Asus M4A78T-E - Motherboard - ATX User manual

Motherboard
M4A78T-E

ii
E4465
Second Edition (V2)
January 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”).
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,
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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.

iii
Contents
Contents...................................................................................................................... iii
Notices ...................................................................................................................... vii
Safety information.................................................................................................... viii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
M4A78T-E 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 ............................................................................... 1-3
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features.......................... 1-5
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview............................................................................... 2-2
2.2.1 Motherboard layout .................................................................................... 2-2
2.2.2 Layout contents.......................................................................................... 2-3
2.2.3 Placement direction ................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.4 Screw holes ............................................................................................... 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................................. 2-5
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...................................................................................... 2-5
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ................................................................... 2-7
2.4 System memory ....................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.1 Overview .................................................................................................. 2-10
2.4.2 Memory congurations..............................................................................2-11
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ..................................................................................... 2-15
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ................................................................................... 2-15
2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................................ 2-16
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .................................................................... 2-16
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................................ 2-16
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments .............................................................................. 2-17
2.5.4 PCI slots................................................................................................... 2-18
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots................................................................................ 2-18
2.5.6 Two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ................................................................ 2-18
2.6 Jumpers .................................................................................................... 2-19
2.7 Connectors ............................................................................................... 2-21
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors............................................................................. 2-21
2.7.2 Audio I/O connections.............................................................................. 2-22
2.7.3 Internal connectors .................................................................................. 2-26

iv
Contents
2.8 Starting up for the rst time.................................................................... 2-37
2.9 Turning off the computer......................................................................... 2-37
Chapter 3: BIOS set up
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Updating BIOS............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2.1 ASUS Update utility ................................................................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk.................................................................. 3-4
3.2.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.............................................................................. 3-5
3.2.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ................................................................. 3-6
3.3 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-7
3.3.1 BIOS menu screen..................................................................................... 3-7
3.3.2 Menu bar.................................................................................................... 3-7
3.3.3 Navigation keys.......................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.4 Menu items ................................................................................................ 3-8
3.3.5 Submenu items .......................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.6 Conguration elds .................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.7 Pop-up window .......................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.8 Scroll bar.................................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.9 General help .............................................................................................. 3-8
3.4 Main menu .................................................................................................. 3-9
3.4.1 Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1-5; ESATA............................................ 3-9
3.4.2 Storage Conguration...............................................................................3-11
3.4.3 System Information .................................................................................. 3-12
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu...................................................................................... 3-12
3.5.1 AI Overclocking Tuner.............................................................................. 3-12
3.5.2 CPU Ratio ............................................................................................... 3-13
3.5.3 FSB Frequency ........................................................................................ 3-13
3.5.4 PCIE Frequency....................................................................................... 3-13
3.5.5 DRAM Frequency .................................................................................... 3-13
3.5.6 HT Link Speed ........................................................................................ 3-13
3.5.7 CPU/NB Frequency ................................................................................ 3-13
3.5.8 Memory Conguration.............................................................................. 3-14
3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration .................................................................... 3-15
3.5.10 Processor Voltage ................................................................................... 3-16
3.5.11 CPU/NB Voltage ..................................................................................... 3-16
3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage ................................................................................. 3-17
3.5.13 DRAM Voltage ........................................................................................ 3-17
3.5.14 HT Voltage .............................................................................................. 3-17
3.5.15 NB Voltage .............................................................................................. 3-17
3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage ...................................................................................... 3-17
3.5.17 SB Voltage .............................................................................................. 3-17

v
3.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum ........................................................................... 3-17
3.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum ........................................................................... 3-17
3.5.20 SB Clock Spread Spectrum .................................................................... 3-17
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-18
3.6.1 CPU Conguration ................................................................................... 3-18
3.6.2 Chipset..................................................................................................... 3-19
3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration............................................................... 3-22
3.6.4 USB Conguration ................................................................................... 3-23
3.6.5 PCIPnP .................................................................................................... 3-24
3.7 Power menu.............................................................................................. 3-25
3.7.1 Suspend Mode ........................................................................................ 3-25
3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume................................................................... 3-25
3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................................................... 3-25
3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support ................................................................................. 3-25
3.7.5 APM Conguration................................................................................... 3-26
3.7.6 Hardware Monitor .................................................................................... 3-27
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-29
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority ................................................................................. 3-29
3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..................................................................... 3-30
3.8.3 Security .................................................................................................... 3-31
3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-33
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2..................................................................................... 3-33
3.9.2 Express Gate ........................................................................................... 3-33
3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole.................................................................................... 3-34
3.9.4 AI NET 2................................................................................................... 3-35
3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-36
Chapter 4: Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information.......................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD .......................................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals ................................................................ 4-2
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology...................................................................... 4-3
4.3.2 Audio congurations .................................................................................. 4-4
4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II...................................................................................... 4-5
4.3.4 ASUS Express Gate SSD / ASUS Express Gate....................................... 4-6
4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................................................ 4-7
4.3.6 ASUS EPU................................................................................................. 4-8
4.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ........................................................................................... 4-9
4.3.8 ASUS AI Nap ........................................................................................... 4-10
4.3.9 ASUS TurboV............................................................................................4-11
Contents

vi
4.3.10 ASUS Turbo Key...................................................................................... 4-12
4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................ 4-13
4.4.1 RAID denitions ....................................................................................... 4-13
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................................ 4-14
4.4.3 AMD® RAID congurations....................................................................... 4-14
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-20
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS............................... 4-20
4.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®....................................... 4-20
Chapter 5: ATI®CrossFireX™ technology support
5.1 ATI®CrossFireX™ technology .................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Requirements............................................................................................. 5-1
5.1.2 Before you begin........................................................................................ 5-1
5.1.3 Installing CrossFireX™ graphics cards...................................................... 5-2
5.1.4 Installing the device drivers........................................................................ 5-3
5.1.5 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology .............................................. 5-3
5.2 ATI®Hybrid CrossFireX™ .......................................................................... 5-5
5.2.1 System requirements ................................................................................. 5-5
5.2.2 Before you proceed.................................................................................... 5-5
5.2.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver .................................................................... 5-6
5.2.4 Using the ATI CATALYST®Control Center ................................................. 5-6

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 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.

viii
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 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.
• 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.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

ix
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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: 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 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: ATI®CrossFireX™ support
This chapter describes the ATI® CrossFireX™ 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 yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not 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 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:
afudos /M4A78T-E.ROM
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
M4A78T-E specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 /™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / X4 / Athlon™ X3 /™ X3 /X3 //
Athlon™ X2 processors (socket AM3)Athlon™ X2 processors (socket AM3)™ X2 processors (socket AM3)X2 processors (socket AM3)processors (socket AM3)processors (socket AM3)
Support 45nm CPU
AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ 2.0 Technology
Chipset AMD®790GX / SB750
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 1600 (O.C.)/1333/1066MHz,
ECC and non-ECC, unbuffered
* When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less
than 3GB. We recommend using a maximum of 3GB system
memory if you are using a Windows®32-bit OS.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualied
Vendors Lists).
Expansion slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, supporting ATI CrossFireX™ technology, at
full x16 or dual x8 link
2 x PCIe x1 slots
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
VGA Integrated ATI Radeon™ HD3300 GPU
SidePort Memory - onboard 128MB DDR3 1333 memory
- Supports HDMI™ Technology with max. resolution up to
1920 x 1200 (1080p)
- Supports Dual-Link DVI with max. resolution up to
2560 x 1600 @60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to
2560 x 1440 @75Hz
- Hybrid CrossFireX™ Support
- Dual independent displays support with HDMI/DVI and
D-Sub
- Supports Microsoft DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.0,
Shader Model 4.0
- Hardware Decode Acceleration for H.264, VC-1,
and MPEG-2
- Maximum shared memory of 512MB
Storage SB750 chipset:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 5 x SATA 3 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD
- 1 x eSATA 3 Gb/s port
LAN Atheros®L1E Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
Audio VIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filtering

xii
(continued on the next page)
M4A78T-E specications summary
IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6315N controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(1 at midboard; 1 at back panel)
USB 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back
panel)
ASUS unique features ASUS Power Solution:
- ASUS 8+1 Phase Power Design
- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
ASUS Green Design:
- ASUS EPU
- ASUS AI Nap
Express Gate
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heat sink solution
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
Other features 100% All High-Quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors!
(5000hrs VRM, over 57 years’ operation lifespan at 65˚C)
ASUS MyLogo 2™
AMD®OverDrive Support*
* Advanced cooling system is required when advanced
overclocking functions of AMD OverDrive are enabled.
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tuner)
- TurboV
- Turbo Key
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment
- vChipset (N.B.): 16-step chipset voltage control
- vDIMM: 50-step DRAM voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 600 MHz at 1 MHz
increment
- PCIe frequency tuning from 100 MHz to 150 MHz at 1 MHz
increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

xiii
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
M4A78T-E specications summary
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x S/PDIF Out port (Optical)
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x External SATA
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
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
5 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
Front panel audio connector
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS
2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,
Chassis Intrusion
Support DVD contents Drivers
Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
AMD OverDrive (AOD)
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

xiv

ASUS M4A78T-E 1-1
Chapter 1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4A78T-E 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.
ASUS M4A78T-E Motherboard 4 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit Support DVD
User Manual
User Guide
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The item illustrations in above table are for reference only. Actual product
specications may vary with different models.
Chapter 1

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD®Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD®Socket AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache
and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-
channel DDR3 1333 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via
HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD®CPUs in the
new 45nm manufacturing process.
AMD®790GX + SB750 Chipset
AMD® 790GX+SB750 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
(HT3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x 16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD's
latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking
capabilities.
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ Technology
Boosted Performance with onboard GPU and discrete graphics card
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology. It takes your
gaming experience to the next level boosting PC performance by enabling the chipset’s
integrated graphics processor and a discrete GPU to operate simultaneously with combined
output for blisteringly-fast frame rates unleashing the graphics performance
Visit www.amd.com for the Hybrid CrossFireX selected GPUs.
Dual-Channel DDR3 1600 (O.C.)
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1600
(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest operation
system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance,
eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 25.6 GB/s. Furthermore, the supply
voltage for the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to just 1.5 V for DDR3. This voltage
reduction limits the power consumption and heat generation of DDR3 which makes it an ideal
memory solution.
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.
HDMI support
Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia Home-Theater Entertainment
High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers
multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a
single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.

ASUS M4A78T-E 1-3
Chapter 1
HDMI/DVI/RGB Support
Flexible Graphics Alternatives
This motherboard supports multiple digital and analog display output interfaces - HDMI,
DVI, and D-Sub. With such diversity of display outputs, you are able to choose and upgrade
display devices freely.
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS Power Solution
ASUS Power solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and
energy consumption.
8+1 Phase Power Design
To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU's potential, the ASUS M4 Series
motherboards have adopted the brand new 8-phase VRM power design, which delivers
high power efciency and supreme overclocking ability. This series’ high quality power
components effectively lowers system temperature to ensure longer component
lifespan. This series also features an extra 2 or 1-phase power dedicated to integrated
memory/HT controller.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage
caused by power surges from switching power supply (PSU).
ASUS Green Design
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the
use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the
impact of the environment.
ASUS EPU
The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by
detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC
components in real-time - helping save power and money!
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.
Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a
unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM)
like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends,
or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more,
the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at
anytime!
The actual boot time is subject to hardware congurations and product models.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking
capability.
Fanless Design—Stylish Heatsink Design
The streamline-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a
noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautifully curved ns upgrade the visual
enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special Streamline Airow Guiding
design lowers the temperature of the north bridge chipset through high efcient
heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS streamline-shaped
heat-sink will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant
appearance!
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.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video
conference and recording.
Noise Filtering
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.
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 Q-Shield
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. 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.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows you to conveniently store
or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a
separate le, giving you the freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings.

ASUS M4A78T-E 1-5
Chapter 1
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.
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features
TurboV
Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC—now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC
tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface
makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC proles in TurboV
provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button.
After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or
games—with just one touch!
Precision Tweaker 2
Allows you to adjust the CPU voltage in 0.0125v steps and NB/DRAM voltage in 0.02v
steps to ne-tune voltage to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking
conguration.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system
hangs due to overclocking failure. 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 parameters to their default settings.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1