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”
1PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 9 Microphone (Pink)
2IEEE 1394 Port10 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
* 3LAN RJ-45 Port11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)
4Side Speaker (Gray)12 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
5Rear Speaker (Black)13 eSATAII Port
6Central / Bass (Orange)14 Optical SPDIF Out Port
7Line In (Light Blue)15 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
**8Front Speaker (Lime)16 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
ACT/LINK
LED
SPEED
LED
Off No Activity Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
Green 1Gbps connection
LAN Port
** If you use 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”.
See the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.
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 N7AD-SLI Motherboard
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1. Introduction1. Introduction
1. Introduction
1. Introduction1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock N7AD-SLI motherboard, a reli able motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers excellent perf ormance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to quality a nd endurance.
This Quick Installation Guide contains introduction of the motherboard a nd step-by-ste p
installation guide. More detailed information of the motherboard can be f ound in the user
manual presented in the Support CD.
Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might be
updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated
version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You
may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website
as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
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
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1.1 P1.1 P
1.1 P
1.1 P1.1 P
1 x ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
1 x ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card
1 x ASRock N7AD-SLI Quick Installation Guide
1 x ASRock N7AD-SLI Support CD
1 x Ultra A TA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor)
1 x 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable
2 x Serial AT A (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x Serial AT A (SAT A) HDD Power Cable (Option al)
1 x “ASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O” I/O Shield
ackack
age Contentsage Contents
ack
age Contents
ackack
age Contentsage Contents
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm)
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
1.21.2
SpecificationsSpecifications
1.2
Specifications
1.21.2
SpecificationsSpecifications
Platform- ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm
- All Solid Capacitor design (100% Ja pa n-ma de high-quality
Conductive Polymer Capa citors)
2 Duo / Pentium® Dual Core / Celeron® Dual Core / Celeron®,
supporting Penryn Quad Core Y orkfield a nd Dual Core W olfdale
processors
- Supports FSB1600/1333/1066/800/533 MHz
- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports EM64T CPU
Chipset- NVIDIA® nForce 740i SLI
Memory- Dual Channel DDR2 Memory T echnology (see CAUTION 3)
- 4 x DDR2 DIMM slots
- Support DDR2 800/667 non-ECC, un-buf fered memory
- Max. ca pacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 4)
Expansion Slot- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
(green @ x16 mode, blue @ x8 mode)
- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
- 2 x PCI slots
- Supports NVIDIA® SLITM (see CAUTION 5)
Audio- 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Premium Level HD Audio with
Content Protection
- DAC with 110dB dynamic ra nge (ALC890 Audio Codec)
LAN- Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Giga PHY Realtek RTL8211CL
- Supports Wa ke-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/OASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out 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 6)
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Connector- 6 x SATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 0+1, JBOD and RAID 5), NCQ, AHCI a nd “Hot
Plug” functions (see CAUTION 7)
- 1 x eSATAII 3.0Gb/s connector (shared with 1 SA TAII
connector) (see CAUTION 8)
- 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE device s)
- 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 9)
- 1 x USB/WiFi header (see CAUTION 10)
BIOS Feature- 8Mb AMI BIOS
- AMI Legal BIOS
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- AMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
- CPU, DRAM, NB, VTT Voltage Multi-adjustment
- Supports Smart BIOS
Support CD- Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial V ersion)
Unique Feature- ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 11)
- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 12)
- Instant Boot
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 13)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 14)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
Hardware- CPU T emperature Sensing
Monitor- Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fa n Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
OS- Microsoft® Windows® XP / XP 64-bit / Vista
TM
/ VistaTM 64-bit
compliant
Certifications- FCC, CE, WHQL
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
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 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.
CAUTION!
1. About the setting of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page
51 of “User Manual” in the support CD.
2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 31 for details.
3. This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before
you implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read
the installation guide of memory modules on page 13 for proper
installation.
4. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be
less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows
and Windows® VistaTM. For Windows® XP 64-bit and Windows® Vista
64-bit with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
5. This motherboard supports NVIDIA® SLITM technology. If you want to use
SLITM function, please follow the instructions on page 17 and 18 to reverse
the direction of ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card. For the information of the
compatible SLITM Mode PCI Express VGA cards, please refer to the “Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode” on page 9. For the proper
installation of PCI Express VGA card, please refer to the installation guide
on page 15.
6. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono
modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on
page 3 for proper connection.
7. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the
“SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 37 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.
8. This motherboard supports eSATAII interface, the external SATAII
specification. Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 28
for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.
9. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft® Windows
VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2.
®
XP
TM
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10. 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
11. 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
12. Featuring an advanced proprietary hardware and software design,
Intelligent Energy Saver is a revolutionary technology that delivers
unparalleled power savings. In other words, it is able to provide exceptional power saving and improve power efficiency without sacrificing
computing performance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of Intelligent Energy Saver.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
13. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU bus frequencies may cause the instability of the system
or damage the CPU.
14. 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.
®
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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
1.31.3
Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLISupported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLI
1.3
Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLI
1.31.3
Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLISupported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLI
(for Windows® XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit only)
Graphics Chip Model Name Chipset Name
Vendor
NVIDIA
ASUS EN8800GTX
ASUS EN8600GT/2DHT
ASUS EN7950GX2 *
ASUS EN7900GT TOP
ASUS EN7800GT
ASUS EN7600GSSILENT
ASUS EN7600GT/2DHT
ASUS EN6800LE
ASUS Extreme N6800/TD
ALBATRON PC6600GT
GIGABYTE GV -NX66256DP2
LEADTEK PX7900GS TDH
LEADTEK PX7300GS TDH *
MSI 7300GT-TD256EH
* These two cards can only work under Windows
For the latest updates of the supported PCI Express VGA card list for SLITM Mode,
please visit our website for details.
ASRock website:
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static
electricity, NEVER place your motherboard directly on the carpet
or the like. Also remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch
a safety grounded object before you handle components.
3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antstatic pad or in the bag that comes with the component.
5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the
motherboard to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the
screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
2.12.1
CPU InstallationCPU Installation
2.1
CPU Installation
2.12.1
CPU InstallationCPU Installation
For the installation of Intel 775-LAND CPU,
please follow the steps below.
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775-Pin Socket Overview
Before you insert the 775-LAND CPU into the socket, please check if
the CPU surface is unclean or if there is any bent pin on the socket.
Do not force to insert the CPU into the socket if above situation is
found. Otherwise, the CPU will be seriously damaged.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
Step 1. Open the socket:
Step 1-1. Disengaging the lever by depressing
down and out on the hook to clear
retention tab.
Step 1-2. Rotate the load lever to fully open po-
sition at approximately 135 degrees.
Step 1-3. Rotate the load plate to fully open po-
sition at approximately 100 degrees.
Step 2. Insert the 775-LAND CPU:
Step 2-1. Hold the CPU by the edges where are
marked with black lines.
Step 2-2. Orient the CPU with IHS (Integrated
Heat Sink) up. Locate Pin1 and the two
orientation key notches.
Pin1
orientation
key notch
orientation
key notch
Pin1
alignment key
black line
black line
alignment key
775-LAND CPU
For proper inserting, please ensure to match the two orientation key
notches of the CPU with the two alignment keys of the socket.
Step 2-3. Carefully place the CPU into the socket
by using a purely vertical motion.
Step 2-4. Verify that the CPU is within the socket
and properly mated to the orient keys.
Step 3. Remove PnP Ca p (Pick a nd Place Cap):
Use your left hand index finger and thumb to
support the load plate edge, engage PnP cap
with right hand thumb and peel the cap from the
socket while pressing on center of PnP cap to
assist in removal.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
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1. It is recommended to use the cap tab to handle and avoid kicking
off the PnP cap.
2. This cap must be placed if returning the motherboard for after
service.
Step 4. Close the socket:
Step 4-1. Rotate the load plate onto the IHS.
Step 4-2. While pressing down lightly on load
plate, engage the load lever.
Step 4-3. Secure load lever with load plate tab
under retention tab of load 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
For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of your CPU fan
and heatsink.
Below is an example to illustrate the installation of the heatsink for 775-LAND CPU.
Step 1. Apply thermal interface material onto center
of IHS on the socket surface.
Step 2. Place the heatsink onto the socket. Ensure
fan cables are oriented on side closest to the
CPU fan connector on the motherboard
(CPU_FAN1, see page 2, No. 3).
Step 3. Align fasteners with the motherboard
throughholes.
Step 4. Rotate the fastener clockwise, then press
down on fastener caps with thumb to install
and lock. Repeat with remaining fasteners.
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If you press down the fasteners without rotating them clockwise,
the heatsink cannot be secured on the motherboard.
Step 5. Connect fan header with the CPU fan
connector on the motherboard.
Step 6. Secure excess cable with tie-wrap to ensure
cable does not interfere with fan operation or
contact other components.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
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 chip-type)
DDR2 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install
identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Cha nnel A (DDRII_1 a nd DDRII_3; Yellow slots;
see p.2 No.6) or identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDRII_2 and
DDRII_4; Orange slots; see p.2 No.7), so that Dual Channel Me mory Technology
can be a ctivated. This motherboard also allows you to install f our DD R2 DIMMs f or
dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR2 DIMMs in all four
slots. Y ou may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Configuration Table below.
* 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_3), or in the set of orange slots
(DDRII_2 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 example, installing a pair of memory modules in
DDRII_1 and DDRII_2, 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.
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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 pre ssing the retaining cli ps outward.
Step 2. Align a DIMM on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break
on the slot.
The DIMM only fits in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent
damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into the slot
at incorrect orientation.
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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.
ASRock N7AD-SLI 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 2 PCI slots and 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to in stall expa nsion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
PCIE Slots:PCIE1 / PCIE3 (PCIE x1 slot; Green) is used for PCI Express cards with
x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SAT A2 card.
PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Green) is used f or PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards, or used to in stall PCI Expre ss graphics cards to support
SLITM function.
PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used to install PCI Express graphics
cards to support SLITM function.
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 SLITM Mode PCI Express VGA
cards and SLITM setup procedures, please refer to the “Supported
PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode” on page 9 and “SLI
Operation Guide” on page 17.
Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card
Installing an expansion card
Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card
Step 1.Before installing the expa nsion card, ple ase make sure that the power
supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Plea se re a d the
documentation of the expansion card a nd ma ke 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 bra cket fa cing 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.
TM
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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
TMTM
TM
2.5 SLI2.5 SLI
2.5 SLI
2.5 SLI2.5 SLI
TMTM
Operation Guide Operation Guide
Operation Guide
Operation Guide Operation Guide
This motherboard supports N VIDIA® SLITM (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows
you to install two identical NVIDIA® SLI
TM
enabled PCI Express x16 gra phics
cards. Currently, NVIDIA® SLITM technology supports Windows® XP, XP 64-bit, Vista
and VistaTM 64-bit OS. Plea se follow the installation procedures in this section.
TM
SLI
Technology Requirements
1. You should have two identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA
certified.
2. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI
technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA® website
(www.nvidia.com).
3. Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the
minimum power required by your system.
TMTM
TM
Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI
Enjoy the benefit of SLI
Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI
TMTM
®
TM
Step 1. There is one ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card fa ctory-mounted on this
motherboard. This card served as a switch between the default mode (x16)
and SLI mode (x8 / x8). ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card is factory-mounted
with its default mode (x16) side toward the retention slot base.
TM
Step 2. To change it to SLI 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 3. Reverse the card direction so as to have the “X8 / X8 MODE” wording side
toward the retention slot base. In sert the card into the bottom of the base.
Step 4. 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 5. Install the identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified be-
cause different types of gra phics cards will not work together properly. (Even
the GPU chi ps version shall be the sa me.) Insert one gra phics card into PCIE2
slot and another graphics card to PCIE4 slot. Make sure that the cards are
properly seated on the slots.
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Step 6. If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics
cards.
Step 7. Align and insert ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card to the goldfingers on each gra phics
card. Make sure that ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card is firmly in place.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
Step 8. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the monitor connector and the DVI
connector of the graphics card that is in serted to PCIE2 slot.
Step 9. Connect a 4-pin A TX power ca ble to SLI/XFIRE power connector .
Step 10. Install the graphics card drivers to your system. After that, you can enable the
Multi-Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA® nView
system tray utility. Please follow the below procedures to enable the multiGPU feature.
For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:
A. Click the NVIDIA Settings icon on your Windows® taskbar.
B. From the pop-up menu, select nView Des ktop Man ager, and then
click nView Properties.
C. From the nView Desktop M anager window, select the Desktop Management tab.
D. Click Properties to display the Display Propertie s dialog box.
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E. From the Display Properties dialog box, sele ct the Settings ta b then click
Advanced.
F. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab.
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G. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI
multi-GPU item.
H. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box.
I. Click OK when done.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:
A. Click the Start icon on your Windows taskbar.
B. From the pop-up menu, select All Programs, and then click NVIDIA Corporation.
C. Select NVIDIA Control Panel tab.
D. Select Control Panel tab.
E. From the pop-up menu, select Set SLI configuration, and then click
Apply.
* SLITM appearing here is a registered trademark of NVIDIA® Technologies Inc., and is used
only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
This motherboard supports Surround Display upgrade. With the external add-on PCI
Express VGA card, you can e asily enjoy the benefits of Surround Display feature. For
the detailed instruction, plea se refer to the document at the f ollowing path in the
Support CD:
..\ Surround Display Information
2.7 Jumpers Setup2.7 Jumpers Setup
2.7 Jumpers Setup
2.7 Jumpers Setup2.7 Jumpers Setup
The illustration shows how jumpers are
setup. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap
is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The
illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1
and pin2 are “Short” when jumper cap is
placed on these 2 pins.
JumperSettingDescription
PS2_USB_PWR1Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.2 No. 1)+5VSB (standby) for PS/2
Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by
power supply.
Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.2 No. 17)
Clear CMOSDefault
ShortOpen
or USB wake up events.
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2222
22
2222
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.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
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!
F DD conne ctor
(33-pin FLOPPY1)
(see p.2 No. 23)
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. 16)
connect the blue end
to the motherboard
connect the black end
to the IDE devices
80-conductor A TA 66/100/133 cable
Note: Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor f or the details.
Serial AT AII ConnectorsThese six Serial A T AII (SAT AII)
(SATAII_1 (Port 0):connectors support SA TA data
see p.2, No. 15)cables for internal storage
(SATAII_2 (Port 1):devices. The current SA T AII
see p.2, No. 10)interface allows up to 3.0 Gb/s
(SATAII_3 (Port 2):data transfer rate.
see p.2, No. 13)
(SATAII_4 (Port 3):
see p.2, No. 11)
(SATAII_5 (Port 4):
see p.2, No. 14)
(SATAII_6 (Port 5):
SATAII_6 (Port 5) connector can be used for internal storage device
or be connected to eSATAII connector to support eSATAII device.
Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 28 for details
about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
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2323
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eSAT AII ConnectorThis eSAT AII connector
(eSATAII_TOP: see p.2, No. 38)supports SATA data ca ble f or
external SATAII function. The
eSATAII_TOP
current eSAT AII interfa ce
allows up to 3.0 Gb/s data
transfer rate.
Serial ATA (SATA)Either end of the SATA data ca ble
Data Cablecan be connected to the SATA /
(Optional)SATAII hard disk or the SA TAII
connector on this motherboard.
Y ou can also use the SATA data
cable to connect SA TAII_6
(Port 5) connector and eSATAII
connector.
Serial ATA (SAT A)Plea se conne ct the black end of
Power CableSAT A power ca ble to the power
(Optional)connector on each drive. Then
connect to the SATA
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 HeadersBesides six default USB 2.0
(9-pin USB8_9)ports on the I/O panel, there are
(see p.2 No. 37)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. 36)
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2424
24
2424
USB/WiFi HeaderThis header ca n be used to sup-
(11-pin USB/WIFI)port 2 USB 2.0 ports. It can also
(see p.2 No. 30)be used to support WiFi+AP
function with ASRock WiFi-802.
11g or WiFi-802.1 1n module, a n
easy-to-use wirele ss local area
network (WLAN) adapter. It allows you to create a wireless
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
environment and enjoy the
convenience of wireless network connectivity.
Infrared Module HeaderThis header supports an option al
(5-pin IR1)wireless transmitting a nd
(see p.2 No. 22)receiving infrared module.
Internal Audio ConnectorsThis connector allows you
(4-pin CD1)to receive stereo audio input
(CD1: see p.2 No. 26)from sound sources such as
CD1
a CD-ROM, D VD-ROM, TV
tuner card, or MPEG card.
Front Panel Audio Hea derThis is an interfa ce for front
(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)panel audio cable that allows
(see p.2 No. 25)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
“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”.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
2525
25
2525
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G. To activate the front mic.
For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:
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 Hea derThis header a ccommodate s
(9-pin PANEL1)several system front panel
(see p.2 No. 19)functions.
Chassis Spea ker He aderPlease connect the chassis
(4-pin SPEAKER 1)speaker to this hea der.
(see p.2 No. 18)
Chassis Fa n ConnectorPlease 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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2626
26
2626
CPU Fan ConnectorPlease connect a CPU fan cable
(4-pin CPU_FAN1)to this connector and match
(see p.2 No. 3)the black wire to the ground pin.
4
3
2
1
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 Conne ctorPlease connect an A TX power
(24-pin ATXPWR1)supply to this connector.
(see p.2, No. 8)
12 124
13
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
Though this motherboard provides 24-pin ATX power connector,
it can still work if you adopt a traditional 20-pin ATX power supply.
To use the 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug your power
supply along with Pin 1 and Pin 13.
12
24
ted
20-Pin ATX Power Supply Installation
ATX 12V Power ConnectorPlea se connect an A TX 12V
(8-pin ATX12V1)power supply to this connector.
(see p.2 No. 2)
5 1
8 4
1
Though this motherboard provides 8-pin ATX 12V power connector, it can still
work if you adopt a traditional 4-pin ATX 12V power supply. To use the 4-pin ATX
power supply, please plug your power supply along with Pin 1 and Pin 5.
5 1
4-Pin ATX 12V Power Supply Installation
8 4
SLI/XFIRE Power ConnectorIt is not necessary to use this
(4-pin SLI/XFIRE_POWER1)connector, but please connect it
(see p.2 No. 35)with a hard disk power connecor
SLI/XFIRE_POWER1
when two graphics cards are
plugged to this motherboard at
the same time.
IEEE 1394 HeaderBesides one default IEEE 1394
(9-pin FRONT_1394)port on the I/O panel, there is one
(see p.2 No. 20)IEEE 1394 header
(FRONT_1394) on this
motherboard. This IEEE 1394
header can support one IEEE
1394 port.
Serial port HeaderThis COM1 header
(9-pin COM1) supports a serial port module.
(see p.2 No.24)
13
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
2727
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HDMI_SPDIF HeaderHDMI_SPDIF header, providing
(3-pin HDMI_SPDIF1)SPDIF audio output to HDMI V GA
(see p.2 No. 28)card, allows the system to
connect HDMI Digital TV/
projector/LCD devices. Ple a se
connect the HDMI_SPDIF
connector of HDMI V GA card to
this header.
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HDMI_SPDIF CablePlease connect the black end (A)
(Optional)of HDMI_SPDIF cable to the
A. black end B. white end (2-pin) C. white end (3-pin)
2.9 eSA2.9 eSA
2.9 eSA
2.9 eSA2.9 eSA
TT
AII InterAII Inter
T
AII Inter
TT
AII InterAII Inter
NOTE:
1. If you set “SATA Operation Mode” option in BIOS setup to AHCI or RAID mode, Hot
Plug function is supported with eSATAII devices. Therefore, you can insert or remove
your eSATAII devices to the eSATAII ports while the system is power-on and in
working condition.
2. If you set “SATA Operation Mode” option in BIOS setup to IDE mode, Hot Plug
function is not supported with eSATAII devices. If you still want to use eSATAII
function in IDE mode, please insert or remove your eSATAII devices to the
eSATAII ports only when the system is power-off.
3. If you want to use the eSATAII HDD as an OS disk, please set “SATA Operation
Mode” option in BIOS setup to IDE mode. If you want to use the eSATAII HDD
as a removable data disk, please set “SATA Operation Mode” option in BIOS setup
to RAID mode. If you want to add the eSATAII HDD as a RAID disk, please set “SATA
Operation Mode” option in BIOS setup to RAID mode.
4. Please do not configure your eSATAII HDD as a RAID disk; otherwise, it may affect
the Hot Plug function that eSATAII HDD should have.
5. Please refer to page 30 to 31 for detailed information of RAID mode, IDE mode and
AHCI mode.
C
B
A
face Introductionface Introduction
face Introduction
face Introductionface Introduction
HDMI_SPDIF header on the
motherboard. Then connect the
white end (B or C) of
HDMI_SPDIF cable to the
HDMI_SPDIF connector of HDMI
VGA card.
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28
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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
How to install eSATAII?
SATAII_6 (Port 5)
eSATAII_TOP
1.In order to enable the eSATAII port of the I/O shield, you need to connect the
orange SA TAII connector (SA T AII_6 (Port 5); see p.2 No.12) a nd the eSATAII
connector (eSA TAII_TOP; see p.2 No.38) with a SAT A data ca ble f irst.
Connect the
Connect the SATA data cable
to the orange SATAII
connector
(SATAII_6 (Port 5))
SATA data cable
to the eSATAII
connector
(eSATAII_TOP)
2.Use the eSAT AII device cable to connect eSATAII device a nd the eSAT AII port of
the I/O shield according to the eSATAII connector that you conne ct the SATA
data cable.
Connect one end of the eSATAII
device cable to eSATAII device
Connect the other end of the eSATAII device cable
to eSATAII port of the I/O shield
To install the drivers to your system, plea se insert the support CD to your optical drive
first. Then, the drivers compatible to your system ca n be auto-detected and listed on
the support CD driver page. Please follow the order from up to bottom side to install
those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work properly.
®®
®
2.112.11
Installing WindowsInstalling Windows
2.11
Installing Windows
2.112.11
Installing WindowsInstalling Windows
TMTM
TM
TMTM
VistaVista
Vista
VistaVista
If you want to install Windows® XP, Windows® XP 64-bit, Windows® VistaTM or Windows
VistaTM 64-bit on your SATA / SATAII HDDs without RAID functions, please f ollow below
procedures according to the OS you install.
2.11.1 Installing Windows2.11.1 Installing Windows
2.11.1 Installing Windows
2.11.1 Installing Windows2.11.1 Installing Windows
F F
F
F F
If you want to install Windows® XP / Windows® XP 64-bit on your SA TA / SATAII HDDs
without RAID functions, please follow below steps.
Using SATA / SATAII HDDs and eSATAII devices without NCQ and Hot Plug
functions
STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.
A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screenIDE Configuration.
B.Set the “SATA Operation Mode” option to [IDE].
STEP 2: Install Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS on your system.
2.11.2 Installing Windows2.11.2 Installing Windows
2.11.2 Installing Windows
2.11.2 Installing Windows2.11.2 Installing Windows
W W
W
W W
If you want to install Windows® VistaTM / Windows® VistaTM 64-bit on your SATA / SATAII
HDDs without RAID functions, please follow below steps.
64-bit W 64-bit W
64-bit W
64-bit W 64-bit W
unctionsunctions
unctions
unctionsunctions
ithout RAID Fithout RAID F
ithout RAID F
ithout RAID Fithout RAID F
®®
XP / XP 64-bit / Vista XP / XP 64-bit / Vista
XP / XP 64-bit / Vista
XP / XP 64-bit / Vista XP / XP 64-bit / Vista
ithout RAID Fithout RAID F
ithout RAID F
ithout RAID Fithout RAID F
®®
®
®®
XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
®
Vista Vista
Vista
Vista Vista
unctionsunctions
unctions
unctionsunctions
unctionsunctions
unctions
unctionsunctions
TMTM
TM
TMTM
/ Vista / Vista
/ Vista
/ Vista / Vista
TMTM
TM
TMTM
64-bit 64-bit
64-bit
64-bit 64-bit
TM TM
TM
TM TM
//
/
//
®
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30
3030
Using SATA / SATAII HDDs and eSATAII devices without NCQ and Hot Plug
functions
STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.
A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screenIDE Configuration.
B.Set the “SATA Operation Mode” option to [IDE].
STEP 2: Install Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS on your system.
ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
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