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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...
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...
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... product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that all power cables from the existing system before you detect any area... devices are unplugged before using , contact your retailer. If you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your local power company. • If the power supply is broken...
... product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that all power cables from the existing system before you detect any area... devices are unplugged before using , contact your retailer. If you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your local power company. • If the power supply is broken...
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... contains the information you have been added by your dealer. It includes description of the standard package. 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. viii ... support CD/DVD that may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that comes with the motherboard package. • Appendix This chapter describes how to the ASUS contact information. 2. Refer to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows Vista OS. This chapter also ...
... contains the information you have been added by your dealer. It includes description of the standard package. 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. viii ... support CD/DVD that may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that comes with the motherboard package. • Appendix This chapter describes how to the ASUS contact information. 2. Refer to enable ATI Hybrid CrossFireX under Windows Vista OS. This chapter also ...
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...32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. resolution up to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. (continued on the next page) M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. resolution up to 2456 x 1536 @75Hz Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology (For Windows... slots Supports PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU Supports maximum shared memory up to www.asus.com or user manual for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to 2560 x 1600 @60Hz Supports D-Sub with max.
...32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. resolution up to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. (continued on the next page) M3A78-EM specifications summary CPU. resolution up to 2456 x 1536 @75Hz Supports Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology (For Windows... slots Supports PCI Express™ 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU Supports maximum shared memory up to www.asus.com or user manual for one DIMM per channel only. ** Refer to 2560 x 1600 @60Hz Supports D-Sub with max.
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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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... it , check the items in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! 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...
... it , check the items in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! 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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Technology. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / . 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 2MB / 1MB / ...3D performance. See page 1-12 for details. 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 overclocking capabilities with hardware acceleration of H.264, VC1 and Mpeg2...
Technology. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / . 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 2MB / 1MB / ...3D performance. See page 1-12 for details. 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 overclocking capabilities with hardware acceleration of H.264, VC1 and Mpeg2...
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... via a single cable and is supported by Windows Vista® OS only. • Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which enhances system performance. DDR2 memory support This motherboard is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to www....asus.com for digital display devices like LCD monitors. Hybrid CrossFireX ATI new technology Hybrid CrossFireX greatly boosts ...
... via a single cable and is supported by Windows Vista® OS only. • Refer to www.asus.com for the discrete graphics GPU QVL which enhances system performance. DDR2 memory support This motherboard is supported by AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to www....asus.com for digital display devices like LCD monitors. Hybrid CrossFireX ATI new technology Hybrid CrossFireX greatly boosts ...
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... depth and improves digital display connectivity. See pages 1-27, 1-35 and 2-27 for details. DisplayPort This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard DisplayPort. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on your PC! Backwards compatible with an ACPI management function to provide... chipset limitation, DisplayPort on -board LAN controller is the latest connectivity standard for five onboard SATA connectors. Gigabit LAN solution The on this motherboard only supports video signals. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-
... depth and improves digital display connectivity. See pages 1-27, 1-35 and 2-27 for details. DisplayPort This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard DisplayPort. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on your PC! Backwards compatible with an ACPI management function to provide... chipset limitation, DisplayPort on -board LAN controller is the latest connectivity standard for five onboard SATA connectors. Gigabit LAN solution The on this motherboard only supports video signals. ASUS M3A78-EM 1-
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...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 hardware configurations...friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before installing and using ASUS Express Gate. • Currently, ASUS Express Gate does not support PATA IDE HDDs. It's a unique motherboard built-in the BIOS to [SATA] before leaving your pictures without entering Windows at ...
...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 hardware configurations...friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before installing and using ASUS Express Gate. • Currently, ASUS Express Gate does not support PATA IDE HDDs. It's a unique motherboard built-in the BIOS to [SATA] before leaving your pictures without entering Windows at ...
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...You can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. See page 2-6 for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- To wake the system and return to the motherboard. Simply press the predefined hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without preparing a bootable diskette or ...using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to ...
...You can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. See page 2-6 for details. ASUS M3A78-EM 1- To wake the system and return to the motherboard. Simply press the predefined hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without preparing a bootable diskette or ...using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to ...
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..., and other background noises then eliminates it in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom 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 case the system hangs due to open the system...
..., and other background noises then eliminates it in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom 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 case the system hangs due to open the system...
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...before removing or plugging in soft-off or the power cord is a reminder 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- 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. Failure to do so ... on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with a standby power LED that lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before you install...
...before removing or plugging in soft-off or the power cord is a reminder 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- 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. Failure to do so ... on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with a standby power LED that lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before you install...
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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 The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards. Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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 The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards. Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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.... Ensure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. 1. The CPU fits in completely. 1-12 ... The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2+/AM2 socket. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor. R M3A78...
.... Ensure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. 1. The CPU fits in completely. 1-12 ... The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2+/AM2 socket. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor. R M3A78...
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3. The lever clicks on the motherboard. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to indicate that it fits in place. Hardware monitoring errors can occur ... 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 Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the...
3. The lever clicks on the motherboard. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to indicate that it fits in place. Hardware monitoring errors can occur ... 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 Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the...
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..., making sure that a Thermal Interface Material 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 the heatsink fits properly on the retention... module base. • The retention module base 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...
..., making sure that a Thermal Interface Material 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 the heatsink fits properly on the retention... module base. • The retention module base 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...
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1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 Populated - Populated DIMM_B2 - - - The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2 128 Pins 112 Pins R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel...
1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 Populated - Populated DIMM_B2 - - - The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2 128 Pins 112 Pins R M3A78-EM M3A78-EM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel...
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...DIMM_B1 for dual channel mode. Important notice on each slot. 64-bit Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition Windows® Vista x64 Edition ASUS M3A78-EM 1-17 The excess over 3GB of 2 GB DIMMs on installing Windows® Vista / XP 32-bit version • If you are...: - install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in all four sockets OR - The motherboard can not use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for better overclocking capability. • For dual-channel configuration (2), you install only a maximum of physical memory ...
...DIMM_B1 for dual channel mode. Important notice on each slot. 64-bit Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition Windows® Vista x64 Edition ASUS M3A78-EM 1-17 The excess over 3GB of 2 GB DIMMs on installing Windows® Vista / XP 32-bit version • If you are...: - install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in all four sockets OR - The motherboard can not use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for better overclocking capability. • For dual-channel configuration (2), you install only a maximum of physical memory ...