Motherboard M4A78-EM
E4419 First Edition V1 February 2009 Copyright © 2009 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 M4A78-EM specifications summary........................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!...........................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-29 1.11.1 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-29 1.11.2 Support DVD information............................................... 1-29 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 iv Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.
Contents 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Power menu................................................................................. 2-15 2.5.1 Suspend Mode............................................................... 2-15 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support........................................................... 2-15 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support........................................................ 2-15 2.5.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-15 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration..
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 electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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.
M4A78-EM specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors Compatible with Phenom™ II / Athlon™ x4 / Athlon™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 processors (AM3 CPU) Supports 45nm CPU AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology (depends on CPU type) Supports CPU up to 125W Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD CPU support list Chipset AMD 780G / SB700 Front side bus Up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.
M4A78-EM specifications summary Storage / RAID AMD SB700 southbridge: - 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 connector - 5 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1 configurations (for Windows® Vista only) - 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port supports JBOD Audio Realtek® ALC887 High Definition Audio 8-channel CODEC Supports Jack-detect and Multi-streaming technologies Supports S/PDIF_OUT interface USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0/1.
M4A78-EM specifications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 1 x LPT connector 5 x SATA connectors 1 x High definition front panel audio connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x CD audio-in connector 1 x S/PDIF_OUT connector 1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 1 x Chassis fan connectors 1 x Chassis intrusion connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.
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Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78-EM 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.
AMD® Socket AM2+/AM2 Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0-based system bus. It also supports AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology. AMD® 780G chipset The AMD 780G Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and HT 3.0 interface speed.
64-bit CPU support 64-bit computing, the next generation technology that replaces the current 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access, and increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting both 64-bit and 32-bit architecture. Gigabit LAN solution The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller.
ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure a quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time. ASUS AI Nap With AI Nap, the system can keep running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away.
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. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes 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. Place eight 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 1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. CPU, power, and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, and 3-pin CHA_FAN) 1-28 9. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 1-21 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-22 10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-18 3. CPU Socket AM2+ 1-8 11. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-5 4. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-11 12.
Right 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors. It also supports AM3 CPUs including Phenom™ II / Athlon™ x4 / Athlon™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 processors. The AM2+ / AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Use a CPU that is designed for the AM2+ / AM2 socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1.
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 comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket 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 and 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.
• Due to AM2+ / AM3 CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800Mhz frequency by default for system stability. • The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. DDR2-800MHz capability Vendor Part No.
DDR2-800MHz capability 1-14 DIMM support Size Vendor Part No. SS/ CL DS Chip No.
DDR2-667MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. SS/ CL DS Chip No.
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. 2 1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 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. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage 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. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 1. PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 2. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port. This port connects to an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. VGA port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0 devices. 5. LAN (RJ-45) port.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration 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 Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Gray – – – Side Speaker Out Ensure the audio device of sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different base
Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray discs • For better playback quality, we recommend that you follow the system requirements listed below.
2. 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. • We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
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.
5. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA5, and SATA6) 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).
7. System panel connector (20-8 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED 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 This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector.
8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, 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. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 9.
10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) ports. Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to configure the setting. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 11.
12. Power, CPU, and chassis fan connectors (3-pin PWR_FAN, 4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
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. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
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Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to 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 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.
Updating the BIOS To update the BIOS: 1. From the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUS Update > ASUS Update to launch the ASUS Update utility. 2. From the dropdown list, select either of the following methods: Updating from the Internet a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then click Next. c.
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways: • Press + during POST to display the following: ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.
2.1.3 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 or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Always connect the SATA cable to the SATA1/2/3/5/6 connector.
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, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Configuration fields Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools General help Exit Main Settings Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.
2.2.4 Menu items 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 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. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. A solid triangle before each item on a menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press .
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.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item 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 this item is set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multisector transfer feature.
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. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings Adjust System Frequency/Voltage etc.
Hyper Transport Width [Auto] Allows you to set the HyperTransport link width. Configuration options: [Auto] [4 Bit] [8 Bit] [16 Bit] Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Allows you to set the DRAM timing mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [DCT 0] Memory Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The values range from 1.85000V to 2.24375V with a 0.00625V increment.
2.4.3 Chipset NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.
Surround View [Auto] Allows you to disable or enable the Surround View function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] This item becomes user-configurable when you install an ATI graphics card into the PCIe x16 slot. AMD 780 HD Audio [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable AMD 780 HD audio. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
2.4.5 PCIPnP 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. Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Plug and Play O/S [No] When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
2.5 Power menu 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. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.
Power on From S5 By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Enables or disables PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power on From S5 By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures.
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.
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration 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 field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data [Auto] [10 Seconds] [No] Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.
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. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu.
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