Contents

M3A78 PRO specifications summary
About this guide
Safety information
Notices
Chapter 1: Product introduction
- 1.1 Welcome!
- 1.2 Package contents
- 1.3 Special features
  - 1.3.1 Product highlights
  - 1.3.2 ASUS unique features
  - 1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features
- 1.4 Before you proceed
- 1.5 Motherboard overview
  - 1.5.1 Motherboard layout
  - 1.5.2 Placement direction
  - 1.5.3 Screw holes
- 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  - 1.6.1 Installing the CPU
  - 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
- 1.7 System memory
  - 1.7.1 Overview
  - 1.7.2 Memory configurations
  - 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM
  - 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM
- 1.8 Expansion slots
  - 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card
  - 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card
  - 1.8.3 PCI slots
  - 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots
  - 1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
- 1.9 Jumpers
- 1.10 Connectors
  - 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors
  - 1.10.2 Internal connectors
Chapter 2 BIOS setup
- 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
  - 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk
  - 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
  - 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility
  - 2.1.4 ASUS Update utility
- 2.2 BIOS setup program
  - 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen
  - 2.2.2 Menu bar
  - 2.2.3 Navigation keys
  - 2.2.4 Menu items
  - 2.2.5 Sub-menu items
  - 2.2.6 Configuration fields
  - 2.2.7 Pop-up window
  - 2.2.8 Scroll bar
  - 2.2.9 General help
- 2.3 Main menu
  - 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]
  - 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
  - 2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
  - 2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave
  - 2.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6
  - 2.3.6 Storage Configuration
  - 2.3.7 System Information
- 2.4 Advanced menu
  - 2.4.1 Jumperfree Configuration
  - 2.4.2 AI NET 2
  - 2.4.3 CPU Configuration
  - 2.4.4 Chipset
  - 2.4.5 ECC Configuration
  - 2.4.6 Onboard Devices Configuration
  - 2.4.7 PCI PnP
  - 2.4.8 USB Configuration
- 2.5 Power menu
  - 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
  - 2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
  - 2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
  - 2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
  - 2.5.5 APM Configuration
  - 2.5.6 Hardware Monitor
- 2.6 Boot menu
  - 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority
  - 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration
  - 2.6.3 Security
- 2.7 Tools menu
  - 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
  - 2.7.2 Express Gate
  - 2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Profile
- 2.8 Exit menu
Chapter 3 Software support
- 3.1 Installing an operating system
- 3.2 Support DVD information
  - 3.2.1 Running the support DVD
  - 3.2.2 Drivers menu
  - 3.2.3 Utilities menu
  - 3.2.4 Make Disk menu
  - 3.2.5 Manual menu
  - 3.2.6 ASUS Contact information
  - 3.2.7 Other information
- 3.3 ASUS Express Gate
- 3.4 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX
  - 3.4.1 System requirements
  - 3.4.2 Before you proceed
  - 3.4.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver
  - 3.4.4 Using the ATI CATALYST Control Center

ASUS M3A78 PRO User Manual

Pages 116

Year 2008

Language(s)

of 116

ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M3A78 PRO motherboard is a versatile and robust platform designed to support AMD processors on the AM2+ socket, including Phenom, Athlon, and Sempron series. It is equipped with the AMD 780G chipset, which integrates the ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics, providing users with superior visual performance suitable for both everyday computing and multimedia applications. The board supports dual-channel DDR2 memory architecture with four DIMM slots, accommodating up to 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and efficient data handling.

For connectivity, the M3A78 PRO offers a range of options, including six SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support, allowing for flexible storage configurations and enhanced data protection. It also includes one PATA port for additional legacy device compatibility. The motherboard features multiple expansion slots, including one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot for dedicated graphics cards, two PCIe x1 slots, and three PCI slots, offering ample room for further hardware enhancements.

Onboard audio is powered by the 8-channel HD Audio codec, delivering high-quality sound for immersive multimedia experiences. The integrated Gigabit LAN ensures reliable and fast network connectivity. The ASUS M3A78 PRO also includes ASUS's proprietary technologies like ASUS Q-Fan for optimized cooling and ASUS EZ Flash 2 for easy BIOS updates, enhancing user convenience and system reliability. The board is ATX form factor, providing a balanced combination of performance, expandability, and features, making it an ideal choice for building a versatile and powerful desktop system.

ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

To update the BIOS on the ASUS M3A78 PRO, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website. Use the ASUS EZ Flash utility in the BIOS setup to select the BIOS file from a USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

What should I do if my ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard does not power on?

Check all power connections to the motherboard, ensure the power supply is functioning, and verify that the power button on the case is properly connected to the motherboard. If the issue persists, try resetting the CMOS battery.

How can I enable dual-channel memory on the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

To enable dual-channel memory, install identical memory modules in the DIMM slots of the same color. This motherboard supports dual-channel configurations in pairs of slots. Consult the motherboard manual for specific slot configurations.

What are the supported CPU types for the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

The ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard supports AMD Phenom, Athlon, and Sempron processors. Refer to the ASUS CPU support list for the latest compatibility information.

How do I reset the BIOS settings to default on my ASUS M3A78 PRO?

To reset the BIOS settings to default, enter the BIOS setup by pressing the DEL key during boot. Navigate to the 'Exit' menu and select 'Load Setup Defaults' or 'Load Optimized Defaults', then save and exit.

What can I do if my ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard is not detecting SATA drives?

Verify that the SATA cables are securely connected to both the motherboard and the drives. Ensure that SATA ports are enabled in the BIOS settings. Try connecting the drive to a different SATA port or using a different cable.

How can I improve the cooling performance of my ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

Ensure that your case has adequate airflow, clean any dust from fans and heatsinks, and consider upgrading the CPU cooler if necessary. Installing additional case fans can also help improve cooling performance.

Can I use a PCIe x16 graphics card on the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

Yes, the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard has a PCIe 2.0 x16 slot that supports a wide range of graphics cards. Ensure your power supply can support the graphics card's power requirements.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

The ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard supports a maximum of 8GB of DDR2 RAM across four DIMM slots. It supports memory speeds of up to DDR2-1066.

How do I configure RAID on the ASUS M3A78 PRO Motherboard?

To configure RAID, enter the BIOS and enable RAID mode for the SATA configuration. Then, use the RAID setup utility that appears during boot to create and manage your RAID arrays. Refer to the RAID section in the motherboard manual for detailed instructions.