ASUS M4A78 PLUS User Manual

ASUS M4A78 PLUS Motherboard manual cover
Pages 62
Year 2009
Language(s)
English en

ASUS M4A78 PLUS Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M4A78 PLUS is a versatile ATX motherboard designed to support AMD Phenom II, Phenom, Athlon II, Athlon, and Sempron processors with its AM2+/AM2 socket. It features the AMD 770 chipset paired with the SB700 southbridge, delivering a stable and efficient platform for a wide range of computing tasks. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR2 memory architecture, accommodating up to 16GB of RAM over four DIMM slots, which allows for enhanced multitasking and improved system responsiveness.

Graphics capabilities are provided by the integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 GPU, delivering reliable performance for everyday applications and casual gaming. For expansion, the board includes one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot for discrete graphics cards, two PCI Express x1 slots, and three PCI slots, offering flexibility for various peripheral connections and upgrades.

Storage options are robust, with six SATA 3Gb/s ports supporting RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations, ensuring data redundancy and performance scalability. The board also includes a single ATA133 connector for legacy optical drives or hard disks. Networking is handled by an integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller, ensuring high-speed internet connectivity.

Audio output is driven by the Realtek ALC1200 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC, providing crisp and immersive sound quality for multimedia applications. The ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard is equipped with multiple USB 2.0 ports, both rear and via internal headers, facilitating easy connectivity for a wide range of USB devices. Additional features include ASUS-exclusive technologies like ASUS Q-Fan for intelligent fan speed control, ensuring optimal cooling and noise levels. This motherboard delivers a balanced combination of performance, expandability, and reliability, making it a solid choice for mainstream users and tech enthusiasts.

ASUS M4A78 PLUS Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website. Extract the file to a USB drive formatted in FAT32. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'DEL' key during boot. Navigate to the EZ Flash utility and select the BIOS file from your USB drive to begin the update.

What should I do if my ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard does not power on?

Ensure that all power connections are securely attached, including the 24-pin ATX and 4-pin CPU power connectors. Check the power supply unit (PSU) for functionality and verify that the power button is correctly connected to the motherboard. If the problem persists, consider testing with a different PSU.

How can I reset the BIOS settings on my ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

To reset the BIOS, turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source. Locate the CMOS jumper on the motherboard, usually near the battery. Move the jumper from the default position (pins 1-2) to the reset position (pins 2-3) for about 10 seconds, then move it back. Alternatively, you can remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes and then reinstall it.

What type of RAM is compatible with the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

The ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard supports DDR2 memory modules. It has four DIMM slots and can support a maximum of 16GB of RAM. Ensure that the RAM speed and voltage are compatible with the motherboard specifications.

How do I enable integrated graphics on the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'DEL' key during boot. Go to the 'Advanced' or 'North Bridge Configuration' menu, and set the 'Primary Video Controller' to 'Onboard'. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Ensure your monitor is connected to the onboard video output.

Why is my system not recognizing the hard drive on the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

Check that the SATA cables are securely connected to both the hard drive and the motherboard. Enter the BIOS setup and ensure that the SATA mode is set correctly for your drive (e.g., AHCI or IDE). If the drive is still not recognized, try connecting it to a different SATA port.

Can I use a PCIe graphics card with the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

Yes, the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard has a PCIe x16 slot that supports discrete graphics cards. Ensure that your power supply can handle the power requirements of the new graphics card and that it is properly seated in the PCIe slot.

How do I connect front panel connectors to the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

Refer to the motherboard manual for the exact pin layout of the front panel headers. Typically, there are pins for the power switch, reset switch, power LED, and HDD LED. Match each connector with its corresponding pins on the motherboard, ensuring correct polarity for the LEDs.

What should I do if I experience random shutdowns with my ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

Check for overheating issues by ensuring that all fans are operational and that there is no dust buildup in the system. Verify that the CPU cooler is properly installed. Also, check the power supply for stability and consider running a memory test to rule out faulty RAM.

How do I troubleshoot USB ports not working on the ASUS M4A78 PLUS motherboard?

Ensure that USB ports are enabled in the BIOS. Check Device Manager in Windows for any USB-related errors and update the USB drivers if necessary. Also, try connecting the device to a different USB port to rule out port-specific issues.