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
... About this guide is organized This guide contains the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows Vista OS. This chapter also lists the hardware...
... About this guide is organized This guide contains the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows Vista OS. This chapter also lists the hardware...
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 ...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 DVI port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x 1394 port 1 x ESATA port 1 x DisplayPort 1 x RJ45 port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a, ASUS...
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 ...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 DVI port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x 1394 port 1 x ESATA port 1 x DisplayPort 1 x RJ45 port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a, ASUS...
User Guide
Page 18
...Set the OnChip SATA Type item in OS. Q-Fan The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. It's a unique motherboard built-in the BIOS to [SATA] before leaving your pictures without entering Windows at... keep in touch with independent power to core components, while providing fast transient response and stability for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates. 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...
...Set the OnChip SATA Type item in OS. Q-Fan The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. It's a unique motherboard built-in the BIOS to [SATA] before leaving your pictures without entering Windows at... keep in touch with independent power to core components, while providing fast transient response and stability for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates. 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...
User Guide
Page 19
... OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 1-42 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to suit your BIOS easily without entering the OS. Update your needs. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details. ...ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. You can continue running at most. This unique module eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable one at a time, making connection quick and accurate. Simply press the predefined hotkey to the motherboard. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- ASUS Q-Connector ASUS...
... OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 1-42 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to suit your BIOS easily without entering the OS. Update your needs. See page 2-8 and 2-38 for details. ...ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. You can continue running at most. This unique module eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable one at a time, making connection quick and accurate. Simply press the predefined hotkey to the motherboard. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- ASUS Q-Connector ASUS...
User Guide
Page 20
... the system chassis and clear the RTC data. eliminates the need to overclocking failure, C.P.R. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. ASUS O.C. 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 conveniently store or load multiple...
... the system chassis and clear the RTC data. eliminates the need to overclocking failure, C.P.R. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. ASUS O.C. 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 conveniently store or load multiple...
User Guide
Page 33
...to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card... the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you intend to use . 4. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-21 See Chapter 2 for the card. 2. Refer to install expansion cards. Secure the card to the card. The following sub...
...to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card... the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you intend to use . 4. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-21 See Chapter 2 for the card. 2. Refer to install expansion cards. Secure the card to the card. The following sub...
User Guide
Page 36
...the Surround View item in the BIOS. The photo shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. • The Surroundview function works only when you install an ATI graphics card on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards... function supports up to four monitors, two from the onboard VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports, with the other two from the VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply ...
...the Surround View item in the BIOS. The photo shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. • The Surroundview function works only when you install an ATI graphics card on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards... function supports up to four monitors, two from the onboard VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports, with the other two from the VGA and DVI-D/HDMI out ports on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply ...
User Guide
Page 37
Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM ... Normal (Default) Clear RTC You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to re-enter data. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 You can automatically reset parameter settings to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system...Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 6. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! 1.9 Jumpers 1.
Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM ... Normal (Default) Clear RTC You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to re-enter data. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-25 You can automatically reset parameter settings to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system...Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 6. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! 1.9 Jumpers 1.
User Guide
Page 40
... the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS to [Enabled] to the external SATA port. This port connects a display monitor or a home-theater system. • Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on card. This port is for details. 18. This port connects to support an add-on this motherboard only supports video signals. •...
... the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS to [Enabled] to the external SATA port. This port connects a display monitor or a home-theater system. • Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on card. This port is for details. 18. This port connects to support an add-on this motherboard only supports video signals. •...
User Guide
Page 43
...GND 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... If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to the SATA5 or SATA6. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-31 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal...
...GND 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... If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to the SATA5 or SATA6. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-31 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal...
User Guide
Page 47
...AC`97 front panel audio module to configure the setting. 10. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-35 Azalia-compliant Legacy ACʼ97-compliant pin definition pin definition AGND NC NC NC... AGND PRESENSE# MIC2_JD HP_HD R M3A78-EM AAFP MIC2_L 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...module 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 a high-definition front panel audio module...
...AC`97 front panel audio module to configure the setting. 10. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-35 Azalia-compliant Legacy ACʼ97-compliant pin definition pin definition AGND NC NC NC... AGND PRESENSE# MIC2_JD HP_HD R M3A78-EM AAFP MIC2_L 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...module 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 a high-definition front panel audio module...
User Guide
Page 50
... PLED+ PLED+5V Ground Ground Speaker IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- The speaker allows you turn on the BIOS settings. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. 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...
... PLED+ PLED+5V Ground Ground Speaker IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- The speaker allows you turn on the BIOS settings. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. 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...
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
... then select My Computer. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. Do either one of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in DOS mode using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 1. Click Start from the menu, then select ...44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. d. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a bootable floppy disk. 2. Windows® XP environment a. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in case you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. Save a copy of the following utilities allow ...
... then select My Computer. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. Do either one of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in DOS mode using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 1. Click Start from the menu, then select ...44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. d. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a bootable floppy disk. 2. Windows® XP environment a. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in case you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. Save a copy of the following utilities allow ...
User Guide
Page 55
...protected and has at least 1.2 MB free space to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: • Make sure that you to the bootable floppy disk. ...the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. ASUS M3A78-EM 2- c. Windows® Vista environment a. e. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during...
...protected and has at least 1.2 MB free space to save the file. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: • Make sure that you to the bootable floppy disk. ...the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. ASUS M3A78-EM 2- c. Windows® Vista environment a. e. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during...
User Guide
Page 56
... to file...... Visit the ASUS website at the DOS prompt. 2. Press . Version 1.19 (ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. Write the BIOS filename on the bootable floppy disk. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to the bootable...The utility copies the current BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Save the BIOS file to the floppy disk. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to type the exact BIOS filename at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the extension ...
... to file...... Visit the ASUS website at the DOS prompt. 2. Press . Version 1.19 (ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. Write the BIOS filename on the bootable floppy disk. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to the bootable...The utility copies the current BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Save the BIOS file to the floppy disk. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard Support DVD to type the exact BIOS filename at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file for the extension ...
User Guide
Page 57
... Utility - The utility returns to prevent system boot failure! 5. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive. done Advance Check ...... done Please restart your computer A:\> ASUS M3A78-EM 2- done Writing flash ...... The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. Do not turn off power during flash...
... Utility - The utility returns to prevent system boot failure! 5. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive. done Advance Check ...... done Please restart your computer A:\> ASUS M3A78-EM 2- done Writing flash ...... The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. Do not turn off power during flash...
User Guide
Page 58
... and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Starting BIOS recovery... Completed. Bad BIOS checksum. Bad BIOS checksum. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD , the floppy disk...
... and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Starting BIOS recovery... Completed. Bad BIOS checksum. Bad BIOS checksum. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD , the floppy disk...
User Guide
Page 59
... the BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. Starting BIOS recovery... Floppy not found ! The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk To recover the BIOS from the Support DVD: 1. Turn on the system. 2. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. ASUS M3A78-EM...
... the BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. Starting BIOS recovery... Floppy not found ! The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk To recover the BIOS from the Support DVD: 1. Turn on the system. 2. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. ASUS M3A78-EM...