ASRock A55 Pro3 User Manual [en, ru, de, es, fr, it]

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 identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:

Speci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 tness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASRock, its directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of pro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 August 2011

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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Motherboard Layout

ATXPW R1

AMD

A55 FCH

(Hu dson- D2)

Chi pset

COM1

PCIE 1

PCI 1

LAN

AUDIO CODEC

CLRCMOS1

CPU_FAN1

HDLED RESET

PLEDP WRBTN

PANEL1

CHA_FAN1

SPEAKER1

HD_AUDIO1

30.5 cm (12.0 -in)

21.8 cm (8.6- in)

16 17 18

2122

2526

272829

32Mb BIOS

IR1

HDMI 1

Top:

CTR BAS S

Center:

REAR SP K

Bottom:

Optical

SPDIF

Top:

LINE IN

Center:

FRONT

Bottom:

MIC IN

USB6_7

CPU_FAN2

A55 P ro3

ErP/ EuP Rea dy

RoHS

DDR3 2 4 00+

CIR1

ATX12V1

DX11

SO CKE T F M1

PLED1

DDR3 _A1 (64 bit ,2 40-pin m odule)

DDR3 _A2 (64 bit ,2 40-pin m odule)

DDR3 _B1 (64 bit ,2 40-pin m odule)

DDR3 _B2 (64 bit ,2 40-pin m odule)

PWR_FAN1

HDMI_SPDIF1

USB8_9

USB10_11

VGA1

USB 2.0 T:US B4 B: USB5

eSATA1

Top: RJ-45

USB 2.0 T:US B0 B: USB1

CHA_FAN3

CHA_FAN2

303132

SATA2_1

Fast USB

Desig ned in Taipei

Dual G raph ics

PCIE 2

PCIE 3

PCI 2

PCI 3

SATA2_2

SATA2_4

SATA2_3

SATA2_5

SATA3_2SATA3_1

PS2

Mouse

PS2

Keybo ard

USB 3.0 T:USB 2 B:U SB3

USB 3. 0

SATA3 6G b/s

HDMI 1. 4a

CMOS

BATTER Y

Super

I/O

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1 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1) 20 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_2, Blue) 2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 21 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_1, Blue) 3 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 22 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 4 CPU Socket 23 USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Blue) 5 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 24 SPI Flash Memory (32Mb) 6 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 25 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue) 7 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 26 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) (Dual Channel A: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue) 27 Consumer Infrared Module Header (CIR1) 8 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 28 Infrared Module Header (IR1) (Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; White) 29 COM Port Header (COM1) 9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 30 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 10 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3) 31 HDMI_SPDIF Header (HDMI_SPDIF1, White) 11 Southbridge Controller 32 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1, White) 12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1, White) 33 PCI Slot (PCI3) 13 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2, White) 34 PCI Slot (PCI2) 14 Power LED Header (PLED1) 35 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3; Blue) 15 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, White) 36 PCI Slot (PCI1) 16 System Panel Header (PANEL1, White) 37 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Blue) 17 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_3, Blue) 38 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; White) 18 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_5, Blue) 39 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2) 19 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_4, Blue)

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

I/O Panel

1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 9 Microphone (Pink) * 2 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45) 10 USB 3.0 Ports (USB23) ** 3 LAN RJ-45 Port * 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) 4 Central / Bass (Orange) 12 eSATA2 Connector 5 Rear Speaker (Black) 13 HDMI Port 6 Optical SPDIF Out Port 14 D-Sub Port 7 Line In (Light Blue) 15 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple) *** 8 Front Speaker (Lime)

* It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB01 or USB45) instead of USB 3.0 ports.

** 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

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 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”.

***

See the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.

TABLE for Audio Output Connection

Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Line In or (No. 8) (No. 5) (No. 4) Side Speaker (No. 7)

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

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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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 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.

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ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock A55 Pro3 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. This Quick Installation Guide contains introduction of the motherboard and step-bystep installation guide. More detailed information of the motherboard can be found in the user manual presented in the Support CD.

Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS software might be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modications of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may 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 specic information about the model you are using. www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.1 Package Contents

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard (ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm) ASRock A55 Pro3 Quick Installation Guide ASRock A55 Pro3 Support CD 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional) 1 x I/O Panel Shield

ASRock Reminds You...

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

/ VistaTM 64-

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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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 CPU - Support for Socket FM1 100W processors

- V4 + 1 Power Phase Design

- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology

- UMI-Link GEN2

Chipset - AMD A55 FCH (Hudson-D2) Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 1)

- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots

- Support DDR3 2400+(OC)/1866/1600/1333/1066/ 800 non-ECC, un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 2)

- Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB (see CAUTION 3) Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (PCIE2 @ x16 mode; PCIE3 @ x4 mode)

- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

- 3 x PCI slots

- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM, CrossFireXTM and Dual Graphics Graphics - AMD Radeon HD 65XX/64XX graphics

- DirectX 11, Pixel Shader 5.0

- Max. shared memory 512MB (see CAUTION 4)

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

- Supports HDMI 1.4a Technology with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz

- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1600 @ 60Hz

- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI (Compliant HDMI monitor is required) (see CAUTION 5)

- Supports Blu-ray Stereoscopic 3D with HDMI 1.4a

- Supports AMD Steady VideoTM: New video post processing capability for automatic jutter reduction on home/online video

- Supports HDCP function with HDMI port

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

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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

- Realtek RTL8111E

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

- Supports LAN Cable Detection

- Supports Energy Efcient 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 HDMI Port

- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port

- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 1 x eSATA2 Connector

- 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: Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 6) SATA3 - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by ASMedia ASM1061, support NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions USB 3.0 - 2 x USB 3.0 ports by Etron EJ168A, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s Connector - 5 x SATA2 3.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions

- 2 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x CIR 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)

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ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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

- DRAM, VDDP, VDDR, 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 XFast LAN (see CAUTION 11)

- ASRock On/Off Play Technology (see CAUTION 12)

- Hybrid Booster:

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 13) Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing

- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer

- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan

- CPU/Chassis Fan Multi-Speed Control

- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore OS - Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ VistaTM 64-bit / XP

SP3 / XP 64-bit compliant Certi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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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.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

CAUTION!

1. 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.

2. Whether 2400/1866/1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on the CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 2400/1866/1600 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

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

4. The maximum shared memory size is dened by the chipset vendor and is subject to change. Please check AMD website for the latest information.

5. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Windows® 7 64-bit /

7. Deep Color mode will be enabled only if the display supports 12bpc in EDID. HBR is supported under Windows® 7 64-bit / 7 / VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM.

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 prole and share with your friends. Your friends then can load the OC pro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 efciency when the CPU cores are idle without sacricing computing performance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU).

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

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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

This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS without entering operating systems rst 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 le to your USB ash drive, oppy disk or hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or other complicated ash utility. Please be noted that the USB ash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 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 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. Trafc Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD video and download les simultaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With the status window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are currently transferring.

12. 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.

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.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

14. EuP, stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by European Union to de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 ef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 A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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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 conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard 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 A55 Pro3 Motherboard

2.1 CPU 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 ts in place.

The CPU 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 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

Socket Corner Small Triangle

STEP 1: Lift Up The Socket Lever

STEP 2 / STEP 3: Match The CPU Golden Triangle To The Socket 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. 5 or CPU_FAN2, see Page 2, No. 6). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

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ASRock A55 Pro3 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 con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.7) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2; White slots; see p.2 No.8), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR3 DIMMs for dual channel conguration, and please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Conguration Table below.

Dual Channel Memory Con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 conguration (3), please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four

slots.

1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal compatibility and reliability, it is recommended to install them in the slots of the same color. In other words, install them either in the set of blue slots (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1), or in the set of white slots (DDR3_ A2 and DDR3_B2).

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

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

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

5. If you adopt DD R3 2400/1866/1600 memor y modules on this motherboard, it is recommended to install them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

ASRock A55 Pro3 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 ts in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There are 3 PCI slots and 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard. PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI interface.

PCIE Slots:

PCIE1 (PCIE x1 slot; White) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane

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

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

graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM function.

PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width

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

CrossFireXTM function.

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

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

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

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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 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.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

2.5 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide

Th is moth erboard sup ports Cross FireXTM and Qua d Cross FireXTM feature . CrossFireXTM technology offers the most advantageous means available of combining multiple high performance Graphics Processing Units (GPU) in a single PC. Combining a range of different operating modes with intelligent software design and an innovative interconnect mechanism, CrossFireXTM enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in any 3D application. Currently CrossFireXTM feature is supported with Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 / VistaTM / 7 OS. Quad CrossFireX

feature are supported with Windows® VistaTM / 7 OS only.

Please check AMD website for AMD CrossFireXTM driver updates.

1. If a custome r in correctly con fi gures their sys tem they will not see the performance bene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 bene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 CrossFireXTM mode.

2.5.1 Graphics Card Setup

Different CrossFireXTM cards may require different methods to enable CrossFi-

reXTM feature. For other CrossFireXTM cards that AMD has released or will release in the future, please refer to AMD graphics card manuals for detailed installation guide.

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

graphics card to PCIE3 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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Step 2. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing CrossFire Bridge on

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

CrossFire Bridge

Step 3. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon 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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ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

2.5.2 Driver Installation and Setup

Step 1. Power on your computer and boot into OS. Step 2. Remove the AMD 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 AMD driver updates.

Step 3. Install the required drivers to your system. For Windows® XP OS: A. AMD recommends Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or higher to be

installed (If you have Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or higher installed

in your system, there is no need to download it again): http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx B. You must have Microsoft .NET Framework installed prior to

downloading and installing the CATALYST Control Center. Please

check Microsoft website for details.

For Windows® 7 / VistaTM OS:

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

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

ATI Catalyst Control Center

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

reXTM”, and then check the item “Enable CrossFireXTM”. Select “2 GPUs”

and click “Apply” (if you install two Radeon graphics cards).

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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

FireXTM function may not work actually. Your computer will automatically reboot. After restarting your computer, please con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 benet of CrossFireX

feature.

Step 7. You can freely enjoy the benet of CrossFireXTM or Quad CrossFireXTM

feature.

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

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ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

2.6 AMD Dual Graphics Operation Guide

This motherboard supports AMD Dual Graphics feature. AMD Dual Graphics brings multi-GPU performance capabilities by enabling an AMD A55 FCH (Hudson-D2) integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringly-fast frame rates. Currently, AMD Dual Graphics Technology is only supported with Windows® 7 OS, and is not available with Windows® VistaTM / XP OS.

What does an AMD Dual Graphics system include?

An AMD Dual Graphics system includes an AMD Radeon HD 65XX/64XX graphics processor and a motherboard based on an AMD A55 FCH (Hudson-D2) integrated chipset, all operating in a Windows® 7 environment. Please refer to below PCI Express graphics card support list for AMD Dual Graphics. For the future update of more compatible PCI Express graphics cards, please visit AMD website for further information.

Chipset Model Driver

AMD RADEON HD6670 ASUS DIS-PCIE2.1-ASUS-HDMI-EAH6670-DI-1GD3/1G-DDR3 8.863 AMD RADEON HD6570 MSI DIS-PCIE2.1-MSI-HDMI-R6570-MD1GD3-LP/1G-DDR3 8.863 AMD RADEON HD6450 MSI DIS-PCIE2.1-MSI-HDMI-R6450-MD1GD3-LP/1G-DDR3 8.863

Enjoy the benefit of AMD Dual Graphics

Step 1. Please keep the default UEFI setting of “Dual Graphics“ option on [Auto]. Step 2. Install one AMD RADEON HD6670 / 6570 / 6450 PCI Express graphics

card to PCIE2 slot (blue). Step 3. Connect the monitor cable to the onboard VGA port. Please be noted that

the current VGA driver / VBIOS can allow Dual Graphics output from on-

board display only. For any future update, please refer to our website for

further information. Step 4. Boot into OS. Please remove the AMD driver if you have any VGA driver installed in your system. Step 5. Install the onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system for

both the onboard VGA and the discrete graphics card. Step 6. Restart your computer. Right-click the desktop. Click “AMD VISION Engine Control Center” to enter AMD VISION Engine Control Center.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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Step 7. You can also click “AMD VISION Engine Control Center” on your Windows® taskbar to enter AMD VISION Engine Control Center.

AMD VISION Engine Control Center

Step 8. In AMD VISION Engine Control Center, please choose “Performance”.

Click “AMD CrossFireTM”.

Step 9. Click “Enable CrossFireTM” and click “Apply“ to save your change.

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Step 10. Reboot your system. Then you can freely enjoy the benet of Dual Graphics feature.

* Dual Graphics appearing here is a registered trademark of AMD Technologies Inc., and is used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe. * For further information of AMD Dual Graphics technology, please check AMD website for up dates and details.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

2.7 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features

Dual Monitor Feature

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

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

HDMI portD-Sub port

2. If you have installed onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system already, you can freely enjoy the benets of dual monitor function after your system boots. If you haven’t installed onboard VGA driver yet, please install onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system and restart your computer.

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

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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Surround Display Feature

This motherboard supports surround display upgrade. With the internal VGA output support (D-Sub and HDMI) and external add-on PCI Express VGA cards, you can easily enjoy the benets of surround display feature. Please refer to the following steps to set up a surround display environment:

1. Install the PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots. Please refer to page 16 for proper expansion card installation procedures for details.

2. Connect D-Sub monitor cable to D-Sub port on the I/O panel, or connect HDMI monitor cable to HDMI port on the I/O panel. Then connect other monitor cables to the corresponding connectors of the add-on PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots.

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

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

5. Set up a multi-monitor display.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Right click the desktop, choose “Properties”, and select the “Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to the steps below. A. Click the “Identify” button to display a large number on each monitor. B. Right-click the display icon in the Display Properties dialog that you wish to be your primary monitor, and then select “Primary”. When you use multiple monitors with your card, one monitor will always be Primary, and all additional monitors will be designated as Secondary. C. Select the display icon identied by the number 2. D. Click “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor”. E. Right-click the display icon and select “Attached”, if necessary. F. Set the “Screen Resolution” and “Color Quality” as appropriate for the second monitor. Click “Apply” or “OK” to apply these new values. G. Repeat steps C through E for the diaplay icon identied by the number one to six.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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

Right click the desktop, choose “Personalize”, and select the “Display Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to the steps below. A. Click the number ”2” icon. B. Click the items “This is my main monitor” and “Extend the desktop onto this monitor”. C. Click “OK” to save your change. D. Repeat steps A through C for the display icon identied by the number three to six.

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

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

What is HDCP?

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

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

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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2.8 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide

ASRock Smart Remote is only used for ASRock motherboard with CIR header. Please refer to below procedures for the quick installation and usage of ASRock Smart Remote.

Step1. Find the CIR header located next to the USB 2.0 header on ASRock motherboard.

Step2. Connect the front USB cable to the USB 2.0 header (as below, pin 1-5) and the CIR header. Please make sure the wire assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly.

Step3. Install Multi-Angle CIR Receiver to the front USB port. If Multi-Angle CIR Receiver cannot successfully receive the infrared signals from MCE Remote Controller, please try to install it to the other front USB port.

USB_PWR

ATX+5VSB

P-

IRRX

P+

GND

IRTX

USB 2.0 header (9-pin, blue)

CIR header (4-pin, white)

DUMMY

GND

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3 CIR sensors in different angles

1. Only one of the front USB port can support CIR function. When the CIR function is enabled, the other port will remain USB function.

2. Multi-Angle CIR Receiver is used for front USB only. Please do not use the rear USB bracket to connect it on the rear panel. Multi-Angle CIR Receiver can receive the multi-direction infrared signals (top, down and front), which is compatible with most of the chassis on the market.

3. The Multi-Angle CIR Receiver does not support Hot-Plug function. Please install it before you boot the system.

* ASRock Smart Remote is only supported by some of ASRock motherboards. Please refer to ASRock website for the motherboard support list: http://www.asrock.com

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

2.9 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. 30)

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 nish updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system rst, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS action. Please be noted that the password, date, time, user default prole, 1394 GUID and MAC address will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is removed.

Clear CMOSDefault

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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2.10 Onboard Headers and Connectors

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

Serial ATA2 Connectors These ve Serial ATA2

(SATA2_1: see p.2, No. 21)

(SATA2_2: see p.2, No. 20)

(SATA2_3: see p.2, No. 17)

(SATA2_4: see p.2, No. 19)

(SATA2_5: see p.2, No. 18)

Serial ATA3 Connectors These two Serial ATA3

(SATA3_1: see p.2, No. 12)

(SATA3_2: see p.2, No. 13)

storage devices. The current SATA3 interface allows up to

6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

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

(Optional)

SATA / SATAII / SATA3 hard disk or the SATAII / SATA3 connector on this motherboard.

(SATA2) connectors support

SATA2_3 SATA2_5

SATA data cables for internal storage devices. The current

SATA2_1 SATA2_2 SATA2_4

SATA2 interface allows up to

3.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

(SATA3) connectors support

SATA data cables for internal

SATA3_1

SATA3_2

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USB 2.0 Headers Besides four default USB 2.0

(9-pin USB6_7)

(see p.2 No. 26)

ports on the I/O panel, there

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

2.0 ports.

(9-pin USB8_9) (see p.2 No. 25)

(9-pin USB10_11) (see p.2 No. 23)

USB _PWR

P-9

P-8

USB _PWR

P-11

P-10

USB _PWR

P+9

P+8

P+1 1

P+1 0

GND

DUM MY

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

Infrared Module Header This header supports an

IRTX

+5VS B

DUMM Y

IRRX

GND

(5-pin IR1)

optional wireless transmitting

(see p.2 No. 28)

and receiving infrared module.

Consumer Infrared Module Header This header can be used to

(4-pin CIR1)

(see p.2 No. 27)

connect the remote

controller receiver.

GND

PRE SENC E#

MIC 2_R

MIC 2_L

MIC _RET

J_S ENSE

OUT 2_R

OUT _RET

OUT 2_L

Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for the front

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)

(see p.2 No. 32)

panel audio cable that allows

convenient connection and

control of audio devices.

1. High De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® XP / XP 64-bit OS: 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”.

System Panel Header This header accommodates

(9-pin PANEL1)

(see p.2 No. 16)

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.

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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 congure the way to turn off your system using the power switch.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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.

Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis

(4-pin SPEAKER 1)

(see p.2 No. 15)

speaker to this header.

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Power LED Header Please connect the chassis

(3-pin PLED1)

(see p.2 No. 14)

power LED to this header to

indicate system power status.

PLE D+

PLE D-

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. 22)

ground pin. CHA_FAN1/2/3 fan

(3-pin CHA_FAN2)

(see p.2 No. 39)

(3-pin CHA_FAN3) (see p.2 No. 10)

(3-pin PWR_FAN1) (see p.2 No. 1)

to the fan connectors and

match the black wire to the

FAN _SPE ED_C ONTR OL

CHA _FAN _SPE ED

+12 V

speed can be controlled through UEFI or AXTU.

ASRock A55 Pro3 Motherboard

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