ASRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M Owner's Manual

FM2A85X Extreme4-M

User Manual

Version 1.1

Published July 2013

No part of this manual may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or translated in

any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documentation by

the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of ASRock Inc.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be regis-

tered 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 manual are furnished for informa-

tional use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be constructed

as a commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for any errors or

omissions that may appear in this manual.

With respect to the contents of this manual, ASRock does not provide warranty of

any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warran-

ties 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 manual or product.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-

lowing 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 Cali-

fornia, 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

Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................ 5

1.1 Package Contents .......................................................... 5

1.2 Specications ................................................................. 6

1.3 Unique Features ............................................................. 13

1.4 Motherboard Layout ..................................................... 16

1.5 I/O Panel ...................................................................... 17

2. Installation .................................................................. 19

2.1 CPU Installation ............................................................. 20

2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink .......................... 20

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) ........................ 21

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) ............... 23

2.5 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide 24

2.6 Dual Graphics Operation Guide .................................... 28

2.7 Dual Monitor and Surround Display ............................... 31

2.8 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide ..................... 35

2.9 Jumpers Setup ............................................................... 37

2.10 Onboard Headers and Connectors ................................ 38

2.11 Serial ATA3 (SATA3) Hard Disks Installation .................. 44

2.12 Hot Plug and Hot Swap for SATA3 HDDs ...................... 44

2.13 SATA3 HDD Hot Plug and Hot Swap Operation Guide .. 45

2.14 Driver Installation Guide ................................................. 48

2.15 Installing Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /

VistaTM 64-bit With RAID ................................................ 48

2.16 Installing Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /

VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID ........................................... 49

3. UEFI SETUP UTILITY .................................................. 50

3.1 Introduction .................................................................... 50

3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar ..................................................... 50

3.1.2 Navigation Keys .................................................... 51

3.2 Main Screen ................................................................... 52

3.3 OC Tweaker Screen ....................................................... 53

3.4 Advanced Screen ........................................................... 57

3.4.1 CPU Conguration ................................................ 58

3.4.2 North Bridge Conguration .................................... 59

3.4.3 South Bridge Conguration ................................... 61

3.4.4 Storage Conguration ........................................... 62

3.4.5 Super IO Conguration ......................................... 64

3.4.6 ACPI Conguration ............................................... 65

3.4.7 USB Conguration ................................................ 67

3.5 Tool .............................................................................. 69

3.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen .................... 71

3.7 Boot Screen ................................................................... 73

3.8 Security Screen .............................................................. 75

3.9 Exit Screen ..................................................................... 77

4. Software Support ....................................................... 78

4.1 Install Operating System ................................................ 78

4.2 Support CD Information ................................................. 78

4.2.1 Running Support CD ............................................. 78

4.2.2 Drivers Menu ......................................................... 78

4.2.3 Utilities Menu ......................................................... 78

4.2.4 Contact Information ............................................... 78

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M motherboard, a

reliable motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent qual-

ity control. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming

to ASRock’s commitment to quality and endurance.

In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contains the introduction of the mother-

board and step-by-step hardware installation guide. Chapter 3 and 4 con-

tains the conguration guide of BIOS setup and information of 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’s web-

site without further notice. You may nd the latest VGA cards

and CPU support list on ASRock’s 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 FM2A85X Extreme4-M Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor)

ASRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M Quick Installation Guide

ASRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M Support CD

4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)

1 x I/O Panel Shield

ASRock Reminds You...

To get better performance in Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7

64-bit / Vista

the BIOS option in Storage Conguration to AHCI mode.

/ VistaTM 64-bit, it is recommended to set

1.2 Specications

Platform - Micro ATX Form Factor

- ASRock DuraCap (2.5 x longer life time) (100%

Japan-made high-quality Conductive Polymer

Capacitors)

CPU - Support for Socket FM2 100W processors

- 4 + 2 Power Phase Design

- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology

- UMI-Link GEN2

Chipset - AMD A85X (Hudson-D4)

Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology

- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots

- Support DDR3 2600+(OC)/2400(OC)/2133(OC)/1866/

1600/1333/1066/800 non-ECC, un-buffered memory

(see CAUTION 1)

- Max. capacity of system memory: 64GB

(see CAUTION 2)

- Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) 1.3 /

1.2

- Supports AMD Memory Prole (AMP)

Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (PCIE1 @ x16 mode;

PCIE3 @ x4 mode)

- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

- 1 x PCI slot

- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM, CrossFireXTM and

Dual Graphics

Graphics - AMD Radeon HD 7000 series graphics

- DirectX 11, Pixel Shader 5.0

- Max. shared memory 2GB

- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI

- Supports HDMI 1.4a Technology with max. resolution

up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz

- Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to

2560x1600 @ 75Hz

- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x

1600 @ 60Hz

- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC

and HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI

(see CAUTION 3)

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

- Supports AMD Steady VideoTM 2.0: New video post

processing capability for automatic jutter reduction on

home/online video

- Supports HDCP with DVI and HDMI ports

- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD

playback with DVI and HDMI ports

Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection

(Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)

- Premium Blu-ray audio support

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/Keyboard Port

- 1 x D-Sub Port

- 1 x DVI-D Port

- 1 x HDMI Port

- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port

- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 1 x eSATA3 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

SATA3 - 7 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID

0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10), NCQ, AHCI and

Hot Plug

USB 3.0

to 5Gb/s

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

supports USB 1.1/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s

Connector - 7 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x CIR header

- 1 x Print port header

- 1 x COM port header

- 1 x Power LED header

- 1 x Chassis Intrusion header

- 2 x CPU Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)

- 1 x Chassis Fan connector (4-pin)

- 1 x Power Fan connector (3-pin)

- 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)

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

BIOS Feature - 64Mb 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, APU PCIE VDDP, CPU and CPU NB/GFX

Voltage Multi-adjustment

Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version),

CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, Google Chrome

Browser and Toolbar

Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing

Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing

- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer

- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan

- CPU/Chassis Fan Multi-Speed Control

- CASE OPEN detection

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

- 2 x Rear USB 3.0 ports, support USB 1.1/2.0/3.0 up

OS - Microsoft® Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM

/ VistaTM 64-bit compliant

Certications - FCC, CE, WHQL

- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is

required)

* 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 third-

party overclocking tools. Overclocking may affect your

system’s stability, or even cause damage to the compo-

nents and devices of your system. It should be done at

your own risk and expense. We are not responsible for

possible damage caused by overclocking.

CAUTION!

1. Whether 2600/2400/2133/1866/1600MHz memory speed

is supported depends on the CPU you adopt. If you want

to adopt DDR3 2600/2400/213 3/1866/1600 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

2. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memo-

ry size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for sys-

tem usage under Windows® 8 / 7 / VistaTM. For Windows®

64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.

You can use ASRock XFast RAM to utilize the memory

that Windows® cannot use.

3. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Win-

dows® 8 64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7. Deep Color mode will be

enabled only if the display supports 12bpc in EDID. HBR

is supported under Windows® 8 64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7 /

VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM.

1.3 Unique Features

ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU)

ASRock Extreme Tuni ng Ut ili ty (AXTU ) is a n all-in-

one tool to ne-tune different system functions in a user-

friendly interface, which includes Hardware Monitor, Fan

Control, Overclocking, OC DNA, IES and XFast RAM.

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 set-

tings as a profile and share it 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 sacrificing computing performance. In

XFast RAM, it fully utilizes the memory space that can-

not be used under Windows® OS 32-bit CPU.

ASRock Instant Boot

ASRock Instant Boot allows you to turn on your PC in

just a few seconds, provides a much more efcient way

to save energy, time, money, and improves system run-

ning speed for your system. It leverages the S3 and S4

ACPI features which normally enable the Sleep/Standby

and Hibernation modes in Windows® to shorten boot up

time. By calling S3 and S4 at specic timing during the

shutdown and startup process, Instant Boot allows you

to enter your Windows® desktop in a few seconds.

ASRock Instant Flash

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 the <F6> key during the POST or the

<F2> key to enter into the BIOS setup menu to access

ASRock Instant Flash. Just launch this tool and save

the new BIOS 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.

ASRock APP Charger

If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your

Apple devices, such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock

has prepared a wonderful solution for you - ASRock APP

Charger. Simply install the APP Charger driver, it makes

your iPhone charge much quickly from your computer

and up to 40% faster than before. ASRock APP Charger

allows you to quickly charge many Apple devices simul-

taneously and even supports continuous charging when

your PC enters into Standby mode (S1), Suspend to

RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5). With

APP Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the

marvelous charging experience.

ASRock XFast USB

ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device per-

formance. The performance may depend on the proper-

ties of the device.

ASRock XFast LAN

ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access,

which includes the benets listed below. LAN Application

Prioritization: You can congure your application’s prior-

ity ideally and/or add new programs. Lower Latency in

Game: After setting online game’s priority higher, it can

lower the latency in games. Traffic Shaping: You can

watch Youtube HD videos and download simultaneously.

Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With the status win-

dow, you can easily recognize which data streams you

are transferring currently.

ASRock XFast RAM

ASRock XFast RAM is a new function that is included

into ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU). It fully uti-

lizes the memory space that cannot be used under Win-

dows® OS 32-bit CPU. ASRock XFast RAM shortens the

loading time of previously visited websites, making web

surng faster than ever. And it also boosts the speed of

Adobe Photoshop 5 times faster. Another advantage of

ASRock XFast RAM is that it reduces the frequency of

accessing your SSDs or HDDs in order to extend their

lifespan.

ASRock Crashless BIOS

ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their

BIOS without fear of failing. If power loss occurs during

the BIOS update process, ASRock Crashless BIOS will

automatically finish the BIOS update procedure after

regaining power. Please note that BIOS files need to

be placed in the root directory of your USB disk. Only

USB2.0 ports support this feature.

ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard)

Administrators are able to establish an internet curfew or

restrict internet access at specied times via OMG. You

may schedule the starting and ending hours of internet

access granted to other users. In order to prevent users

from bypassing OMG, guest accounts without permission

to modify the system time are required.

ASRock Internet Flash

ASRock Internet Flash searches for available UEFI rm-

ware updates from our servers. In other words, the sys-

tem can auto-detect the latest UEFI from our servers

and ash them without entering Windows® OS. Please

note that you must be running on a DHCP configured

computer in order to enable this function.

ASRock UEFI System Browser

ASRock UEFI system browser is a useful tool included in

graphical UEFI. It can detect the devices and congura-

tions that users are currently using in their PC. With the

UEFI system browser, you can easily examine the cur-

rent system conguration in UEFI setup.

ASRock On/Off Play Technology

ASRock On/Off Play Technology allows users to enjoy

the great audio experience from the portable audio de-

vices, 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.

ASRock Dehumidier Function

Users may prevent motherboard damages due to damp-

ness by enabling “Dehumidifier Function”. When en-

abling Dehumidier Function, the computer will power on

automatically to dehumidify the system after entering S4/

S5 state.

ASRock Easy RAID Installer

ASRock Easy RAID Installer can help you to copy the

RAID driver from a support CD to your USB storage de-

vice. After copying the RAID driver to your USB storage

device, please change “SATA Mode” to “RAID”, then you

can start installing the OS in RAID mode.

ASRock Interactive UEFI

ASRock Interactive UEFI is a blend of system congura-

tion tools, cool sound effects and stunning visuals. The

unprecedented UEFI provides a more attractive interface

and brings a lot more amusement.

ASRock Fast Boot

With ASRock’s exclusive Fast Boot technology, it takes

less than 1.5 seconds to logon to Windows® 8 from a

cold boot. No more waiting! The speedy boot will com-

pletely change your user experience and behavior.

ASRock X-Boost

Brilliantly designed for combo overclocking, ASRock X-

Boost Technology is able to unleash the hidden power

of your CPUs. Simply press “X” when turning on the PC,

X-Boost will automatically overclock the relative compo-

nents to get up to 15.77% performance boost! With the

smart X-Boost, overclocking CPU can become a near

one-button process.

ASRock Restart to UEFI

Windows® 8 brings the ultimate boot up experience.

The lightning boot up speed makes it hard to access

the UEFI setup. ASRock Restart to UEFI technology is

designed for those requiring frequent UEFI access. It al-

lows users to easily enter the UEFI automatically when

turning on the PC next time. Just simply enable this func-

tion; the PC will be assured to access the UEFI directly

in the very beginning.

1.4 Motherboard Layout

SO CK E T FM2

FM2 A8 5X E xt r em e4 -M

AMD

A85 X

(Hu ds on- D4 )

Chi ps et

CMOS

BATTE RY

ATXP W R1

DDR3 _A1 (64 bit , 24 0-pi n mo dul e)

DDR3 _A2 (64 bit , 24 0-pi n mo dul e)

DDR3 _B1 (64 bit , 24 0-pi n mo dul e)

DDR3 _B2 (64 bit , 24 0-pi n mo dul e)

DDR3 2600 +

64Mb BIOS

Super

I/O

ATX12V1

PWR_FAN1

CPU_FAN1

CPU_FAN2

LAN

AUDIO CODEC

CLRCMOS1

Fron t USB 3.0

SATA3_2

SATA3_5

SATA3_1

SATA3_4

HDLED RESET

PLED PWRBTN

PANEL1

CHA_FAN1

SPEAKER1

IR1

PLED1

COM1

CIR1

USB5_6

USB7_8

USB9_10

HD_AUDIO 1

LPT1

PCIE 1

PCIE 3

PCI1

DX11

ErP/ EuP Re ady

RoH S

USB3 .0 T:USB1 B:US B2

Ps2

Keyboa rd/

Mouse

HDMI 1

VGA 1

DVI_ CON1

USB 2.0 T:U SB1 B: USB2

eSATA

Top: RJ-45

USB 2.0 T:U SB3 B: USB4

Top:

CTR B ASS

Center:

REAR SPK

Bottom:

Optical

SPDIF

Top:

LINE IN

Center:

FRONT

Bottom:

MIC I N

Dual Grap hics

Design ed in Taipe i

13 14

16 17

1920

2930

Fast US B

USB3_3_4

PCIE 2

Fast RA M

Fast LA N

SATA3_3

CI1

SATA3_7

SATA3_8

19 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2)

20 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3)

Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1)

22 Power LED Header (PLED1)

23 System Panel Header (PANEL1)

24 USB 2.0 Header (USB5_6)

25 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)

26 USB 2.0 Header (USB7_8)

27 Consumer Infrared Module Header

(CIR1)

28 USB 2.0 Header (USB9_10)

29 Print Port Header (LPT1)

30 COM Port Header (COM1)

31 Infrared Module Header (IR1)

33 PCI Slot (PCI1)

Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)

34 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3)

35 Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1)

36 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE2)

37 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1)

1 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)

ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)

3 CPU Heatsink Retention Module

4 CPU Socket

5 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)

6 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2)

7 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots

(DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)

8 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots

(DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2)

9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)

10 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_3_4)

11 Southbridge Controller

Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)

13 SPI Flash Memory (64Mb)

14 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_8)

15 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_7)

16 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5)

17 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4)

18 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)

1.5 I/O Panel

1 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port

(Green/Purple)

2 D-Sub Port (VGA)

3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_1_2)

4 LAN RJ-45 Port *

5 Central / Bass (Orange)

6 Rear Speaker (Black)

7 Optical SPDIF Out Port

* There are two LEDs on each LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN

port LED indications.

8 Line In (Light Blue)

9 Front Speaker (Lime) **

10 Microphone (Pink)

11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_3_4)

12 eSATA3 Connector ***

13 HDMI Port

14 DVI-D Port

15 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_1_2)

LAN Port LED Indications

Activity/Link LED SPEED LED

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

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN Port

SPEED

LED

** If you use a 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front

Speaker Jack”. See the table below for connection details in accordance with the

type of speaker you use.

TABLE for Audio Output Connection

Audio Output

Channels

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

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 play-

back multi-streaming”, and click “ok”.

Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or “8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek

HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or

select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio.

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

Front Speaker

(No. 9)

Rear Speaker

(No. 6)

Central / Bass

(No. 5)

Line In

(No. 8)

Chapter 2: Installation

This is a micro ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the moth-

erboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the mother-

board ts into it.

Pre-installation Precautions

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard com-

ponents or change any motherboard settings.

1. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or

removing the motherboard. Failure to do so may cause

physical injuries to you and damages to motherboard com-

ponents.

2. In order to avoid damage from static electricity to the moth-

erboard’s components, NEVER place your motherboard

directly on a carpet. Also remember to use a grounded wrist

strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle

the components.

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

4. Whenever you uninstall any components, place them on a

grounded anti-static pad or in the bag that comes with the

components.

5. When placing screws to secure the motherboard to the

chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so

may damage the motherboard.

2.1 CPU Installation

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

Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket so that the CPU corner

with the golden triangle matches the small triangle on the socket’s

corner.

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

angle.

STEP 1:

Lift Up The Socket Lever

STEP 2 / STEP 3:

Match The CPU’s Golden

Triangle To The Small

Triangle on the Socket’s

Corner

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 compatible 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 con-

tact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the CPU FAN

connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 16, No. 5 or CPU_FAN2, see

Page 16, No. 6). For proper installation, please kindly refer to

the instruction manual of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

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 pairs. In other

words, you have to install identical DDR3 DIMM pairs in Dual Chan-

nel A (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1, see p.16 No. 7) or identical DDR3

DIMM pairs in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2, see p.16

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, 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

(Black Slot) (1) Populated - Populated - (2) - Populated - Populated (3) Populated Populated Populated Populated

DDR3_A2

(Black Slot)

DDR3_B1

(Black Slot)

DDR3_B2

(Black Slot)

* For conguration (3), please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four

slots.

1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal com-

patibility and reliability, it is recommended to install them in

DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1 or in 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 acti-

vate Dual Channel Memory Technology.

4. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module

into a DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM

may be damaged.

5. If you adopt DDR3 2600/2400/2133/1866/1600 memory

modules on this motherboard, it is recommended to install

them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

Installing a DIMM

Please make sure to disconnect the power supply before add-

ing or removing DIMMs or 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.

no t ch break

no t ch

break

The DIMM only ts in one correct orientation. It will cause per-

manent 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.

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There is 1 PCI slot and 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCI Slot: The PCI slot is used to install expansion cards that have 32-bit

PCI interface.

PCIE Slots:

PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width

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

support CrossFireXTM function.

PCIE2 (PCIE x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane

width. Such as Gigabit LAN card or SATA2 cards, etc.

PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot) 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 PCIE1 slot.

2. In CrossFireXTM mode , ple ase install PCI Expres s x16

graphics cards on PCIE1 and PCIE3 slots.

Installing an expansion card

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

power supply is switched off and 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.

2.5 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide

Th i s moth e rboar d suppor ts Cros s FireXTM a nd Quad CrossF i reXTM.

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. Please check AMD website for AMD

CrossFireXTM driver updates.

1. If a customer incorrectly congures their system they will not see

the performance benefits of CrossFireXTM. All three CrossFireXTM

components, a CrossFireXTM Ready graphics card, a CrossFireXTM

Ready m otherbo ard and a CrossFire XTM Editi on co-pr ocessor

grap hic s ca rd, must be i nst alled cor rec tly to benef it f rom 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 i n CrossFireXTM

mode.

2.5.1 Graphics Card Setup

Different CrossFireXTM cards may require different methods to enable

CrossFireXTM feature. For other CrossFireXTM cards that AMD has re-

leased 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 PCIE1 slot and the other

Radeon graphics card to PCIE3 slot. Make sure that the cards are

properly seated on the slots.

Step 2. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing a CrossFire

Bridge on the top of the Radeon graphics cards. (The Cross-

Fire 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 Rad-

eon graphics card on PCIE1 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.)

+ 58 hidden pages

ASRock FM2A85X Extreme4-M Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual