Asus M3A78-T manual

Motherboard M3A78-T[...]

ii E4018 Second Edition July 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchase[...]

iii Contents Contents ...................................................................................................... iii Notices ........................................................................................................ vii Safety information .................................................................................... [...]

iv Contents 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) .................................... 2-16 2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white) ....... 2-16 2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-18 2.7 Connectors .....................................................................[...]

v 4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-16 4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-17 4.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration ............................................. 4-17 4.4.2 AI NET 2....................................................................[...]

vi 5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7 5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ........................................................... 5-9 5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology ..................................[...]

vii 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. This equipment has [...]

viii Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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 a[...]

ix About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: Hardware informatio[...]

x Conventions used in this guide T o make sure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase. <Key> Key s encl osed i n the less- than a nd gre ater-t han s ign mea ns tha t you [...]

xi M3A78-T specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU AMD ® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD ® Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ T echnology Supports CPU TDP up to 140W Chipset AMD ® 790GX + SB750 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperT ransport™ 3.0 interface for AM2+ CPU 2000 / 1600 MT/s f[...]

xii High Denition audio Realtek ® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition audio CODEC - Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O IEEE 1394 LSI ® FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 at mid-board; 1 on the rear panel) USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 6 on the rear panel) ASUS unique features ASUS Express Ga[...]

xiii M3A78-T specications summary specications summary Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port 1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical) 1 x HDMI Out 1 x DVI Out 1 x D-Sub 1 x External SA T A 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 8-channel audio I/O Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x F[...]

xiv[...]

1 Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.[...]

ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 1-1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® M3A78-T motherboard! 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 b[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights 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’ he[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 1-3 AMD ® Hybrid CrossFireX T echnology Hybrid CrossFireX T echnology is a unique multi-GPU technology combining the onboard GPU and the discrete graphics card together to enhance 3D graphics performance. Visit www .amd.com for the Hybrid CrossreX selected GPUs. HDMI/DVI/D-Sub Interface HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) [...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction S/PDIF digital sound ready This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the coaxial S/PDIF (SONY -PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out jack. It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and therefore well preserves signal quality . High De?[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 1-5 AI Nap With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away . T o wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key . Q-Fan 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure [...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility . Simply press the predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based ash utility . ASUS MyLogo 2™ This feature allows y[...]

2 Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.[...]

ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6 2.4 System memory ...................[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-1 Onboard LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. 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 loca[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it. 2.2.1 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 [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-3 2.2.3 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2.4 Layout contents Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-1 1 2. PCI slots 2-16 3. PCI Express x1 slot 2-16 4. PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) 2-16 5. Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white) 2-16 Jumper Page Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLR TC) 2-18 Rear panel connectors Page 1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port 2-1[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-5 Internal connectors Page 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-23 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-24 3. Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-5) 2-25 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1 1 12) USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1 1 12) 2-26 5. IEEE 1394 a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) IEE[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3.1 Installing the CPU T o install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD socket de[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-7 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place. 5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD ® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires a Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires a processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. T o install [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-9 2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the he[...]

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. • 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[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-1 1 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.4.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Congurations • Y ou may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-13 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM T o install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2.4.4 Re[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.5 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. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-15 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard function 0 1 System T imer 1 2 Keyboard Controller 2 – Redirect to IRQ#9 4 12 Communications Port (COM1)* 5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* 6 14 Floppy Disk Controller 7 15 Reserved 8 3 System CMOS/Real T ime Clock 9 4 AMD ACPI-Compliant System 10 5[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that co[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-17 VGA conguration PCI Express operating mode PCIex16_1 PCIex16_2 PCIex16_3 Single VGA/PCIe card x16 x4 x8 Dual VGA/PCIe card x16 x4 x4 x8 x8 x8 T riple VGA/PCIe card x8 x4 x8 • Currently , only Windows ® Vista operation system supports Hybird CrossFireX™ mode. ™ mode. mode. • Currently , only AMD ® HD3470, HD3450, HD240[...]

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup inform[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-19 2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or a PS/2 mouse. 2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus [...]

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker O[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-21 15. HDMI Out port. This port is for a high-denition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector . • This motherboard comes with dual-VGA outputs that features different displays on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both the onboard VGA and HDMI ports. • Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and ban[...]

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information T roubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling: If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is not lling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable, you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen. T o resize your H[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-23 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided oppy 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 oppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent [...]

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable: blue, black, and gray . Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector , then select one of the following modes [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-25 3. Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-5) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk and optical disk drives. If you install Serial A T A hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 conguration through the onboard controller . Connect the right-angle side of SA T A s[...]

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1 1 12) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to 480 Mbps[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-27 5. IEE E 1394 a 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! The IEEE 1394[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information 6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 3-pin CHA_F AN1-2, 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan c onnect ors su pport cooli ng fan s of 3 50 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V . Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-29 7. 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[...]

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 600 W . • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin A TX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. • Use of a PSU wi[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-31 9. Front panel audio co nne cto r (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 . • We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio mo[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information 10. Optical drive audio con nec tor (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner , or MPEG card. 1 1. Digital audio co nne cto r (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect th[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 2-33 • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector . The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power , and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information[...]

3 Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.[...]

ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 3 3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1 3.2 T urning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 3-1 3.1 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector . 5. T urn on the devi[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up 3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select T urn Off Computer . 2. Click the T urn Off button to shut down the computer . 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts down. If you are using Windows ® Vista™: 1. C[...]

4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.[...]

Chapter summary 4 ASUS M3A78-T 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9 4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12 4.4 Advanced menu ..................[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-1 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk, USB Flash, or the motherboard support DVD during POST .) 2. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable oppy [...]

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>. Windows ® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive. b[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-3 4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based utility . The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-T est[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-5 Updating the BIOS le T o update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. 5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system from the har[...]

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Installing ASUS Update T o install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update . See page 3-4 for the Utilities screen menu. 3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system. 4.1.4 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-7 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select . Click Next . Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Up[...]

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le T o update the BIOS through a BIOS le: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from a le option from the drop-down menu, t[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-9 4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS . Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains [...]

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen • The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only , and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information. 4.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-1 1 Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another . 4.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 4.2.5 Sub-men[...]

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. 4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date. 4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Sets the [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-13 4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, V endor[...]

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.3.5 SA T A1/2/3/4/5/6 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SA T A devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SA T A device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SA T A device information. DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWD[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-15 Block (Multi-sector T ransfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.[...]

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specication. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory . Select Screen Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main AMIBI[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-17 The conguration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you install on the motherboard. 4.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause[...]

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Overclock Prole]. Overclock Options [Disabled] Allows you to set the overclocking options. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%] The following two items ap[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-19 CPU-NB HT Link Speed [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU-Northbridge HyperT ransport link speed. Conguration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [400 MHz] [600 MHz] [800 MHz] [1 GHz] [1.2 GHz] [1.4 GHz] [1.6 GHz] [1.8 GHz] The following three items appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual], [Standard], or [Overclock Pro[...]

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced DRAM Timing Conguration Memory Clock Mode [Auto] 2T Mode [Auto] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Options Auto Limit Manual The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the depending on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard. DRAM Timing Conguration Memory Clock Mo[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-21 tWR [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] tRFC0 [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] tRFC1 [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] tRFC2 [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5n[...]

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Marvell POST Check LAN cable [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST . When enabled, the menu reports the cable faults or shorts, and displays the point (length) where the faults or shorts are detected. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.4.3 CPU Conguration Secure Virtual Mach[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-23 4.4.4 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. PCI Express Conguration Internal Graphics Conguration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced PCI Express Conguration PCI Express Conguration This menu allows you to change the PCI Exp[...]

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Link ASPM [Disabled] Conguration options: [Disabled] [L0s] [L1] [L0s & L1] Link Width [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [x1] [x2] [x4] [x8] [x16] Slot Power Limit, W [75] Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255. [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-25 SIDEPORT Clock Speed [667MHz] Conguration options: [667MHz] [682MHz] [697MHz] [712MHz]...[850MHz] SIDEPORT Memory V oltage [Auto] Conguration options: [Auto] [1.60V] [1.70V] [1.80V] GFX Engine Clock Override [Disable] Allows you to enable or disable the GFX Engine Clock Override support. Conguration options: [Disable] [En[...]

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4.5 ECC Conguration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced ECC Conguration ECC Mode [Disabled] DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled] DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled] Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] Set the level of ECC protection. [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-27 L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] Disables or sets the L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the L2/L3 Data Cache RAM to be corrected when idle. Conguration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [4.62ms] [5.2[...]

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses. Onboard Devices Conguraiton Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] HD Audio Azalia Device [Auto] Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio] SPDIF_OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] Onboard 1394 [Enabled] Onboard Marvell Lan [Enabled] Onboard Marvell[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-29 4.4.7 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. 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 ISA devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrec[...]

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-31 4.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. 4.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power[...]

4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.5 APM Conguration Power Button Mode [On/Off] Allows you to set the power button function. Conguration options: [On/Off] [Suspend] Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By PCIE Devices [Di[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-33 Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an A TX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system [...]

4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.6 Hardware Monitor CPU T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. CPU / Chassis / Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] The on[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-35 4.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. 4.6.1 Boot Device Priority Boot Device Priority 1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] 2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive] 3rd Boot Device [ATAPI DVD-ROM] 1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st FlOPPY DRIVE] Th[...]

4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-37 4.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. Security Settings Supervisor Password : Not Installed User Password : Not Installed Change Supervisor Password Change User Passward <Enter> to change password[...]

4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility . View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld. Limited allows changes onl[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-39 4.7 Tools menu 4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Y es] or [No], then press <Ok> to conrm your choice. ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06 Current ROM Update ROM A: Note FLASH TYPE: PMC 2[...]

4-40 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.7.2 Express Gate Express Gate Express Gate [Enabled] Boot Out Timer [10] Reset User Data [No] BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Options Disabled Enabled Y ou have to install the ASUS Express Gate application from the support DVD rst before you can enable this feature. See page 3-5 for details. Express Gate [Enabled] Allows yo[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 4-41 Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v04.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. O.C. PROFILE Conguration O.C. Prole 1 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 2 Status : Not Installed Save to Prole 1 Load from Prole 1 Save to Prole 2 Load from Prole[...]

4-42 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Exit & Discard Changes Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System T ime, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting. Discard Changes This option allows you to discard the selections[...]

5 Chapter 5: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.[...]

ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 5 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. 5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information ...............[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-1 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. Click an item to install 5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit V ista operating systems [...]

5-2 Chapter 5: Software support 5.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and drivers Installs all of the drivers and the Anti-Virus utility through the installation wizard. N[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-3 5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. AMD OverDrive Utility (AOD) Installs the AMD OverDrive utility . Marvell Y ukon VCT Application Installs the[...]

5-4 Chapter 5: Software support Marvell Y ukon NCU Application Installs the Marvell ® Y ukon Virtual Cable T ester™ (VCT) application that diagnoses and reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the T ime Domain Reectometry (TDR) technology . ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility . ASUS Update Allo[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-5 5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the A TI ® force™ RAID/AHCI driver disk. A TI RAID/AHCI 32/64bit WinXP/Vista Driver Allows you to create A TI RAID/AHCI driver disks for 32/64bit Windows ® XP/Vista. CyberLink PowerBackup Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily . Ule[...]

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support 5.2.5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual le. 5.2.6 ASUS Contact inf[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-7 5.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents [...]

5-8 Chapter 5: Software support T echnical support Form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support. File list Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-9 5.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software application for more information. 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot [...]

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility , ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST . 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 7. When the logo images appear[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-1 1 5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology T o enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology: 1. T [...]

5-12 Chapter 5: Software support • Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature. • The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip • If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS Q-Fan technology f[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-13 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software The motherboard support CD/DVD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables you to view your system’s real-time CPU Frequency and voltage. T o launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program: 1. If you are using Windows ® XP , click the Start button. Select Programs > ASUS[...]

5-14 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.3 Audio congurations The Realtek ® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer . The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability . The CODEC also includes the Realtek ® proprietary UAJ ® (Universal Audio[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-15 Device advanced settings Click Device advanced settings to show further settings for the playback and recording device. Information Click the Information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting. Conguration options Click any of the t[...]

5-16 Chapter 5: Software support Digital Output The Realtek ® audio CODEC allows you to connect an external audio output device via the coaxial/digital S/PDIF port. Y ou can set your listening environment, set the karaoke, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure. T o set the digital output options 1. From the Realte[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-17 Line In The Line In tab allows you to congure audio input settings using the analog line in port. T o set the analog line in options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Line In tab. 2. Click Set Default Device to set the analog line in port as the default audio input device. 3. The Line In tab allows you to adjust [...]

5-18 Chapter 5: Software support Control settings window Conguration options Information button Exit button Minimize button B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP™ Information Click the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting. Minimi[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-19 Sound Effect The Realtek ® audio CODEC allows you to set your listening environment, adjust the equalizer , set the karaoke, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure. T o set the sound effect options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Sound Effect tab. 2. Click the shortcut buttons or [...]

5-20 Chapter 5: Software support Audio I/O The Audio I/O option allows you congure your input/output settings. T o set the Audio I/O options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Audio I/O tab. 2. Click the drop-down menu to select the channel conguration. 3. The con trol set tings window d isplays the status of connected devices. [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-21 3D Audio Demo The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a demonstration of the 3D audio feature. T o start the 3D Audio Demo 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the 3D Audio Demo tab. 2. Click the option buttons to change the sound, moving path, or environment settings. 3. Click to test your settings. 4. Click to effect the 3D A[...]

5-22 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-23 Button Function Opens the Conguration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory , CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the applicati[...]

5-24 Chapter 5: Software support Changing the monitor panels position T o change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select another position from the list box. Click OK when nished. Moving the monitor panels All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If you wan[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-25 Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below . Large display Small display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser . This browser displays various Windows® management information. [...]

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser . This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-27 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory . The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory . Conguring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Cong window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Se[...]

5-28 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 2, AI Booster , AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2 utilities easily . Installing AI Suite T o install AI Suite on your computer: 1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature. 2. Clic[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-29 Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window . Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequency[...]

5-30 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2 ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption. After installing AI Suite from the b[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-31 5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature 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. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Win[...]

5-32 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.8 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 efcient 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[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-33 5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows ® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows ® OS taskbar and click the AI Booster [...]

5-34 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer , you will be at the Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser , Skype, or other Express Gate softwares. Installing ASUS Express Gate • [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-35 The First Screen Express Gate’s rst screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer . From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. Y ou can also choose to continue booting normally (e.g. to your installed OS such as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power off. If you don’t make any selecti[...]

5-36 Chapter 5: Software support Knowing the Express Gate hot-keys Here is a list of common-used hot-keys for Express Gate. In the First Screen: Key Function P AUSE/BREAK Power-off ESC Continue to boot OS DEL Enter BIOS setup F8 Enter Boot selection pop-up In the Express Gate Environment: Key Function <Alt> + <T ab> Switch between softw[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-37 Using the Conguration Panel Use the conguration panel to change various Express Gate settings. Click on an icon to open a particular conguration tool. The following tools are available: • Date and T ime : set current date and time as well as time zone. • Input Method : choose your preferred input language and method. [...]

5-38 Chapter 5: Software support • Screen Settings : Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display . • V olume Control : Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone input, etc. Using the LaunchBar The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses and let you congure individual Express Gate s[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-39 Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default). Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc). Click to show the “ASUS Utility” panel. Click to show “About Express Gate ”. Click to open Express Gate Help. Click to bring up power options window to boot [...]

5-40 Chapter 5: Software support 2. Open Network. 3. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. Network • If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2. Express Gate will automatically[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-41 • If you have wireless network, click Setup for the WiFi option. In the W iFi tab of the Advanced Network Settings box, enter the name of your wireless access point in the SSID eld. If your wireless access point has security enabled, select the corresponding security algorithm from the drop-down list (e.g. WEP AUTO) in the En[...]

5-42 Chapter 5: Software support Conguring Express Gate in BIOS Setup Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gate’s rst screen. Express Gate conguration options are under the T ools menu. Refer to section 3.8.2 Express Gate for details. Updating Express Gate Y ou may update[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-43 5.3.1 1 AMD OverDrive (AOD) The AMD ® OverDrive™ utility allows you to congure system and overclocking settings in WIndows ® environment. These congurations will not be saved to BIOS after the system reboots. Some advanced options in AOD are only supported by certain AMD Black Edition CPUs (such as Phenom 9600 Black Edit[...]

5-44 Chapter 5: Software support 5.4 RAID congurations The motherboard comes with the AMD SB750 chipset that allows you to congure Serial A T A hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID congurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10. 5.4.1 RAID denitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical h[...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-45 5.4.3 AMD ® RAID congurations This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 congurations for Serial A T A hard disks drives through the AMD SB750 chip. Setting the RAID item in BIOS Y ou must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID set(s). T o do this: 1. Install the internal Serial A[...]

5-46 Chapter 5: Software support The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform. The Main Menu options include: • V iew Drive Assignments: shows the status of the hard disk drives. • Dene LD: creates a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAID 10 conguration. • Delete LD: deletes a selected RAID set and partition. • Controller [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-47 Creating a RAID 0 conguration T o create a RAID 0 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. 3. Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 0 . 4. Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set Y t[...]

5-48 Chapter 5: Software support Creating a RAID 1 conguration T o create a RAID 1 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. 3. Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 1 . 4. Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow [...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-49 Creating a RAID 10 conguration T o create a RAID 10 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Dene LD” function. 2. Press <Enter>, and the following screen appears. 3. Highlight the LD1 item and press <Space> to select RAID 10 . 4. Move to the Assignment item by using the down arrow key and set [...]

5-50 Chapter 5: Software support Deleting a RAID conguration T o create a RAID set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” function. 2. Select the RAID item you want to delete and press <Del> or <Alt+D>. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 ATI Technology, Inc. [ Delete LD Menu ] [ ↑ ]Up [ ↓ ]Down [ESC][...]

ASUS M3A78-T 5-51 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy 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 CD/ DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver . 5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver[...]

5-52 Chapter 5: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® Vista™: 1. Insert the oppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the oppy disk drive/ USB port. 2. During the OS installation, select SB 750. 3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.[...]

6 ATI ® Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology support This chapter describes the A TI Hybrid CrossFireX™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.[...]

ASUS M3A78-T Chapter summary 6 6.1 A TI ® Hybrid CrossFireX™ ............................................................ 6-1[...]

6-1 ASUS M3A78-T 6.1 ATI ® Hybrid CrossFireX™ The motherboard supports the A TI ® Hybrid CrossFire™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) CrossFireX cards. 6.1.1 System requirements Before using A TI Hybrid CrossFireX, ensure that your system meets the following basic requirements: • Operating System: W[...]

6-2 Chapter 6: A TI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support 6.1.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver T o install the driver that supports Hybrid CrossFireX technology: 1. 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 [...]

6-3 ASUS M3A78-T Using the onboard graphics card 1. Right-click on the Windows ® desktop, and then click A TI CA T AL YST(R) Control Center from the shortcut menu. The A TI CA T AL YST Control Center screen appears. 2. Click Graphics Settings > CrossFire™ , then clear the Enable CrossFire™ check box. When a confirmation message pops up, cli[...]

6-4 Chapter 6: A TI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support 1. Follow steps 1 to 3 on Using the onboard graphics card . 2. From the A TI CA T AL YST(R) Control Center screen, click Display Manager > Graphics Adapter . Select A TI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics [Gabbs, G HW173] . Click OK , and then Y es from the confirmation window . 3. Follow steps 6 to [...]