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Contents Notices...vi Safety information...vii About this guide...vii M4A78-EM/1394 specifications summary...ix Chapter 1: 1.1 1.2 1.3 Welcome!...1-1 Package contents...1-1 Special features...1-1 1.3.1 1.3.2 Product highlights...1-1 Innovative ASUS features...1-3 Product introduction 1.4 1.5 Before you proceed...1-5 Motherboard overview...1-6 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 1.5.4 1.6.1 1.6.2 1.7.1 1.7.2 1.7.3 1.7.4 1.8.1 1.8.2 1.8.3 1.8.4 1.8.5... Expansion slots...1-17 1.9 1.10 Jumpers...1-18 Connectors...1-19 1.10.1 1.10.2 Rear panel ports...1-19 Internal connectors...1-22 iii
Contents Notices...vi Safety information...vii About this guide...vii M4A78-EM/1394 specifications summary...ix Chapter 1: 1.1 1.2 1.3 Welcome!...1-1 Package contents...1-1 Special features...1-1 1.3.1 1.3.2 Product highlights...1-1 Innovative ASUS features...1-3 Product introduction 1.4 1.5 Before you proceed...1-5 Motherboard overview...1-6 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 1.5.4 1.6.1 1.6.2 1.7.1 1.7.2 1.7.3 1.7.4 1.8.1 1.8.2 1.8.3 1.8.4 1.8.5... Expansion slots...1-17 1.9 1.10 Jumpers...1-18 Connectors...1-19 1.10.1 1.10.2 Rear panel ports...1-19 Internal connectors...1-22 iii
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M4A78-EM/1394 specifications summary Expansion slots Storage / RAID 1 x PCIe x16 slot 1 x PCIe x1 slot 2 x PCI slots AMD® SB710 southbridge: - 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 connector - 5 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations (for Windows® Vista only) - 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port supports JBOD Realtek® ALC887 High Definition Audio 8-channel CODEC Supports...
M4A78-EM/1394 specifications summary Expansion slots Storage / RAID 1 x PCIe x16 slot 1 x PCIe x1 slot 2 x PCI slots AMD® SB710 southbridge: - 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 connector - 5 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations (for Windows® Vista only) - 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port supports JBOD Realtek® ALC887 High Definition Audio 8-channel CODEC Supports...
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M4A78-EM/1394 specifications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 1 x LPT connector 1 x IEEE 1394a connector 5 x SATA connectors 1 x High definition front panel audio connector 1 x CD audio-in connector... WfM2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS LiveUpdate Utility Anti-Virus software (OEM version) MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm) BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form factor...
M4A78-EM/1394 specifications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 1 x LPT connector 1 x IEEE 1394a connector 5 x SATA connectors 1 x High definition front panel audio connector 1 x CD audio-in connector... WfM2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS LiveUpdate Utility Anti-Virus software (OEM version) MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.4 cm x 24.4 cm) BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form factor...
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...and save. The external SATA port provides smart setup and hot-plug functions for easy data backup to USB drives only. • Express Gate complies with an ACPI management function to http://support.asus.com for Express Gate source codes. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-3 It is enhanced with the...users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS Express Gate Express Gate is a unique OS built into the motherboard. Refer to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems. Serial...
...and save. The external SATA port provides smart setup and hot-plug functions for easy data backup to USB drives only. • Express Gate complies with an ACPI management function to http://support.asus.com for Express Gate source codes. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-3 It is enhanced with the...users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS Express Gate Express Gate is a unique OS built into the motherboard. Refer to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems. Serial...
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1.5 1.5.1 Motherboard overview Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT overtighten the screws! Screw holes Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Place eight screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis.
1.5 1.5.1 Motherboard overview Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis. 1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT overtighten the screws! Screw holes Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Place eight screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis.
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... (10-1 pin IE1394_1) 2. CPU, power, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, and 3-pin CHA_FAN) 6. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 9. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-25 1-23 1-8 1-11 1-22 1-23 1-22 1-24 1-... DIMM slots 5. SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) 13. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-7 CPU Socket AM2+ 4.
... (10-1 pin IE1394_1) 2. CPU, power, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, and 3-pin CHA_FAN) 6. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 9. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-25 1-23 1-8 1-11 1-22 1-23 1-22 1-24 1-... DIMM slots 5. SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) 13. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-7 CPU Socket AM2+ 4.
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... Network (LAN) through a network hub. Line In port (light blue). Microphone port (pink). 1.10 1.10.1 Connectors Rear panel ports 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. This port allows Gigabit connection to the rear speakers in the 8-channel audio configuration. 10. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-19 This 15-pin port is for USB 2.0 devices. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status OFF...
... Network (LAN) through a network hub. Line In port (light blue). Microphone port (pink). 1.10 1.10.1 Connectors Rear panel ports 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. This port allows Gigabit connection to the rear speakers in the 8-channel audio configuration. 10. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-19 This 15-pin port is for USB 2.0 devices. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status OFF...
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... Out Ensure the audio device of sound playback is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray, and other protected content. 16. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray, and other protected content.... 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction This port is for any DVI-D compatible device and is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start >...
... Out Ensure the audio device of sound playback is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray, and other protected content. 16. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray, and other protected content.... 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction This port is for any DVI-D compatible device and is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start >...
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USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-21 These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are supported on your motherboard: Dual display outputs DVI + D-Sub DVI + HDMI HDMI + D-Sub Supported Not supported • During POST, only the monitor connected to ... x 1080p 1280 x 1080p File format Non-protected clips HD-DVD Blu-Ray • To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray disc, ensure to the D-Sub port has display. The dual display function works only under Windows.
USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-21 These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are supported on your motherboard: Dual display outputs DVI + D-Sub DVI + HDMI HDMI + D-Sub Supported Not supported • During POST, only the monitor connected to ... x 1080p 1280 x 1080p File format Non-protected clips HD-DVD Blu-Ray • To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray disc, ensure to the D-Sub port has display. The dual display function works only under Windows.
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... (COM1) is for a serial (COM) port. DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Only the CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT forget to connect... the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2. Power, CPU, and chassis fan connectors ...
... (COM1) is for a serial (COM) port. DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Only the CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature. 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT forget to connect... the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2. Power, CPU, and chassis fan connectors ...
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... with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional devices. These connectors are designed to connect the 4-pin ATX12V power plug. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-23 LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as IEEE 1284, which is inadequate. 4....supply are for an ATX power supply. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. 3. LPT is standardized...
... with more power-consuming devices or when you intend to install additional devices. These connectors are designed to connect the 4-pin ATX12V power plug. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-23 LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as IEEE 1284, which is inadequate. 4....supply are for an ATX power supply. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. 3. LPT is standardized...
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... at the back of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-25 The data transfer rate of the system chassis. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) Never connect a USB cable to [RAID]. If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you...
... at the back of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-25 The data transfer rate of the system chassis. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) Never connect a USB cable to [RAID]. If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you...
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USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) Never connect a 1394 cable to a slot opening at the back of these connectors, then install the module to the USB connectors. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-26 ...Chapter 1: Product introduction 8. Connect the USB module cable to any of the system chassis. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 9. These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. This connector allows you to 480Mbps connection speed. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to receive stereo audio input from sound...
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) Never connect a 1394 cable to a slot opening at the back of these connectors, then install the module to the USB connectors. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-26 ...Chapter 1: Product introduction 8. Connect the USB module cable to any of the system chassis. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 9. These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. This connector allows you to 480Mbps connection speed. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to receive stereo audio input from sound...
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... Configuration for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to configure the setting. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-27 Ensure that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. By default, this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS...
... Configuration for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to configure the setting. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 1-27 Ensure that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. By default, this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS...
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... to the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of updating itself through the Internet. b. a. The ASUS Update utility is capable of these two ways: • Press + during POST to display the following: ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.36 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M4A78-EM-1394 VER: 0303 (H:00...
... to the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of updating itself through the Internet. b. a. The ASUS Update utility is capable of these two ways: • Press + during POST to display the following: ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.36 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M4A78-EM-1394 VER: 0303 (H:00...
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...• Only a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition supports ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 2-3 Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. 2.1.3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is found ! Bad BIOS checksum. Completed. The utility displays the following ... BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD or a USB flash disk that allows you to the optical disk drive or a USB port. otherwise, the utility will not function. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...Checking for this utility. • Always connect the...
...• Only a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition supports ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 2-3 Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. 2.1.3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is found ! Bad BIOS checksum. Completed. The utility displays the following ... BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD or a USB flash disk that allows you to the optical disk drive or a USB port. otherwise, the utility will not function. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...Checking for this utility. • Always connect the...
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... [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.4.5 The PCI PnP menu items allow you to enable or disable the onboard 1394 device support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Allows you to set the ... Port base addresses. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for boot. PCI PnP Plug and Play O/S [No] When set the SPDIF_OUT mode. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 ...
... [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.4.5 The PCI PnP menu items allow you to enable or disable the onboard 1394 device support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Allows you to set the ... Port base addresses. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for boot. PCI PnP Plug and Play O/S [No] When set the SPDIF_OUT mode. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] ASUS M4A78-EM/1394 ...