Asus M4A79 DELUXE - Motherboard - ATX User manual

Motherboard
M4A79
Deluxe

ii
E4418
Second Edition (V2)
December 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 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.

iii
Contents
Contents...................................................................................................................... iii
Notices ...................................................................................................................... vii
Safety information.................................................................................................... viii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
M4A79 Deluxe 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 CPU 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 ...................................................................... 2-16
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................................... 2-16
2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................................ 2-17
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-17
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-17
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments................................................................ 2-18
2.5.4 PCI slots.................................................................................... 2-19
2.5.5 Four PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots................................................. 2-19
2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................2-21
2.7 Onboard switches .................................................................................... 2-23
2.8 Connectors ............................................................................................... 2-24
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors.............................................................. 2-24

iv
Contents
2.8.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-25
2.8.3 Internal connectors.................................................................... 2-28
2.9 Starting up for the rst time.................................................................... 2-39
2.10 Turning off the computer......................................................................... 2-39
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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 2 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 [Auto] .................................................... 3-12
3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto]....................................................................... 3-13
3.5.3 FSB Frequency [XXX]............................................................... 3-13
3.5.4 PCIE Frequency [XXX]..............................................................3-13
3.5.5 DRAM Frequency Control [Auto]............................................... 3-13
3.5.6 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] ........................................................ 3-13
3.5.8 Memory Conguration............................................................... 3-14
3.5.7 HT Link Speed [Auto]................................................................ 3-14
3.5.9 DRAM Timing Conguration...................................................... 3-15
3.5.10 CPU Voltage [Auto] ................................................................... 3-16
3.5.11 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] ............................................................. 3-16
3.5.12 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto] ........................................................ 3-16

v
3.5.13 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ................................................................ 3-16
3.5.14 HT Voltage [Auto] ...................................................................... 3-16
3.5.15 NB Voltage [Auto]...................................................................... 3-16
3.5.16 NB 1.8V Voltage [Auto] ............................................................. 3-16
3.5.17 SB Voltage [Auto]...................................................................... 3-16
3.5.18 CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled] ............................................. 3-17
3.5.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled]............................................. 3-17
3.5.20 AI Clock Skew for Channel A/B [Auto] ...................................... 3-17
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-18
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-19
3.6.2 Chipset ...................................................................................... 3-20
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 [Auto]................................................................ 3-25
3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ............................................ 3-25
3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ..................................................... 3-25
3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]................................................... 3-25
3.7.5 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-26
3.7.6 Hardware Monitor...................................................................... 3-27
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................3-28
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority................................................................... 3-28
3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ...................................................... 3-29
3.8.3 Security ..................................................................................... 3-30
3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-32
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-32
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
Contents

vi
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
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
5.2 Installing CrossFireX™ graphics cards................................................... 5-2
5.2.1 Dual CrossFireX installation........................................................ 5-2
5.2.2 Triple CrossFireX installation ...................................................... 5-3
5.2.3 Quad CrossFireX installation ...................................................... 5-4
5.3 Software information ................................................................................. 5-5
5.3.1 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 5-5
5.3.2 Enabling the ATI®CrossFireX™ technology ............................... 5-5
Contents

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 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.
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.
Italic s 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> + <Del>
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 /iM4A79D.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.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

xi
M4A79 Deluxe specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ /
Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2)
Compatible with Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 /
Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU)
Supports 45nm CPU
AMD®Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Chipset AMD®790FX / SB750
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for
AM3 / AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR2 1066* / 800 / 667 MHz,
ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
* Due to AMD® CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 MHz is supported
by AM2+ / AM3 CPU for one DIMM per channel only. Refer to
www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
** Due to OS limitation, when installing total memory of 4 GB
capacity or more, Windows®32-bit operation system may only
recognize less than 3 GB. Hence, a total installed memory of
less than 3 GB is recommended.
Expansion slots 4 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots, support ATI® CrossFireX™technology
(@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 link)
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
Storage SB750 chipset:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5 ,10 and JBOD
support
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port
LAN Realtek®8112 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
Audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O
- ASUS Noise Filtering
IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6315N controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(one at midboard; one at back panel)
USB 12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)

xii
(continued on the next page)
M4A79 Deluxe specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS Power Solutions:
- 8+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
ASUS Green Design:
- EPU
- ASUS AI Nap
Express Gate
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- Onboard Switch
Special features 100% High-quality Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors
(5000hrs VRM, over 57 years operation lifespan at 65ºC)
ASUS MyLogo 2™
AMD®OverDrive (AOD) 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: 36-step DRAM voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 600 MHz at 1 MHz increment
- PCI Express 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.
M4A79 Deluxe specications summary
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x S/PDIF Out port (coaxial)
1 x S/PDIF Out port (optical)
1 x External SATA port
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 IDE connector
1 x COM connector
5 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5,
ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
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) utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

xiv

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-1
Chapter 1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®M4A79 Deluxe 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.
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.
User Manual
ASUS M4A79 Deluxe
motherboard User guide Support DVD
2 x ASUS CrossFire™
bridge cables 5 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/ 100/66 cable
1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port
IEEE 1394a module 1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD®Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™
processors (socket AM2+/AM2)
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors. It features
dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support, data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via
HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology.
AMD®Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 (AM3 CPU)
This motherboard supports AMD®AM3 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. This motherboard also supports AMD®CPUs in the
new 45nm manufacturing process.
AMD®790FX Chipset
AMD 790FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0)
interface speed and quad PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD®’s
latest AM3 and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking
capabilities.
ATI®CrossFireX™ Technology
ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the
need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™ allows
higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust your display
congurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check the effects with a real-
time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control Center.
100% high-quality Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors
(5000hrs VRM, over 57 years operation lifespan at 65ºC)
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan and enhanced thermal capacity.
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.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-3
Chapter 1
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS Power Solutions
ASUS Power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and
energy consumption.
8+2 Phase Power Design
To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU’s potential, the ASUS M4 Series
motherboards have adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high
power efciency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power
components can effectively lower 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 Solutions
ASUS Quiet Thermal solutions make the system more stable and enhance the overclocking
capability.
Fanless Design—Heat pipe solution
The aesthetic heat pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets
to the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing airow
from CPU fan. This innovative and groundbreaking fanless heat pipe design effectively
lowers temperatures by up to 10ºC without having lifetime problems that a normal
chipset fan has. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-ow fan or
passive cooler. The heat pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to
date.
DO NOT uninstall the heat pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the
heat dissipation performance.
Fanless Design—Stack Cool 2
ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fanless and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the
temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special
design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat generated by these critical
components.
ASUS 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 EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components,
update the BIOS, or back up your favorite settings.
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.
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.

ASUS M4A79 Deluxe 1-5
Chapter 1
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support DVD in case
when the BIOS codes and the data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need
to buy a replacement ROM chip.
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.
Onboard Switch
With an easy press during overclock, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamer to
effortless ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers!
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 the user 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 netune voltage to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate overclocking
conguration.
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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1