Contents

Contents
- Notices
- Safety information
- About this guide
- M3A78-T specifications summary
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
Chapter 2: Hardware information
- 2.1 Before you proceed
- 2.2 Motherboard overview
  - 2.2.1 Placement direction
  - 2.2.2 Screw holes
  - 2.2.3 Motherboard layout
  - 2.2.4 Layout contents
- 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  - 2.3.1 Installing the CPU
  - 2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
- 2.4 System memory
  - 2.4.1 Overview
  - 2.4.2 Memory configurations
  - 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM
  - 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM
- 2.5 Expansion slots
  - 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card
  - 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card
  - 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
  - 2.5.4 PCI slots
  - 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot
  - 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue)
  - 2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white)
- 2.6 Jumper
- 2.7 Connectors
  - 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors
  - 2.7.2 Internal connectors
Chapter 3: Powering up
- 3.1 Starting up for the first time
- 3.2 Turning off the computer
  - 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function
  - 3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
- 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
  - 4.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk
  - 4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
  - 4.1.3 AFUDOS utility
  - 4.1.4 ASUS Update utility
- 4.2 BIOS setup program
  - 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen
  - 4.2.2 Menu bar
  - 4.4.3 Navigation keys
  - 4.2.4 Menu items
  - 4.2.5 Sub-menu items
  - 4.2.6 Configuration fields
  - 4.2.7 Pop-up window
  - 4.2.8 Scroll bar
  - 4.2.9 General help
- 4.3 Main menu
  - 4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]
  - 4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
  - 4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
  - 4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave
  - 4.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6
  - 4.3.6 Storage Configuration
  - 4.3.7 System Information
- 4.4 Advanced menu
  - 4.4.1 Jumperfree Configuration
  - 4.4.2 AI NET 2
  - 4.4.3 CPU Configuration
  - 4.4.4 Chipset
  - 4.4.5 ECC Configuration
  - 4.4.6 Onboard Devices Configuration
  - 4.4.7 PCI PnP
  - 4.4.8 USB Configuration
- 4.5 Power menu
  - 4.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
  - 4.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
  - 4.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
  - 4.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
  - 4.5.5 APM Configuration
  - 4.5.6 Hardware Monitor
- 4.6 Boot menu
  - 4.6.1 Boot Device Priority
  - 4.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration
  - 4.6.3 Security
- 4.7 Tools menu
  - 4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
  - 4.7.2 Express Gate
  - 4.7.3 ASUS O.C. Profile
- 4.8 Exit menu
Chapter 5: Software support
- 5.1 Installing an operating system
- 5.2 Support DVD information
  - 5.2.1 Running the support DVD
  - 5.2.2 Drivers menu
  - 5.2.3 Utilities menu
  - 5.2.4 Make Disk menu
  - 5.2.5 Manual menu
  - 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information
  - 5.2.7 Other information
- 5.3 Software information
  - 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2
  - 5.3.2 Cool n Quiet! Technology
  - 5.3.3 Audio configurations
  - 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II
  - 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite
  - 5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2
  - 5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap
  - 5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2
  - 5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster
  - 5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate
  - 5.3.11 AMD OverDrive (AOD)
- 5.4 RAID configurations
  - 5.4.1 RAID definitions
  - 5.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
  - 5.4.3 AMD RAID configurations
- 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk
  - 5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
  - 5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows
Chapter 6: ATI Hybrid CrossFireX technology support
- 6.1 ATI Hybrid CrossFireX
  - 6.1.1 System requirements
  - 6.1.2 Before you proceed
  - 6.1.3 Installing AMD Chipset Driver
  - 6.1.4 Using the ATI CATALYST Control Center

ASUS M3A78-T User Manual

Pages 166

Year 2008

Language(s)

of 166

ASUS M3A78-T Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M3A78-T motherboard is designed to provide robust performance and versatility for AMD processors. It supports AMD Socket AM2+/AM2 multi-core processors with HyperTransport 3.0 technology, ensuring efficient data processing and multitasking capabilities. This motherboard is based on the AMD 790GX chipset, which integrates a Radeon HD 3300 graphics engine with DirectX 10 support, offering enhanced visual performance for multimedia applications.

The M3A78-T supports dual-channel DDR2 memory architecture with four DIMM slots, accommodating up to 16GB of DDR2 1066 memory for improved computing speed and responsiveness. It features a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot for discrete graphics cards, enhancing the system's graphical capability for gaming or design applications. Additionally, it includes two PCI Express x1 slots and two PCI slots, providing flexibility for various expansion cards.

Storage options are robust, with support for up to five SATA 3Gb/s devices, allowing for high-speed data transfer and RAID configurations for data redundancy and performance enhancement. The onboard Gigabit LAN ensures fast and stable internet connectivity, while integrated 8-channel high-definition audio delivers immersive sound quality.

The motherboard's design incorporates ASUS's proprietary technologies, such as the ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) for power efficiency and AI Gear 2 for performance tuning. Moreover, its HDMI, DVI, and VGA outputs offer multiple display connectivity options, catering to diverse user needs. The ASUS M3A78-T combines reliable performance with flexibility and energy efficiency, making it suitable for both gaming enthusiasts and professional users seeking a dependable platform for their computing tasks.

ASUS M3A78-T Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I install the ASUS M3A78-T motherboard into my case?

To install the ASUS M3A78-T motherboard, ensure your case is compatible with the ATX form factor. Secure the motherboard using the standoffs provided with your case, aligning it with the I/O shield and screwing it into place.

What is the correct RAM configuration for optimal performance on the M3A78-T?

For optimal performance, use matched pairs of RAM modules in the same colored slots to enable dual-channel mode. Consult the motherboard manual for supported RAM types and speeds.

How can I update the BIOS on my ASUS M3A78-T motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website, save it to a USB drive, and use the EZ Flash utility within the BIOS to perform the update.

Why is my ASUS M3A78-T motherboard not powering on?

Check power connections to the motherboard, ensure the power supply is functioning, and verify RAM and CPU placements. Also, inspect for short circuits or grounding issues within the case.

What should I do if my M3A78-T motherboard is not detecting the hard drive?

Ensure that the SATA cables are securely connected to both the motherboard and the hard drive. Verify in the BIOS that the SATA ports are enabled and set to the correct mode (IDE/AHCI).

How can I configure RAID on the ASUS M3A78-T motherboard?

Enter the BIOS setup, navigate to the storage configuration, and set the SATA mode to RAID. Save changes and reboot to enter the RAID configuration utility during startup to set up your RAID array.

What are the supported CPU options for the ASUS M3A78-T?

The ASUS M3A78-T supports AMD AM2+ processors, including Phenom, Athlon, and Sempron series. Refer to the official CPU support list on the ASUS website for detailed compatibility.

How can I improve cooling on my ASUS M3A78-T motherboard?

Consider installing additional case fans for better airflow or upgrading to a high-performance CPU cooler. Ensure cables are managed to prevent air obstruction.

What is the procedure for resetting the BIOS on the ASUS M3A78-T?

To reset the BIOS, turn off the computer and unplug it. Remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes, then reinsert it. Alternatively, use the CLRTC jumper to clear the CMOS.

Can I use a PCIe 3.0 graphics card in the ASUS M3A78-T motherboard?

Yes, PCIe 3.0 graphics cards are backwards compatible with the PCIe 2.0 slots on the M3A78-T, although they will operate at PCIe 2.0 speeds.