ASUS M4A78 PRO User Manual

ASUS M4A78 PRO Motherboard manual cover
Pages 72
Year 2008
Language(s)
English en

ASUS M4A78 PRO Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M4A78 PRO Motherboard is designed for users seeking a robust and reliable platform for AMD processors. It supports AMD AM2+/AM2 multi-core processors with a HyperTransport 3.0 interface, ensuring improved performance and connectivity. The motherboard is built on the AMD 780G/SB700 chipset, which provides integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, delivering enhanced visual performance for everyday applications and multimedia tasks. It supports Dual Channel DDR2 memory architecture, with four DIMM slots capable of accommodating up to 16GB of DDR2 1200/1066/800/667MHz memory, allowing for significant multitasking capabilities and efficient system performance.

The ASUS M4A78 PRO includes multiple expansion slots, featuring one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, ensuring compatibility with modern graphics cards, as well as two PCI Express x1 slots and three PCI slots for additional cards and peripherals. Storage options are well-catered with six SATA 3Gb/s ports supporting RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations, providing efficient data management and redundancy. The board's connectivity is further enhanced with the inclusion of a Gigabit LAN port, ensuring high-speed network communication.

For audio, the motherboard integrates the VIA VT1708S 8-channel high-definition audio codec, delivering superior sound quality for entertainment and communication purposes. The I/O panel is equipped with a variety of ports, including USB 2.0, PS/2, VGA, HDMI, and DVI outputs, catering to a wide range of peripherals and display options. ASUS has incorporated several proprietary technologies such as ASUS Q-Fan, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, and ASUS EZ Flash 2, enhancing system stability, cooling efficiency, and user-friendly BIOS updating. The ASUS M4A78 PRO motherboard is a versatile and feature-rich solution ideal for both casual users and those requiring a dependable foundation for more demanding applications.

ASUS M4A78 PRO Motherboard F.A.Q.

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

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS support website. Format a USB drive to FAT32, place the BIOS file on it, and use the ASUS EZ Flash utility within the BIOS setup to update.

What is the maximum RAM support for the ASUS M4A78 PRO?

The ASUS M4A78 PRO motherboard supports up to 16GB of DDR2 RAM across four DIMM slots. Each slot can handle a maximum of 4GB.

How can I reset the CMOS on my ASUS M4A78 PRO?

To reset the CMOS, power off your system and unplug it. Locate the CMOS jumper near the battery on the motherboard, move the jumper from the default position (pins 1-2) to pins 2-3 for about 10 seconds, then move it back.

Why is my system not booting with a new graphics card installed?

Ensure the new graphics card is properly seated in the PCIe slot and the power connectors are securely attached. Check if the BIOS is set to use the PCIe slot as the primary display adapter.

What features does the ASUS M4A78 PRO motherboard's integrated graphics support?

The integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics supports DirectX 10, HDMI, DVI, and VGA outputs, making it suitable for basic multimedia and general usage.

How do I enable AHCI mode for my SATA drives on the ASUS M4A78 PRO?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'Delete' key during boot. Navigate to the 'Advanced' menu, select 'OnChip SATA Type', and change it to 'AHCI'. Save changes and exit the BIOS.

Can I use a solid-state drive (SSD) with the ASUS M4A78 PRO motherboard?

Yes, you can use an SSD with the ASUS M4A78 PRO. Connect it to one of the available SATA ports and configure it as a boot device in the BIOS for improved system performance.

How do I troubleshoot random system crashes on my ASUS M4A78 PRO?

Check for overheating by ensuring all fans are working and dust is cleared. Verify RAM compatibility and test each stick individually. Update all drivers and BIOS to the latest versions.

What should I do if my USB ports are not working on the ASUS M4A78 PRO?

Ensure USB ports are enabled in the BIOS. Update the chipset drivers from the ASUS website. If the issue persists, inspect the ports for physical damage and consider resetting the BIOS.

Which processors are compatible with the ASUS M4A78 PRO motherboard?

The ASUS M4A78 PRO supports AMD AM2+/AM2 processors, including Phenom II, Phenom, Athlon II, Athlon, and Sempron CPUs, as long as the BIOS is updated to the appropriate version.