ASRock N7AD-SL User Manual

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

Disclaimer:Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:Disclaimer:

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

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

may cause undesired operation.

CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY

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

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

Published October 2008

ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

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Motherboard LMotherboard L

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Motherboard LMotherboard L

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1 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 20 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header 2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) (FRONT_1394, Red) 3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 21 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 4 775-Pin CPU Socket 22 Infrared Module Header (IR1) 5 NVIDIA nForce 740i SLI Chipset 23 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1) 6 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 24 COM Port Header (COM1)

(Dual Channel A: DDRII_1, DDRII_3; Yellow) 25 Front Panel Audio Header

7 2 x 240-pin DD R2 DI MM S lots (HD_AUDIO1, Lime)

(Dual Channel B: DDRII_2, DDRII_4; Orange) 26 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) 8 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 27 PCI Slots (PCI1-2) 9 SPI BIOS Chip 28 HDMI_SPDIF Header 10 SATAII Connector (SATAII_2 (Port1), Red) (HDMI_SPDIF1, Yellow) 11 SATAII Connector (SATAII_4 (Port3), Red) 29 PCI Exp re ss x 16 Slo t (PCIE4, Blue) 12 SATAII Connector (SATAII_6 (Port5), Orange) 30 USB/WiFi Header (USB/WIFI, Yellow) 13 SATAII Connector (SATAII_3 (Port2), Red) 31 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE3, Green) 14 SATAII Connector (SATAII_5 (Port4), Red) 32 SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot 15 SATAII Connector (SATAII_1 (Port0), Red) 33 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE2, Green) 16 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 34 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE1, Green) 17 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 35 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector 18 Chassis Speaker Header 36 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)

(SPEAKER 1, Purple) 37 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue) 19 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange) 38 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_TOP, Orange)

ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

ASRock 1394_SPDIF I/OASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O

ASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O

ASRock 1394_SPDIF I/OASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O

1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 9 Microphone (Pink) 2 IEEE 1394 Port 10 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)

* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)

4 Side Speaker (Gray) 12 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45) 5 Rear Speaker (Black) 13 eSATAII Port 6 Central / Bass (Orange) 14 Optical SPDIF Out Port 7 Line In (Light Blue) 15 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port

**8 Front 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 LED SPEED 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.

TABLE f or Audio Output Connection

Audio Output ChannelsFront Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Side Speaker

(No. 8) (No. 5) (No. 6) (No. 4) 2 V -- -- -4VV---6 VVV-8 VVVV

To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front

panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will find “Mixer” tool on your system. Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click

“ok”. Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or “8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio.

ASRock 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

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(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)

CPU - LGA 775 for Intel® CoreTM 2 Extreme / CoreTM 2 Quad / Core

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/O ASRock 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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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

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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

/ 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.

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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

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

TMTM

GeForce 8800GTX GeForce 8600GT GeForce 7950GX2 GeForce 7900GT GeForce 7800GT GeForce 7600GT GeForce 7600GS GeForce 6800LE GeForce 6800 GeForce 6600GT GeForce 6600 GeForce 7900GS GeForce 7300GS GeForce 7300GT

Mode Mode

Mode

Mode Mode

* 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:

http://www.asrock.com/support/index.htm

XP / XP 64-bit OS.

ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

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2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Installation

2.2.

InstallationInstallation

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation Precautions

Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions

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

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

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

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

4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antstatic pad or in the bag that comes with the component.

5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the motherboard to the chassis, 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

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

775-Pin Socket

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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.

Dual Channel Memory Configurations

DDRII_1 DDRII_2 DDRII_3 DDRII_4

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

y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)

y Modules (DIMM)

y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)

* 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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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

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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.

PCIE2 / PCIE4 / SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot

Configurations

PCIE2 Slot PCIE4 Slot SLI/XFire Switch Card (Green) (Blue) Retention Slot

Single Graphics Card PCIE x16 N/ A

(Default)

Dual Graphics Cards PCIE x8 PCIE x8

in SLI

Mode

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

2. For the information of the compatible 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.

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ASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard

TMTM

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

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.

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

Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI

Enjoy the benefit of SLI

Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI

TMTM

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.

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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2020

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.

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2.6 Surround Display Feature2.6 Surround Display Feature

2.6 Surround Display Feature

2.6 Surround Display Feature2.6 Surround Display Feature

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.

Jumper Setting Description

PS2_USB_PWR1 Short 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

Short Open

or USB wake up events.

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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 Connectors These 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):

see p.2, No. 12)

SATAII_2 SATAII_4 SATAII_6 (Port 1) (Port 3) (Port 5)

SATAII_1 SATAII_3 SATAII_5 (Port 0) (Port 2) (Port 4)

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.

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eSAT AII Connector This 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 Cable can 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 Cable SAT 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 Headers Besides 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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USB/WiFi Header This 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 Header This header supports an option al

(5-pin IR1) wireless transmitting a nd (see p.2 No. 22) receiving infrared module.

Internal Audio Connectors This 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 der This 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

taskbar to enter Realtek HD Audio Manager.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

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

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

clicking “OK”.

For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:

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

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

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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 der This header a ccommodate s

(9-pin PANEL1) several system front panel (see p.2 No. 19) functions.

Chassis Spea ker He ader Please connect the chassis

(4-pin SPEAKER 1) speaker to this hea der. (see p.2 No. 18)

Chassis Fa n Connector Please connect a chassis fan

(3-pin CHA_FAN1) cable to this connector and (see p.2 No. 21) match the black wire to the

ground pin.

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CPU Fan Connector Please connect 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 ctor Please connect an A TX power

(24-pin ATXPWR1) supply to this connector. (see p.2, No. 8)

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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.

ted

20-Pin ATX Power Supply Installation

ATX 12V Power Connector Plea se connect an A TX 12V

(8-pin ATX12V1) power supply to this connector. (see p.2 No. 2)

5 1

8 4

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 Connector It 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 Header Besides 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 Header This COM1 header

(9-pin COM1) supports a serial port module. (see p.2 No.24)

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HDMI_SPDIF Header HDMI_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 Cable Please 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

AII InterAII Inter

AII Inter

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.

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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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

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2.102.10

Driver Installation GuideDriver Installation Guide

2.10

Driver Installation Guide

2.102.10

Driver Installation GuideDriver Installation Guide

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

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

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 screen IDE 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

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

unctions

unctionsunctions

TMTM

/ Vista / Vista

/ Vista

/ Vista / Vista

TMTM

64-bit 64-bit

64-bit

64-bit 64-bit

TM TM

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Using SATA / SATAII HDDs and eSATAII devices without NCQ and Hot Plug functions

STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.

A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen IDE 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

+ 136 hidden pages

ASRock N7AD-SL User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual