A motherboard is the alpha and omega of any personal computer. It is to her that the processor is selected. And it is she who decides how powerful all the other components will be. Modern motherboards are quite expensive. But components from the recent past can still show the class. For example, ASUS M4A78LT M. An excellent motherboard, which at one time belonged to the top segment, and now barely reaches the budget. But falls short. And therefore it can still be used in home computers. We will consider the main technical characteristics of this component. But first, a few words about the manufacturer.
ASUS
The manufacturer of high-quality computer equipment ASUS began its journey in 1989. At that time, the company was engaged in the production of specialized electronics for computers of that time. Over time, the brand mastered the production of motherboards, monitors and its own computers in monoblock format. Today the company is one of the five best manufacturers of components for computers. Special success among users enjoy their motherboards and video cards. Monitors also sell well. However, the "motherboard" they have wonderful. A striking example of this is the ASUS M4A78LT M, which is still relevant. Even though it was released already in 2009.
To the credit of ASUS, it should be said that this company never got into particularly bad stories (like, for example, Intel). Therefore, she enjoys the full confidence of users. At the moment, the manufacturer produces monoblocks, laptops, smartphones, motherboards, video cards, CD drives and other necessary peripherals. The share of ASUS in the domestic market is very high. And this speaks of its popularity among domestic users. However, it's time to take a closer look at the ASUS M4A78LT M. motherboard. What is it? Let's start with the technical specifications, and then consider the key features.
Motherboard specifications
So, the motherboard ASUS M4A78LT M is based on the chipset from AMD 760G with the integrated graphic adapter Radeon HD 3000. The format of the board is Micro ATX. This means that it will fit in any (even the smallest) case. The board is made with a socket for Socket AM3 format processors . Processors of the Phenom II, Athlon II, Sempron series are supported. All from AMD. Unfortunately, modern processor models cannot be installed here. Obsolete versions are cheaper. Be that as it may, the “stones” of the Phenom line are still very personal. For the sound in the motherboard, the chipset from VIA for 8 channels is responsible. "Motherboard" is equipped with a full range of audio connectors. The type of supported RAM modules is DDR3. The maximum amount of RAM depends entirely on the specifications of the processor used.
Motherboard features
The motherboard ASUS M4A78LT M has support for SATA II interface with six channels. It is also possible to create RAID arrays. As a network controller, a product from Intel is used with a throughput of 1 gigabit per second. This is a great result for a budget board. But with USB ports, this product is a disaster. Of course, there are enough of them (as many as 6 pieces), but they all have an interface 2.0, which is simply ridiculous in modern realities. But the motherboard has technology to reduce the noise of the computer cooling system. A very useful thing. Another feature of the motherboard is the built-in Express Gate operating system, based on the Linux distribution. That is, you can work on a computer even without an installed OS on the hard drive. Of course, you can’t play games or watch movies, but the main actions are available (including viewing photos). This has not been a single manufacturer. Definitely, ASUS is able to surprise.
Motherboard setup
In principle, the ASUS M4A78LT M motherboard does not require any additional configuration. All that is needed is to install all other components of the system and start the computer. It does not even require installation of the operating system! One of the Linux distributions is sewn into the motherboard, which fully ensures the full operation of the entire system. The only thing that you will have to configure is to set the RAM memory timings in the BIOS and enable the surge protection option (if necessary). And the fan noise reduction system is already on.
After installing Windows, you will also need to install drivers for the motherboard. And do not forget about the moody sound chipset from VIA. This product can bring a lot of trouble. So if even suddenly updated drivers appear under it, then you should not install them. This is fraught with the disappearance of sound on the computer. Better to use the old ones. So it will be better. And more reliable. And you should not worry about the motherboard itself. She's just incredibly stable and reliable.
Where can I use this motherboard?
Is the ASUS M4A78LT M still relevant? The characteristics of this motherboard indicate that its arsenal has a lot of outdated interfaces. Even SATA II is almost never used. And it’s a shame to talk about USB 2.0. Nevertheless, this "motherboard" is perfect for creating a home computer with wide multimedia capabilities. Of course, top-end toys on such a machine will not work, but simpler games, films in Full HD and music in Lossless - easily. And the average user, as you know, does not need more. In addition, a computer based on this motherboard is perfect for work. A built-in surge protection will help save on an uninterruptible power supply. Truly, this motherboard was at one time the best. That is why it can still be used in budget and even mid-range computers.
Positive motherboard reviews
Those who purchased ASUS M4A78LT M and actively use it, claim that this is one of the most reliable motherboards. Over the years of use, not a single failure was detected due to the fault of the motherboard. Such stability is really impressive. Also, users say that even after a few years, the board still works quickly. One had only to change the processor and add RAM. And this means that it is undergoing modernization. Which, in turn, means that you can use this motherboard in our time. As well as her close relative ASUS M4A78LT M LE. Even though the latter is a bit more modest in technical specifications. But back to the reviews.
Users note the excellent performance of the fan noise reduction system. It is not clear how ASUS managed to achieve this, but this is a fact. And users say that the built-in system of protection against voltage drops more than once saved their computer. If suddenly the voltage jumps, the board simply turns off all the equipment. And so it remains intact.
Negative motherboard reviews
However, there are many who scold the ASUS M4A78LT M on what the light stands. The main argument among haters is this: the motherboard is terribly outdated. It is in no way suitable for modern toys. And this is also a fact. Gamers absolutely do not need such a motherboard. Also, many scold the outdated USB 2.0 interface, which does not allow transferring data to a USB flash drive at an acceptable speed. Negative comments were also awarded to the notorious SATA II interface . Indeed, the speed of the third generation is several times higher. How can I not swear?
Nevertheless, all these comrades do not understand that at the moment this motherboard belongs to the budget category. And if you look at it from this point of view, it turns out that it should be so. Although it is unlikely that some modern budget “motherboard” will have a cooler noise reduction system and surge protection, as in the ASUS M4A78LT M. Drivers for this motherboard, by the way, are still produced by the manufacturer. It must be appreciated. Moreover, the price tag for this motherboard is completely ridiculous.
Conclusion
So, we examined the motherboard ASUS M4A78LT M. At one time it belonged to the class of top-end. But now, in all respects, it corresponds to budget components. Despite its venerable age, this motherboard can become an excellent base for assembling a pretty good home computer.