ASROCK AOD790GX-128M User Manual

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 August 2008

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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Motherboard LayoutMotherboard Layout

Motherboard Layout

Motherboard LayoutMotherboard Layout

1 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_TOP, Orange) 21 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 2 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 22 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) 3 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 23 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue) 4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 24 SPI Flash Memory (8Mb) 5 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 25 Infrared Module Header (IR1) 6 AM2 940-Pin CPU Socket 26 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header 7 2 x 240 -pin DDR 2 DIM M Slo ts (FRONT_1394, Red)

(Dual Channel A: DDRII_1, DDRII_2; Yellow) 27 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)

8 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 28 Serial Port Connector (COM1)

(Dual Channel B: DDRII_3, DDRII_4; Orange) 29 USB/WiFi Header (USB/WIFI, Yellow) 9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 29 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) 10 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 30 Front Panel Audio Header 11 Southbridge Controller (HD_AUDIO1, Lime) 12 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 31 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) 13 Chassis Speaker Header 32 HDMI_SPDIF Header

(SPEAKER 1, Purple) (HDMI_SPDIF1, Yellow) 14 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange) 33 PCI Slots (PCI1- 3) 15 Sixth SATAII Connector (SATAII_6, Orange) 34 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3; Blue) 16 Fourth SATAII Connector (SATAII_4, Red) 35 SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot 17 Fifth SATAII Connector (SATAII_5, Red) 36 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Green) 18 Third SATAII Connector (SATAII_3, Red) 37 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; Green) 19 Primary SATAII Connector (SATAII_1, Red) 38 Northbridge Controller 20 Secondary SATAII Connector (SATAII_2, Red) 39 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

I/O PI/O P

I/O P

I/O PI/O P

* 5 LAN RJ-45 Port 13 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)

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

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1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 9 Line In (Light Blue) 2 VGA/D-Sub Port ** 10 Front Speaker (Lime) 3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45) 11 Microphone (Pink) 4 IEEE 1394 Port 12 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)

6 Side Speaker (Gray) 14 eSATAII Port 7 Rear Speaker (Black) 15 VGA/DVI-D Port 8 Central / Bass (Orange) 16 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)

Activity/Link LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description

Off No link Off 10Mbps connection Y ellow Linked Orange 100Mbps connection Blinking Data Activity Green 1Gbps connection

LAN Port LED Indications

ACT/LINK LED

LAN Port

SPEED LED

** 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 f or Audio Output Connection

Audio Output ChannelsFront Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Side Speaker

(No. 10) (No. 7) (No. 8) (No. 6) 2 V -- -- -4VV---6 VVV-8 VVVV

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 find “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.

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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Free Bundle

ASRock provides you with one DVI-to-HDMI converter, which is used to transfer HDMI signals to HDMI devices through DVI-D port. After connecting the DVI-to-HDMI converter to the DVI-D port on the I/O panel, your motherboard will be able to support HDMI signal.

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ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

your

signal.

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Introduction

1.1.

IntroductionIntroduction

Thank you for purcha sing ASRock AOD790GX/128M motherboard, a relia ble 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, cha pter 1 a nd 2 contain introduction of the motherboard a nd step-by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the configuration guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.

Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit our website for specific information about the model you are using.

www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.11.1

ackack

1.1

1.11.1

1 x ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) 1 x ASRock AOD790GX/128M Quick Installation Guide 2 x ASRock AOD790GX/128M Support CD 1 x Ultra A TA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor) 1 x 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable 4 x Serial AT A (SAT A) Data Ca bles (Optional) 1 x Serial AT A (SAT A) HDD Power Cable (Optional) 1 x ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card 1 x D VI-to-HDMI Converter 1 x I/O Panel Shield

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ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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1.21.2

SpecificationsSpecifications

1.2

Specifications

1.21.2

SpecificationsSpecifications

Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm

- All Solid Ca pacitor design (100% Japan-made high-quality Conductive Polymer Capa citors)

CPU - Support for Socket AM2+ / AM2 processors: AMD Phenom

FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core / Athlon X2 Dual-Core / Athlon 64 / Se mpron processor

- Supports CPU up to 140W

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

- AMD LIVE!TM Ready

- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM T e chnology

- FSB 2600 MHz (5.2 GT/s)

- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 1)

- Supports Hyper-Tran sport 3.0 (HT 3.0) Technology

Chipset - Northbridge: AMD 790GX

- Southbridge: AMD SB750

Memory - Dual Channel DDR2 Memory T echnology (see CAUTION 2)

- 4 x DDR2 DIMM slots

- Support DDR2 1066/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered me mory (see CAUTION 3)

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

Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots

(green @ x16 mode, blue @ x8 mode)

- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

- 3 x PCI slots

- Supports ATITM CrossFireTM and Hybrid CrossFireX (see CAUTION 5)

Graphics - Integrated AMD Radeon HD 3300 graphics

- D X10 class iGPU, Pixel Shader 4.0

- Max. shared memory 512MB (see CAUTION 6)

- Integrated 128MB side port memory for iGPU

- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, D VI-D a nd HDMI with D VI-to-HDMI converter (see CAUTION 7)

- Supports HDCP function

- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback (see CAUTION 8)

Audio - 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Premium Level HD Audio with

Content Protection

- DAC with 110dB dynamic ra nge (ALC890 Audio Code c)

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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

- Realtek RTL81 1 1C-VCO-GR

- Supports Wa ke-On-LAN

Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel

- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port

- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port

- 1 x V GA/D-Sub Port

- 1 x V GA/DVI-D Port

- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 1 x eSATAII Port

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

- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port

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

Connector - 6 x Serial AT AII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD), NCQ, AHCI a nd “Hot Plug” functions (see CAUTION 10)

- 1 x eSATAII 3.0Gb/s connector (shared with 1 SA TAII connector) (see CAUTION 11)

- 1 x ATA133 IDE conne ctor (supports 2 x IDE devices)

- 1 x Floppy connector

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x COM port header

- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header

- 1 x IEEE 1394 header

- CPU/Chassis FAN connector

- 24 pin A TX power conne ctor

- 8 pin 12V power connector

- SLI/XFIRE power connector

- CD in header

- Front panel audio connector

- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports) (see CAUTION 12)

- 1 x USB/WiFi header (see CAUTION 13)

BIOS Feature - 8Mb AMI BIOS

- AMI Legal BIOS

- Supports “Plug and Play”

- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wa ke Up Events

- Supports jumperfree

- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support

- CPU, DRAM, NB Voltage Multi-adjustment

- Supports Smart BIOS

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial V ersion),

AMD OverDriveTM Utility

Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 14)

- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 15)

- Hybrid Booster:

- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 16)

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 17)

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

- ASRock AM2 Boost: ASRock Patented T echnology to boost

memory performance up to 12.5% (see CAUTION 18) Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing Monitor - Cha ssis Temperature Sensing

- CPU Fan Ta chometer

- Chassis Fa n Tachometer

- CPU Quiet Fan

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

OS - Microsoft® Windows® XP / XP Media Center / XP 64-bit /

Vista

/ VistaTM 64-bit compliant

Certifications - FCC, CE, Microsoft® WHQL Certificated

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

WARNING

Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using the 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.

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CAUTION!

1. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read “Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 35 for details.

2. This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before you implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read the installation guide of memory modules on page 15 for proper installation.

3. Whether 1066MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM2+ CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR2 1066 memory module on this motherboard, please refer to the memory support list on our website for the compatible memory modules. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

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

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

5. This motherboard supports ATITM CrossFireTM and Hybrid CrossFire technology. If you want to use CrossFireTM function, please follow the instructions on page 20 and 21 to reverse the direction of ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card in advance.

6. The maximum shared memory size is defined by the chipset vendor and is subject to change. Please check AMD website for the latest information.

7. There are three VGA output options on this motherboard: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI. D-Sub and DVI-D ports are on the I/O panel. HDMI interface is supported when you install the bundled DVI-to-HDMI converter to the DVI-D port on the I/O panel.

8. 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback support on this motherboard requires the proper hardware configuration. Please refer to page11 and 12 for the minimum hardware requirement and the passed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD films in our lab test.

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 modes. Please check the table on page 3 for proper connection.

10. Before installing SA TAII hard disk to SATAII connector, ple ase read the “SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 44 of “User Manual” in the support CD to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector directly.

11. This motherboard supports eSATAII interface, the external SATAII specification. Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 32 for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.

12. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2.

13. USB/WiFi header can be used to support 2 USB 2.0 ports. It can also be used to support WiFi+AP function with ASRock WiFi-802.11g or WiFi-

802.11n module, an easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter. It allows you to create a wireless environment and enjoy the convenience of wireless network connectivity. Please visit our website for the availability of ASRock WiFi-802.11g or WiFi-802.11n module. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

14. It is a user-friendly ASRock overclocking tool which allows you to surveil your system by hardware monitor function and overclock your hardware devices to get the best system performance under Windows environment. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of ASRock OC Tuner. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com

15. Featuring an advanced proprietary hardware and software design, Intelligent Energy Saver is a revolutionary technology that delivers unparalleled power savings. The voltage regulator can reduce the number of output phases to improve efficiency when the CPU cores are idle. In other words, it is able to provide exceptional power saving and improve power efficiency without sacrificing computing performance.

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ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

To use Intelligent Energy Saver function, please enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet option in the BIOS setup in advance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of Intelligent Energy Saver. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com

16. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recom-

mended to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU bus frequencies may cause the instability of the system or damage the CPU.

17. While CPU overheat is detected, the system will automatically shutdown.

Before you resume the system, please check if the CPU fan on the motherboard functions properly and unplug the power cord, then plug it back again. To improve heat dissipation, remember to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink when you install the PC system.

18. 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.

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1.31.3

Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-rayMinimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray

1.3

Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray

1.31.3

Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-rayMinimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD(BD) / HD

(BD) / HD

(BD) / HD(BD) / HD

1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playba ck support on this motherboard requires the proper hardware configuration. Plea se refer to below table for the minimum hardware requirement.

CPU AMD Athlon X2 3600 VGA Onboard VGA with DVI-D port Memory Dual Channel DDR2 533, 1GB x 2 Suggested OS Windows® VistaTM or Windows® VistaTM 64

* If you need to use CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra version 7.3, we suggest to disable Hardware Acceleration function for better playback performance and compatibility. After executing CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra program, please follow below steps to disable Hardware Acceleration function. A. Right-click the main page of CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra program. B. Click “Configuration”. C. Select “Video”. D. Click “Enable hardware acceleration (ATI Avivo)” to remove the “V” mark in this item. E. Click “OK” to save the change. * Currently, 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback is only supported under Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS. If you install Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS, the function of 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback is not available, please visit our website for AMD 780G VGA driver update in the future. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

-D-D

VD Playback SupporVD Playback Suppor

-D

VD Playback Suppor

-D-D

VD Playback SupporVD Playback Suppor

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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1.41.4

1.4

1.41.4

assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HDassed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD

assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD

assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HDassed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD

estest

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DVD Film Name Format Producer Type Blu-ray SWORDFISH VC-1 WB DVD UNDERWORLD EVOLUTION MPEG-2 SONY

THE LAST STAND MPEG-4-AVC FOX SPEED MPEG-4-AVC FOX CASINO ROYALE MPEG-4-AVC SONY THE LEAGUE OF MPEG-4-AVC FOX

EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN HD- KING KONG VC-1 UNIVERSAL DVD NEW ORLEANS CONCERT MPEG-2 WEA

ONE SIX RIGHT MPEG-2 TERWILLIGER

THE INTERPRETER MPEG-4-AVC UNIVERSAL

* MPEG-4-AVC mentioned above refers to the same format of H.264. * Above passed films are tested under below configuration. Items Configurations CPU AMD Athlon X2 3600 VG A Onboard VGA with DVI-D port Memory Dual Channel DDR2 533, 1GB x 2 OS Windows® VistaTM or Windows® VistaTM 64 Playback Software CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra (Version 3730 or above) DVD Player Pioneer BDR-101A / LG GBW-H10N (BD)

HP HD100 (HD-DVD)

-D-D

-D

-D-D

VD FVD F

VD F

VD FVD F

ilms in Our Lilms in Our L

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ilms in Our Lilms in Our L

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2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Installation

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

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

Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the

power is switched off or the power cord is detached from the

power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the

motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static electricity, NEVER place your motherboard directly on the carpet or the like. Also remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle components.

3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.

4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded 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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2.12.1

CPU InstallationCPU Installation

2.1

CPU Installation

2.12.1

CPU InstallationCPU Installation

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

angle.

Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with

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

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

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

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

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

Lever 90° Up

CPU Golden Triangle

Socker Corner Small Triangle

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STEP 1: Lift Up The Socket Lever

2.22.2

Installation of CPU Fan and HeatsinkInstallation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

2.2

Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

2.22.2

Installation of CPU Fan and HeatsinkInstallation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

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

STEP 4: Push Down And Lock The Socket Lever

After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dissipation. Make sure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened and in good contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the CPU FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 2, No. 4). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

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

This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chiptype) DDR2 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Channel A (DDRII_1 and DDRII_2; Yellow slots; see p.2 No.7) or identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDRII_3 and DDRII_4; Ora nge slots; see p.2 No.8), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR2 DIMMs for dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR2 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 DDR2 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 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 DDR2 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 exa mple, in stalling a pair of memory module s in DD RII_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 DDR2 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.

5. If you adopt DDR2 1066 memory modules on this motherboard, it is recommended to install them on DDRII_3 and DDRII_4 slots.

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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.

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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 AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

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

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

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

There 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; Green) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card. PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Green) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireTM function. PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc., or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireTM function.

PCIE2 / PCIE3 / SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot

Configurations

PCIE2 Slot PCIE3 Slot SLI/XFire Switch Card (Green) (Blue) Retention Slot

Single Graphics Card PCIE x16 PCIE x1

(Default)

Dual Graphics Cards PCIE x8 PCIE x8 in CrossFire

Mode

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1. If you plan to install only one PCI Express VGA card on this motherboard, please install it on PCIE2 slot (Green). In this mode, you do not need to adjust the default setting of ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card, and please do not remove or lose ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card when it is still in working condition.

2. For the information of the compatible CrossFireTM Mode PCI Express VGA cards and CrossFireTM setup procedures, please refer to “CrossFire

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.

TMTM

2.5 CrossFire2.5 CrossFire

2.5 CrossFire

2.5 CrossFire2.5 CrossFire

This motherboard supports CrossFireTM feature. CrossFireTM technology offers the most advantageous mea n s availa ble of combining multiple high perf ormance Graphics Processing Units (GPU) in a single PC. Combining a range of different operating modes with intelligent software design and an innovative interconnect mechanism, CrossFireTM enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in any 3D application. Currently CrossFireTM feature is supported with Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 a nd VistaTM OS. Please check AMD website for ATITM CrossFire driver updates.

TMTM

Operation Guide Operation Guide

Operation Guide

Operation Guide Operation Guide

Operation Guide” on page 18.

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ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

What graphics cards work with CrossFireTM?

A complete CrossFireTM system requires a CrossFireTM Ready motherboard, a CrossFireTM Edition graphics card and a compatible standard Radeon (CrossFire Ready) graphics card from the same series, or two CrossFireTM Ready cards. This applies to cards from ATITM or any of its partners. Please refer to below table for CrossFireTM VGA card support list according to the OS you install.

For Windows Vendor Chipset Model Driver

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 POWERCOLOR AX3870X2 1GBD3-H Catalyst 8.2

For Windows® Vista Vendor Chipset Model Driver

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 POWERCOLOR AX3870X2 1GBD3-H Catalyst 8.2

Radeon HD 3870 POWERCOLOR AX3870 512MD4-H Catalyst 8.2 Radeon HD 3850 GIGABYTE GV-RX385256H-B Catalyst 8.2 Radeon HD 3650 POWERCOLOR AX3650 512MD3-XP Catalyst 8.2 Radeon HD 3450 POWERCOLOR AX3450 256MD2-S Catalyst 8.2 Radeon HD2900XT MSI RX2900XT-VT2D512E Catalyst 7.11 Radeon HD 2600XT Gigabyte GV-RX26T256HP-B Catalyst 7.9 Radeon HD 2600PRO MSI RX2600PRO-T2D256EZ Catalyst 7.9 Radeon X1950XTX GeCube RX1950XTX Catalyst 7.11 Radeon X1950PRO Gecube Radeon X1950Pro 256MB Catalyst 7.11

1. If a customer incorrectly configures their system they will not see the performance benefits of CrossFireTM. All three CrossFireTM components, a CrossFireTM Ready graphics card, a CrossFireTM Ready motherboard and a CrossFireTM Edition co-processor graphics card, must be installed correctly to benefit from the CrossFireTM multi-GPU platform.

2. If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireTM Edition card with a 16-pipe card, both cards will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireTM mode.

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Enjoy the benefit of CrossFireEnjoy the benefit of CrossFire

Enjoy the benefit of CrossFire

Enjoy the benefit of CrossFireEnjoy the benefit of CrossFire

Different CrossFireTM cards may require different methods to enable CrossFire feature. In below procedures, we use Radeon 2600XT as the example graphics card. For other CrossFireTM cards that ATITM has released or will release in the future, ple ase refer to ATITM graphics card manuals for detailed installation guide.

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Step 1. Connect to the system power supply. Please connect a hard disk power

connector to SLI/XFIRE Power connector on this motherboard.

It is recommended to use 500-Watt power supply or greater to perform the benefit of CrossFireTM feature.

Step 2. There is one ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card factory-mounted on this

motherboard. This card served as a switch between the default mode (x16) and CrossFire mode (x8 / x8). ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card is factory-mounted with its default mode (x16) side toward the retention slot base.

Step 3. To change it to CrossFire Mode, you need to reverse the direction of

ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card. Please simultaneously pull open both the retention arms that hold the card in position. The card itself will spring away from the retention slot. Take it out gently by holding its edges, and keep away from touching the connectors (Golden Fingers).

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Step 4. Reverse the card direction so as to have the “X8 / X8 MODE” wording side

toward the retention slot base. Insert the card into the bottom of the base.

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

Step 5. Push the card down into the retention slot till both the retention arms firmly

hold the card into position. Also, keep away from touching the connectors (Golden Fingers).

Step 6. Install one Radeon graphics card to PCIE2 slot. For the proper installation

procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 7. Install the other Radeon graphics card to PCIE3 slot. For the proper installa-

tion procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 8. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing two CrossFireTM Bridge

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

CrossFireTM Bridge

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Step 9. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI conne ctor on the Ra deon graphics

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.)

Step 10. Power on your computer and boot into OS. Step 11. Remove the ATITM driver if you have any VGA driver installed in your syste m.

The Catalyst Uninstaller is an optional download. We recommend using this utility to uninstall any previously installed Catalyst drivers prior to installation. Please check AMD website for ATITM driver updates.

Step 12. Install the required drivers to your system.

For Windows® XP OS:

A. ATITM 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® VistaTM OS:

Install the CA TALYST Control Center. Please check AMD website for details.

Step 13. Restart your computer. Step 14. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your computer.

Then you will find “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on your Windows® taskbar.

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ATI Catalyst Control Center

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

Step 15. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, and select

“Advanced View”. Click “CrossFireTM”, and then set the option “Enable CrossFireTM” to “Yes”.

View

CrossFire

Although you have selected the option “Enable CrossFireTM”, the CrossFire function may not work actually. Your computer will automatically reboot. After restarting your computer, please confirm 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 benefit of CrossFire

Enable CrossFire

feature.

Step 16. You can freely enjoy the benefit of CrossFireTM feature.

* CrossFireTM appearing here is a registered trademark of ATITM Technologies Inc., and is used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe. * For further information of ATITM CrossFireTM technology, please check AMD website for updates and details.

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2.62.6

2.6

2.62.6

This motherboard supports ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM feature. ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM brings multi-GPU performance capabilities by ena bling an AMD 790GX integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringly-fast frame rates. Currently, ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM Technology is only supported with Windows® Vista ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM may be supported with Windows® XP OS. Please visit our website for updated information.

TMTM

TITI

Hybrid CrossF Hybrid CrossF

Hybrid CrossF

TITI

Hybrid CrossF Hybrid CrossF

OS, and is not available with Windows® XP OS. In the future,

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ireXireX

Operation Guide Operation Guide

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Operation Guide

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Operation Guide Operation Guide

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What does an ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM system include?

An ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM system includes an ATITM RadeonTM 2400 or ATI RadeonTM 3450 series graphics processor and a motherboard based on an AMD 780G integrated chipset, all operating in a Windows® VistaTM environment. Please refer to below PCI Express graphics card support list for ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM. For the future update of more compatible PCI Express graphics cards, please visit our website for further information.

Vendor Chipset Model Driver

A TI RADEON X2400PRO MSI RX2400 PRO-TD256EH Catalyst 8.47

RADEON HD2400XT * POWERCOLOR HD2400 XT Catalyst 8.47

256MB DDR3

RADEON HD3450 POWERCOLOR AX3450 Catalyst 8.47

256MD2-S * Currently, RADEON HD2400XT series graphics cards are only supported with AMD Phenom CPU. Please visit our website for the future driver update and the latest information.

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Enjoy the benefit of AEnjoy the benefit of A

Enjoy the benefit of A

Enjoy the benefit of AEnjoy the benefit of A

Step 1. Install one compatible PCI Express graphics card to PCIE2 slot (green). For

the proper installation procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.

Step 2. Connect the monitor cable to the correspondent connector on the PCI

Express graphics card on PCIE2 slot.

Step 3. Boot your system. Press <F2> to enter BIOS setup. Enter “Advanced”

screen, and enter “Chipset Settings”. Then set the option “Surround View” to [Enabled].

Step 4. Boot into OS. Please remove the ATITM 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. Then you will find “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on

your Windows® taskbar.

TMTM

TITI

Hybrid CrossF Hybrid CrossF

Hybrid CrossF

TITI

Hybrid CrossF Hybrid CrossF

ireXireX

ireX

ireXireX

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ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

Step 7. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, click “CrossFireTM”,

and then select the option “Enable CrossFireTM”.

View

CrossFire

Step 8. Click “Yes” to continue.

Step 9. Click “OK” to save your change.

Enable CrossFire

Step 10. Reboot your system. Then you can freely enjoy the benefit of Hybrid

CrossFireXTM feature.

* Hybrid CrossFireXTM appearing here is a registered trademark of ATITM Technologies Inc., and is used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe. * For further information of ATITM Hybrid CrossFireXTM technology, please check AMD website for up dates and details.

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2.72.7

Jumpers SetupJumpers Setup

2.7

Jumpers Setup

2.72.7

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 pla ced on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1 and pin2 are “Short” when jumper cap is pla ced 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

USB wake up events.

Note: T o select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher sta ndby current provided by

power supply.

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1) (see p.2, No. 12)

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 of f the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a jumper ca p 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 clearCMOS action.

Clear CMOSDefault

OpenShort

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2.8 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.8 Onboard Headers and Connectors

2.8 Onboard Headers and Connectors

2.8 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.8 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. 27)

the red-striped side to Pin1

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

connector.

Primary IDE connector (Blue)

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

connect the blue end

to the motherboard

connect the black end to the IDE devices

80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable

Note: Please re f er t o t h e i nstruction of your IDE device vendor for the details.

Serial ATAII Connectors These six Serial ATAII (SATAII)

(SATAII_1: connectors support SATAII see p.2, No. 19) or SATA hard disk for internal (SATAII_2: storage devices. The current see p.2, No. 20) SATAII interface allows up to (SATAII_3: 3.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

see p.2, No. 18) (SATAII_4: see p.2, No. 16) (SATAII_5: see p.2, No. 17) (SATAII_6: see p.2, No. 15)

SAT AII_2 SATAII_4 SATAII_6

SAT AII_1 SATAII_3 SATAII_5

SATAII_6 connector can be used for internal storage device or be connected to eSATAII connector to support eSA TAII device. Plea se rea d “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 32 for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.

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eSATAII Connector This eSATAII connector

(eSAT AII_TOP: see p.2, No. 1) supports SATA data cable for

external SATAII function. The current eSATAII interface

eSATAII_TOP

allows up to 3.0 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) SATAII hard disk or the SATAII

connector on this motherboard. You can also use the SATA data cable to connect SATAII_6 connector and eSATAII connector.

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 Headers Besides six default USB 2.0

(9-pin USB8_9) ports on the I/O panel, there are (see p.2 No. 23) two USB 2.0 headers on this

motherboard. Each USB 2.0 header can support two USB

2.0 ports.

(9-pin USB6_7) (see p.2 No. 22)

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USB/WiFi Header This header can be used to sup-

(11-pin USB/WIFI) port 2 USB 2.0 ports. It can also (see p.2 No. 29) be used to support WiFi+AP

function with ASRock WiFi-802. 11g or WiFi-802.11n module, a n easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter. It allows you to create a wireless environment and enjoy the

ASRock AOD790GX/128M Motherboard

convenience of wireless network connectivity.

Infrared Module Header This header supports an

(5-pin IR1) optional wireless transmitting (see p.2 No. 25) and receiving infrared module.

Internal Audio Connectors This connector allows you

(4-pin CD1) to receive stereo audio input (CD1: see p.2 No. 31) 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 the front

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1) panel audio cable that allows (see p.2, No. 30) convenient connection and

control of audio devices.

1. High Definition 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. Enter BIOS Setup Utility. Enter Advanced Settings, and then select

Chipset Configuration. Set the Front Panel Control option from

[Auto] to [Enabled].

F. Enter Windows system. Click the icon on the lower right hand

taskbar to enter Realtek HD Audio Manager.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Click “Audio I/O”, select “Connector Settings” , choose

“Disable front panel jack detection”, and save the change by

clicking “OK”.

For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:

Click the right-top “Folder” icon , choose “Disable front

panel jack detection”, and save the change by clicking “OK”.

G. To activate the front mic.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

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Please select “Front Mic” as default record device. If you want to hear your voice through front mic, please deselect "Mute" icon in “Front Mic” of “Playback” portion. For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS: Go to the "Front Mic" Tab in the Realtek Control panel. Click "Set Default Device" to make the Front Mic as the default record device.

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. 21) match the black wire to the

ground pin.

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CPU Fan Connector Please connect the CPU fan

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

4 3 2 1

ground pin.

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.

Pin 1-3 Connected

3-Pin Fan Installation

ATX Power Connector Please connect an ATX power

(24-pin ATXPW R1) supply to this connector. (see p.2 No. 9)

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