Features, Layout, Included Extras
Features
CPU, Chipset and Graphics Features
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ Support
This motherboard supports AMD 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.
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™/Sempron™ CPU Support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™/Sempron™ processors. It features 2000/1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ´n´ Quiet™ Technology.
Native DDR2 1066
This motherboard supports native DDR2 1066. 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 http://www.asus.com/ for the supported CPU models.
AMD 790GX/SB750
AMD® 790GX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0 (HT3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x 16 graphics. It is optimized with AMD´s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance and overclocking capabilities.
PCIe 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
Hybrid CrossFireX Support
Boosted Performance with onboard GPU and discrete graphics card
ATI Hybrid CrossFireX™ technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology. It takes your gaming experience to the next level boosting PC performance by enabling the chipset’s integrated graphics processor and a discrete GPU to operate simultaneously with combined output for blisteringly-fast frame rates unleashing the graphics performance (Windows Vista® OS only).
Quad-CrossFire Support
Quad-CrossFire allows 4 GPUs to efficiently work together to deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance and higher frame rates for superb graphics applications.
HDMI Support
Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia Home-Theater Entertainment
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through through a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.
HDMI/DVI/RGB Support
Flexible Graphics Alternatives
This motherboard supports multiple digital and analog display output interfaces – HDMI, DVI, and D-sub. With such diversity of display outputs, you are able to choose and upgrade display devices freely.
Special Features
4+1 Phase Power Design
Longer Life & Higher Efficiency!
Unleashes ultimate memory performances with independent power to core components, while providing fast transient response and stability for the CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes.
AI Gear 2
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from profiles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption at most. You can real-time change the mode under operating system to suit your needs.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.
ASUS Q-Fan2
Adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.
Ease of Use
Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from 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 e-mails 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
Q-Shield
Make Connection Quick and Accurate!
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.
Q-Connector
Make Connection Quick and Accurate!
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate.
EZ Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or using an OS-based flash utility.
O.C. Profile
Conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite overclocking settings.
Extreme Performance
Noise Filter
Eliminate background noise while recording
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.
Uses 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors!
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors onboard for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
Other Features
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.
Layout
Front panel of retail box for M3A78-T motherboard
Back panel of retail box with detailed list of features and specifications
As with almost every ASUS motherboard I’ve reviewed over the past five years or so, their layout and design is simple, elegant, and functional. Every component and feature seems to be in the right place. If I had any complaints, it wouldn’t be about the board layout. It would be more about the copper heatsinks used instead of a copper heatsink/heatpipe combination. But, I guess they had to skimp somewhere to keep the cost down.
The back of the motherboard is pretty standard with a simple aluminum backplate secured behind the CPU.
The integrated AMD 790GX chipset makes the back I/O panel on the ASUS M3A78-T a lot more interesting. There are six USB 2.0 ports, one firewire 400 port, one eSATA port, one analog video port, one DVI port, one HDMI port, and even one SPDIF port for high-definition audio. One unique aspect of this board is the single PS2 port that can be use with either a PS2 keyboard or mouse. One port that supports two PS2 devices. I can’t say I’ve seen this feature on any other motherboard I’ve reviewed.
Moving on to the bottom of the motherboard, we get a chance to inspect the PCI-E and PCI slots. The M3A78-T has three PCI-E x16 slots for ATI CrossfireX graphics card configurations. It also has two PCI slots and one PCI-E x1 slot.
Here’s a quick shot of the front panel audio connector and optical drive audio connector.
The ASUS M3A78-T supports six USB 2.0 devices and two firewire 400 devices on board through these color-coded sockets.
This motherboard also has a well designed front panel connector that includes a power LED above it and three SATA ports on the top of the board itself.
There are also two SATA ports and one parallel port along the right side of the motherboard.
This AM2+ motherboard supports DDR2 1066/800/667 memory modules through four dual-channel 240-pin DIMMs. This motherboard maxes out at 8GBs of memory.
Lastly, the area around the CPU is organized well and leaves plenty of room for aftermarket heatsinks and other cooling solutions. The low-profile copper heatsinks around it also makes the board more flexible to support some of the industry’s most uniquely-designed heatsinks on the market.
I was absolutely impressed with the layout and design of the ASUS M3A78-T. This comes as no surprise to this reviewer because I can’t remember the last ASUS board I’ve reviewed that made me wish things were laid out differently. There’s plenty of room for three video cards and this board gives potential RAID users a host of options to accommodate their needs.
Included Extras
The accessories bundled with this motherboard are extremely lean. ASUS includes three SATA cables, two Molex to SATA power connectors, one PATA cable, and one floppy cable with this bundle.
A user guide and driver disc are the only documentation items included with this motherboard.
Lastly, ASUS included the back I/O plate and Q-connectors to make installing the power button, reset button, power LED, and HD LED headers quick and painless.
Well, I can’t say I was too impressed with the accessories bundled with this motherboard. But, at this price point, the included items are pretty standard for motherboards in this class. I might have liked to see a eSATA cable included and even an HDMI cable. Both of those items would have made this a lot better deal for consumers.
