ASRock 890GX Extreme3 User Manual

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No part of this installation guide may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or translated in any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documentation by the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of ASRock Inc.

Products and corporate names appearing in this guide may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:

Specifications and information contained in this guide are furnished for informational use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be constructed as a commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions that may appear in this guide.

With respect to the contents of this guide, ASRock does not provide warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASRock, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the guide or product.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY

The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic substance controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations passed by the California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in California, USA, please follow the related regulations in advance.

“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”

ASRock Website: http://www.asrock.com

Published March 2010

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

Motherboard Layout

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1	PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper	23	Power Switch (PWRBTN)
2	ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)	24	Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
3	CPU Heatsink Retention Module		(FRONT_1394, White)
4	AM3 CPU Socket	25	Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
5	Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)	26	USB 2.0 Header (USB12_13, Blue)
6	CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)	27	USB_PW3 Jumper
7	2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots	28	USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Blue)
	(Dual Channel A: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue)	29	USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)
8	2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots	30	USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)
	(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; White)	31	Serial Port Connector (COM1)
9	Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)	32	Infrared Module Header (IR1)
10	ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)	33	HDMI_SPDIF Header
11	Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)		(HDMI_SPDIF1, White)
12	Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3)	34	Front Panel Audio Header
13	Northbridge Controller		(HD_AUDIO1, White)
14	Southbridge Controller	35	PCI Slot (PCI3)
15	SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5_6, White)	36	PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4; White)
16	SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3_4, White)	37	PCI Slot (PCI2)
17	SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1_2, White)	38	PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3; Blue)
18	Dr. Debug (LED)	39	SPI Flash Memory (8Mb)
19	Power LED Header (PLED1)	40	PCI Slot (PCI1)
20	Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, White)	41	PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Blue)
21	System Panel Header (PANEL1, White)	42	PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; White)
22	Reset Switch (RSTBTN)	43	USB_PW2 Jumper

ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

I/O Panel

1	USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)	10	Microphone (Pink)
2	VGA/D-Sub Port	11	USB 3.0 Port (USB01)
3	USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)	12	IEEE 1394 Port (IEEE 1394)
* 4	LAN RJ-45 Port	13	eSATA2 Connector
5	Central / Bass (Orange)	14	Clear CMOS Switch (CLRCBTN)
6	Rear Speaker (Black)	15	VGA/HDMI Port
7	Optical SPDIF Out Port	16	VGA/DVI-D Port
8	Line In (Light Blue)	17	PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)

**9 Front Speaker (Lime)

*There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN Port LED Indications

Activity/Link LED			SPEED LED		ACT/LINK	SPEED
Activity/Link LED			SPEED LED		LED	LED
Status	Description	Status		Description	LED	LED
Status	Description	Status		Description
Off	No Link	Off		10Mbps connection
Blinking	Data Activity	Orange		100Mbps connection

On	Link	Green		1Gbps connection	LAN Port
					LAN Port

**If you use 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”. See the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.

TABLE for Audio Output Connection

Audio Output Channels	Front Speaker	Rear Speaker	Central / Bass	Line In
	(No. 9)	(No. 6)	(No. 5)	or
				Side Speaker
				(No. 8)
2	V	--	--	--
4	V	V	--	--
6	V	V	V	--
8	V	V	V	V

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will find “VIA HD Audio Deck” tool on your system. Please follow below instructions according to the OS you install.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Please click “VIA HD Audio Deck” icon. Click “Jack” and then click “Configuration”. In “Configuration” screen, please check the item “Independent Headphone”.

For Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:

Please click “VIA HD Audio Deck” icon. Click “Advanced Options” on the right side on the bottom. In “Advanced Options” screen, please check the item “Independent Headphone”.

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock 890GX Extreme3 motherboard, a reliable motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to quality and endurance.

In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the configuration guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.

Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit our website for specific information about the model you are using. www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.1Package Contents

ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Quick Installation Guide ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Support CD

4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)

1 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)

1 x eSATA3 Bracket (Optional)

1 x I/O Panel Shield

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

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1.2Specifications

	Platform	- ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
		- All Solid Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-quality
		Conductive Polymer Capacitors)

	CPU	- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD PhenomTM II X4 /
		X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron
		processors
		- Six-Core CPU Ready
		- Supports UCC feature (Unlock CPU Core) (see CAUTION 1)
		- Advanced V8 + 2 Power Phase Design
		- Supports CPU up to 140W
		- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology
		- FSB 2600 MHz (5.2 GT/s)
		- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)
		- Supports Hyper-Transport 3.0 (HT 3.0) Technology
	Chipset	- Northbridge: AMD 890GX
		- Southbridge: AMD SB850
	Memory	- Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 3)
		- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
		- Support DDR3 1800(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066/800 non-ECC,
		un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 4)
		- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 5)
	Expansion Slot	- 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
		(blue: single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode; white: x4 mode)
		- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
		- 3 x PCI slots
		- Supports ATITM Quad CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM,
		CrossFireXTM and Hybrid CrossFireXTM
	Graphics	- Integrated AMD Radeon HD 4290 graphics
		- DX10.1 class iGPU, Shader Model 4.1
		- Max. shared memory 512MB (see CAUTION 6)
		- Built-in 128MB DDR3 1333/1200MHz SidePort Memory
		- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
		- Supports HDMI Technology with max. resolution up to
		1920x1200 (1080P)
		- Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to 2560x1600
		@ 75Hz
		- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536
		@ 85Hz
		- Supports HDCP function with DVI and HDMI ports

ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

	- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback
	with DVI and HDMI ports

Audio	- 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
	- DAC with 110dB dynamic range (VIA® VT2020 Audio Codec)
	- Premium Blu-ray audio support
LAN	- PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
	- Realtek RTL8111E
	- Supports Wake-On-LAN
	- Supports LAN Cable Detection
Rear Panel I/O	I/O Panel
	- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
	- 1 x VGA/D-Sub Port
	- 1 x VGA/DVI-D Port
	- 1 x HDMI Port
	- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
	- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
	- 1 x eSATA2 Connector
	- 1 x eSATA3 Connector through the Bundled eSATA3 Bracket
	- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports
	- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
	- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port
	- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
	- HD Audio Jack: Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/Line in/
	Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 7)
USB 3.0	- 2 x USB 3.0 port by NEC MPD720200, support USB 1.0/2.0/
	3.0 up to 5Gb/s
SATA3	- 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
	RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and RAID 5), NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug"
	functions
eSATA3	- 1 x eSATA3 6.0 Gb/s connector through the bundled eSATA3
	bracket, supports NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions
Connector	- 6 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors
	- 1 x IR header
	- 1 x COM port header
	- 1 x IEEE 1394 header
	- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
	- 1 x Power LED header
	- CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connector
	- 24 pin ATX power connector
	- 8 pin 12V power connector
	- Front panel audio connector

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

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	- 4 x USB 2.0 headers (support 8 USB 2.0 ports)
	(see CAUTION 8)
	- 1 x Dr. Debug (7-Segment Debug LED)

Smart Switch	- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
	- 1 x Power Switch with LED
	- 1 x Reset Switch with LED
BIOS Feature	- 8Mb AMI BIOS
	- AMI Legal BIOS
	- Supports “Plug and Play”
	- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
	- Supports jumperfree
	- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
	- CPU, VCCM, NB, SB Voltage Multi-adjustment
Support CD	- Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), AMD
	OverDriveTM Utility, AMD Live! Explorer, AMD Fusion, ASRock
	Software Suite (CyberLink DVD Suite - OEM and Trial;
	Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi MB - Trial)
Unique Feature	- ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 9)
	- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 10)
	- Instant Boot
	- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 11)
	- ASRock OC DNA (see CAUTION 12)
	- Hybrid Booster:
	- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 13)
	- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 14)
	- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
	- Turbo 25 / Turbo 30 GPU Overclocking
Hardware	- CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor	- Chassis Temperature Sensing
	- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer
	- CPU Quiet Fan
	- CPU/Chassis Fan Multi-Speed Control
	- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore

OS	- Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
	/ XP / XP Media Center / XP 64-bit compliant
Certifications	- FCC, CE, WHQL
	- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
	(see CAUTION 15)

* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

WARNING

Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using the thirdparty overclocking tools. Overclocking may affect your system stability, or even cause damage to the components and devices of your system. It should be done at your own risk and expense. We are not responsible for possible damage caused by overclocking.

CAUTION!

1.ASRock UCC (Unlock CPU Core) feature simplifies AMD CPU activation. As long as a simple switch of the BIOS option “ASRock UCC”, you can unlock the extra CPU core to enjoy an instant performance boost. When UCC feature is enabled, the dual-core or triple-core CPU will boost to the quad-core CPU, and some CPU, including quad-core CPU, can also increase L3 cache size up to 6MB, which means you can enjoy the upgrade CPU performance with a better price. Please be noted that UCC feature is supported with AM3 CPU only, and in addition, not every AM3 CPU can support this function because some CPU’s hidden core may be malfunctioned.

2.This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read “Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 38 for details.

3.This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before you implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read the installation guide of memory modules on page 13 for proper installation.

4.Whether 1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM3 CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 1600 memory module on this motherboard, please refer to the memory support list on our website for the compatible memory modules.

ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

5.Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 7 / VistaTM / XP. For Windows® OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.

6.The maximum shared memory size is defined by the chipset vendor and is subject to change. Please check AMD website for the latest information.

7.For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on page 3 for proper connection.

8.Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft® Windows® 7 64-bit / 7 / VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2.

9.It is a user-friendly ASRock overclocking tool which allows you to surveil your system by hardware monitor function and overclock your hardware devices to get the best system performance under Windows® environment. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of ASRock OC Tuner. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

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10.Featuring an advanced proprietary hardware and software design, Intelligent Energy Saver is a revolutionary technology that delivers unparalleled power savings. The voltage regulator can reduce the number of output phases to improve efficiency when the CPU cores are idle. In other words, it is able to provide exceptional power saving and improve power efficiency without sacrificing computing performance. To use Intelligent Energy Saver function, please enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet option in the BIOS setup in advance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of Intelligent Energy Saver.

ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com

11.ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS flash utility embedded in Flash ROM. This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS without entering operating systems first like MS-DOS or Windows®. With this utility, you can press <F6> key during the POST or press <F2> key to BIOS setup menu to access ASRock Instant Flash. Just launch this tool and save the new BIOS file to your USB flash drive, floppy disk or hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or other complicated flash utility. Please be noted that the USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system.

12.The software name itself – OC DNA literally tells you what it is capable of. OC DNA, an exclusive utility developed by ASRock, provides a convenient way for the user to record the OC settings and share with others. It helps you to save your overclocking record under the operating system and simplifies the complicated recording process of overclocking settings. With OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as a profile and share with your friends! Your friends then can load the OC profile to their own system to get the same OC settings as yours! Please be noticed that the OC profile can only be shared and worked on the same motherboard.

13.Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU bus frequencies may cause the instability of the system or damage the CPU.

14.While CPU overheat is detected, the system will automatically shutdown. Before you resume the system, please check if the CPU fan on the motherboard functions properly and unplug the power cord, then plug it back again. To improve heat dissipation, remember to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink when you install the PC system.

15.EuP, stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by European Union to define the power consumption for the completed system. According to EuP, the total AC power of the completed system shall be under 1.00W in off mode condition. To meet EuP standard, an EuP ready motherboard and an EuP ready power supply are required. According to Intel’s suggestion, the EuP ready power supply must meet the standard of 5v standby power efficiency is higher than 50% under 100 mA current consumption. For EuP ready power supply selection, we recommend you checking with the power supply manufacturer for more details.

ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

2. Installation

This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.

Pre-installation Precautions

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

1.Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

2.To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static electricity, NEVER place your motherboard directly on the carpet or the like. Also remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle components.

3.Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.

4.Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that comes with the component.

5.When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the motherboard to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

2.1CPU Installation

Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90o angle.

Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

Step 3. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to avoid bending of the pins.

Step 4. When the CPU is in place, press it firmly on the socket while you push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

Lever 90° Up
	CPU Golden Triangle
	Socker Corner Small Triangle
STEP 1:	STEP 2 / STEP 3:	STEP 4:
Lift Up The Socket Lever	Match The CPU Golden Triangle	Push Down And Lock
	To The Socket Corner Small	The Socket Lever
	Triangle

2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dissipation. Make sure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened and in good contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the CPU FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 2, No. 6). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chiptype) DDR3 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel A (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1; Blue slots; see p.2 No.7) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2; White slots; see p.2 No.8), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR3 DIMMs for dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Configuration Table below.

Dual Channel Memory Configurations

	DDR3_A1	DDR3_B1	DDR3_A2	DDR3_B2
	(Blue Slot)	(Blue Slot)	(White Slot)	(White Slot)
(1)	Populated	Populated	-	-
(2)	-	-	Populated	Populated
(3)*	Populated	Populated	Populated	Populated

* For the configuration (3), please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots.

1.If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal compatibility and reliability, it is recommended to install them in the slots of the same color. In other words, install them either in the set of blue slots (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1), or in the set of white slots (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2).

2.If only one memory module or three memory modules are installed in the DDR3 DIMM slots on this motherboard, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology.

3.If a pair of memory modules is NOT installed in the same Dual Channel, for example, installing a pair of memory modules in DDR3_A1 and DDR3_A2, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology .

4.It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.

5.If you adopt DDR3 1600 memory modules on this motherboard, it is recommended to install them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

Installing a DIMM

Please make sure to disconnect power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or the system components.

Step 1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward.

Step 2. Align a DIMM on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the slot.

The DIMM only fits in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into the slot at incorrect orientation.

Step 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the slot until the retaining clips at both ends fully snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There are 3 PCI slots and 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI interface.

PCIE Slots:

PCIE1 (PCIE x1 slot; White) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card.

PCIE2 / PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM function.

PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; White) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc, or used to install

PCI Express graphics cards to support 3-Way CrossFireXTM function.

1.In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.

2.In CrossFireXTM mode, please install PCI Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots. Therefore, both these two slots will work at x8 bandwidth.

3.In 3-Way CrossFireXTM mode, please install PCI Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE2, PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots will work at x8 bandwidth while PCIE4 slot will work at x4 bandwidth.

4.Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connector (CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

Installing an expansion card

Step 1. Before installing the expansion card, please make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documentation of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the card before you start the installation.

Step 2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

Step 3. Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws for later use.

Step 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws. Step 6. Replace the system cover.

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ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features

Dual Monitor Feature

This motherboard supports dual monitor feature. With the internal VGA output support (DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI), you can easily enjoy the benefits of dual monitor feature without installing any add-on VGA card to this motherboard. This motherboard also provides independent display controllers for DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI to support dual VGA output so that DVI-D, D-sub and HDMI can drive same or different display contents.

To enable dual monitor feature, please follow the below steps:

1.Connect DVI-D monitor cable to VGA/DVI-D port on the I/O panel, connect D-Sub monitor cable to VGA/D-Sub port on the I/O panel, or connect HDMI monitor cable to HDMI port on the I/O panel.

VGA/D-Sub port

VGA/DVI-D port HDMI port

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2.If you have installed onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system already, you can freely enjoy the benefits of dual monitor function after your system boots. If you haven’t installed onboard VGA driver yet, please install onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system and restart your computer. Then you can start to use dual monitor function on this motherboard.

1.DVI-D and HDMI ports cannot function at the same time. When one of them is enabled, the other one will be disabled.

2.When you playback HDCP-protected video from Blu-ray (BD) or HD-DVD disc, the content will be displayed only in one of the two monitors instead of both monitors.

ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard

Surround Display Feature

This motherboard supports surround display upgrade. With the internal VGA output support (DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI) and external add-on PCI Express VGA cards, you can easily enjoy the benefits of surround display feature.

Please refer to the following steps to set up a surround display environment:

1.Install the ATITM PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE2, PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots. Please refer to page 15 for proper expansion card installation procedures for details.

2.Connect DVI-D monitor cable to VGA/DVI-D port on the I/O panel, connect D-Sub monitor cable to VGA/D-Sub port on the I/O panel, or connect HDMI monitor cable to HDMI port on the I/O panel. Then connect other monitor cables to the

corresponding connectors of the add-on PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE2,

PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots.

3.Boot your system. Press <F2> to enter BIOS setup. Enter “UMA Frame Buffer Size” option to adjust the memory capability to [32MB], [64MB], [128MB] [256MB] or [512MB] to enable the function of VGA/D-sub. Please make sure that the value you select is less than the total capability of the system memory. If you do not adjust the BIOS setup, the default value of “Share Memory”, [Auto], will disable VGA/D-Sub function when the add-on VGA card is inserted to this motherboard.

4.Install the onboard VGA driver and the add-on PCI Express VGA card driver to your system. If you have installed the drivers already, there is no need to install them again.

5.Set up a multi-monitor display.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Right click the desktop, choose “Properties”, and select the “Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to the steps below.

A.Click the “Identify” button to display a large number on each monitor.

B.Right-click the display icon in the Display Properties dialog that you wish to be your primary monitor, and then select “Primary”. When you use multiple monitors with your card, one monitor will always be Primary, and all additional monitors will be designated as Secondary.

C.Select the display icon identified by the number 2.

D.Click “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor”.

E.Right-click the display icon and select “Attached”, if necessary.

F.Set the “Screen Resolution” and “Color Quality” as appropriate for the second monitor. Click “Apply” or “OK” to apply these new values.

G.Repeat steps C through E for the diaplay icon identified by the number one, two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight.

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For Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:

Right click the desktop, choose “Personalize”, and select the “Display Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to the steps below.

A.Click the number ”2” icon.

B.Click the items “This is my main monitor” and “Extend the desktop onto this monitor”.

C.Click “OK” to save your change.

D.Repeat steps A through C for the display icon identified by the number three, four, five, six, seven and eight.

6.Use Surround Display. Click and drag the display icons to positions representing the physical setup of your monitors that you would like to use. The placement of display icons determines how you move items from one monitor to another.

HDCP Function

HDCP function is supported on this motherboard. To use HDCP function with this motherboard, you need to adopt the monitor that supports HDCP function as well. Therefore, you can enjoy the superior display quality with high-definition HDCP encryption contents. Please refer to below instruction for more details about HDCP function.

What is HDCP?

HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, a specification developed by Intel® for protecting digital entertainment content that uses the DVI interface. HDCP is a copy protection scheme to eliminate the possibility of intercepting digital data midstream between the video source, or transmitter - such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box - and the digital display, or receiver - such as a monitor, television or projector. In other words, HDCP specification is designed to protect the integrity of content as it is being transmitted.

Products compatible with the HDCP scheme such as DVD players, satellite and cable HDTV set-top-boxes, as well as few entertainment PCs requires a secure connection to a compliant display. Due to the increase in manufacturers employing HDCP in their equipment, it is highly recommended that the HDTV or LCD monitor you purchase is compatible.

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2.6CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and Quad

CrossFireXTM Operation Guide

This motherboard supports CrossFireXTM, 3-way CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM feature. CrossFireXTM technology offers the most advantageous means available of combining multiple high performance Graphics Processing Units (GPU) in a single PC. Combining a range of different operating modes with intelligent software design and an innovative interconnect mechanism, CrossFireXTM enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in any 3D application. Currently CrossFireXTM feature is supported with Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 / VistaTM / 7 OS. 3-way CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM feature are supported with Windows® VistaTM / 7 OS only. Please check AMD website for ATITM CrossFireXTM driver updates.

1.If a customer incorrectly configures their system they will not see the performance benefits of CrossFireXTM. All three CrossFireXTM components, a CrossFireXTM Ready graphics card, a CrossFireXTM Ready motherboard and a CrossFireXTM Edition co-processor graphics card, must be installed correctly to benefit from the CrossFireXTM multi-GPU platform.

2.If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireXTM Edition card with a 16-pipe card, both cards will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireXTM mode.

2.6.1Graphics Card Setup

2.6.1.1Installing Two CrossFireXTM-Ready Graphics Cards

Different CrossFireXTM cards may require different methods to enable CrossFireXTM feature. In below procedures, we use Radeon HD 3870 as the example graphics card. For other CrossFireXTM cards that ATITM has released or will release in the future, please refer to ATITM graphics card manuals for detailed installation guide.

Step 1. Insert one Radeon graphics card into PCIE2 slot and the other Radeon graphics card to PCIE3 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.

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Step 2. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing CrossFire Bridge on CrossFire Bridge Interconnects on the top of Radeon graphics cards. (CrossFire Bridge is provided with the graphics card you purchase, not bundled with this motherboard. Please refer to your graphics card vendor for details.)

CrossFire Bridge

Step 3. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon graphics card on PCIE2 slot. (You may use the DVI to D-Sub adapter to convert the DVI connector to D-Sub interface, and then connect the D-Sub monitor cable to the DVI to D-Sub adapter.)

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2.6.1.2 Installing Three CrossFireXTM-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Install one Radeon graphics card to PCIE2 slot. For the proper installation procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 2. Install one Radeon graphics card to PCIE3 slot. For the proper installation procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 3. Install one Radeon graphics card to PCIE4 slot. For the proper installation procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 4. Use one CrossFireTM Bridge to connect Radeon graphics cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots, and use the other CrossFireTM Bridge to connect Radeon graphics cards on PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots. (CrossFireTM Bridge is provided with the graphics card you purchase, not bundled with this motherboard. Please refer to your graphics card vendor for details.)

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CrossFireTM Bridge

Step 5. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon graphics card on PCIE2 slot. (You may use the DVI to D-Sub adapter to convert the DVI connector to D-Sub interface, and then connect the D-Sub monitor cable to the DVI to D-Sub adapter.)

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2.6.2 Driver Installation and Setup

Step 1. Power on your computer and boot into OS.

Step 2. Remove the ATITM driver if you have any VGA driver installed in your system.

The Catalyst Uninstaller is an optional download. We recommend using this utility to uninstall any previously installed Catalyst drivers prior to installation. Please check AMD website for ATITM driver updates.

Step 3. Install the required drivers to your system.

For Windows® XP OS:

A.ATITM recommends Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or higher to be installed (If you have Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or higher installed in your system, there is no need to download it again):

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

B.You must have Microsoft .NET Framework installed prior to downloading and installing the CATALYST Control Center. Please check Microsoft website for details.

For Windows® 7 / VistaTM OS:

Install the CATALYST Control Center. Please check AMD website for details. Step 4. Restart your computer.

Step 5. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your computer. Then you will find “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on your Windows® taskbar.

ATI Catalyst Control Center

Step 6. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, select “CrossFireXTM”, and then check the item “Enable CrossFireXTM”. Select “2 GPUs” and click “Apply” (if you install two Radeon graphics cards). Select “3 GPUs” and click “OK” (if you install three Radeon graphics cards).

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Although you have selected the option “Enable CrossFireTM”, the CrossFireXTM function may not work actually. Your computer will automatically reboot. After restarting your computer, please confirm whether the option “Enable CrossFireTM” in “ATI Catalyst Control Center” is selected or not; if not, please select it again, and then you are able to enjoy the benefit of CrossFireXTM feature.

Step 7. You can freely enjoy the benefit of CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM or Quad CrossFireXTM feature.

*CrossFireXTM appearing here is a registered trademark of ATITM Technologies Inc., and is used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

*For further information of ATITM CrossFireXTM technology, please check AMD website for updates and details.

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2.7ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM Operation Guide

This motherboard supports ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM feature. ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM brings multi-GPU performance capabilities by enabling an AMD 890GX integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringlyfast frame rates. Currently, ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM Technology is only supported with Windows® VistaTM / 7 OS, and is not available with Windows® XP OS. In the future, ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM may be supported with Windows® XP OS. Please visit our website for updated information.

What does an ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM system include?

An ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM system includes an ATITM RadeonTM 2400, 3450 or 5450 series graphics processor and a motherboard based on an AMD 890GX integrated chipset, all operating in a Windows® VistaTM / 7 environment. Please refer to below PCI Express graphics card support list for ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM. For the future update of more compatible PCI Express graphics cards, please visit our website for further information.

Vendor	Chipset	Model	Driver
ATI	RADEON HD2400XT	POWERCOLOR HD2400 XT	Support CD 8.70
		256MB DDR3
	RADEON HD3450	POWERCOLOR AX3450	Support CD 8.70
		256MD2-S
	RADEON HD5450	ATI RADEON HD5450 1GB	Support CD 8.70

Enjoy the benefit of ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM

Step 1. Install one compatible PCI Express graphics card to PCIE2 slot (blue). For the proper installation procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 2. Connect the monitor cable to the correspondent connector on the PCI Express graphics card on PCIE2 slot.

Step 3. Boot your system. Press <F2> to enter BIOS setup. Enter “Advanced” screen, and enter “Chipset Settings”. Then set the option “Surround View” to [Enabled].

Step 4. Boot into OS. Please remove the ATITM driver if you have any VGA driver installed in your system.

Step 5. Install the onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system for both the onboard VGA and the discrete graphics card.

Step 6. Restart your computer. Then you will find “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on your Windows® taskbar.

ATI Catalyst Control Center

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Step 7. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, click “CrossFireTM”, and then select the option “Enable CrossFireTM”.

View

CrossFireTM		Enable CrossFireTM

Step 8. Click “Yes” to continue.

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Step 9. Click “OK” to save your change.

Step 10. Reboot your system. Then you can freely enjoy the benefit of HybridTM CrossFireXTM feature.

*Hybrid CrossFireXTM appearing here is a registered trademark of ATITM Technologies Inc., and is used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

*For further information of ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM technology, please check AMD website for up dates and details.

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2.8Jumpers Setup

The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1

and pin2 are “Short” when jumper cap is Short Open placed on these 2 pins.

Jumper	Setting
PS2_USB_PW1	Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.2, No. 1)	+5VSB (standby) for PS/2 or
	USB45 wake up events.

Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by power supply.

USB_PW2	Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.2, No. 43)	+5V_DUAL for USB01/23
	wake up events.

Note: To select +5V_DUAL, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by power supply. When you select +5V_DUAL, USB devices can wake up the system under S3 (Suspend to RAM) state.

USB_PW3	Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.2, No. 27)	+5VSB (standby) for
	USB6_7/8_9/10_11/12_13
	wake up events.

Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by power supply.

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1)

(see p.2, No. 25)	Default	Clear CMOS

Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. The data in CMOS includes system setup information such as system password, date, time, and system setup parameters. To clear and reset the system parameters to default setup, please turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a jumper cap to short pin2 and pin3 on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However, please do not clear the CMOS right after you update the BIOS. If you need to clear the CMOS when you just finish updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system first, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS action.

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2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors

Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the motherboard!

Serial ATA3 Connectors

(SATA3_1_2: see p.2,No. 17)

(SATA3_3_4: see p.2,No. 16)

(SATA3_5_6: see p.2,No. 15)

Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable

(Optional)

SATA3_1_2 SATA3_3_4 SATA3_5_6

These six Serial ATA3 (SATA3) connectors support SATA data cables for internal storage devices. The current SATA3 interface allows up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

Either end of the SATA data cable can be connected to the SATA3 hard disk or the SATA3 connector on this motherboard.

Serial ATA (SATA) Power Cable

(Optional)

connect to the SATA

HDD power connector

connect to the powersupply

Please connect the black end of SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. Then connect the white end of SATA power cable to the power connector of the power supply.

eSATA3 Bracket	eSATA3 bracket can be
(Optional)	connected to the SATA3
	connector to support the
	external SATA3 device.

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USB 2.0 Headers	Besides four default USB 2.0
(9-pin USB12_13)	ports on the I/O panel, there are
(see p.2 No. 26)	four USB 2.0 headers on this
	motherboard. Each USB 2.0
	header can support two USB
	2.0 ports.
(9-pin USB10_11)
(see p.2 No. 28)

(9-pin USB8_9)

(see p.2 No. 29)

(9-pin USB6_7)

(see p.2 No. 30)

Infrared Module Header	This header supports an
(5-pin IR1)	optional wireless transmitting
(see p.2 No. 32)	and receiving infrared module.

Front Panel Audio Header	This is an interface for the front
(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)	panel audio cable that allows
(see p.2, No. 34)	convenient connection and
	control of audio devices.

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1.High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must support HDA to function correctly. Please follow the instruction in our manual and chassis manual to install your system.

2.If you use AC’97 audio panel, please install it to the front panel audio header as below:

A.Connect Mic_IN (MIC) to MIC2_L.

B.Connect Audio_R (RIN) to OUT2_R and Audio_L (LIN) to OUT2_L.

C.Connect Ground (GND) to Ground (GND).

D.MIC_RET and OUT_RET are for HD audio panel only. You don’t need to connect them for AC’97 audio panel.

E.Enter BIOS Setup Utility. Enter Advanced Settings, and then select Chipset Configuration. Set the Front Panel Control option from [Auto] to [Enabled].

System Panel Header	This header accommodates
(9-pin PANEL1)	several system front panel
(see p.2 No. 21)	functions.

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Power LED Header	Please connect the chassis
(3-pin PLED1)	power LED to this header to
(see p.2 No. 19)	indicate system power status.
	The LED is on when the system
	is operating. The LED keeps
	blinking in S1 state. The LED is
	off in S3/S4 state or S5 state
	(power off).

Chassis Speaker Header	Please connect the chassis
(4-pin SPEAKER 1)	speaker to this header.
(see p.2 No. 20)

Chassis and Power Fan Connectors	Please connect the fan cables
(3-pin CHA_FAN1)	to the fan connectors and
(see p.2 No. 9)	match the black wire to the
	ground pin.
(3-pin CHA_FAN2)
(see p.2 No. 11)
(3-pin CHA_FAN3)
(see p.2 No. 12)
(3-pin PWR_FAN1)
(see p.2 No. 5)

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