No part of this manual may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or translated in
any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documentation by
the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of ASRock Inc.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for
identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Specifications and information contained in this manual 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 manual.
With respect to the contents of this manual, ASRock does not provide warranty of
any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or 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 a n y
defect or error in the manual or product.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY
The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic
substance controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations
passed by the California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in
California, USA, please follow the related regulations in advance.
“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”
Thank you for purchasing ASRock N68-GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX motherboard, a reliable
motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers
excellent performance with robust design conf orming to ASRock’s commitment to quality and endurance.
In this manual, cha pter 1 a nd 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-by-ste p
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
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
http://www.asrock.com
1.1 P1.1 P
1.1 P
1.1 P1.1 P
One ASRock N68-GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor)
One ASRock N68-GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX Quick Installation Guide
One ASRock N68-GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX Support CD
Two Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
One I/O Panel Shield
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age Contentsage Contents
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age Contents
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age Contentsage Contents
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5
55
1.2 Specifications1.2 Specifications
1.2 Specifications
1.2 Specifications1.2 Specifications
Platform- Micro ATX Form Factor
A-Style- Home Cloud (N68-GS4 FX)
CPU- Support for Socket AM3+ processors
- Support for AM3 proce ssors: AMD PhenomTM II X6 / X4 / X3 /
X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 / Sempron
processors (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports 8-Core CPU
- Supports UCC feature (Unlock CPU Core) (see CAUTION 2)
XP 64-bit (see CAUTION 5)
Certifications- 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
77
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77
WA R NING
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.
CAUTION!
1. This motherboard supports CPU up to 95W. Please refer to our website for
CPU support list. ASRock website
2. ASRock UCC (Unlock CPU Core) feature simplifies AMD CPU activation. As
long as a simple switch of the BIOS option “ASRock UCC”, you can unlock
the extra CPU core to enjoy an instant performance boost. When UCC
feature is enabled, the dual-core or triple-core CPU will boost to the quadcore CPU, and some CPU, including quad-core CPU, can also increase L3
cache size up to 6MB, which means you can enjoy the upgrade CPU performance with a better price. Please be noted that UCC feature is supported
with AM3/AM3+ CPU only, and in addition, not every AM3/AM3+ CPU can
support this function because some CPU’s hidden core may be
malfunctioned.
3. Whether 1866/1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on the
AM3/AM3+ CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 1866/1600 memory
module on this motherboard, please refer to the memory support list on
our website for the compatible memory modules.
ASRock website
4. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be
less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 8
/ 7 / Vista
limitation.
5. This motherboard does not support RAID mode under Windows® 8.1
32-bit / 8.1 64-bit.
http://www.asrock.com
TM
/ XP. For Windows® OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such
http://www.asrock.com
88
8
88
1.3 Unique Features1.3 Unique Features
1.3 Unique Features
1.3 Unique Features1.3 Unique Features
ASRock OC Tuner
ASRock OC Tuner is a user-friendly 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
WindowsR environment. Plea se visit our website for the operation
procedures of ASRock OC T uner.
ASRock Instant Boot
ASRock Instant Boot allows you to turn on your PC in just a few
seconds, provides a much more efficient way to save energy, time,
money, and improves system running speed for your system. It
leverages the S3 and S4 ACPI feature s which normally ena ble the
Sleep/Standby a nd Hibernation modes in WindowsR to shorten boot
up time. By calling S3 and S4 at specific timing during the shutdown and startup process, Instant Boot allows you to enter your
WindowsR desktop in a few seconds.
ASRock Instant Fla sh
ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS flash utility embedded in Flash
ROM. This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS without entering operating systems first like MS-DOS or
WindowsR. 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 Insta nt Flash. Just launch this tool and save the new
BIOS file to your USB flash drive, floppy dis k or hard drive, then you
can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an
additional floppy diskette or other complicated flash utility. Please
be noted that the USB flash drive or hard drive must use F AT32/16/
12 file system.
ASRock OC DNA
The software name itself – OC DNA literally tells you what it is
capable of. OC DNA, an exclusive utility developed by ASRock,
provides a convenient way for the user to record the OC settings
and share with others. It helps you to save your overclocking record
under the operating system and simplif ies the complicated recording process of overclocking settings. With OC DNA, you can save
your OC settings as a profile a nd share with your friends! Y our friends
then can load the OC profile to the ir own system to get the same
99
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99
OC settings as yours! Please be noticed that the OC profile can
only be shared and worked on the sa me motherboard.
ASRock APP Charger
If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your Apple
devices, such as iPhone/iPa d/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% fa ster tha n before. ASRock APP
Charger allows you to quickly charge many Apple devices si multaneously 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 performance.
The performance may depend on the propertie s of the device.
ASRock XFast LAN
ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes the benefits listed below . LAN Application Prioritization: You
can configure your application’s priority ideally and/or add new
programs. Lower Latency in Game: After setting online game’s priority higher, it ca n lower the latency in games. Traffic Sha ping: You
can watch Youtube HD videos a nd download si multa neously. RealTime An alysis of Your Data: With the status window , you ca n easily
recognize which data strea ms you are transferring currently.
ASRock XFast RAM
ASRock XFast RAM fully utilizes the me mory spa ce that ca nnot be
used under WindowsR OS 32-bit CPU. ASRock XFast RAM shortens the loading time of previously visited websites, making web
surfing faster than ever. And it also boosts the speed of Adobe
Photoshop 5 times fa ster . Another a dvantage of ASRock XFa st RAM
is that it reduces the frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in
order to extend their lifespan.
1010
10
1010
1.4 Motherboard L1.4 Motherboard L
1.4 Motherboard L
1.4 Motherboard L1.4 Motherboard L
Keyboard
Mouse
PS2
PS2
COM1
CPU_FAN1
VGA1
USB 2.0
T:USB2
B: USB3
USB 2.0
Top:
T:USB0
RJ-45
B: USB1
Bottom:
MIC IN
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
ATX12V1
LAN
HD_AUDIO1
1
Super
AUDIO
CODEC
PHY
I/O
PCIE1
FLOPPY1
ayout (N68-ayout (N68-
ayout (N68-
ayout (N68-ayout (N68-
X
Fast RAM
DDR3_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SOCKET AM3
NVIDIA
GeForce
nForce
PCIE2
PCI1
PCI2
LPT1
GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX)GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX)
GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX)
GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX)GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX)
FSB800
ATXPWR1
IDE1
(PORT0.0)
7025 /
630a
PANEL1
PLED PWRBTN
1
1
11
HDLED RESET
1
SATAII_1
(PORT1.0)
(PORT1.1)(PORT 0.1)
SATAII_3
SATAII_4SATAII_2
CMOS
CLRCMOS1
1
1
USB4_5
1
USB6_7
RoHS
8Mb
BIOS
CHA_FAN1
SPEAKER1
1
X
Fast USB
X
Fast LAN
BATTERY
CI1
1ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)10Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
2CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)11Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
32 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots12USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5)
3Line In (Light Blue)8D-Sub Port
4Front Speaker (Lime)9COM Port
5Microphone (Pink)10 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
* There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
Activity/Link LEDSPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
LAN Port LED Indications
8
7
Off No Activity Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
Green 1Gbps connection
6
ACT/LINK
LED
LAN Port
SPEED
LED
To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. Please refer to below steps for the software setting of Multi-Streaming.
For Windows® XP:
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” or
“4CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker
and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio. Then
reboot your system.
For Windows
After restarting your computer, please double-click “Realtek HD Audio Manager” on the
system tray. Set “Speaker Configuration” to “Quadraphonic” or “Stereo”. Click “Device
advanced settings”, choose “Make front and rear output devices playbacks two different audio
streams simultaneously”, and click “ok”. Then reboot your system.
®
8 / 7 / VistaTM:
1212
12
1212
1.6 I/O P1.6 I/O P
1.6 I/O P
1.6 I/O P1.6 I/O P
anel (N68-S4 FX)anel (N68-S4 FX)
anel (N68-S4 FX)
anel (N68-S4 FX)anel (N68-S4 FX)
1
2
3
4
5
910
1PS/2 Mouse Port (Green)6USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
* 2 RJ-45 Port7USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)
3Line In (Light Blue)8D-Sub Port
4Front Speaker (Lime)9COM Port
5Microphone (Pink)10 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
* There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
Activity/Link LEDSPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
LAN Port LED Indications
8
7
Off No Activity Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
6
ACT/LINK
LED
LAN Port
SPEED
LED
To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. Please refer to below steps for the software setting of Multi-Streaming.
For Windows® XP:
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” or
“4CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker
and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio. Then
reboot your system.
For Windows
After restarting your computer, please double-click “Realtek HD Audio Manager” on the
system tray. Set “Speaker Configuration” to “Quadraphonic” or “Stereo”. Click “Device
advanced settings”, choose “Make front and rear output devices playbacks two different audio
streams simultaneously”, and click “ok”. Then reboot your system.
®
8 / 7 / VistaTM:
1313
13
1313
2.2.
InstallationInstallation
2.
Installation
2.2.
InstallationInstallation
This is a Micro ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study
the configuration of your chassis to en sure that the motherboard fits into it.
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.
1414
14
1414
2.1 CPU Installation2.1 CPU Installation
2.1 CPU Installation
2.1 CPU Installation2.1 CPU Installation
Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90
o
angle.
Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with
the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.
Step 3. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it 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
STEP 1:
Lift Up The Socket Lever
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink2.2 Installation 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 11, No. 2). For proper
installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan
and the heatsink.
1515
15
1515
2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
N68-GS4 FX / N68-S4 FX motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3)
DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel
configuration, you always need to install two identical (the same bra nd, speed, size a nd
chip-type) memory modules in the DD R3 DIMM slots to activate Dual Channel Me mory
Technology. Otherwise, it will operate at single cha nnel mode.
1. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot;otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.
2. If you install only one memory module or two non-identical memory
modules, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology.
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.
y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)
y Modules (DIMM)
y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)
notch
break
notch
break
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
sna p back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
1616
16
1616
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 2 PCI slots and 2 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) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width
cards.
PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane
width graphics cards.
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 bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws
for later use.
Step 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
Step 4. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.
1717
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1717
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