Asus M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Asus Manuals
  4. Motherboard
  5. M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX
  6. User manual

Asus M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX User Manual

User manual
Hide thumbs Also See for M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

M4A78T-E

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Asus M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX

Summary of Contents for Asus M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX

  • Page 1 M4A78T-E...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Special features..................1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ..................1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ................1-3 1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features ......1-5 Chapter 2: Hardware information Before you proceed ................... 2-1 Motherboard overview ................2-2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout ..................2-2 2.2.2...

  • Page 4: Contents

    3.2.1 ASUS Update utility ................... 3-2 3.2.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk ..............3-4 3.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................3-5 3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ..............3-6 BIOS setup program .................. 3-7 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ..................3-7 3.3.2...
  • Page 5 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ..............4-3 4.3.2 Audio configurations .................. 4-4 4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ..................4-5 4.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate ........4-6 4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite .................... 4-7 4.3.6 ASUS EPU ....................4-8 4.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ...................
  • Page 6 4.3.10 ASUS Turbo Key ..................4-12 RAID configurations ................4-13 4.4.1 RAID definitions ..................4-13 4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..............4-14 4.4.3 RAID configurations............... 4-14 ® Creating a RAID driver disk..............4-20 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ....... 4-20 4.5.2...

  • Page 7: Notices

    Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 8: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 10: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

  • Page 11: M4A78T-E Specifications Summary

    3GB. We recommend using a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows 32-bit OS. ® ** Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists). 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, supporting ATI CrossFireX™ technology, at Expansion slots...
  • Page 12 ASUS Green Design: - ASUS EPU - ASUS AI Nap Express Gate ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heat sink solution - ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Connector - ASUS O.C. Profile...
  • Page 13 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE, Manageability...

  • Page 15: Welcome

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

  • Page 16: Special Features

    Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

  • Page 17: Asus Unique Features

    8+1 Phase Power Design To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU's potential, the ASUS M4 Series motherboards have adopted the brand new 8-phase VRM power design, which delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability. This series’ high quality power components effectively lowers system temperature to ensure longer component lifespan.

  • Page 18: Asus Quiet Thermal Solution

    Q-Fan 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. ASUS Crystal Sound This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording.

  • Page 19: Asus Intelligent Performance And Overclocking Features

    ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC—now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in TurboV provides the best O.C.
  • Page 20 Chapter 1: Product Introduction...

  • Page 21: Before You Proceed

    This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 22: Motherboard Overview

    Motherboard overview 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 23: Layout Contents

    2-30 Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-26 Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-26 Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-29 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-34 Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-30 ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 24: Placement Direction

    2.2.3 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 2.2.4 Screw holes Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

  • Page 25: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90˚ angle. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90˚ angle. Otherwise, the CPU will not fit in completely. ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 26 Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. Gold triangle Small triangle When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU.

  • Page 27: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    Retention module base Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 28 Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket...
  • Page 29 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan. ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 30: System Memory

    System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.

  • Page 31: Memory Configurations

    To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, see section 3.6 Advanced menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. 2-11 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 32 M4A78T-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600 MHz capability DIMM socket Timing support Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Voltage Dimm (Bios) (Optional) A* B* C* G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBPI 4096MB (Kit of 2) DS Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18 • (1333-9-9-9-24) G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ...
  • Page 33 • • KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846C-ZCF8 • • MICRON MT8JTF12864AY-1G1D1 1024MB SS MICRON 7VD22 • • • MICRON MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2048MB DS MICRON 7VD22 • • • Qimonda IMSH1GU03A1F1C-10F 1024MB SS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-10F • • • 2-13 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 34 • C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the orange and black slots as two pairs of dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 35: Installing A Dimm

    DIMM. DIMM notch Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2-15 ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 36: Expansion Slots

    Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

  • Page 37: Interrupt Assignments

    – – shared – – – – USB 2.0 controller – – – shared – – – – HD audio shared – – – – – – – Onboard SATA – – – – shared – – 2-17 ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 38: Pci Slots

    2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

  • Page 39: Clear Rtc Ram

    • Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system. 2-19 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 40 CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the advanced CPU overvoltage setting in BIOS. Read the following information before you change the jumper setting. Set to pins 1-2 to activate the advanced CPU overvoltage feature. OV_CPU Pins 2-3 (Default) up to 1.70V...

  • Page 41: Connectors

    11. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 12. Audio I/O ports * To use hot-plug, set the OnChip SATA Type in the BIOS settings to [AHCI] mode. See section 3.4.2 Storage Configuration for details. 2-21 ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 42: Audio I/O Connections

    LAN port LED indications Left Right Status Left LED Right LED Orange (blinking during 10 Mbps connection data activity) 100 Mbps connection Orange (blinking during data activity) 1 Gbps connection Green (blinking during data activity) LAN port Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Headset 4-channel...
  • Page 43 Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers 2-23 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 44 Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 45: Troubleshooting On Hdtv Overscaling Or Underscaling

    DFP resolution check box. The Scaling Options function of the DTV (HDMI™) 1 item in the ATI CATALYST Control Center is adjustable only when you are using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i. 2-25 ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 46: Internal Connectors

    2.7.3 Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for a floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. •...
  • Page 47 This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices. If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-27 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 48 ® SB750 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk and optical disk drives. If you install SATA hard disk drives to the SATA1–5 connectors, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, ®...
  • Page 49 Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.
  • Page 50 IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) This connector is for a serial (COM) port.
  • Page 51 • Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN 1 and CHA_FAN 2 connectors support the ASUS Q-Fan 2 feature. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment.
  • Page 52 Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.
  • Page 53 The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support. asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. 2-33 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 54 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

  • Page 55: System Panel Connector

    ON turns the system OFF. • Reset button (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power. 2-35 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 56 ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables. To install the ASUS Q-Connector Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin definitions, and then match them to their respective front panel cable labels.

  • Page 57: Starting Up For The First Time

    BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 3.7 Power Menu in Chapter 3 for details. 2-37 ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 58 2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 59: Knowing Bios

    ® ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.

  • Page 60: Asus Update Utility

    3.2.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: ® • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet •...
  • Page 61 Auto Select. Click Next. Next. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file...

  • Page 62: Creating A Bootable Floppy Disk

    3.2.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk Insert a formatted, high density 1.44MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. Follow the instructions based on your system environment. DOS environment a. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>. Windows XP environment ®...

  • Page 63: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    3.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk or a DOS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.

  • Page 64: Asus Crashfree Bios 2 Utility

    3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 65: Bios Setup Program

    For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration Boot For changing the system boot configuration Tools For configuring options for special functions Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 66: Navigation Keys

    3.3.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another. 3.3.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.

  • Page 67: Main Menu

    The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system. ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 68 Type [Auto] Allows you to select the type of IDE drive installed. [Not Installed] Select this option if no IDE drive is installed. [Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type. [CDROM] Select this option if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. [ARMD] Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

  • Page 69: Storage Configuration

    When this item is set to [AHCI], only SATA connectors 1–4 can be detected. Ensure that you’ve installed the AHCI driver, so that you could use SATA connectors 1–5 and E-SATA connector in AHCI mode under OS. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-11...

  • Page 70: System Information

    3.4.3 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the BIOS information, CPU specification, and system memory in this menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main BIOS Information Version : 0202 Build Date: 12/09/08 Processor Type : AMD Phenom(tm) 8600 Triple-Core Processor Speed : 2200MHz System Memory Usable Size : 1024MB Ai Tweaker menu...

  • Page 71: Cpu Ratio

    The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual]. 3.5.7 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] Allows you to select the ratio between NB Clock and the FSB frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] – [3800MHz] [4000MHz] Auto] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] – [3800MHz] [4000MHz] ASUS M4A78T-E 3-13...

  • Page 72: Memory Configuration

    3.5.8 Memory Configuration Ai Tweaker Memory Configuration Enable Bank Memory Interleavng. Bank Interleaving [Auto] Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit] Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Power Down Enable [Disabled] Page Smashing [Disabled] Bank Interleaving [Auto] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]] Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled] Enables unused clocks to DIMMs even if the memory slots are not populated.

  • Page 73: Dram Timing Configuration

    Configuration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] TWRWR [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] – [10 CLK] TRDRD [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] – [10 CLK] ASUS M4A78T-E 3-15...

  • Page 74: Processor Voltage

    TRFC0/TRFC01 [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns] DCT0:CKE drive strength. [Auto] DCT1:CKE drive strength. [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] DCT0:CS/ODT drive strength. [Auto] DCT1:CS/ODT drive strength. [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x] DCT0:Address/Command drive str [Auto] DCT1:Address/Command drive str [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]...

  • Page 75: Cpu Vdda Voltage

    Set to [Enabled] for EMI control. 3.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled] [Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability [Enabled] Set to [Enabled] for EMI control. 3.5.20 SB Clock Spread Spectrum [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables the internal southbridge spread [Enabled] Enables the internal southbridge spread. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-17...

  • Page 76: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit CPU Configuration Configure CPU.

  • Page 77: Chipset

    The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Advanced Chipset Settings Options for NB NorthBridge Configuration RS780D Configuration North Bridge Chipset Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced North Bridge Chipset Configuration Set the ECC options for cache and dram ECC Configuration scrubbing. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-19...

  • Page 78: Ecc Configuration

    ECC Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced ECC Configuration ECC Mode [Disabled] Set the level of ECC DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] protection. Note: The DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] ‘Super’ ECC mode 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled] dynamically sets the DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled] DRAM scrub rate so Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] all of memory is L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] scrubbed in 8 hours. L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] ECC Mode [Disabled] Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors.

  • Page 79: Internal Graphics Configuration

    This item appears only when you enable the GFX Engine Clock Override item.Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 150 to 1500. UMA-SP Interleave Mode [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Coarse] [Fine] ASUS M4A78T-E 3-21...

  • Page 80: Onboard Devices Configuration

    Surround View [Disabled] If you set the PCI Express device as the primary display and enable this item, you may use the internal graphics as the secondary display. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable] FB Location [Above 4G] Configuration options: [Below 4G] [Above 4G] AMD 780 HD Audio [Enable] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable] PCI Express Configuration...

  • Page 81: Usb Configuration

    The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. USB Functions [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers. [Disabled] Disables the controllers. The following items appear only when you set USB Support to [Enabled]. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-23...

  • Page 82: Pcipnp

    Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. [Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). [Disabled] Disables the function.

  • Page 83: Power Menu

    When set to [Disabled], the system disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). [Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-25...

  • Page 84: Apm Configuration

    3.7.5 APM Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power APM Configuration Disabled Power On Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power Off Power On By PME [Disabled] [Disabled] Last State Power On By PS/2 Keyboard PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] [Disabled] Power On By Ring [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off] [Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss. [Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

  • Page 85: Hardware Monitor

    Sets to [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. [Optimal] Sets to [Optimal] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on the CPU temperature. [Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-27...
  • Page 86 Chassis Q-Fan Function [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature. [Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature. Chassis Q-Fan control feature. Q-Fan control feature. The following item appears only when you set Chassis Q-Fan Function to [Enabled]. Quiet Chassis Fan Mode [Silent] [Performance] Sets to [Performance] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

  • Page 87: Boot Menu

    These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [1st FlOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled] ASUS M4A78T-E 3-29...

  • Page 88: Boot Settings Configuration

    Enables the full screen logo display feature. [Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] [Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence.

  • Page 89: Security

    [View Only] Allows access but does not allow change to any field. [Limited] Allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time. [Full Access] Allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility. ASUS M4A78T-E 3-31...
  • Page 90 Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a User Password: Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

  • Page 91: Tools Menu

    3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Check page 3-5, section 3.2.3 for details.

  • Page 92: Asus O.c. Profile

    Express Gate. The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings. 3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools O.C. PROFILE Configuration...
  • Page 93 (POST). It takes 3 to 10 seconds to diagnose the LAN cable. [Disabled] BIOS will not check the Atheros LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). [Enabled] BIOS checks the Atheros LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). ASUS M4A78T-E 3-35...

  • Page 94: Exit Menu

    3.10 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit system setup Exit & Save Changes after saving the Exit & Discard Changes changes. Discard Changes F10 key can be used Load Setup Defaults for this operation.

  • Page 95: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. 4.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD into the optical drive.

  • Page 96: Obtaining The Software Manuals

    4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals. The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files. ®...

  • Page 97: Software Information

    Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software Install Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support DVD. Click Start > All Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet. The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage.

  • Page 98: Audio Configurations

    VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows XP Display panel and volume control Minimize button Configuration options Control settings window Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration. Chapter 4: Software support...

  • Page 99: Asus Pc Probe Ii

    Launching PC Probe II Install PC Probe II from the motherboard support DVD. Launch PC Probe II by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears.

  • Page 100: Asus Express Gate Ssd / Asus Express Gate

    4.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet, Skype, and your pictures. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer, you will be at the Express Gate SSD / Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser, Skype, or other Express Gate SSD / Express Gate applications.

  • Page 101: Asus Ai Suite

    Launching AI Suite Install AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD. Launch AI Suite by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx. xx. The AI Suite main window appears. The AI Suite icon appears in the Windows notification area.

  • Page 102: Asus Epu

    4.3.6 ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving solution. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently adjusts the power in real- time. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the most...

  • Page 103: Asus Q-Fan 2

    4.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efficient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum fan speed.

  • Page 104: Asus Ai Nap

    4.3.8 ASUS AI Nap ASUS AI Nap allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. Using ASUS AI Nap After installing ASUS AI Suite from the...

  • Page 105: Asus Turbov

    • For system stability, all changes made in ASUS TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts.

  • Page 106: Asus Turbo Key

    4.3.10 ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games—with just one touch! Launching ASUS Turbo Key Install ASUS AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD.

  • Page 107: Raid Configurations

    RAID driver from the support DVD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. ASUS M4A78T-E 4-13...

  • Page 108: Installing Serial Ata Hard Disks

    4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration: Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
  • Page 109 Define LD: creates a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration. • Delete LD: deletes a selected RAID set and partition. • Controller Configuration: Shows the system resources configuration. Press <1>, <2>, <3>, or <4> to enter the option you need; press <ESC> to exit the utility. ASUS M4A78T-E 4-15...
  • Page 110 Creating a RAID 0 configuration To create a RAID 0 set: In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] LD No RAID Mode Total Drv LD 1 RAID 0 2...
  • Page 111 LD 2 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 3 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 4 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 5 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 6 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 7 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 8 ---- ---- ---- ---- [ Keys Available ] [↑]Up [↓]Down [ESC]Exit [Enter] Select ASUS M4A78T-E 4-17...
  • Page 112 Creating a RAID 10 configuration To create a RAID 10 set: In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc. [ Define LD Menu ] LD No RAID Mode Total Drv LD 1 RAID 10 4...

  • Page 113: Deleting A Raid Configuration

    ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 4 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 5 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 6 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 7 ---- ---- ---- ---- LD 8 ---- ---- ---- ---- [ Keys Available ] [↑]Up [↓]Down [ESC]Exit [Del or Alt+D] Delete ASUS M4A78T-E 4-19...

  • Page 114: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows XP operating system ® on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows Vista™ operating system, use either the motherboard support DVD or a USB ®...

  • Page 115: Ati ® Crossfirex™ Technology Support

    For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. For Windows Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features. Select your current graphics card drivers. For Windows XP, select Add/Remove. For Windows Vista, select Uninstall. Turn off your computer. ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 116: Installing Crossfirex™ Graphics Cards

    5.1.3 Installing CrossFireX™ graphics cards • Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system. • We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment. • Install only the identical CrossFireX-ready graphics cards that are ATI -certified.

  • Page 117: Installing The Device Drivers

    Launching the ATI Catalyst Control Center To launch the ATI Catalyst Control Center Right-click on the Windows desktop and select Catalyst(TM) Control Center. You ® can also right-click the ATI icon in the Windows notification area and select Cayalyst Control Center. ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 118 The Catalyst Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system detects the existance of multi-graphics cards. Click Go to continue to the Catalyst Control Center Advanced View window. Enabling CrossFireX technology In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX > Configure.

  • Page 119: Ati ® Hybrid Crossfirex

    Internal Graphics Configuration Options Internal Graphics Mode [UMA+SIDEPORT] Disable UMA Frame Buffer Size [256MB] UMA SIDEPORT Clock Speed [667MHz] SIDEPORT SIDEPORT Voltage [Auto] UMA+SIDEPORT GFX Engine Clock Override [Disable] UMA-SP Interleave Mode [Auto] Surround View [Enabled] FB Location [Above 4G] AMD 780 HD Audio [Enable] Press <F10> to save the changes and exit BIOS settings. Select OK to confirm. ASUS M4A78T-E...

  • Page 120: Installing Amd Chipset Driver

    5.2.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver To install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology: Insert the Support DVD that comes with your motherboard into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer. If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder.
  • Page 121 Click OK. The onboard graphics card is set to be the main monitor. If you are using both an add-on and the on-board graphics cards at same time and want to set the onboard graphics card as your main monitor, follow the instructions on the next page. ASUS M4A78T-E...
  • Page 122 Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card. From the ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center screen, click Display Manager > Graphics Adapter. Select ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics [Gabbs, G HW173]. Click OK, and then Yes from the confirmation window.

Table of Contents