Asus M3N-HT Deluxe Mempipe User manual

Motherboard
M3N-HT
Deluxe Series

ii
E3710
Third Edition V3
July 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”).


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



iii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
M3N-HT Deluxe Series specications summary...................................... xi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 ASUS Unique features.................................................... 1-5
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance
and overclocking features ............................................... 1-8
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2
2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2
2.2.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-3
2.2.4 Layout contents............................................................... 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-8
2.3.3 Installing the optional fans .............................................2-11
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-12
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-12
 .................................................. 2-13
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-14
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-14
2.4.5 Installing ASUS Cool Mempipe (Mempipe Edition only) 2-24
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-26
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-26
  ..................................... 2-26
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-27
2.5.4 PCI slots........................................................................ 2-28

iv
Contents
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-28
2.5.6 Three PCI Express x16 slots ........................................ 2-28
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-30
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-31
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-31
2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-35
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1
 ....................................... 4-4
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5
4.1.4 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 4-6
 ............................................ 4-8
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10
4.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10
4.2.3 Legend bar.....................................................................4-11
4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11
4.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11
  ........................................................4-11
4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-12
4.2.8 General help ................................................................. 4-12
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13
4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-13
4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-13
4.3.3 Language ...................................................................... 4-13
4.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-13
4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-14
4.3.6 SATA1/2/3/4 ....................................................................................4-16

v
4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-17
4.3.8 Installed Memory........................................................... 4-17
4.3.9 Usable Memory............................................................. 4-17
4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-18
  ............................................ 4-18
4.4.2 AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-20
  ........................................................ 4-20
4.4.4 Chipset.......................................................................... 4-25
4.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-27
 ...................................... 4-28
  ........................................................ 4-30
4.5 Power menu................................................................................ 4-31
4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type...................................................... 4-31
 ........................................................ 4-31
4.5.3 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-33
4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-35
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-35
4.6.2 Removable Drives......................................................... 4-35
4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 4-36
4.6.4 CDROM Drives ............................................................. 4-36
  ......................................... 4-37
4.6.6 Security ......................................................................... 4-38
4.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-40
 ......................................................... 4-40
4.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-42
4.7.3 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 4-43
4.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-44
Chapter 5: Software support
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 5-1
5.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3
5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5
5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6

vi
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6
5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7
5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo 2™........................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology..........................................5-11
5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX®... 5-14
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-23
5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-29
5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2 ............................................................ 5-31
5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-32
5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............................................................. 5-33
5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster 2........................................................ 5-34
5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate SSD ............................................. 5-35
5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-44
  ............................................................ 5-44
5.4.2 NVIDIA®........................................ 5-45
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-52
5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-52
5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®............ 5-52
Chapter 6: NVIDIA®technology support
6.1 NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ........................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Requirements.................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Graphics card setup........................................................ 6-2
6.1.3 Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-6
6.1.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology in Windows®.... 6-6
6.2 NVIDIA®Hybrid SLI®Technology ............................................... 6-9
6.2.1 System requirements ..................................................... 6-9
6.2.2 Enabling GeForce®Boost and HybridPower™ ............. 6-10

vii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has 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

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

viii
Safety information
Electrical safety
• 
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 adpater 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.
• 
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.
• 
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

ix
About this guide

the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
• Chapter 4: 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 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 6: NVIDIA®SLI™ support
This chapter describes the NVIDIA SLI™ feature and shows the graphics
card installation procedures.
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

part of the standard package.

x
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics  
<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:
awdash ��M3NHTDLX.BIN
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.

xi
M3N-HT Deluxe Series
specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU AMD®Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ /Phenom / Athlon™ /Athlon™ /™ //
Sempron™ processorSempron™ processorprocessor
AMD®Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX /
Athlon 64 / Sempron processor
AMD®Cool’n’Quiet™ Technology
Chipset NVIDIA®nForce 780a SLI
System bus 
AM2+ CPUAM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred
     
memory modulesmemory modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
*DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only. Refer toRefer to
www.asus.com for the supported CPU models and the
 
VGA Integrated NVIDIA®GPU
Hybrid SLI Support (supports Windows®Vista only)
Maximum shared memory of 512MB
Supports HDMI™ Technology with max. resolution up to
1920 x 1200
Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200
 
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1440
 
HDMI/DVI/RGB support
Supports Microsoft®DirectX®10, OpenGLOpenGL®2.0,
Pixel Shader 4.0
Support PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture
Expansion slots 3 x PCIe x16 support NVIDIA®3-way SLI™ Tech @ dual
x16 mode or triple x8
1 x PCIe x1
2 x PCI 2.2
Storage Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3 Gb/s connectors
(Use SATA 1-4 connectors for IDE mode)
. - NVIDIA®MediaShield RAID supports RAID 0, RAID1,
RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
Marvell®6111 SATA controller
- 1 x External SATA 3Gb/s port (SATA-On-The-Go)- 1 x External SATA 3Gb/s port (SATA-On-The-Go)

xii
LAN NVIDIA Gigabit MAC
Atheros F1 Gigabit PHY featuring AI NET2
IEEE 1394 LSI®FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a
connectors (at mid-board)
USB 
High Denition audio ADI®
CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingSupports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingMulti-Streaming
- ASUS AI Audio 2
- Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/OOptical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O
ASUS AI Lifestyle
unique features
ASUS Express Gate:
  
- Further free features upgradable on ASUS websites
  
*File downloading and uploading progresses through
USB devices only.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS AI Cool Mempipe (Mempipe edition only)
- ASUS AI Gear 2
- ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS AI Nap
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution & Stack
Cool 2
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
- ASUS Optional Fan for Water-cooling or
Passive-cooling only
ASUS Crystal Sound:
- ASUS Noise Filter
- ASUS AI Audio 2
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
  
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
(continued on the next page)
M3N-HT Deluxe Series
specications summary

xiii
M3N-HT Deluxe Series
specications summary
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
- ASUS AI Booster 2 utility
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V
increment
- vDIMM: 35-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset: 16-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
  
increment
  
  
  
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Other features Uses 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer
Capacitors!
ASUS MyLogo 2™
Multi-language BIOS
Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)
1 x HDMI
1 x D-Sub
1 x External SATA
1 x LAN (RJ-45)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-channel audio I/O
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors (Use SATA 1–4 for IDE mode)
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connector
1 x Power Fan connector
2 x IEEE1394a connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
(continued on the next page)

xiv
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0, ASUS EZ Flash 2
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Support CD contents Drivers
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
M3N-HT Deluxe Series
specications summary
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

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

ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe Series
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe Series 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®M3N-HT Deluxe Series 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 M3N-HT Deluxe Series
I/O modules 1 x Multi-functional module (1-port IEEE 1394a
module and 2-port USB 2.0 module)
Cables 1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices
6 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories ASUS Cool Mempipe (Mempipe edition only)
ASUS Q-Shield (I/O Shield)
1 x HDMI-to-DVI converter
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
  
1 x ASUS 3-way SLI bridge connector
1 x ASUS SLI bridge
Optional fan (for Water-Cooling or Passive-cooling
only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

AMD®Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom /
Athlon™ CPU support
This motherboard supports AMDAMD® 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 2-6 for details.
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than

faster computing environment.
AMD®Socket AM2 Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™Athlon™
64 FX / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ CPU support
This motherboard supports AMDAMD®Socket AM2 single-core Athlon™ 64 /
Sempron™ and dual-core Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 FX processors with 2MB
/ 1MB / 512KB L2 cache based on 64-bit architecture. 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 2-6 for details.
NVIDIA®nForce® 780a SLI chipset
The NVIDIA®nForce 780a SLI chipset supports the NVIDIA®Scalable Link
Interface (SLI™) technology that allows three graphics processing units (GPUs)
in a single system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking capability,

fastest platform in the world. The NVIDIA®nForce 780a SLI chipset also supports
six (6) Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices, PCI Express™ x16 slots with NVIDIA®SLI™
support at dual x16 mode or at triple x8 mode, and up to 10 USB 2.0 ports.

ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe Series 1-3
Native DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard supports native DDR2 1066. It provides faster data transfer ratedata transfer rate

performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page
2-12 for details.
DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to www.asus.
com for the supported CPU models.
NVIDIA®3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)
NVIDIA 3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased
bandwidth of the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture and features intelligent

to deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance. For some applications nearly
triple performance! See page 6-2 for details.See page 6-2 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 2-28 for details.
Hybrid SLI™
Hybrid SLI™ technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology built upon
NVIDIA. Hybrid SLI technology today includes two primary features: GeForce®
Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce®Boost turbo-charges performance of NVIDIA
discrete graphics cards when combined with this series motherboard GPUs.
HybridPower™ unleashes graphics performance when needed and enables
low-power operation when performance is not needed. You can switch from the
discrete GeForce®GPU(s) to the motherboard GPU for a quiet, low power PC
experience. See page 6-9 for details.
GeForce®Boost and HybridPower™ are independent on selected GeForce®
GPUs. Refer to www.nvidia.com/hybridsli for more information.
Gigabit LAN solution
The NVIDIA®native Gigabit LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times
faster than conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. 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 2-31 for details.See page 2-31 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports hard disk drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)

bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. The external SATA port located
at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions for easy data backup
to external devices. See page 2-32 for details.
The NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA®nForce®
780a SLI™ chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

HDMI/DVI/D-Sub Interface

delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video through a single
cable for full HD 1080p visuals. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD
DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater
experience.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals for digital display devices
like LCD monitors. See page 2-32 for details.
This motherboard is bundled with an HDMI-to-DVI conversion adaptor.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals,
and other PC portable devices. See page 2-38 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out
jacks.It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and
therefore well preserves signal quality. See page 2-31 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High


different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while
playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-31 and 2-32 for details.