Asus M3A78 PRO User manual

Motherboard
M3A78 PRO

ii
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”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E3906
First Edition
May 2008

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M3A78 PRO specications summary ........................................................ x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-3
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-3
1.3.2 ASUS unique features .................................................... 1-5
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and
overclocking features ...................................................... 1-7
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-8
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-9
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-9
1.5.2 Placement direction ...................................................... 1-10
1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................. 1-10
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 1-11
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ..........................................................1-11
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ...................................... 1-13
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-15
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-15
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-15
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-23
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-23
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-24
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-24
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-24
1.8.3 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-26
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 1-26
1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot............................................... 1-26
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-27
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-29
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-29
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-32

iv
Contents
Chapter 2 BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 2-3
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-4
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 2-5
2.1.4 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-7
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-10
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen.........................................................2-11
2.2.2 Menu bar........................................................................2-11
2.2.3 Navigation keys..............................................................2-11
2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-12
2.2.5 Sub-menu items............................................................ 2-12
2.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 2-12
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-12
2.2.8 Scroll bar....................................................................... 2-12
2.2.9 General help ................................................................. 2-12
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-13
2.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 2-13
2.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 2-13
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 2-13
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 2-14
2.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 ............................................................ 2-15
2.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 2-16
2.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 2-17
2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-18
2.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration ............................................. 2-18
2.4.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-22
2.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-23
2.4.4 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-23
2.4.5 ECC Conguration ........................................................ 2-25
2.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-27
2.4.7 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-28
2.4.8 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-29
2.5 Power menu................................................................................ 2-30
2.5.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-30

v
Contents
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................ 2-30
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 2-30
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 2-30
2.5.5 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-31
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-33
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-34
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-34
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-35
2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-36
2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-38
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-38
2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 2-39
2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 2-40
2.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-41
Chapter 3 Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 3-6
3.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-7
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-7
3.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 3-8
3.3 ASUS Express Gate ................................................................... 3-10
3.4 ATI®Hybrid CrossFireX™ .......................................................... 3-18
3.4.1 System requirements .................................................... 3-18
3.4.2 Before you proceed....................................................... 3-18
3.4.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver ....................................... 3-19
3.4.4 Using the ATI CATALYST®Control Center .................... 3-19

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 been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

vii
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.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
• Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.

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 hardware setup procedures
that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes
description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.

ix
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as
shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed
in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S

x
M3A78 PRO 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™ Technology
Supports CPU TDP up to 140W
Chipset AMD 780G + SB700
System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for
AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred
ECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066�/800/667 MHzECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066�/800/667 MHz
memory modulesmemory modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
�DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to
www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory
QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
�� When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows 32-bit operation system may onlyl recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended.
VGA Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD 3200 GPU
- Hybrid CrossFire™ support (For Windows Vista
only)
- Supports HDMI™ Technology (HDCP compliant)
with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (1080P)
- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1600 x
1200 @ 60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2560 x
1440 @ 75 Hz
- Supports Microsoft® DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0, Pixel
Shader 4.0
- Maximum shared memory of 256MB
Expansion Slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot ( Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture)Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture)
2 x PCIe x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
Storage 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 interface
6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors supporting RAID 0, 1, and
10 conguration
LAN Realtek® 8111C Gigabit LAN controller
High Denition Audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition audio
CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Enumeration, Multi-Supports Jack-Detection, Enumeration, Multi-Enumeration, Multi-
Streaming, and Jack-RetaskingJack-Retasking
- Coaxial S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (8 at mid-board; 4 on the rear panel)

xi
ASUS Unique Features ASUS Express Gate:
- Web browser, le downloading and uploading�
- Further free features upgradable
� File downloading and uploading through USB devices
only.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design
- ASUS AI Gear 2
- ASUS AI Nap
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS Crystal Sound
- ASUS Noise Filter
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
Other Features Uses 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer
Capacitors!
ASUS MyLogo 2™
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tuner)
- ASUS AI Booster Utility
Precision Tweaker:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V
increment
- vDIMM: 8-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset: 4-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz
increment
- Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200
MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
M3A78 PRO specications summary
(continued on the next page)

xii
M3A78 PRO specications summary
Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial)
1 x HDMI Out
1 x D-Sub
1 x LAN (RJ-45)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-channel audio I/O
Internal I/O connectors 4 x USB connectors support additional 8 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
1 x Chassis Fan connector
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector
1 x DVD audio in
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM
BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2
Support DVD contents Drivers
Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
AMD AOD
Anti-Virus Utility (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1
Chapter 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® M3A78 PRO 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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M3A78 PRO motherboard
Cables Serial ATA signal and power cable
Ultra DMA 133/100 cable
Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories 1 x Q-shield
1 x HDMI to DVI Convertor
2 in 1 Q-connector
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-3
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’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
AMD®Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom /
Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based
system bus. See page 1-11 for details.
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than
HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efciency to create a smoother,
faster computing environment.
AMD®Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™
CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™
processors. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus,
dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™
Technology. See page 1-11 for details.
AMD®780G Chipset
AMD® 780G Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
(HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with
AMD®’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance
and overclocking capabilities.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Native DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard provides native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data
transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efciency,
enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding
applications. See page 1-15 for details.
DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to www.asus.
com for the supported CPU models.
AMD®Hybrid CrossFireX Technology
Hybrid CrossFireX Technology is a unique multi-GPU technology combining the
onboard GPU and the discrete graphics card together to enhance 3D graphics
performance. See page 1-26 and 3-18 for details.
Visit www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossreX selected GPUs.
HDMI Interface
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is the rst and only industry-
supported, uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable
and is HDCP compliant aloowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other
protected content. See page 1-30 for details.
PCIe 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and
bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 1-26 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the
Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced scalability
and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. It allows
RAID 0, 1, and 10 congurations for two SATA connectors. See page 1-34 for
details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via 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. See page 1-30 for details.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-5
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to
different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while
playing multi-channel network games. See page 1-29 for details.
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
AI Gear 2
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption
at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit
your needs.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To 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 quiet, cool and efcient
operation. See page 2-34 for details.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.
Noise Filter
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Express Gate
Just 5 seconds to boot up, the ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly
surf the Internet without entering Windows. You can now enjoy Skype, IM,
YouTube, webmail and Internet le downloads and sharing whenever and
wherever you want! See page 2-39 and 3-10 for details .
• The bootup speed depends on system congurations.
• Due to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices orDue to chipset limitation, ASUS Express Gate supports USB devices orASUS Express Gate supports USB devices or
SATA HDDs (IDE mode) connected to SATA port 1-4 only. Set the SATA
Operation Mode item in the BIOS to [IDE] before installing and using
ASUS Express Gate.
• Currently, ASUS Express Gate DOES NOT support PATA IDE HDDs. Visit
www.asus.com for future BIOS and Express Gate software updates.
ASUS Q-Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—
making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding
wrong cable connections. See page 1-40 for details.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be
stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and
distribute their favorite settings. See page 2-40 for details.

ASUS M3A78 PRO 1-7
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. See page 2-4 for details.
Smart Support DVD
This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers
are already installed, as well as those that are not. When using ASUS PC
Probe II, you can easily monitor the critical components of the computer.
ASUS MyLogo 2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot
logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-35 for
details.
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking
features
Precision Tweaker
Precision Tweaker allows the user to adjust the northbridge voltage, southbridge
voltage, and DRAM voltage in 0.02V steps to achieve the most precise settings for
the ultimate customized overclocking conguration.
AI Booster
The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.
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 down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 the onboard LED.
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.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.