ASRock 99FX Extreme3 User Manual
990FX Extreme3
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published August 2011
Copyright©2011 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
1
Copyright Notice:
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
identifi cation or explanation and to the owners’ benefi t, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:
Specifi cations and information contained in this manual are furnished for informa-
tional 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 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 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
2
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................. 5
1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 5
1.2 Specifi cations ............................................................................. 6
1.3 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12
1.4 I/O Panel .................................................................................. 13
2. Installation ................................................................... 15
Pre-installation Precautions ................................................................ 15
2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 16
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ...................................... 16
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) .................................... 17
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) ........................... 19
2.5 SLI
2.6 CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM
Operation Guide ........................................................................ 23
2.7 Surround Display Information .................................................... 28
2.8 Jumpers Setup ........................................................................... 29
2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors ....................................... 30
2.10 Serial ATA3 (SATA3) Hard Disks Installation ......................... 35
2.11 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA3 HDDs ................. 35
2.12 SATA3 HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Operation Guide 36
2.13 Driver Installation Guide ............................................................ 38
2.14 Installing Windows
XP 64-bit With RAID Functions .................................................. 38
2.14.1 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit With RAID
Functions ....................................................................... 38
2.14.2 Installing Windows
With RAID Functions ..................................................... 39
2.15 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / Vista
XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions ............................................. 40
2.15.1 Installing Windows
Functions ....................................................................... 40
2.15.2 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / Vista
Without RAID Functions ................................................ 41
2.16 Untied Overclocking Technology ............................................ 41
3. UEFI SETUP UTILITY.......................................................... 42
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 42
3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar ................................................................ 42
3.1.2 Navigation Keys ............................................................... 43
TM
and Quad SLI
TM
Operation Guide ..................................... 20
®
7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / Vista
®
7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / Vista
®
XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
TM
64-bit / XP /
TM
TM
64-bit / XP /
TM
64-bit
64-bit
3
3.2 Main Screen ............................................................................... 43
3.3 OC Tweaker Screen................................................................... 44
3.4 Advanced Screen ...................................................................... 48
3.4.1 CPU Confi guration ........................................................... 49
3.4.2 North Bridge Confi guration .............................................. 50
3.4.3 South Bridge Confi guration ............................................. 51
3.4.4 Storage Confi guration ...................................................... 52
3.4.5 Super IO Confi guration .................................................... 53
3.4.6 ACPI Confi guration .......................................................... 54
3.4.7 USB Confi guration ........................................................... 56
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ............................... 57
3.6 Boot Screen ............................................................................... 58
3.7 Security Screen ......................................................................... 59
3.8 Exit Screen ................................................................................ 60
4. Software Support ......................................................... 61
4.1 Install Operating System ............................................................ 61
4.2 Support CD Information ............................................................. 61
4.2.1 Running Support CD ....................................................... 61
4.2.2 Drivers Menu ................................................................... 61
4.2.3 Utilities Menu ................................................................... 61
4.2.4 Contact Information ......................................................... 61
4
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock 990FX 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 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 Extreme3 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)
ASRock 990FX Extreme3 Quick Installation Guide
ASRock 990FX Extreme3 Support CD
1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
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.
5
1.2 Specifications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 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)
- 4 + 1 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
- Supports 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/PCIE3: x16 mode;
PCIE4: x4 mode)
- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
- 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
TM
TM
Technology
TM
TM
6
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 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)
- HD Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 6)
SATA3 - 5 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID
(RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10), NCQ,
AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions
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
Connector - 5 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x COM port 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
- 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
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, AMD Fusion, AMD
Fusion Media Explorer, ASRock Software Suite (CyberLink
DVD Suite - OEM and Trial; ASRock MAGIX Multimedia
Suite - OEM)
7
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 SmartView (see CAUTION 10)
- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 11)
- ASRock XFast LAN (see CAUTION 12)
- ASRock On/Off Play Technology (see CAUTION 13)
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 14)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 15)
- 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 16)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
8
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 third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may affect your system’s 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. Via a simple switch in 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 41 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 17 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. Non OC mode’s DDR3 1866 is
supported by AM3+ CPU.
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 13
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 includes 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
®
7 /
9
share it with your friends. Your friends then can load the OC profi le to
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
®
. With
this utility, you can press the <F6> key during the POST or the <F2>
key to enter into the 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/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock has prepared a wonderful solution for you - ASRock APP Charger. Simply install the APP Charger driver, it makes your iPhone charge 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.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/AppCharger/index.asp
10. ASRock SmartView, a new function for internet browsers, 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 ASRock SmartView utility that helps you
keep in touch with friends on-the-go. To use ASRock SmartView feature,
please make sure your OS version is Windows
®
7 / 7 64 bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64 bit, and your browser version is IE8.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/SmartView/index.asp
11. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The
performance may depend on the properties of the device.
12. ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes
the benefi ts listed below. LAN Application Prioritization: You can confi g-
ure your application’s priority ideally and/or add new programs. Lower
Latency in Game: After setting online game’s priority higher, it can lower
the latency in games. Traffi c Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD videos
and download simultaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With
the status window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are
10
transferring currently.
13. ASRock On/Off Play Technology allows users to enjoy the great audio experience 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.
14. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended
to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU
bus frequencies may cause instability of the system or damage the CPU.
15. 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.
16. EuP stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by the
European Union to define the power consumption for the completed
system. According to EuP, the total AC power of the completed system
should be under 1.00W in off mode condition. To meet EuP standards,
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, and the standby power effi ciency should be higher
than 50% under 100 mA current consumption. For EuP ready power supply selection, we recommend you to check with the power supply manufacturer for more details.
11
1.3 Motherboard Layout
2
1
Keyboard
Mouse
PS2
PS2
Optical
SPDIF
Coaxial
SPDIF
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
ATX12V1
USB 2.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
RJ-45 LAN
USB 2.0
T: USB6
B: USB7
eSATA3
USB 2.0
T: USB2
B: USB3
USB 3.0
T: USB 1
B: USB2
Top:
SIDE SPK
Bottom:
CTR BASS
Center:
REAR SPK
LAN
PHY
Bottom:
MIC IN
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
35
34
PCIE1
33
AUDIO
CODEC
XFast LAN X Fast USB
32
31
30
Super
Support 8-Core CPU
29
I/O
HD_AUDIO1
IR1
1
1
28
27
3
21.8cm (8.6-in)
Designed in Taipei
AMD
PWR_FAN1
990FX
Chipset
PCIE2
PCI1
PCIE3
990FX Extreme3
PCI2
SATA3 6Gb/s
ErP/EuPReady
PCIE4
COM1
26
CPU_FAN1
1
4
BATTERY
USB10_11
25
6
5
CPU_FAN2
SOCKET AM3b
RoHS
CMOS
USB 3.0
USB8_9
1
1
24
8
7
30.5cm (12.0-in)
DDR3 2100+
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
140W CPU
AM3+
AMD
SB950
Chipset
32Mb
BIOS
CHA_FAN1
CHA_FAN2
USB4_5
23
PANEL1
PLED PWRBTN
CLRCMOS1
1
1
HDLED RESET
22
21
20
9
10
CHA_FAN3
11
SATA3_5
12
13
SATA3_3_4
14
SATA3_1_2
15
16
PLED1
1
17
1
18
SPEAKER1
19
1 HDMI_SPDIF Header (HDMI_SPDIF1, Black) 19 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Black)
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 20 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)
3 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 21 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 22 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
5 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 23 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Black)
6 AM3+ CPU Socket 24 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Black)
7 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 25 USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Black)
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Black) 26 Serial Port Connector (COM1)
8 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 27 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; Black) 28 Front Panel Audio Header
9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) (HD_AUDIO1, Black)
10 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3) 29 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot
11 Northbridge Controller (PCIE4; Black)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5, Gray) 30 PCI Slot (PCI2)
13 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_3_4, Gray) 31 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot
14 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_1_2, Gray) (PCIE3; Black)
15 Southbridge Controller 32 PCI Slot (PCI1)
16 SPI Flash Memory (32Mb) 33 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot
17 Power LED Header (PLED1) (PCIE2; Black)
18 Chassis Speaker Header 34 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; Black)
(SPEAKER 1, Black) 35 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
12
1.4 I/O Panel
1
16
1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) **9 Front Speaker (Lime)
2 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port 10 Microphone (Pink)
*3 LAN RJ-45 Port 11 USB 3.0 Ports (USB12)
4 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) ***12 eSATA3 Connector
5 Side Speaker (Gray) 13 USB 2.0 Ports (USB67)
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 14 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
7 Central / Bass (Orange) 15 Optical SPDIF Out Port
8 Line In (Light Blue) 16 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
* There are two LEDs 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
2
15
LAN Port LED Indications
14
3
13
12
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
ACT/LINK
LED
SPEED
LED
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
LAN Port
If you use a 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 Side Speaker
(No. 9) (No. 6) (No. 7) (No. 5)
2 V -- -- -4 V V -- -6 V V V -8 V V V V
13
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.
14
2. Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 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
components.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard’s 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 the 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.
15
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 suitable 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 12, No. 4 or CPU_
FAN2, see Page 12, No. 5). For proper installation, please kindly refer to
the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.
16
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. In other words, you have to install identical DDR3
DIMM pair in Dual Channel A (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1; Black slots; see p.12
No.7) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_
B2; Black slots; see p.12 No.8), 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
(Black Slot) (Black Slot) (Black Slot) (Black 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 slots 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 either in the set of
slots DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1, or in the set of 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 T echnology .
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.
17
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 fi ts 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.
18
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 2 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; Black) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane
width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card.
PCIE2 / PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot; Black) is used for PCI Express x16 lane
width graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to
support SLI
PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Black) 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 PCIE3 slots. Therefore, both these
two slots will work at x16 bandwidth.
ics cards on PCIE2, PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 and
PCIE3 slots will work at x16 bandwidth while PCIE4 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
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.
19
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 supports
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 should be the same.) Insert one graphics
card into the PCIE2 slot and the other graphics card to the PCIE3 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.
20
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.
For Windows
®
XP / XP 64-bit OS:
(For SLITM 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.
D. You can freely enjoy the benefi ts of SLI
TM
features.
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