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...-bit operating system. Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 (1080P) Supports DVI-D (HDCP compliant) with max. resolution up to 2560x1600@60Hz dual-link Supports RGB with max. M4A78-EM specifications summary CPU Chipset Front side bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors Compatible...
...-bit operating system. Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU Supports HDMI™ with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 (1080P) Supports DVI-D (HDCP compliant) with max. resolution up to 2560x1600@60Hz dual-link Supports RGB with max. M4A78-EM specifications summary CPU Chipset Front side bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors Compatible...
User Manual
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...; 3.0-based system bus. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology This motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet technology which support Hybrid CrossFireX™. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction It features the future mainstream Hybrid CrossFire technology that you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the ASUS official Memory Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL). Hybrid CrossFireX™ support ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance with an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card. •...
...; 3.0-based system bus. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology This motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet technology which support Hybrid CrossFireX™. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction It features the future mainstream Hybrid CrossFire technology that you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the ASUS official Memory Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL). Hybrid CrossFireX™ support ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology greatly boosts graphics performance with an onboard GPU and a discrete graphics card. •...
User Manual
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... onboard LAN controller is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that gives you can instantly surf the Internet without entering the Windows® OS. ASUS MyLogo2™ Turn your system. The external SATA port provides smart setup and hot-plug functions for high-speed data retrieval and save. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting...
... onboard LAN controller is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that gives you can instantly surf the Internet without entering the Windows® OS. ASUS MyLogo2™ Turn your system. The external SATA port provides smart setup and hot-plug functions for high-speed data retrieval and save. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting...
User Manual
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... ASUS M4A78-EM 1-7 SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) 1-11 12. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-23 15. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-28 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-22 10. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 7. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-8 11. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 6. DDR2 DIMM slots 5. CPU, power, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN...
... ASUS M4A78-EM 1-7 SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, SATA6) 1-11 12. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-23 15. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-28 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-22 10. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 7. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-8 11. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 6. DDR2 DIMM slots 5. CPU, power, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN...
User Manual
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... limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. The system maps the total size of 256 megabits (Mb) chips or less. The motherboard supports up of the lower-sized channel for better performance. M4A78-EM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2...
... limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. The system maps the total size of 256 megabits (Mb) chips or less. The motherboard supports up of the lower-sized channel for better performance. M4A78-EM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2...
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...Chip NO. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at 800Mhz frequency by default for system stability. • The default DIMM frequency depends on the next page) Chip Brand VDATA ADATA N/A VDATA N/A Apacer Apacer Apacer Apacer Corsair Corsair Corsair N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL N/A DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C ··· 1-13 SS/DS CL Chip NO. DIMM socket Chip Brand support (Optional...SKILL 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 4096MB G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL ASUS M4A78-EM Part No.
...Chip NO. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at 800Mhz frequency by default for system stability. • The default DIMM frequency depends on the next page) Chip Brand VDATA ADATA N/A VDATA N/A Apacer Apacer Apacer Apacer Corsair Corsair Corsair N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL N/A DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C ··· 1-13 SS/DS CL Chip NO. DIMM socket Chip Brand support (Optional...SKILL 1024MB 1024MB 2048MB 2048MB 4096MB G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL ASUS M4A78-EM Part No.
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... a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the screw you intend to do not need to the card. 3. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. ASUS M4A78-EM 1-17 Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it and make the necessary hardware settings for...
... a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the screw you intend to do not need to the card. 3. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. ASUS M4A78-EM 1-17 Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it and make the necessary hardware settings for...
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..., or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. ASUS M4A78-EM 1-19 This port is for the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 10. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 2. This port connects to the side speakers in the 8-channel audio configuration. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to the rear speakers in the 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). LAN (RJ-45) port. This port connects to a microphone. 11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. Refer...
..., or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. ASUS M4A78-EM 1-19 This port is for the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 10. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 2. This port connects to the side speakers in the 8-channel audio configuration. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to the rear speakers in the 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). LAN (RJ-45) port. This port connects to a microphone. 11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. Refer...
User Manual
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... for the Serial ATA signal cables for a serial (COM) port. See 2.3.4 SATA Configuration for details. 5. Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA. • For detailed instructions on RAID configurations, refer to the RAID manual in the Support DVD. • If you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations through the onboard SB700 chipset. If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to a slot opening at...
... for the Serial ATA signal cables for a serial (COM) port. See 2.3.4 SATA Configuration for details. 5. Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA. • For detailed instructions on RAID configurations, refer to the RAID manual in the Support DVD. • If you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations through the onboard SB700 chipset. If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the OnChip SATA Type item in the BIOS to a slot opening at...
User Manual
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... DVD. ASUS M4A78-EM 1-29 Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com for better compatibility and system stability. 1.11.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers...
... DVD. ASUS M4A78-EM 1-29 Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com for better compatibility and system stability. 1.11.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers...
User Manual
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..., and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is available in the support DVD that allows you update the BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using this utility. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update. 3. ASUS M4A78-EM 2-1 Place the support DVD into...
..., and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is available in the support DVD that allows you update the BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using this utility. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update. 3. ASUS M4A78-EM 2-1 Place the support DVD into...
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... Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C:\ C: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [V] Drive Info [ESC] Exit • Enter the BIOS setup program. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways: • Press + during POST to enable it. 2. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you start using...
... Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C:\ C: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [V] Drive Info [ESC] Exit • Enter the BIOS setup program. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways: • Press + during POST to enable it. 2. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you start using...
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For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items on the screen. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.40 AGESA Version: 3.3.1.0 AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision: F2 Cache L1: :128KB Cache L2 :128KB Cache L3 N/A: Options Speed: 1800MHz Disabled HT Frequency: 800MHz Enabled Current FSB Multiplier: 9x Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x Able to display a list of options. ASUS M4A78-EM 2-7 You cannot select an item that the item...
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items on the screen. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.40 AGESA Version: 3.3.1.0 AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision: F2 Cache L1: :128KB Cache L2 :128KB Cache L3 N/A: Options Speed: 1800MHz Disabled HT Frequency: 800MHz Enabled Current FSB Multiplier: 9x Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x Able to display a list of options. ASUS M4A78-EM 2-7 You cannot select an item that the item...
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... MO drive. These values are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. Setting this item to display the IDE/SATA device information. Select [CDROM] if you an overview of the appropriate IDE device type. 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you are not user-configurable. Select Screen Select Item +- Select a device item then press to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the basic system information. Type [Auto] Selects the type of IDE/SATA devices. Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM...
... MO drive. These values are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. Setting this item to display the IDE/SATA device information. Select [CDROM] if you an overview of the appropriate IDE device type. 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you are not user-configurable. Select Screen Select Item +- Select a device item then press to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the basic system information. Type [Auto] Selects the type of IDE/SATA devices. Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM...
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... Type. ASUS M4A78-EM 2-9 Setting this item to display the submenu. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Select an item then press to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this item is set , copy the RAID driver from the Support DVD to a USB flash disk before you an overview of the general system specifications. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive...
... Type. ASUS M4A78-EM 2-9 Setting this item to display the submenu. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Select an item then press to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this item is set , copy the RAID driver from the Support DVD to a USB flash disk before you an overview of the general system specifications. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI] If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive...
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...Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] [Overclock Profile] [Test Mode] GPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz] [x9.0 1800MHz] CPU Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to configure overclocking of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Main Advanced Advanced Settings Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration...
...Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] [Overclock Profile] [Test Mode] GPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz] [x9.0 1800MHz] CPU Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to configure overclocking of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Main Advanced Advanced Settings Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration...
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... to enable the channel memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] Internal Graphics Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] Configuration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI] GFX0:VGA port on a graphics card inserted into a PCIe x16 slot GPP: VGA port on a graphics card inserted into a PCIe x1 slot IGFX: Onboard VGA port PCI: VGA port on a graphics card inserted into a PCI slot UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] 2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS...
... to enable the channel memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] Internal Graphics Primary Video Controller [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] Configuration options: [GFX0-GPP-IGFX-PCI] [GPP-GFX0-IGFX-PCI] [PCI-GFX0-GPP-IGFX] [IGFX-GFX0-GPP-PCI] GFX0:VGA port on a graphics card inserted into a PCIe x16 slot GPP: VGA port on a graphics card inserted into a PCIe x1 slot IGFX: Onboard VGA port PCI: VGA port on a graphics card inserted into a PCI slot UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] 2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS...
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... Port mode. AMD 780 HD Audio [Enabled] Allows you install an ATI graphics card into the PCIe x16 slot. Configuration options: [HDMI Output] [SPDIF Output] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A78-EM 2-13 Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the high definition audio controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled...
... Port mode. AMD 780 HD Audio [Enabled] Allows you install an ATI graphics card into the PCIe x16 slot. Configuration options: [HDMI Output] [SPDIF Output] OnBoard LAN Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M4A78-EM 2-13 Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] HDAudio Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the high definition audio controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled...
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... USB-related features. When set to display the configuration options. The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard drives. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is detected, the item shows None. Take caution when changing the settings of USB devices at startup. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode...
... USB-related features. When set to display the configuration options. The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard drives. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is detected, the item shows None. Take caution when changing the settings of USB devices at startup. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode...
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... Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). Configuration options: [No] [Reset] When setting this item to [Reset], ensure to save the setting to the BIOS so that provides quick access to stay at the Express Gate's first screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data [Auto] [10 Seconds] [No] Press ENTER to run the utility to enable or disable the ASUS Express...
... Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). Configuration options: [No] [Reset] When setting this item to [Reset], ensure to save the setting to the BIOS so that provides quick access to stay at the Express Gate's first screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data [Auto] [10 Seconds] [No] Press ENTER to run the utility to enable or disable the ASUS Express...