Asus M3N78-VM manual

Motherboard M3N78-VM[...]

ii 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 purchaser for backup purposes, without [...]

iii Contents Notices ......................................................................................................... vi Safety information ..................................................................................... vii About this guide ....................................................................................... viii M[...]

iv Contents Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 2-2 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 2- 4 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ........................................[...]

v Contents 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................... 2-3 1 2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-32 2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-3 3 2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................[...]

vi 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 b[...]

vii 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 al[...]

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

ix Conventions used in this guide T o ensure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/W ARNING: 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. NOTE: T ips and add[...]

x M3N78-VM specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU Supports AMD socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron TM processors AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ T echnology Chipset NVIDIA ® GeForce ® 8200 (MCP78S) System bus Up to 5200 MT/[...]

xi M3N78-VM specications summary USB 12 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at rear panel) LAN NVIDIA ® nForce built-in Gigabit MAC with external Realtek821 1CL-GR PHY ASUS Unique Features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY : - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Express Gate: - Web browser , le dow[...]

xii Internal I/O connectors 1 x High Denition front panel audio connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x CD audio-in connector 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x Power fan connector 1 x Chassis intrusion connector 1 x COM connector 1 x LPT connector 1 x TPM header 5 x SA T A connectors 1 x S/PDIF Out conne[...]

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® M3N78-VM 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 pac[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-3 AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet T echnology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet T echnology , which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment. See page 2-22 for details. 64-bit CPU support 64-bit computing, the technology to replace 32-bit archit[...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction Gigabit LAN solution Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as video, audio, and voice. See page 1-24 for details. PCI Express 2.0 support The motherboard supports the latest PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enha[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-5 ASUS Q-Fan technology ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation. See page 2-33 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See pa[...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction C.P .R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P .R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P .R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut do[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-7 Onboard LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that 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 location of t[...]

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1.5 Motherboard overview 24.4cm (9.6in 24.4cm (9.6in) ) Super I/O SATA5 SATA4 SATA3 SATA2 SATA1 Socket AM2+ CPU_FAN E A TXPWR PRI_IDE COM1 P ANEL USB11 12 USB78 USB910 AAFP SB_PWR 8Mb BIOS Nvi dia MCP 78S DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-9 R M3N78-VM Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure 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 . 1.5.3 Screw holes Place [...]

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 X2 / AM2+ / Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ processor . The AM2+ / AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron?[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-1 1 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. The CPU ts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging th[...]

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 X2 / AM2+ / Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-13 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 [...]

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.7.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC / non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensi[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-15 • When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability . • For dual-channel conguration (2), you may: - install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR - install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM[...]

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction Size Vendor Model CL Brand SS/ DS Component DIMM support A* B* C* 2G Kingston KVR667D2N5/2G N/A Micron DS 7RE22 D9HNL · · 512MB Samsung M378T6553CZ3-CE6 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 · · 2G Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-3S-B 5 Qimonda DS HTB18T1G800BF-3S3VV10907 · · 1G Corsair VS1GB667D2 N/A Corsair DS MID095D62[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-17 SS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory conguration. • B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration. • C*: Supports four modules inserted i[...]

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.7.3 Installing 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. Ensure to[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-19 1.8 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. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the neces[...]

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction * These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices. Interrupt assignments IRQ Standard function 0 Standard timer 1 Keyboard 2 High precision event timer 3 IRQ holder for PCI steering 4 COM1 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering 6 Floppy controller 7 Printer port 8 High precision event timer 9 AMD ACPI-Compliant s[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-21 When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. LNKA LNKB LN0A LN2A LAT A UB12 UB1 1 LUB2 LUB0 LPMU LSMB LMAC LSA0 LAZA SGRU PCI slot[...]

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.8.3 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. The gure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-23 1.9 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (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 information such as system [...]

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 5. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.. 6. Center / Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center / subwoofer speakers. 7. Line In port (light blue) . This port conn[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-25 Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration 1 1. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 12. External SA T A port . These port connect to an external a Serial A T A hard disk drive. T o congure a RAID0, RAID1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD set, connect ex[...]

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory , DVD player , and drivers will affect the playback quality . Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality . 15. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-27 1.10.2 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 preven[...]

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction 3. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray . Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector , then select one of the following modes to con[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-29 4. Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1 [red], SA T A2 [red], SA T A3 [red], SA T A4 [black], SA T A5 [black]) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial A T A 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial A T A 1.5Gb/s specication. The data transfe[...]

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction 5. CPU, Chassis and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 3-pin CHA_F AN, 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan c onnect ors su pport co oling fans o f 350 mA~ 740 mA (8. 88W ma x.) o r a t otal o f 1A~2 .22A ( 26.64 W m ax.) a t +12V . Con nec t t he fan cable s to the fa n con nector s on t he mot herbo ard , ensuring tha t[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-31 7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, 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 connection speed. [...]

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction 9. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. 10. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front pa[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-33 1 1. 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[...]

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction 13. A TX power connectors (24-pin A TX-PWRGD, 4-pin A TX12V) These connectors are for an A TX power supply . The plugs from the power supply are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t. • We recommend that[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 1-35 14. System panel connector (20-8 pin P ANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • 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 [...]

1-36 Chapter 1: Product introduction[...]

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

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 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 [...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-3 Windows ® Vista environment a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive. b. Click from the Windows ® desktop, then select Computer . c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3 1/2 Floppy dialog box . d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box. e. C[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup T o update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. 2. Sav e the BIOS  le to a op py disk o r a US B as h d isk , then resta rt th e s yst em. 3. Y ou can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS [...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-5 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Updating the BIOS le T o update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk. 5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-7 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Y ou can update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD , the oppy disk or the USB ash disk that contains the updated B[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD T o recover the BIOS from the support DVD: 1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy disk drive, then turn on the system. 2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the oppy disk for the original or upd[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-9 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. 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utilit[...]

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 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 . T[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-1 1 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, then cl[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) 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 [...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-13 2.2.1 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. Navigation keys Sub-menu items General help Menu bar Conguration elds Menu items [...]

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.2.4 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. 2.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu sc[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-15 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 2.3.2 S[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SA T A1~3, ESA T A 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. Primary IDE Master Device : Not Detected Type [Auto] LB[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-17 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. [...]

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.3.5 Storage Conguration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you wish to congure the item. IDE Conguration Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled] OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled] SATA Mode sel[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-19 2.3.6 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. AMIBIOS Version : 0204 Build Date : 05/05/08 Processor Type : AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Speed : 1800MHz Count : 1 System Memory Installed Size : 512MB Usable Size : 384MB AMI[...]

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4 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 the system to malfunction. JumperFree Conguration CPU Conguration Chipset Onboard Devices Congurat[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-21 CPU Frequency , MHz [200] Allows you to enter an integer value to over clock for CPU. Conguration options: [Min.=200] [Max.=400] MCP PCI-Express Frequency , MHz [100] Allows you to enter an integer value to over clock for PCIE. Conguration options: [Min.=100] [Max.=150] iGPU OverClock [500] Allows you to enter an integer va[...]

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4.2 CPU Conguration GART Error Reporting [Disabled] This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation. Conguration opti[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-23 NorthBridge Chipset Conguration Memory Conguration DRAM Timing Conguration ECC Conguration NorthBridge Conguration 2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Advanced Chipset Setting WARNING: Setting wrong value[...]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Channel Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving. Conguration 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 or disables clock to all DIMMs. Conguration options: [...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-25 ECC Mode [Disabled] Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors automatically . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] Enables or disables the DRAM ECC. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Dis[...]

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card First] Display Device Priority , from high to low . Conguration options: [PCIE VGA Card First] [Internal VGA First] [PCIE VGA Card First] Hybrid SLI Mode [mGPU Auto] Allows you to set the Hybrid SLI mode. Conguration options: [mGPU Auto] [mGPU always enable] Hybrid SLI Frame b[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-27 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration Congure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Mode [Normal] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4.5 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.[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-29 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] USB 1.1 Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the USB 1.1 Controller . Conguration options: [Enab[...]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4.7 T rusted Computing The items in this menu allows you to congure T rusted Computing related settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. Trusted Computing TCG/TPM SUPPORT [No] Enable/Disable TPM TCG (TPM 1.1/1.2) supp in BIOS TCG/TPM SUPPORT [No] Allows you to enable or [...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-31 2.5 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. 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Powe[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.5.4 APM Conguration APM Conguration Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power On By PCI Device [Disabled] Power On By Ring [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into of f state after an AC power los[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-33 2.5.5 Hardware Monitor Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature [46ºC/114.5ºF] MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF] CPU Fan Speed [3276RPM] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] Power Fsn Speed [N/A] VCORE Voltage [ 1.232V] 3.3V Voltage [ 3.328V] 5V Voltage [ 4.915V] 12V Voltage [11.916V] Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled] CPU T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB T[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.6 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. Species the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual oopy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the rst boot device. Boot settings Boot[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-35 2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit Boot Settings Conguration Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’[...]

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “1.9 Jumper” for information on how to eras[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-37 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 only to sel[...]

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.7 Tools menu ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No] AI NET 2 2.7.1 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[...]

ASUS M3N78-VM 2-39 2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable Express Gate.Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Allows you to set the countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Conguration options: [Prompr User[...]

2-40 Chapter 2: 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[...]

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

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support 3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® 32-bit XP / 32-bit V ista / 64-bit XP / 64-bit Vista operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary . Use the se[...]

3-3 ASUS M3N78-VM 3.2.2 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 Drivers Launches the ASUS InstallAll installation wizard for drivers. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n[...]

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Launches the ASUS InstallAll installation wizard for utilities. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows ?[...]

3-5 ASUS M3N78-VM Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE Installs the Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE. Anti-Virus Utility Installs the anti-virus utility . Corel MediaOne Starter Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter . CyberLink PowerBackup Installs the CyberLink PowerBackup. ASUS Express Gate Installer Installs the ASUS Express Gate. WinZip 1 1 Installs the WinZip 1 1. Ul[...]

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit XP SA T A RAID Driver (Disk1/2) Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit XP SA T A RAID Driver disks for Windows ® XP Operating System (OS). NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista SA T A RAID Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-b[...]

3-7 ASUS M3N78-VM Due to oppy disk capacity limitation, when creating a RAID conguration under Windows ® Vista, install the AHCI / RAID driver through the motherboard support DVD or a USB device. Find RAID driver in the support DVD through the path below: DriversChipsetDiskRAID Find AHCI driver in the support DVD through the path below: D[...]

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. 3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. Y ou can also nd this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. Most us[...]

3-9 ASUS M3N78-VM Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. 3.2.7 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cation[...]

3-10 Chapter 3: Software support T echnical support Form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.[...]

3-1 1 ASUS M3N78-VM 3.3 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 TM operating system, use either the motherboard support DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver . 3.3.1 Creating a RAID driver d[...]

3-12 Chapter 3: Software support ENTER=Continue ESC=Cancel F3=Exit Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Drive A: * Press ENTER when ready. Windows Setup Using the driver disks you created: • Insert Disk1 when you see the following instruction in Windows Setup. DO NOT remove Disk1 until you are asked to i[...]

3-13 ASUS M3N78-VM T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® Vista TM : 1. Insert the motherboard support DVD or a USB device with RAID driver into the optical drive / USB port. Find RAID driver in the support DVD through the path below: DriversChipsetDiskRAID Find AHCI driver in the support DVD through the path below: DriversChipsetDiskAHCI [...]

3-14 Chapter 3: Software support[...]

4 NVIDIA ® technology support This chapter tells how to use the Hybrid SLI ® feature.[...]

4-2 Chapter 4: NVIDIA ® technology support 4.1 NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI ® Technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI ® technology that includes two primary features: GeForce ® Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce ® Boost enhances the performance of NVIDIA discrete Graphics Process Units (dGPU) when they work with the onboard motherb[...]

4-3 ASUS M3N78-VM 4.1.2 Enabling Hybrid SLI • Before enabling GeForce Boost and HybridPower , ensure that you have installed a dGPU recommended for GeForce Boost on your motherboard. • Ensure that you have connected your display to the dGPU. Otherwise, the motherboard cannot detect your display and no image appears. T o enable Hybrid SLI 1. T u[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: NVIDIA ® technology support Power Saving mode is disabled. Whe n the Pow er S avi ng m ode is e nab led , th e dGPU is turned off and does not appear in the Device Manager . 1 1. If the driver is correctly installed, you will nd the Hybrid SLI icon on the taskbar . The Hybrid SLI icon indicates that the system is in Performance m[...]