Motherboard M3N78 SE
E4330 Second Edition V2 November 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK 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 the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii M3N78 SE specifications summary........................................................... ix Chapter 1 :Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!...........................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-24 1.11.1 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-24 1.11.3 Creating a RAID driver disk........................................... 1-25 1.11.2 Support DVD information............................................... 1-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.
Contents 2.5 2.4.6 USB Configuration......................................................... 2-17 2.5.1 Suspend Mode . ............................................................ 2-18 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support . ..................................................... 2-18 Power menu................................................................................. 2-18 2.5.2 2.5.4 2.6 2.5.5 2.8 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-18 Hardware Monitor...........
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 been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure 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. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
M3N78 SE specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD Live!™ Ready Supports CPU up to 125W Chipset Nvidia® nForce™ 720D System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.
M3N78 SE specifications summary ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 - ASUS EZ Flash2 ASUS AI NET 2 ASUS MyLogo2 Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port 1 x RJ45 port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel Audio I/O ports 1 x LPT port 1 x COM port Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N78 SE 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 below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
NVIDIA® nForce™ 720D chipset The NVIDIA® nForce 720D supports HyperTransport™3.0 interface, PCI Express™ 2.0 bus architecture, and Serial ATA 3 GB/s devices. It is optimized with AMD’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance. 5200 MT/s HyperTransport 3.0 support HyperTransport 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efficiency for a smoother, faster computing environment.
High Definition Audio The onboard 6-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature, and multi-streaming technology. This enables you do multiple tasks, such as talking to your partners on the headphone while playing a multi-channel network game, on just one computer. 1.3.
1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
1.5 1.5.1 Motherboard overview 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. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 4 21.8cm(8.6in) KB_USB56 CPU_FAN NVIDIA® MCP78D AUDIO SATA4 SATA3 30.5cm(12.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® AM2+ / AM2 Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor The AM2/AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Ensure that you use a CPU that is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.
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 locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance Ensure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on 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. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base. Otherwise, you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. 5.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You 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 configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR2-800MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS CL Chip No. Chip Brand A* B* Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN 512MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package Kingston • • Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G 1G DS N/A E5108AJBG-8E-E Elpida • • Samsung M378T2863QZS-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 Samsung • • Samsung M391T2863QZ3-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) Samsung • • Samsung M378T5263AZ3-CF7 4G DS N/A K4T2G084QA-HCF7 Samsung • • Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Unlock a DDR2 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. 2 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
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. Ensure that you unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage to the motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You 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 passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the onboard battery. 3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 10 3 9 8 4 5 7 6 1. PS/2 keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 9. COM port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 10. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 1.10.2 1.
2. Speaker connector (4- pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings. +5V GND GND Speaker Out SPEAKER M3N78 SE PIN 1 M3N78 SE Speaker Out Connector 3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RSATA_TXP4 GND These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
5. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. Left Audio Channel GND GND Right Audio Channel CD M3N78 SE M3N78 SE Internal audio connector 6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB 910, USB1112) 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.
7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
10. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PLED+ PLEDPWR GND PWR LED PWR BTN M3N78 SE PIN 1 IDE_LED+ IDE_LEDGround Reset F_PANEL HD_LED RESET M3N78 SE System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) 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.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/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 setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
1.11.3 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP OS on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: 1. Place the motherboard Support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. 2. Select Make Disk tab. 3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the Support DVD to locate the driver disk utility.
1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk or a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 1. Creating a bootable floppy disk Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b.
2.1.2 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). • This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the Support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2.
2.1.3 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 floppy disk or a DOS‑based utility. Download the lates BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the floppy disk / USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file to the floppy disk drive or the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2.
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk. 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. • Ensure that you prepare two floppy disks: the bootable floppy disk and the floppy disk containing the AFUDOS utility and the latest BIOS file.
2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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, a floppy disk or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard Support DVD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware 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, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Power System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 General help Configuration fields BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit [19:34:30] [Wed 08/27/2008] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Storage Configuration System Information Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.
2.2.3 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. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 2.2.4 Menu items 2.2.5 Sub-menu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 General help 2.2.8 Pop-up window The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
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. Main Advanced Power System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools [19:34:30] [Wed 08/27/2008] [1.44M, 3.5 in.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) 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.
PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.
2.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.
The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [Manual]. CPU Frequency [200] Allows you to set the CPU frequency. The valid value is from 200 MHz to 550 MHz. The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [Overclock Profile]. Overcloking Options [Auto] Allows you to set the overclocking options.
TRAS [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] ~ [17 CLK] [18 CLK] TRC [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] tWR [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] TRRD [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] tRWTTO [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK] tWRRD [Auto] Specifies the write to read delay when accessing different DIMMs.
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the generation of ACPI_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu.
SouthBridge Configuration Primary Graphics Adapter [PCI VGA Card First] Display Device Priority, from high to low. Configuration options: [PCI VGA Card First] [PCIE VGA Card First] PCIE 2.0 Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE 2.0 feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] AZALIA AUDIO [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the HD audio mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Allows you to set HD Audio mode.
Plug and Play O/S [No] When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] PCI Latency Timer [64] Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency timer register.
2.5 Power menu 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.
Power On By Ring [Disabled] Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Enable or disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute, and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during POST.
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. 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: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press . 2.
2.7.2 AI NET 2 Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek Phy LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.8 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. Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Exit system setup after saving the changes.
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