ASROCK 990FX Extreme4 User Manual [fr]

Copyright Notice:

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 identifi ca-
tion or explanation and to the owners’ benefi t, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:

Specifi cations 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 fi tness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASRock, its
directors, offi cers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages (including damages for loss of profi ts, 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 December 2012

Copyright©2012 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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1

English

Motherboard Layout

CHA_FAN1

RoHS

6

CPU_FAN1

AMD

990FX

Chipset

SATA3 6Gb/s

PCI Express 2.0

Front USB 3.0

USB 3. 0

PANEL1

PLED PWRBTN

1

HDLED RESET

7

CPU_FAN2

8

9

SOCKET AM3b

USB3_0_1

10

AM3+

DDR3 1866

HT3.0

140W CPU

FSB2.6GHz

DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

Phenom II

Dual Channel

AMD

SB950

Chipset

PWRBTN1

11

30.5cm (12.0-in)

12

DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

32Mb
BIOS

Dr.

Debug

RSTBTN1

FRONT_1394

13

USB8_9

1

14

USB2_3

1

1

15
16

17

IDE1

18

19

SATA3_5_6

20

SATA3_3_4

21

SATA3_1_2

PLED1

1

22

1

23

SPEAKER1

24242525262627282930313233

3

5

4

2

1

Keyboard

Mouse

PS2

PS2

Clr

CMOS

1

HDMI_SPDIF1

Optical

SPDIF

Coaxial

SPDIF

LAN

USB 2.0

T: USB0

B: USB1

PHY

RJ-45 LAN

USB 2.0

T: USB6

B: USB7

IEEE 1394

USB 2.0

T: USB4

B: USB5

eSATA3

USB 3.0

T: USB2

B: USB3

Top:

SIDE SPK

Bottom:

CTR BASS

45

Center:

REAR SPK

44

Bottom:

MIC IN

Top:

LINE IN

Center:

FRONT

43
42
41
40

39

AUDIO
CODEC

38

37

36

Super

I/O

35

34

SATA3_8

CHA_FAN3

1

1

SATA3_7

1

CLRCMOS1

CMOS

BATTERY

IR1

CD1

HD_AUDIO1

CHA_FAN2

ATX12V1

PCIE1

PCIE3

COM1

1

24.4cm (9.6-in)

Designed in Taipei

PWR_FAN1

PCIE2

PCI1

990FX Extreme4

PCIE4

Support 8-Core CPU

PCI2

ErP/EuP Ready

1394a

PCIE5

FLOPPY1

1 HDMI_SPDIF Header (HDMI_SPDIF1, White) 23 Chassis Speaker Header
2 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3) (SPEAKER 1, White)
3 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 24 Dr. Debug (LED)
4 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2) 25 Reset Switch (RSTBTN)
5 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 26 Power Switch (PWRBTN)
6 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 27 SPI Flash Memory (32Mb)
7 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 28 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_0_1, Light Blue)
8 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 29 System Panel Header (PANEL1, White)
9 AM3+ CPU Socket 30 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
10 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 31 Serial Port Connector (COM1)
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue) 32 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_7, White)
11 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 33 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_8, White)
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; White) 34 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE5; Blue)
12 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 35 PCI Slot (PCI2)
13 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue) 36 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4; Blue)
14 USB 2.0 Header (USB2_3, Blue) 37 PCI Slot (PCI1)
15 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header 38 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE3; White)
(FRONT_1394, White) 39 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Blue)
16 Northbridge Controller 40 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
17 Southbridge Controller 41 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; White)
18 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 42 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (White)
19 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5_6, White) 43 Front Panel Audio Header
20 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3_4, White) (HD_AUDIO1, White)
21 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1_2, White) 44 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
22 Power LED Header (PLED1) 45 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

I/O Panel

1

2

3

4

8

5

9

6

7

10

18

17

16

1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 10 Microphone (Pink)
2 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port 11 USB 3.0 Ports (USB23)
*3 LAN RJ-45 Port 12 IEEE 1394 Port (IEEE 1394)
4 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45) ***13 eSATA3 Connector
5 Side Speaker (Gray) 14 USB 2.0 Ports (USB67)
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 15 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
7 Central / Bass (Orange) 16 Optical SPDIF Out Port
8 Line In (Light Blue) 17 Clear CMOS Switch (CLRCBTN)
**9 Front Speaker (Lime) 18 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)

* 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

15

14

13

12

11

ACT/LINK
LED

SPEED
LED

Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection

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.

LAN Port

TABLE for Audio Output Connection

Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Side Speaker
(No. 9) (No. 6) (No. 7) (No. 5)

2 V -- -- -­4 V V -- -­6 V V V -­8 V V V V

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

3

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 fi nd “Mixer” tool on your system.
Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click “ok”.

Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or “8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Pri­mary output” to use Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA
Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio.

*** eSATA3 connector supports SATA Gen3 in cable 1M.

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock 990FX Extreme4 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 step­by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the confi guration
guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.

Because the motherboard specifi cations and the BIOS software might

be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
notice. In case any modifi cations of this manual occur, the updated ver-
sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may
fi nd 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 specifi c information about the model you are using.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.1 Package Contents

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Quick Installation Guide
ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Support CD
1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
1 x 80-conductor Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable
1 x Ribbon Cable for a 3.5-in Floppy Drive
4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
2 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cables (Optional)
1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
1 x Front USB 3.0 Panel
4 x HDD Screws
6 x Chassis Screws
1 x Rear USB 3.0 Bracket

ASRock Reminds You...

To get better performance in Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64
bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage Confi guration
to AHCI mode. For the BIOS setup, please refer to the “User Manual” in
our support CD for details.

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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1.2 Specifications

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

- 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 UCC feature (Unlock CPU Core) (see CAUTION 1)

- Advanced V8 + 2 Power Phase Design

- Supports CPU up to 140W

- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ Quiet

- 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 990FX

- Southbridge: AMD SB950
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 3)

- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots

- Support DDR3 2100(OC)/1866/1600/1333/1066/800
non-ECC, un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 4)

- Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB (see CAUTION 5)
Expansion Slot - 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (PCIE2/PCIE4: x16 mode;
PCIE5: x4 mode)

- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots

- 2 x PCI slots

- Supports AMD
and CrossFireX

TM

Quad CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireX

TM

- Supports NVIDIA® Quad SLITM and SLI
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
(Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)

- Premium Blu-ray audio support

- Supports THX TruStudio
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s

- Broadcom BCM57781

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

- Supports Energy Effi cient Ethernet 802.3az

- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel

TM

TM

Technology

TM

TM

6

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port

- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port

- 1 x Coaxial SPDIF Out Port

- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port

- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports

- 1 x eSATA3 Connector

- 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: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 6)
SATA 3 - 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by AMD SB950, support
RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, JBOD and RAID 5), NCQ,
AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions

- 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Marvell SE9120, support
NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions
(SATA3_8 connector is shared with eSATA3 port)
USB 3.0 - 2 x Rear USB 3.0 ports by Etron EJ168A, support USB 1.0
/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s

- 1 x Front USB 3.0 header (supports 2 USB 3.0 ports) by
Etron EJ168A, supports USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
Connector - 8 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors

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

- 1 x Floppy connector

- 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

- CD in header

- Front panel audio connector

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

- 1 x USB 3.0 header (supports 2 USB 3.0 ports)

- 1 x Dr. Debug (7-Segment Debug LED)
Smart Switch - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED

- 1 x Power Switch with LED

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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- 1 x Reset Switch with LED
BIOS Feature - 32Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support

- 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),
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial
Unique Feature - ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) (see CAUTION 7)

- ASRock Instant Boot

- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 8)

- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 9)

- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 10)

- ASRock On/Off Play Technology (see CAUTION 11)

- Hybrid Booster:

- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 12)

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 13)

- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)

- Turbo 50 / Turbo 60 CPU Overclocking

- Turbo UCC
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 / Vista

TM

/ VistaTM 64-bit / XP
/ XP 64-bit compliant
Certifi cations - FCC, CE, WHQL

- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 14)

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

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 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 third-party 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 simplifi es AMD CPU activa-
tion. As long as a simple switch of the UEFI 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 39 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 14 for proper installation.

4. Whether 2100MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM3/
AM3+ CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 2100 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
VistaTM / XP. For Windows® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such
limitation.

6. 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.

7. ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) is an all-in-one tool to ne-tune
different system functions in a user-friendly interface, which is including
Hardware Monitor, Fan Control, Overclocking, OC DNA and IES. In Hard­ware Monitor, it shows the major readings of your system. In Fan Control,
it shows the fan speed and temperature for you to adjust. In Overclock­ing, you are allowed to overclock CPU frequency for optimal system per­formance. In OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as a profi le and
share with your friends. Your friends then can load the OC profi le to

®

7 /

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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their own system to get the same OC settings. In IES (Intelligent Energy

Saver), the voltage regulator can reduce the number of output phases to
improve effi ciency when the CPU cores are idle without sacrifi cing com-
puting performance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures
of ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU).

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

8. ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS fl ash utility embedded in Flash ROM.

This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS
without entering operating systems fi rst like MS-DOS or Windows
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 fi le to your USB fl ash drive, fl oppy disk or hard
drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without prepar­ing an additional fl oppy diskette or other complicated fl ash utility. Please
be noted that the USB fl ash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 fi le
system.

9. 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 charging
experience than ever.

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

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

performance may depend on the property of the device.

11. ASRock On/Off Play Technology allows users to enjoy the great audio ex-

perience from the portable audio devices, such like MP3 player or mobile
phone to your PC, even when the PC is turned off (or in ACPI S5 mode)!
This motherboard also provides a free 3.5mm audio cable (optional) that
ensures users the most convenient computing environment.

12. 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.

13. 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.

®

. With

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

14. EuP, stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by Eu­ropean Union to defi ne 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 effi ciency 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 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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11

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 confi guration of your chassis to ensure
that the motherboard fi ts 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 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

2.1 CPU Installation

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

o

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 fi ts in place.

The CPU fi ts 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 fi rmly 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

STEP 1:
Lift Up The Socket Lever

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

Socker Corner
Small Triangle

STEP 4:
Push Down And Lock
The Socket Lever

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 or CPU_FAN2, see
Page 2, No. 7). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruc­tion manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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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 confi guration,
you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type)
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.10) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDR3_
A2 and DDR3_B2; White slots; see p.2 No.11), so that Dual Channel Memory
Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR3
DIMMs for dual channel confi guration, and please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in
all four slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Confi guration Table below.

Dual Channel Memory Confi gurations

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

For the confi guration (3), please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four

*

slots.

1. Please install the memory module into the white slot (DDR3_A2
and DDR3_B2) for the fi rst priority.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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 .

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

6. If you adopt DDR3 2100 memory modules on this motherboard, it is
recommended to install them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 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.

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.

The DIMM only fi ts in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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15

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There are 2 PCI slots and 5 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 / PCIE3 (PCIE x1 slot; White) is used for PCI Express cards with

x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card.

PCIE2 / PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x16 lane

width graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to
support SLI

PCIE5 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width

cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support 3-Way
CrossFireX

1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Ex-

2. In CrossFireX

3. In 3-Way CrossFireXTM mode, please install PCI Express x16 graph-

4. Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connec-

TM

and CrossFireXTM function.

TM

function.

press x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.

graphics cards on PCIE2 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, both these
two slots will work at x16 bandwidth.

ics cards on PCIE2, PCIE4 and PCIE5 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 and
PCIE4 slots will work at x16 bandwidth while PCIE5 slot will work at
x4 bandwidth.

tor (CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using multiple
graphics cards for better thermal environment.

TM

or SLITM mode, please install PCI Express x16

English

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 fi rmly 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 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

2.5 SLITM and Quad SLI

TM

Operation Guide

This motherboard supports NVIDIA® SLITM and Quad SLITM (Scalable Link Interface)
technology that allows you to install up to three identical PCI Express x16 graphics
cards. Currently, NVIDIA

®

SLITM technology supports Windows® XP / XP 64-bit /
VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit OS. NVIDIA® Quad SLITM technology support
Windows

®

VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit OS only. Please follow the installation

procedures in this section.

Requirements

1. For SLITM technology, you should have two identical SLITM-ready
graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certifi ed. For Quad SLITM technolo­gy, you should have two identical Quad SLITM-ready graphics cards
that are NVIDIA® certifi ed.

2. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports NVIDIA® SLITM
technology. Download the driver from NVIDIA

(www.nvidia.com).

3. Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least
the minimum power required by your system. It is recommended
to use NVIDIA
details.

®

certifi ed PSU. Please refer to NVIDIA® website for

®

website

2.5.1 Graphics Card Setup

2.5.1.1 Installing Two SLITM-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Install the identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certifi ed

because different types of graphics cards will not work together properly.
(Even the GPU chips version shall be the same.) Insert one graphics card
into PCIE2 slot and the other graphics card to PCIE4 slot. Make sure that
the cards are properly seated on the slots.

Step2. If required, connect the auxiliary power source to the PCI Express
graphics cards.

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17

Step3. Align and insert ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card to the goldfi ngers on each

graphics card. Make sure ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card is fi rmly in place.

ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card

Step4. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI cable to the monitor connector or the DVI

connector of the graphics card that is inserted to PCIE2 slot.

2.5.2 Driver Installation and Setup

Install the graphics card drivers to your system. After that, you can enable the Multi­Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA® nView system tray utility.
Please follow the below procedures to enable the multi-GPU feature.

English

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:
(For SLI

TM

mode only)

A. Double-click NVIDIA Settings icon on your Windows® taskbar.

B. From the pop-up menu, select Set SLI and PhysX confi guration. In

Set PhysX GPU acceleration item, please select Enabled. In Select
an SLI confi guration item, please select Enable SLI. And click Apply.

C. Reboot your system.

TM

D. You can freely enjoy the benefi t of SLI

feature.

18

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

For Windows
(For SLI

®

VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit OS:

TM

and Quad SLITM mode)

A. Click the Start icon on your Windows taskbar.
B. From the pop-up menu, select All Programs, and then click NVIDIA

Corporation.
C. Select NVIDIA Control Panel tab.
D. Select Control Panel tab.

E. From the pop-up menu, select Set SLI and PhysX confi guration. In

Set PhysX GPU acceleration item, please select Enabled. In Select

an SLI confi guration item, please select Enable SLI. And click Apply.

F. Reboot your system.

TM

G.You can freely enjoy the benefi t of SLI

* SLITM appearing here is a registered trademark of NVIDIA® Technologies Inc., and is used
only for identifi cation or explanation and to the owners’ benefi t, without intent to infringe.

or Quad SLITM feature.

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19

2.6 CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireX
Operation Guide

This motherboard supports CrossFireXTM, 3-way CrossFireX
CrossFireX

TM

feature. CrossFireXTM technology offers the most advantageous

TM

TM

and Quad

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, CrossFireX

TM

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 CrossFireX
are supported with Windows

®

VistaTM / 7 OS only. Please check AMD website for

TM

feature

AMDTM CrossFireXTM driver updates.

1. If a customer incorrectly configures their system they will not see the
performance benefi ts 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 benefi t 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 CrossFireX

TM

mode.

2.6.1 Graphics Card Setup

English

2.6.1.1 Installing Two CrossFireX

TM

-Ready Graphics

Cards

Different CrossFireXTM cards may require different methods to enable CrossFi-

Step 1. Insert one Radeon graphics card into PCIE2 slot and the other Radeon

20

TM

reX

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

graphics card to PCIE4 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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

or

Step 3. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon graph-

ics 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 PCIE4 slot. For the proper installation

procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 3. Install one Radeon graphics card to PCIE5 slot. For the proper installation

procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

English

Step 4. Use one CrossFire

and PCIE4 slots, and use the other CrossFireTM Bridge to connect Radeon
graphics cards on PCIE4 and PCIE5 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.)

22

TM

Bridge to connect Radeon graphics cards on PCIE2

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

CrossFireTM Bridge

Step 5. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon graph-

ics 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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23

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 sys-

tem.

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. AMDTM 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

Install the CATALYST Control Center. Please check AMD website for de-

tails.

Step 4. Restart your computer.
Step 5. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your computer.
Then you will fi nd “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on your Windows

®

7 / VistaTM OS:

®

taskbar.

English

ATI Catalyst Control Center

Step 6. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, select “CrossFi-

TM

reX

”, 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).

24

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

Although you have selected the option “Enable CrossFireTM”, the Cross-

TM

FireX

function may not work actually. Your computer will automatically
reboot. After restarting your computer, please confi rm 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 benefi t of
CrossFireX

TM

feature.

Step 7. You can freely enjoy the benefi t of CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM or

Quad CrossFireX

* CrossFireXTM appearing here is a registered trademark of AMDTM Technologies Inc., and is
used only for identifi cation or explanation and to the owners’ benefi t, without intent to infringe.
* For further information of AMDTM CrossFireXTM technology, please check AMD website for
updates and details.

TM

feature.

2.7 Surround Display Feature

This motherboard supports Surround Display upgrade. With the external add-on PCI
Express VGA cards, you can easily enjoy the benefi ts of Surround Display feature.
For the detailed instruction, please refer to the document at the following path in the
Support CD:

..\ Surround Display Information

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2.8 Jumpers 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 placed on these 2 pins.

Jumper Setting Description

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.2, No. 3)

Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. 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 fi nish updating the BIOS, you must boot
up the system fi rst, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS ac-
tion. Please be noted that the password, date, time, user default profi le, 1394
GUID and MAC address will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is removed.

The Clear CMOS Switch has the same function as the Clear CMOS
jumper.

Clear CMOSDefault

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26

ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

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!

FDD connector

(33-pin FLOPPY1)
(see p.2 No. 30)

the red-striped side to Pin1

Note: Make sure the red-striped side of the cable is plugged into Pin1 side of the
connector.

Primary IDE connector (Blue)

(39-pin IDE1, see p.2 No. 18)

connect the blue end

to the motherboard

connect the black end
to the IDE devices

80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable

Note: Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details.

Serial ATA (SATA) Either end of the SATA data
Data Cable cable can be connected to the

(Optional)

SATA3 hard disk or the SATA3

connector on this motherboard.

3.5mm Audio Cable Either end of the 3.5mm audio

(Optional)

cable can be connected to the
portable audio devices, such
as MP3 player and mobile
phone or the Line-in port of
your PC.

Serial ATA (SATA) Please connect the black end
Power Cable of SATA power cable to the

(Optional)

Then connect the white end of
SATA power cable to the power
connector of the power supply.

power connector on each drive.

connect to the SATA

HDD power connector

connect to the
power supply

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27

Serial ATA3 Connectors These eight Serial ATA3

(SATA3_1_2: see p.2, No. 21)

(SATA3_3_4: see p.2, No. 20)

(SATA3_5_6: see p.2, No. 19)

(SATA3_7: see p.2, No. 32)

(SATA3_8: see p.2, No. 33)

(SATA3) connectors support
SATA data cables for internal
storage devices. The current

SATA3 interface allows up to

6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate. If
you install the HDD on the
eSATA port on the rear I/O,
the internal SATA3_8 will not
function.

SATA3_8 SATA3_7

SATA3_1_2 SATA3_3_4 SATA3_5_6

USB 2.0 Headers Besides six default USB 2.0

(9-pin USB2_3)

(see p.2 No. 14)

ports on the I/O panel, there

are two USB 2.0 headers on
this motherboard. Each USB 2.0
header can support two USB

DUMMY

GND

P+11

P-11

USB_PWR

1

GND
P+10

P-10

USB_PWR

2.0 ports.

English

(9-pin USB8_9)
(see p.2 No. 13)

DUMMY

GND

P+13

P-13

USB_PWR

1

GND
P+12

P-12

USB_PWR

USB 3.0 Header Besides two default USB 3.0

(19-pin USB3_0_1)

(see p.2 No. 28)

ports on the I/O panel, there is

one USB 3.0 header on this
motherboard. This USB 3.0
header can support two USB

3.0 ports.

Infrared Module Header This header supports an

(5-pin IR1)

optional wireless transmitting

(see p.2 No. 44)

and receiving infrared module.

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard

Internal Audio Connectors This connector allows you

(4-pin CD1)

(CD1: see p.2 No. 42)

to receive stereo audio input

from sound sources such as

CD1

a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, TV
tuner card, or MPEG card.

Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for the front

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)

(see p.2 No. 43)

panel audio cable that allows

convenient connection and

control of audio devices.

1. High Defi nition 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. To activate the front mic.
For Windows
Select “Mixer”. Select “Recorder”. Then click “FrontMic”.
For Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:
Go to the "FrontMic" Tab in the Realtek Control panel. Adjust

“Recording Volume”.

1

MIC2_L

MIC2_R

OUT2_R

J_SENSE

OUT2_L

®

XP / XP 64-bit OS:

GND

PRESENCE#

MIC_RET

OUT_RET

System Panel Header This header accommodates

(9-pin PANEL1)

(see p.2 No. 29)

several system front panel

functions.

Connect the power switch, reset switch and system status indicator
on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below.
Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.

PWRBTN (Power Switch):

Connect to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may con­fi gure the way to turn off your system using the power switch.

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RESET (Reset Switch):

Connect to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset
switch to restart the computer if the computer freezes and fails to per­form a normal restart.

PLED (System Power LED):

Connect to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The
LED is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking
when the sys-tem is in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system
is in S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).

HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED):

Connect to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The
LED is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.

The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module
mainly consists of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive
activity LED, speaker and etc. When connecting your chassis front
panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the
pin assign-ments are matched correctly.

English

Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis

(4-pin SPEAKER 1)

(see p.2 No. 23)

speaker to this header.

1

+5V

DUMMY

DUMMY

SPEAKER

Power LED Header Please connect the chassis

(3-pin PLED1)

(see p.2 No. 22)

power LED to this header to

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 and Power Fan Connectors Please connect the fan cables

(4-pin CHA_FAN1)

(see p.2 No. 45)

ground pin. CHA_FAN1/2/3 fan

(3-pin CHA_FAN2)

(see p.2 No. 4)

(3-pin CHA_FAN3)
(see p.2 No. 2)

to the fan connectors and

match the black wire to the

CHA_FAN_SPEED

GND

+12V

CHA_FAN_SPEED

FAN_SPEED_CONTROL

+12V
GND

GND

+12V

CHA_FAN_SPEED

speed can be controlled through
UEFI or AXTU.

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ASRock 990FX Extreme4 Motherboard