatsink and fan. 1. 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
User Guide
Page 37
... overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. For system failure due to pins 1-2. 4. You can automatically reset parameter settings to default values. Keep the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 6. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 ...the system hangs due to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to re-enter ...
... overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. For system failure due to pins 1-2. 4. You can automatically reset parameter settings to default values. Keep the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 6. R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 ...the system hangs due to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to re-enter ...
User Guide
Page 38
...an external audio output device via a optical S/PDIF cable. 3. Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will upgrade the playback quality. 4. IEEE 1394a port. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are ... audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices. 6. This port is for a VGA monitor or other protected content. • This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output that features different display on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both the onboard VGA and...
...an external audio output device via a optical S/PDIF cable. 3. Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will upgrade the playback quality. 4. IEEE 1394a port. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are ... audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices. 6. This port is for a VGA monitor or other protected content. • This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output that features different display on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both the onboard VGA and...
User Guide
Page 44
.... DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. PWR_FAN CPU_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND GND +12V Rotation R M3A78-EM CHA_FAN GND +12V Rotation M3A78-EM Fan Connectors 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
.... DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. PWR_FAN CPU_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND GND +12V Rotation R M3A78-EM CHA_FAN GND +12V Rotation M3A78-EM Fan Connectors 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
User Guide
Page 72
... IDE Combined Mode Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from the Support DVD to a floppy before you install an operating system...
... IDE Combined Mode Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from the Support DVD to a floppy before you install an operating system...
User Guide
Page 73
... JumperFree Configuration Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency/Voltage CPU Overclocking GPU Overclocking PCIE Overclocking [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] CPU Ratio and Voltage Processor Frequency Multiplier Processor Voltage Processor-NB Voltage [Auto] [Auto] ...Memory OverVoltage [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] Select the target CPU frequency, and the relevant parameters will be stable. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-21 Select Screen Select Item +- Frequencies higher than CPU manufacturer recomends are not guaranteed to be auto-adjusted. Scroll...
... JumperFree Configuration Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Configure System Frequency/Voltage CPU Overclocking GPU Overclocking PCIE Overclocking [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] CPU Ratio and Voltage Processor Frequency Multiplier Processor Voltage Processor-NB Voltage [Auto] [Auto] ...Memory OverVoltage [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] Select the target CPU frequency, and the relevant parameters will be stable. ASUS M3A78-EM 2-21 Select Screen Select Item +- Frequencies higher than CPU manufacturer recomends are not guaranteed to be auto-adjusted. Scroll...
User Guide
Page 74
... GPU. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Allows you to to set the processor voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] 2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz] ... processor-NB voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] Processor-NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory clock mode. CPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of the preset overclocking. Select either one of...
... GPU. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Allows you to to set the processor voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] 2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz] ... processor-NB voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] Processor-NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory clock mode. CPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of the preset overclocking. Select either one of...
User Guide
Page 75
...normal operation. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M3A78-EM 2-23 Select Screen Select Item +- Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Change Option... Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Cool 'n' Quiet [Enabled] This option should remain disabled for testing purpose. Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.24 AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1 AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision...
...normal operation. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M3A78-EM 2-23 Select Screen Select Item +- Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Change Option... Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Cool 'n' Quiet [Enabled] This option should remain disabled for testing purpose. Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.24 AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1 AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision...