Asus M3A78-CM Motherboard Our powerful Asus M3A78-CM AMD780V Socket AMD AM2+/AM2 motherboard puts
a world of high-definition entertainment at your command. Now available for an amazingly affordable price, the M3A78-CM works with the latest AMD Phenom Quad-Core processors and supports dual-channel DDR2 1066/800/667/533
memory, Hybrid CrossFireX, and multi-display (DP/DVI/RGB). Based on the AMD 780V/SB700 chipset, the Asus
M3A78-CM also supports 64-bit processing, PCIe 2.0, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray playback, SATA 3Gb/s, high-definition audio, Gigabit LAN, ASUS Q-Fan, USB 2.0, ASUS CrashFree BIOS3, ASUS EZ Flash2, C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall), and MyLogo2. The AMD 780V Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and external graphics in PCI Express™ 2.0 standard. It features the integrated ATI RV610-based graphics and fully DirectX 10.0 compliant. Awesome graphics at an affordable price.
What
It Is & Why You Need It!
Full HD 1080p - Supports Playback of Bluray / HD DVD.
SurroundView™ - Provide four independent monitors display with
additional ATI VGA card for multi-tasking.
Hybrid CrossFireX - Greatly boost the graphics performance with onboard
graphics and discreted card.
Go Green With Asus
Yes, the Asus M3A78-CM is green! The 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 and packaging to safeguard consumers´ health while
minimizing the impact on the environment.
Related Video
Specifications
Processor Socket:
AMD
Processor Interface:
Socket AM2 / AM2+
Form Factor:
µATX
Processors Supported:
AMD Athlon 64
AMD Athlon 64 FX
AMD Sempron
AMD Athlon 64 X2
AMD Phenom FX
AMD Phenom
Memory Type:
DDR2
Number of Pins:
240-Pin
Number of Slots:
4
Maximum Memory Supported:
8GB
PCI Slots:
2
PCI Express X1 Slots:
1
PCI Express X16 Slots:
1
Detailed Features
Features
AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom™/ Athlon™64 FX / Athlon™64 X2/Athlon™64 / Sempron processors
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ 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.
HyperTransport 3.0 Support
Provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than HT1.0 that radically improves system efficiency for a smoother, faster computing environment
Dual DDR2 1066
This motherboard is the first AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.
*DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU models.
AMD 780V
The AMD 780V Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed for both HT1.0 and 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT 3.0) interface speed and external graphics in PCI Express™ 2.0 standard.It features the integrated ATI RV610-based graphics and fully DirectX 10.0 comliant.
64-bit CPU support
64-bit computing, the next generation technology to replace the current 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access and increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
PCIe 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
DVI Interface
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high visual quality of digital display devices such as LCD monitors.The interface of this motherboard supports dual VGA output both DVI and RGB and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s
This motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard SB700 southbridge allows RAID 0, RAID 1,RAID 10 configurations for six SATA connectors.
Gigbit LAN The on-board LAN controller is a highly integrated GbLAN controller. It is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems.
High Definition Audio Enjoy high-quality sound system on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature,which automatically detects and identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies users of inappropriate connection, meaning there will be no more confusion of Line-in, Line-out and Mic jacks.
ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.
Max. 12 USB 2.0 ports USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfers.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip.
ASUS EZ Flash2 With ASUS EZ Flash, you can update BIOS before entering operating system. No more DOS-based flash utility and bootable diskette required.
C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the case to clear CMOS data. Just simply restart the system, the BIOS would show the previous setting and then users can amend the CPU setting again.
Display Port This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard – DisplayPort. This new design features a smaller (comparing to what?) and user-friendly connector. It delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate and color depth and improves digital display connectivity.
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 emails 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 configurations and product models.
MyLogo2 Personalize your system with customizable boot logo You can convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.
GreenASUS The 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 and packaging to safeguard consumers´ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Additional Specifications
CPU
AMD
Socket AM2+ / AM2 Processors
AMD Phenom FX / AMD Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64 / Sempron
processors
AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology
AMD 64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing
support CPU up to 140W
AMD Live! Ready
Chipset
AMD
780V/SB700
System
Bus
2000/1600
MT/s for AM2 CPU
Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport 3.0 interface for AM2+ CPU
Memory
4 x240-pin DIMM, Max. 8 GB, DDR2 1066/800/667/533 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered
Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only
**Refer to user manual for Memory QVL (Qualify Vendor List)
***When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit
operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed
memory of less than 3GB is recommended.
Expansion
Slots
1 x PCIe x16
1 x PCIe x1
2 x PCI
Support PCIe 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture
VGA
Integrated ATI RV610-based Direct x10.0 graphics
Maximum shared memory of 256 MB
Supports DVI-D with HDCP compliant with max. resolution 2560x1600 (@ 60Hz
dual-link)
Supports DP with max. resolution 2560*1600 (@ 60Hz)
Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536 (@85Hz)
Dual VGA output support:
RGB & DVI
DVI & DP
RGB & DP"
*To playback the HD-DVD and Blu ray Disc we recommended system configuration
above Graphic shared memory 256MB/Dual-Core CPU minimum/Minimum 1GB memory
of Dual-channel DDR2 667 or Single -chanel DDR2 800.
High Definition Audio 8 -Channel CODEC
Supports Jack-detect and Multi-Streaming teconologies
Supports S/PDIF out interface
USB
12 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)
Overclocking
Features
SFS
(Stepless Frequency Selection)
- FSB tuning from 200MHz to 400MHz at 1MHz increment
- Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.025V increment Overclocking Protection
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Special
Features
ASUS
MyLogo 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS AI NET 2
ASUS Q-Fan
Express Gate
* The actual boot time is subject to hardware configurations and product
models.
Back
Panel I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 KB
1 x DVI
1 x DP
1 x VGA
1 x RJ45
6 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-channel Audio I/O
Internal
I/O Connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
1 x COM connector
6 x SATA connectors
1 x High Definition Front panel audio connector
1 x System Panel connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF output connector
1 x TPM Header
1 x Printer Port
1 x CPU /1 x Chassis Fan connectors/1 x Power Fan Connector
24-pin EATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
BIOS
8 Mb Flash ROM
DMI 2.0
AMI BIOS
PnP
WfM 2.0
SM BIOS 2.5
ACPI 2.0
Accessories
User's
manual
1 x I/O Shield
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
2 x SATA cable
1 x 2 in 1 SATA power cable
Support
Disc
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Form
Factor
uATX Form Factor
9.6 inch x 9.6 inch ( 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm )
Customer Reviews and Rating
Customer Rating:
4.8
Customer Reviews:
89
Have an opinion on this product that you would like to share? If so, please take a few moments to write your rating and review.
Value
4.9
Features
4.8
Quality
4.8
Performance
4.8
Sort By:
SUPERB QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE!
Reviewer:
RICO on
Feb 08, 2010 Customer Rating:
5.0
Value
5.0
Features
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Great price,excellant performance,well made.
Best for your buck
Reviewer:
smurfeater on
Jan 29, 2010 Customer Rating:
5.0
Value
5.0
Features
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
My other motherboard pooped swapped all hardware with hard drive fired on the first try win 7 detected changes and that was it runs smoother and more stable than the other brand
Excellant Board
Reviewer:
Ron on
Jan 27, 2010 Customer Rating:
5.0
Value
5.0
Features
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
This board is the best I've ever had. Easy to set up. Bought a second one to upgrade my other computer. I use both with the AMD2X 550 processor and DDR2 850 memory. The on board graphics are great. I'm not a gamer, so I don't need a fancy video card.
Not bad at all
Reviewer:
GDD on
Jan 15, 2010 Customer Rating:
4.5
Value
4.0
Features
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
This is for a friend of mine, his first contact was counterproductive, but next try was alittle better. So, now, I think he has better perception of your company I hope a good one !!!
Excellent
Reviewer:
Jerry on
Jan 13, 2010 Customer Rating:
5.0
Before you buy - make sure your motherboard is compatible with this memory. For example, DDR Memory won't work with motherboards designed for only DDR2, SDRAM or RDRAM memory, and vice versa. Only use the memory speed recommended by your motherboard's manufacturer. Please read the specifications carefully or call us for expert advice.
Know Your BIOS! With today's rapid pace of
design advancement, new product updates come fast and furious. This is
especially true of board-level products, like Motherboards, Video Cards, GPU
Processor Cards, and other main edge connector products. The good news is
that manufacturers have designed in the ability to easily update your
product BIOS, which is sometimes important for full compatibility. So before
installing or combining components, it is always a good idea to check your
product's current BIOS revision against the manufacturer's website, to
determine if an update is needed, or advisable. The manufacturer's
documentation will guide you through this process if it is necessary.
However, remember that most products are designed to be plug-n-play out of
the box!
But
What Is BIOS?
Most electronic devices,
from computers to MP3 players have software embedded in their hardware.
These are programs that tell the device how it will function - from basic to
advanced functions - so that it knows how to start, and perform the most
simple and complex tasks it was designed for. We call this software the BIOS
(sometimes also called Firmware). In computer jargon, BIOS stands for "Basic
Input/Output System", but in reality, there is very little "basic" about it.
In your computer's motherboard for example, it tells your computer how to:
start up; communicate with hardware components, such as hard drives and
video; how to move data in and out of memory; and even talk to your USB
connected devices. Without your BIOS, your device is JOOL (just out of
luck!).
Keep in mind that changing a PC's BIOS
settings incorrectly can cause the PC to malfunction. If this happens, a
BIOS reset is usually available, and will need to be performed to return the
BIOS to the default "factory settings." This is usually activated by a
jumper on the motherboard. [Warning: always read
your motherboard or system manual thoroughly, before upgrading your BIOS, or
making BIOS setting changes!] Though normally, most incorrect
settings should have no negative affect on your PC, but please follow each
step explicitly since some can.
Remember: It is recommended that you reboot
after each individual BIOS setting change to ensure that your system
functions normally. If you make numerous changes before rebooting, and your
system will no longer boot, you won't know which change is responsible for
the failure.
Updating Your BIOS
Before you consider updating your BIOS, be sure you need to - not every
update will be needed or even benefit you. Also be sure you are up to
the technical challenges you will face. Changing the version of BIOS
stored in your computer or motherboard is not the kind of activity
recommended for novice users. To perform this successfully, you need
to be comfortable and familiar with your BIOS settings, and be able to
download and apply the BIOS Update without issue. For this reason, it
is best to let professional computer technicians do this work for you, if or
when it is needed. However, if you know what you are doing, it is a
fairly easy task.
Before Updating BIOS, consider the
following:
The reasons for updating your BIOS -
frequently, updating is unnecessary
Identifying your BIOS chip - if
replacing is the approach required
Replacing your BIOS chip - this requires
significant care, and can void your warranty
Locating your latest BIOS version -
required for any update
Flashing your BIOS - make sure you have
a UPS!
Live update - great for minor or quick
updates - again a UPS is vital - a partial update can make your system
inoperative
Configuring your new BIOS settings -
read the manual! twice for good measure!
Understanding
Computer Memory
Because memory is such a crucial element of our computer's performance,
we all understand that we need it in generous supply. However, questions
remain about what kind of memory is best, what functions each memory serves
and which memory is used for notebooks and PCs.
Click Here for more information
that will answer your many of your questions.
How Much
Memory Do You Really Have?
When you look at the specifications for a computer, it will display the
installed memory, and typically the maximum memory that can be installed.
However, while these are real values, they represent a potential useable
memory depending upon the installed operating system, and other factors. The actual useable memory may be different
(lower) from these values.
The reason is simply that a computer may have a limitation in the operating
system (such as Windows 32 bit versions), or configured to use shared memory,
which reduces the amount of RAM that is available to the CPU by using
some of it for other purposes, such as for video memory. In some
cases, you can control the maximum useable memory through system settings,
by upgrading from a 32 bit to a 64 bit version of Windows XP or Vista, or by upgrading to a video card that has internal onboard video memory.
But always
remember, that the amount of memory that your system reports, is not always
the amount of actual installed memory. For example, if you have 4GB
installed, 32 bit versions of Windows will typically report 3.2GB due to a
limitation of Windows itself. Also note that different Windows
programs report available and maximum memory differently, which can be
confusing. If you find that you need more
memory, we suggest expanding your system memory, since this is the most
effective performance increase, and the one that is easiest to perform .
* The above
values are for physical, not usable memory.
The amount of
memory that your system reports, is not always the amount of actual installed
memory. For example, if you have 4GB installed, 32 bit versions of Windows will
typically report 3.2GB due to a limitation of Windows itself. Also note
that different Windows programs report available and maximum memory differently,
which can be confusing. If you find that you need more memory, we suggest
expanding your system memory, since this is the most effective performance
increase, and the one that is easiest to perform.
Contents of package may vary from those pictured and stated here,
due to changes in manufacturer's specifications or merchandising.
Please check the product information carefully, items not included
may no longer be required.
Manufactured by:
Asus Warranty provided by:
Asus Limited Warranty:
36 months parts;
36 months labor
Mfg Part No:
M3A78-CM UPC No:
610839162932 Box Size:
( Length:
11, Width:
11, Depth:
3 )
Shipping Weight:
2.6500 pound(s)
Click here for full warranty and support information
Limited Warranty: A full text version of the limited warranty
may be obtained by mailing a self addressed, stamped envelope to the
address below and requesting the warranty for item number:
A455-2408
TigerDirect.com
Warranty Information
7795 W. Flagler St. Suite 35
Miami, FL. 33144
0
Item Total
$0.00
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(
89 reviews)
Asus M3A78-CM Motherboard 
What
It Is & Why You Need It!
Processor Socket:
4.5
Know Your BIOS!
