Asrock AM2NF3-VSTA_1233 INSTALLATION GUIDE

No part of this installation guide may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or translated in any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documentation by the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of ASRock Inc. Products and corporate names appearing in this guide may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:Disclaimer:

Specifications and information contained in this guide are furnished for informational use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be constructed as a commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions that may appear in this guide. With respect to the contents of this guide, ASRock does not provide warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASRock, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the guide or product.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY

The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic substance controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations passed by the California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in California, USA, please follow the related regulations in advance. “Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”

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

Published January 2007

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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Motherboard LMotherboard L

Motherboard L

Motherboard LMotherboard L

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1 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 14 System Panel Hea der (P ANEL1) 2 A TX 12V Power Connector (A TX12V1) 15 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 3 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 16 Infrared Module Header (IR1) 4 AM2 940-Pin CPU Socket 17 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 5 2 x 240-pin DDRII DIMM Slots 18 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)

(Dual Channel A: DDRII_1, DDRII_2; Yellow) 19 Game Port Header (GAME1)

6 2 x 240-pin DDRII DIMM Slots 20 JR1 / JL1 Jumper

(Dual Channel B: DDRII_3, DDRII_4; Orange) 21 Front Panel Audio Header (AUDIO1) 7 Secondary Serial A T A Connector (SATA2, Black) 22 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) 8 Primary Serial A T A Connector (SAT A1, Bla ck) 2 3 Flash Memory 9 NV IDIA nForce3 250 Single Chip 24 5 x PCI Slots (PCI1- 5) 10 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 25 AGP Slot (1.5V_AGP1) 11 Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2, Black) 26 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 12 USB 2.0 Header (USB45, Blue) 27 ATX Power Connector (A TXPW R1) 13 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1) 28 Shared USB 2.0 Header (USB2_3, Blue)

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

ASRock 8CH I/OASRock 8CH I/O

ASRock 8CH I/O

ASRock 8CH I/OASRock 8CH I/O

1 Parallel Port 8 Microphone (Pink) 2 RJ-45 Port 9 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) 3 Side Speaker (Gray) 10 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) 4 Rear Speaker (Black) 11 Serial Port: COM1 5 Central / Bass (Orange) 12 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple) 6 Line In (Light Blue) 13 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green)

*7 Front Speaker (Lime)

* If you use 2-channel spea ker, please connect the spe aker’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. 7) (No. 4) (No. 5) (No. 3) 2 V -- -- -4 V -- -- V 6V--VV 8 VVVV

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Introduction

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA 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 specifications and the BIOS software might be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

1.11.1

Package ContentsPackage Contents

1.1

Package Contents

1.11.1

Package ContentsPackage Contents

1 x ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.0-in, 30.5 cm x 20.3 cm) 1 x ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Quick Installation Guide 1 x ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Support CD 1 x Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor) 1 x 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable 1 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable (Optional) 1 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional) 1 x ASRock 8CH I/O Shield

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ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

1.21.2

SpecificationsSpecifications

1.2

Specifications

1.21.2

SpecificationsSpecifications

Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.0-in, 30.5 cm x 20.3 cm CPU - Socket AM2 for AMD AthlonTM 64FX / 64X2 / 64 and Sempron

Processors

- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology (see CAUTION 1)

- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)

- Supports Hyper-Transport Technology

Chipset - NVIDIA® nForce3 250 Memory - Dual Channel DDRII Memory Technology (see CAUTION 3)

- 4 x DDRII DIMM slots

- Support DDRII800/667/533

- Max. capacity: 8GB (see CAUTION 4)

Hybrid Booster - CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 5)

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 6)

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

- ASRock AM2 Boost: ASRock Patented Technology to boost memory performance up to 12.5% (see CAUTION 7)

Expansion Slot - 5 x PCI slots

- 1 x AGP 8X slot (see CAUTION 8)

Audio - C-Media CM6501 7.1 channel audio compliant with UAA

architecture

LAN - Realtek PHY RTL8201CL

- Speed: 10/100 Ethernet

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

Rear Panel I/O ASRock 8CH I/O

- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port

- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port

- 1 x Serial Port: COM1

- 1 x Parallel Port (ECP/EPP Support)

- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 1 x RJ-45 Port

- Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central Bass/ Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 9)

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ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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Connector - 2 x Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,

RAID 1, JBOD) and “Hot Plug” functions

- 2 x ATA133 IDE connectors (support 4 x IDE devices)

- 1 x Floppy connector

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x Game header

- CPU/Chassis FAN connector

- 20 pin ATX power connector

- 4 pin 12V power connector

- CD in header

- Front panel audio connector

- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports; 2 of them are shared with USB23 ports on the I/O panel) (see CAUTION 10)

BIOS Feature - 4Mb AMI BIOS

- AMI Legal BIOS

- Supports “Plug and Play”

- ACPI 1.1 Compli ance Wa ke Up Events

- Supports jumperfree

- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version) Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing

- CPU Fan Ta chometer

- Chassis Fan Tachometer

- CPU Quiet Fan

- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore OS - Microsoft® Windows® 2000/XP/XP 64-bit/VistaTM / Vista

64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 11)

Certifications - FCC, CE, Microsoft® WHQL Certificated

WARNING

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

overclocking.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

CAUTION!

1. For power-saving’s sake, it is strongly recommended to enable AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM technology under Windows system. See APPENDIX on page 42 of “User Manual” in the Support CD to enable AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM technology.

2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking T echnology. Please read “U ntied Overclocking Technology” on page 21 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 10 for proper installation.

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

5. 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.

6. While CPU overheat is detected, the system will automatically shutdown. Before you resume the system, plea se check if the CPU fa n 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.

7. This motherboard supports ASRock AM2 Boost overclocking technology. If you enable this function in the BIOS setup, the memory performance will improve up to 12.5%, but the effect still depends on the AM2 CPU you adopt. Enabling this function will overclock the chipset/CPU reference clock. However, we can not guarantee the system stability for all CPU/DRAM configurations. If your system is unstable after AM2 Boost function is enabled, it may not be applicative to your system. You may choose to disable this function for keeping the stability of your system.

8. Do NOT use a 3.3V AGP card on the AGP slot of this motherboard! It may cause permanent damage!

9. 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 mode s. Please check the table on page 3 for proper connection.

10. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft® Windows VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4.

11. Microsoft® Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver keeps on updating now. As long as we have the latest driver, we will update it to our website in the future. Please visit our website for Microsoft® Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

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ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

1.31.3

Minimum Hardware RMinimum Hardware R

1.3

Minimum Hardware R

1.31.3

Minimum Hardware RMinimum Hardware R

TMTM

VistaVista

Vista

VistaVista

For system integrators and users who purchase this motherboard and plan to submit Windows® VistaTM Premium and Basic logo, please follow the below table for minimum hardware requirement.

CPU Sempron 2800+ Memory 512MB Single Channel VGA DX9.0 with WDDM Driver

Premium and Basic Logo Premium and Basic Logo

Premium and Basic Logo

Premium and Basic Logo Premium and Basic Logo

with 128bit VGA memory (Premium) with 64bit VGA memory (Basic)

equirement Tequirement T

equirement T

equirement Tequirement T

able for Wable for W

able for W

able for Wable for W

indowsindows

indows

indowsindows

®®

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ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Installation

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

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

1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

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 antstatic 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, plea se do not over-tighten the screws!

Doing so may damage the motherboard.

2.12.1

CPU InstallationCPU Installation

2.1

CPU Installation

2.12.1

CPU InstallationCPU Installation

Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90° angle. Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with

the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

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

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

Step 4. When the CPU is in place, press it firmly on the socket while you push

down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

Step 5. Install CPU fan and heatsink. For proper installation, please kindly refer to

the instruction manuals of your CPU fan and heatsink vendors.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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2.2 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)2.2 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

2.2 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

2.2 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)2.2 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

AM2NF3-VSTA motherboard provides four 240-pin DDRII (Double Data Rate II) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDRII DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install identical DDRII DIMM pair in Dual Channel A (DDRII_1 and DDRII_2; Yellow slots; see p.2 No.5) or identical DD RII DIMM pair in Dual Chan- nel B (DDRII_3 and DDRII_4; Orange slots; see p.2 No.6), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDRII DIMMs for dual channel configuration, and please install iden- tical DDRII DIMMs in all four slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Configuration Table below.

Dual Channel Memory Configurations

DDRII_1 DDRII_2 DDRII_3 DDRII_4

(Yellow Slot) (Yellow Slot) (Orange Slot) (Orange Slot) (1) Populated Populated - (2) - - Populated Populated (3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated

* For the configuration (3), please install identical DD RII DIMM s in all four slots.

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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 yellow slots (DDRII_1 and DDRII_2), or in the set of orange slots (DDRII_3 and DDRII_4).

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

3. If a pair of memory modules is NOT installed in the same Dual Channel, for exa mple, in stalling a pair of memory module s in D DRII_1 and DDRII_3, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology .

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

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

Installing a DIMM

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

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

Step 1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Step 2. Align a DIMM on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break

on the slot.

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

Step 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the slot until the retaining clips at both ends fully

snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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2.32.3

Expansion Slots Expansion Slots

2.3

Expansion Slots

2.32.3

Expansion Slots Expansion Slots

There are 5 PCI slots and 1 AGP slot on AM2NF3-VSTA motherboard.

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

interface.

AGP slot: The AGP slot is used to install a gra phics card. The ASRock AGP slot has

a special design of clasp that can securely fasten the inserted graphics card.

Please do NOT use a 3.3V AGP card on the AGP slot of this motherboard! It may cause permanent da mage! For the voltage infor-

mation of your AGP card, please check with the AGP card vendors.

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Installing an expansion card

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Step 1. Before installing the expansion card, please make sure that the power

supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the documentation of the expansion card and make necessary hardware settings for the card before you start the installation.

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

a chassis).

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

screws for later use.

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

completely seated on the slot. Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws. Step 6. Replace the system cover.

(PCI Slots and AGP Slot)(PCI Slots and AGP Slot)

(PCI Slots and AGP Slot)

(PCI Slots and AGP Slot)(PCI Slots and AGP Slot)

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ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

2.42.4

Jumpers SetupJumpers Setup

2.4

Jumpers Setup

2.42.4

Jumpers SetupJumpers 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

PS2_USB_PW1 Short pin2, pin3 to enable

(see p.2, No. 1) +5VSB (standby) for PS/2 or

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

power supply.

JR1 JL1 Jumper

(see p.2, No. 20)

Note: If the jumpers JL1 and JR1 are short, both the front panel and the rear panel

audio connectors can work.

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1) (see p.2, No. 17)

Clear CMOSDefault

Short Open

USB wake up events.

Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. The data in CMOS includes

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

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2.5 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.5 Onboard Headers and Connectors

2.5 Onboard Headers and Connectors

2.5 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.5 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!

•

Floppy Connector

(33-pin FLOPPY1) (see p.2 No. 18)

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) Secondary IDE Connector (Black)

(39-pin IDE1, see p.2 No. 10) (39-pin IDE2, see p.2 No. 1 1)

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connect the blue end

to the motherboard

80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable

connect the black end to the IDE devices

Note: If you use only one IDE device on this motherboard, please set the IDE device as “Master”. Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details. Besides, to optimize compatibility and performance, please connect your hard disk drive to the primary IDE connector (IDE1, blue) and CD-ROM to the secondary IDE connector (IDE2, black).

Serial ATA Connectors These two Serial ATA (SATA)

(SAT A1: see p.2 No. 8) connectors support SATA data (SAT A2: see p.2 No. 7) cables for internal storage

SAT A2 SATA1

devices. The current SATA interface allows up to 1.5 Gb/s data transfer rate.

Serial A TA (SA TA) Either end of the SATA data ca ble Data Cable can be connected to the SATA

(Optional) hard disk or the SA TA conne ctor

on the motherboard.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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

(Optional) connector on each drive. Then

connect to the SAT A

HDD power connector

connect to the power supply

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

USB 2.0 Header Besides four default USB 2.0

(9-pin USB45) ports on the I/O panel, there are (see p.2 No. 12) two USB 2.0 headers on this

motherboard. Each USB 2.0 header cansupport two USB

2.0 ports. The shared USB 2.0 header (USB2_3) is shared with

Shared USB 2.0 Header USB ports 23 on the I/O panel.

(9-pin USB2_3) When using the front panel USB (see p.2 No. 28) ports by attaching the front pa nel

USB cable to USB2_3 header, the USB ports 23 on the I/O panel will not be able to function.

Infrared Module Header This header supports an

(5-pin IR1) optional wireless transmitting (see p.2 No. 16) and receiving infrared module.

Internal Audio Connectors This connector allows you

(4-pin CD1) to receive stereo audio input (CD1: see p.2 No. 22) from sound sources such as

CD1

a CD-ROM, D VD-ROM, TV tuner card, or MPEG card.

Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for front

(8-pin AUDIO1) panel audio cable that allows (see p.2 No. 21) convenient connection and

control of audio devices.

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System Panel Header This header accommodates

(9-pin PANEL1) several system front panel (see p.2 No. 14) functions.

Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis

(4-pin SPEAKER 1) speaker to this header. (see p.2 No. 13)

Chassis Fan Connector Please connect a chassis fan

(3-pin CHA_FAN1) cable to this connector and (see p.2 No. 15) match the black wire to the

ground pin.

CPU Fan Connector Please connect the CPU fan

(4-pin CPU_FAN1) cable to this connector and (see p.2 No. 26) match the black wire to the

1 2 3 4

Though this motherboard provides 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) support, the 3-Pin CPU fan still can work successfully even without the fan speed control function. If you plan to connect the 3-Pin CPU fan to the CPU fan connector on this motherboard, please connect it to Pin 1-3.

ground pin.

Pin 1-3 Connected

3-Pin Fan Installation

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ATX Power Connector Please connect an ATX power

(20-pin ATXPW R1) supply to this connector. (see p.2 No. 27)

ATX 12V Power Connector Please note that it is necessary

(4-pin A TX12V1) to connect a power supply with (see p.2 No. 2) ATX 12V plug to this connector.

Failing to do so will cause power up failure.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

Game Port Hea der Connect a Game cable to this

(15-pin GAME1) header if the Game port bracket (see p.2 No. 19) is installed.

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2.6 Serial A2.6 Serial A

2.6 Serial A

2.6 Serial A2.6 Serial A

This motherboard adopts NVIDIA® nForce3 250 chipset that supports Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks and RAID functions. You may install SATA hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA hard disks.

STEP 1: Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis. STEP 2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA hard disk. STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard’s SATA

STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA hard disk.

2.72.7

Hot Plug and Hot Swap F Hot Plug and Hot Swap F

2.7

Hot Plug and Hot Swap F

2.72.7

Hot Plug and Hot Swap F Hot Plug and Hot Swap F

This motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for SATA Devices.

connector.

A (SAA (SA

A) Hard Disks InstallationA) Hard Disks Installation

A (SA

A) Hard Disks Installation

A (SAA (SA

A) Hard Disks InstallationA) Hard Disks Installation

unctions for SAunctions for SA

unctions for SA

unctions for SAunctions for SA

A HDDsA HDDs

A HDDs

A HDDsA HDDs

NOTE

What is Hot Plug Function?

If the SATA HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition. However, please note that it cannot perform Hot Plug if the OS has been installed into the SATA HDD.

What is Hot Swap Function?

If SATA HDDs are built as RAID1 then it is called “Hot Swap” for the action to insert and remove the SATA HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.

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2.82.8

Driver Installation Guide Driver Installation Guide

2.8

Driver Installation Guide

2.82.8

Driver Installation Guide Driver Installation Guide

To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD to your optical drive first. Then, the drivers compatible to your system can be auto-detected and listed on the support CD driver page. Please follow the order from up to bottom side to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work properly.

For users who install Windows® XP 64-bit OS and plan to install drivers to your system from the support CD, since the SATA driver provided by the chipset vendor has not submitted Windows® Logo yet, we provide you with the following driver installation choices:

1. “All in 1 Logo Driver( W/O HotPlug & RAID)”: You may choose this item to install all-in-1 logo driver which does not support Hot Plug and RAID functions, but it has passed Microsoft® logo certification.

2. “All in 1 Non-Logo Driver( W/ HotPlug & RAID)”: You may choose this item to

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

install all-in-1 non-logo driver which supports Hot Plug and RAID functions, but it has not passed Microsoft® logo certification yet. Please choose the driver which meets your requirement most from the abovementioned items during driver installation process.

For users who install Windows® Vista / VistaTM 64-bit driver keeps on updating now. As long as we have the latest driver, we will update it to our website in the future. Please visit our website for Microsoft Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

2.92.9

Installing WindowsInstalling Windows

2.9

Installing Windows

2.92.9

Installing WindowsInstalling Windows

TMTM

/ Vista/ Vista

/ Vista

/ Vista/ Vista

If you just want to install Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, Windows® XP 64-bit, Windows® VistaTM or Windows® VistaTM 64-bit on your SATA HDDs without RAID functions, you don’t have to make a SATA driver diskette. Besides, there is no need for you to change the BIOS setting. You can start to in stall Windows® 2000, Windows XP, Windows® XP 64-bit, Windows® VistaTM or Windows® VistaTM 64-bit on your system directly.

2.102.10

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If you want to install Windows® 2000, Windows® XP or Windows® XP 64-bit on your SATA HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below steps.

STEP 1: Make a SATA Driver Diskette.

A. Insert the ASRock Support CD into your optical drive to boot your system. B. During POST at the beginning of system boot-up, press <F11> key, and

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64-bit Without RAID Functions 64-bit Without RAID Functions

The installation procedures for Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit are subject to change. Please visit our website for the updates of Windows® Vista driver and related information in the future.

Since the chipset vendor does not provide Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit RAID driver, RAID function is not available on this motherboard under Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS. RAID function is only available under Windows® 2000, XP or XP 64-bit OS.

Before installing Windows® 2000 to your system, your Windows® 2000 optical disk is supposed to include SP4. If there is no SP4 included in your disk, please visit below website for proper procedures of making a SP4 disk: http://www.microsoft.com/Windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp4/ spdeploy.htm#the_integrated_installation_fmay

then a window for boot devices selection appears. Please select CDROM as the boot device.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

/ VistaTM 64-bit OS, since Windows® Vista

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C. When you see the message on the screen, “Generate Serial ATA driver

diskette [YN]?”, press <Y>.

D. Then you will see these messages,

Please insert a blank formatted diskette into floppy drive A: press any key to start

Please insert a floppy diskette into the floppy drive, and press any key.

E. The system will start to format the floppy diskette and copy SATA drivers

into the floppy diskette.

STEP 2: Set Up BIOS.

A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen IDE Configuration. B. Set the “SATA Operation Mode” option to [RAID].

STEP 3: Use “RAID Installation Guide” to set RAID configuration.

Before you start to configure the RAID function, you need to check the installation guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the document in the Support CD, “Guide to SATA Hard Disks Installation and RAID Configuration”, which is located in the folder at the following path:

.. \Information\Manual\RAID Installation Guide STEP 4: Install Windows® 2000 / Windows® XP / Windows® XP-64bit OS on

your system.

After step1, 2, 3, you can start to install Windows® 2000 / Windows® XP / Windows XP 64-bit OS on your system. At the beginning of Windows® setup, press F6 to install a third-party RAID driver. When prompted, insert the SATA driver diskette containing the NVIDIA® RAID driver. After reading the floppy disk, the driver will be presented. Select the driver to install according to the mode you choose and the OS you install.

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NOTE. If you install Windows® 2000 / Windows® XP / Windows® XP 64-bit on IDE

HDDs and want to manage (create, convert, delete, or rebuild) RAID functions on SATA HDDs, you still need to set up “SATA Operation Mode” to [RAID] in BIOS first. Then, please set the RAID configuration by using “RAID Utility for Windows Guide” in Windows® environment. Please refer to the document in the Support CD, “Guide to nVidia RAID Utility for Windows”, which is located in the folder at the following path: .. \Information\Manual\RAID Utility for Windows Guide

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology, which means during overclocking, FSB enjoys better margin due to fixed AGP / PCI buses. Before you enable Untied Overclocking function, please enter “Overclock Mode” option of BIOS setup to set the selection from [Auto] to [CPU, AGP, Async.]. Therefore, CPU FSB is untied during overclocking, but AGP / PCI buse s are in the fixed mode so that FSB ca n operate under a more stable overclocking environment.

Please refer to the warning on page 6 for the possible overclocking risk before you apply Untied Overclocking Technology.

3. BIOS Information3. BIOS Information

3. BIOS Information

3. BIOS Information3. BIOS Information

The Flash Memory on the motherboard stores BIOS Setup Utility. When you start up the computer, please press <F2> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter BIOS Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines. If you wish to enter BIOS Setup after POST, please restart the system by pressing <Ctl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or pressing the reset button on the system chassis. The BIOS Setup program is designed to be user-friendly. It is a menu-driven program, which allows you to scroll through its various sub-menus and to select among the predetermined choices. For the detailed information about BIOS Setup, please refer to the User Manual (PDF file) contained in the Support CD.

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4. Software Suppor4. Software Suppor

4. Software Suppor

4. Software Suppor4. Software Suppor

This motherboard supports various Microsoft® Windows® operating systems: 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit. The Support CD that came with the motherboard contains necessary drivers and useful utilities that will enhance motherboard features. To begin using the Support CD, insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. It will display the Main Menu automatically if “AUTORUN” is enabled in your computer. If the Main Menu does not appear automatically, locate and double-click on the file “ASSETUP. EXE” from the “BIN” folder in the Support CD to display the menus.

ASRock AM2NF3-VSTA Motherboard

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