ASRock 960GM-U3S3 FX Owner's Manual

0 (0)

960GM/U3S3 FX

User Manual

Version 1.1

Published May 2013

No part of this manual 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 manual 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:Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:Disclaimer:

Specifications and information contained in this manual 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 manual. With respect to the contents of this manual, 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 manual 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

ContentsContents

Contents

ContentsContents

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Introduction

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 5

1.2 Specifications........................................................................... 6

1.3 Motherboard Layout ................................................................... 12

1.4 I/O Panel.................................................................................... 13

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Installation

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Pre-installation Precautions ............................................................... 14

2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 15

2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ....................................... 15

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM).................................... 16

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) .......................... 17

2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features............................. 18

2.6 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide ................................. 21

2.7 Jumpers Setup .......................................................................... 22

2.8 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................................. 23

2.9 SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide................................................... 27

2.10 Serial AT A (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SAT AII) Hard Disks

Installation ................................................................................. 28

2.1 1 Serial AT A3 (SAT A3) Hard Disks Installation .............................. 28

2.12 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Function s f or SATA / SATAII HDDs....... 29

2.13 Hot Plug Function for SATA 3 HDDs.......................................... 29

2.14 SATA / SATAII / SAT A3 HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation

Guide ........................................................................................ 30

2.15 Driver Installation Guide ............................................................. 32

2.16 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / Vista

With RAID Functions ................................................................. 32

2.16.1 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit With RAID

2.16.2 Installing Windows® VistaTM / Vista

2.17 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / Vista

Without RAID Functions ............................................................ 34

2.17.1 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID

2.17.2 Installing Windows® VistaTM / Vista

2.18 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................................ 36

......................................................................................................................

...........................................................

......................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

.............................................................

..........................................................................................................................

64-bit

Functions ............................................................... 32

Functions ...................................................................... 33

Functions ...................................................................... 34

RAID Functions ............................................................. 35

64-bit With RAID

64-bit

64-bit Without

5 5

14 14

3.3.

BIOS SBIOS S

BIOS S

3.3.

BIOS SBIOS S

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 37

3.2 Main Screen .............................................................................. 38

3.3 OC Twea ker Screen ................................................................... 39

3.4 Advanced Screen ....................................................................... 43

3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ................................. 52

3.6 Boot Screen .............................................................................. 53

3.7 Security Screen......................................................................... 54

3.8 Exit Screen................................................................................ 55

4.4.

Software SupportSoftware Support

Software Support

4.4.

Software SupportSoftware Support

4.1 Install Operating System ........................................................... 56

4.2 Support CD Information .............................................................. 56

ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY

ETUP UTILITY

ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY

3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 37

3.1.2 Navigation Keys .............................................................. 38

3.4.1 CPU Configuration ........................................................... 44

3.4.2 Chipset Configuration ...................................................... 45

3.4.3 ACPI Configuration .......................................................... 46

3.4.4 Storage Configuration ...................................................... 47

3.4.5 PCIPnP Configuration ...................................................... 49

3.4.6 Super IO Configuration .................................................... 50

3.4.7 USB Configuration ........................................................... 51

3.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration ............................................. 53

4.2.1 Running Support CD ........................................................ 56

4.2.2 Drivers Menu ................................................................... 56

4.2.3 Utilities Menu .................................................................. 56

4.2.4 Contact Information.......................................................... 56

....................................................................................................

..................................................

....................................................................................................

......................................................................................................

...................................................

......................................................................................................

37 37

56 56

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Introduction

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Thank you for purcha sing ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX 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-bystep 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

1.11.1

ackack

1.1

1.11.1

ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Motherboard

(Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 7.8-in, 24.4 cm x 19.8 cm) ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Quick Installation Guide ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Support CD 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional) 1 x I/O Panel Shield

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1.21.2

SpecificationsSpecifications

1.2

Specifications

1.21.2

SpecificationsSpecifications

Platform - Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 7.8-in, 24.4 cm x 19.8 cm

- Solid Capa citor f or CPU power

CPU - Support for Socket AM3+ processors

- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD PhenomTM II X6 / X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron processors

- Supports 8-Core CPU

- Supports AMD OverDriveTM with ACC feature (Advanced Clock Calibration)

- AMD LIVE!TM Ready

- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology

- FSB 2600 MHz (5.2 GT/s)

- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 1)

- Supports Hyper-Transport 3.0 (HT 3.0) Technology

Chipset - Northbridge: AMD 760G

- Southbridge: AMD SB710

Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)

- 2 x DDR3 DIMM slots

- Support DDR3 1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066/800 non-ECC, un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 3)

- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 4)

Expansion Slot - 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue @ x16 mode)

- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

- 1 x PCI slot

Graphics - Integrated AMD Radeon HD 3000 graphics

- DX10 class iGPU, Pixel Shader 4.0

- Max. shared memory 512MB (see CAUTION 5)

- Dual VGA Output: support DVI-D and D-Sub ports by independent display controllers

- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 75Hz

- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536 @ 85Hz

- Supports HDCP function with DVI-D port

- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback with D VI-D port

Audio - 5.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC662 Audio Codec)

LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s

- Realtek RTL81 1 1E

- Supports Wa ke-On-LAN

- Supports LAN Cable Detection

- Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az

- Supports PXE

Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel

- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port

- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port

- 1 x D-Sub Port

- 1 x DVI-D Port

- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports

- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)

- HD Audio Jack: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone

SAT A3 - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by ASMedia ASM1061,

support NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions

USB3 - 2 x USB 3.0 ports by Etron EJ168A, support USB

1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s

Connector - 4 x SATA2 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 10 and JBOD), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions (see CAUTION 6)

- 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors

- 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices)

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x CIR header

- 1 x Print port header

- 1 x COM port header

- CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connector

- 24 pin ATX power connector

- 4 pin 12V power connector

- CD in header

- Front panel audio connector

- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)

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 Voltage Multi-adjustment

Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version),

AMD OverDriveTM Utility, CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial,

ASRock Software Suite (CyberLink DVD Suite - OEM and Trial;

ASRock MAGIX Multimedia Suite - OEM)

Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 7)

- ASRock Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 8)

- ASRock Instant Boot

- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 9)

- ASRock OC DNA (see CAUTION 10)

- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 11)

- ASRock SmartView (see CAUTION 12)

- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 13)

- ASRock XFast LAN (see CAUTION 14)

- ASRock XFast RAM (see CAUTION 15)

- Hybrid Booster:

- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 16)

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 17)

- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.) Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing

- CPU/Chassis/Power Fa n Tachometer

- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fa n

- CPU/Chassis Fa n Multi-Speed Control

- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore

OS - Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ VistaTM 64-bit

/ XP / XP Media Center / XP 64-bit compli ant

Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL

- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required) (see CAUTION 18)

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

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. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read

“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 36 for details.

2. 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 16 for proper

installation.

3. Whether 1866/1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on the

AM3/AM3+ CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 1866/1600 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

4. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be

less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 7

/ Vista

/ XP. For Windows® OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such

limitation.

5. The maximum shared memory size is defined by the chipset vendor

and is subject to change. Please check AMD website for the latest

information.

6. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the “SATAII

Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 27 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to

SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector

directly.

7. 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:

8. 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 num-

ber of output phases to improve efficiency when the CPU cores are idle.

In other words, it is able to provide exceptional power saving and im-

prove power efficiency without sacrificing computing performance. To

use Intelligent Energy Saver function, please enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet op-

tion in the BIOS setup in advance. Please visit our website for the opera-

tion procedures of Intelligent Energy Saver.

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

http://www.asrock.com

9. 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.

10. The software name itself – OC DNA literally tells you what it is capable

of. OC DNA, an exclusive utility developed by ASRock, provides a conve-

nient way for the user to record the OC settings and share with others.

It helps you to save your overclocking record under the operating sys-

tem 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.

11. If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your Apple devices,

such as iPhone/iPod/iPad Touch, ASRock has prepared a wonderful

solution for you - ASRock APP Charger. Simply installing the APP Charger

driver, it makes your iPhone charged much quickly from your computer

and up to 40% faster than before. ASRock APP Charger allows you to

quickly charge many Apple devices simultaneously and even supports

continuous charging when your PC enters into Standby mode (S1),

Suspend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5). With

APP Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the marvelous charg-

ing experience than ever.

ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/AppCharger/index.asp

12. SmartView, a new function of internet browser, is the smart start page

for IE that combines your most visited web sites, your history, your

Facebook friends and your real-time newsfeed into an enhanced view

for a more personal Internet experience. ASRock motherboards are

exclusively equipped with the SmartView utility that helps you keep in

touch with friends on-the-go. To use SmartView feature, please make

sure your OS version is Windows

and your browser version is IE8.

ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/SmartView/index.asp

13. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The

performance may depend on the property of the device.

7 / 7 64 bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64 bit,

1010

14. ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes below benefits. LAN Application Prioritization: You can configure your application priority ideally and/or add new programs. Lower Latency in Game: After setting online game priority higher, it can lower the latency in game. Traffic Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD video and download files simultaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With the status window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are currently transferring.

15. ASRock XFast RAM fully utilizes the memory space that cannot be used under Windows previously visited websites, making web surfing faster than ever. And it also boosts the speed of Adobe Photoshop 5 times faster. Another advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that it reduces the frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in order to extend their lifespan.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

OS 32-bit CPU. It also shortens the loading time of

1111

1.3 Motherboard Layout1.3 Motherboard Layout

1.3 Motherboard Layout

1.3 Motherboard Layout1.3 Motherboard Layout

19.8cm (7.8-in)

Keyboard

Mouse

Designin Taipei

PS2

VGA1

DVI_CON1

USB2.0 T: US B2 B:USB3

USB3.0 T: US B4 B:USB5

USB2.0

Top:

T: US B0

RJ-45

B:USB1

Bottom:

MIC IN

Top:

LINE IN

Center:

FRONT

LAN

AUDIO CODEC

Super

29 28

HD_AUDIO1

ErP/EuP Ready Support 8-Core CPU AM3+

ATX12V1

USB 3.0

PCIE1

RoHS

I/O

COM1

CD1

LPT1

PCIE2

960GM/U3S3 FX

PCI1

AMD

760G

Chipset

CMOS

BATTERY

IR1

CLRCMOS1

USB6_7

CIR1

SOCKET AM3b

SATA3 6Gb/s

8Mb

BIOS

USB8_9

CPU_FAN1

DDR3 1866

FSB800

24.4cm (9.6-in)

ATXPWR1

IDE1

FastLAN

FastUSB

DDR3_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

PWR_FAN1

SATA3_1 SATA3_2 SATAII_4

(PORT3)

10 11

AMD

SB710

Chipset

SATAII_1(PORT0)

PANEL1

CHA_FAN1

PLEDPWRBTN

SPEAKER1

SATAII_2(PORT1)

HDLED RESET

SATAII_3 (PORT2)

1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 17 System Panel Header (PANEL1, White) 2 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 18 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 3 AM3+ CPU Socket 19 SPI Flash Memory (8Mb) 4 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 20 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)

(Dual Channel: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue) 21 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) 5 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 22 Consumer Infrared Module Header (CIR1) 6 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 23 Infrared Module Header (IR1) 7 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1) 24 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 8 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 25 Print Port Header (LPT1, White) 9 SATA2 Connector (SATAII_4 (PORT 3), Blue) 26 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) 10 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2, White) 27 Front Panel Audio Header 11 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1, White) (HD_AUDIO1, White) 12 Southbridge Controller 28 PCI Slot (PCI1) 13 SATA2 Connector (SATAII_3 (PORT 2), Blue) 29 Serial Port Connector (COM1) 14 SATA2 Connector (SATAII_2 (PORT 1), Blue) 30 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Blue) 15 SATA2 Connector (SATAII_1 (PORT 0), Blue) 31 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; Blue) 16 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, White)32 Northbridge Controller

1212

1.4 I/O P1.4 I/O P

1.4 I/O P

1.4 I/O P1.4 I/O P

anelanel

anel

anelanel

1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 7 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) 2 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) 8 USB 3.0 Ports (USB45)

* 3 RJ-45 Port 9 DVI-D Port

4 Line In (Light Blue) 10 D-Sub Port 5 Line Out (Lime) 11 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple) 6 Microphone (Pink)

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

indications.

Activity/Link LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description

LAN Port LED Indications

Off No Activity Off 10Mbps connection

Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection

Green 1Gbps connection

ACT/LINK LED

LAN Port

SPEED LED

* To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front

panel audio header. Please refer to below steps for the software setting of Multi-Streaming. For Windows® XP:

After restarting your computer, you will find “Mixer” tool on your system. Please select “Mixer

ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click “ok”. Choose “2CH” or

“4CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker

and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio. Then

reboot your system. For Windows

After restarting your computer, please double-click “Realtek HD Audio Manager” on the

system tray. Set “Speaker Configuration” to “Quadraphonic” or “Stereo”. Click “Device

advanced settings”, choose “Make front and rear output devices playbacks two different audio

streams simultaneously”, and click “ok”. Then reboot your system.

7 / VistaTM:

1313

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Installation

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

This is a Micro ATX form factor (9.6-in x 7.8-in, 24.4 cm x 19.8 cm) motherboard.

Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to en-

sure that the motherboard fits into it.

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-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 anti-

static 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.

1414

2.12.1

CPU InstallationCPU Installation

2.1

CPU Installation

2.12.1

CPU InstallationCPU Installation

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

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: Lift Up The Socket Lever

2.22.2

Installation of CPU Fan and HeatsinkInstallation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

2.2

Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

2.22.2

Installation of CPU Fan and HeatsinkInstallation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

STEP 2 / STEP 3: Match The CPU Golden Triangle To The Socket Corner Small Triangle

STEP 4: Push Down And Lock The Socket Lever

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 fas-

tened and in good contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to

the CPU FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 12, No. 3). For proper

installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan

and the heatsink.

1515

2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor

2.3 Installation of Memor

2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor

960GM/U3S3 FX motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM

slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install two identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type)

memory modules in the DDR3 DIMM slots to activate Dual Channel Memory Technology.

Otherwise, it will operate at single channel mode.

1. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into

DDR3 slot;otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.

2. If you install only one memory module or two non-identical memory

modules, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology.

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

Installing a DIMM

Installing a DIMMInstalling 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.

y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)

y Modules (DIMM)

y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)

notch break

notch

break

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.

1616

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There is 1 PCI slot and 2 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, SATA2 card, etc.

PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express cards with x16

lane width graphics cards.

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Installing an expansion card

Installing an expansion cardInstalling 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 bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws

for later use.

Step 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

Step 4. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

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