ASRock X79 Extreme9 Owner's Manual

X79 Extreme9

User Manual

Version 1.1

Published July 2013

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

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

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

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

tered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for

identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:

Specications and information contained in this manual are furnished for informa-

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

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

omissions that may appear in this manual.

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

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

ties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose.

In no event shall ASRock, its directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for

any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for

loss of prots, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like),

even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from

any defect or error in the manual or product.

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

lowing two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY

The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic

substance controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations

passed by the California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in Cali-

fornia, USA, please follow the related regulations in advance.

“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see

www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”

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

Contents

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

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

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

1.3 Motherboard Layout ....................................................... 12

1.4 I/O Panel ...................................................................... 13

1.5 ASRock Game Blaster ................................................. 14

2 Installation ........................................................... 17

2.1 Screw Holes ................................................................... 17

2.2 Pre-installation Precautions ......................................... 17

2.3 CPU Installation ............................................................. 18

2.4 Installation of Heatsink and CPU fan ............................. 20

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

2.6 Expansion Slots

2.7 ASRock Game Blaster Installation Guide ...................... 25

2.8 SLITM, 3-Way SLITM and Quad SLI

2.9 CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and Quad

CrossFireXTM Operation Guide ...................................... 40

2.10 Surround Display Features ............................................ 44

2.11 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide ..................... 45

2.12 ASRock XFast Charger Operation Guide....................... 46

2.13 Jumpers Setup .......................................................... 47

2.14 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................ 48

2.15 Smart Switches .......................................................... 54

2.16 Dr. Debug ................................................................... 55

2.17 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks

Installation ................................................................. 59

2.18 Serial ATA3 (SATA3) Hard Disks Installation ............. 59

2.19 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII

HDDs ............................................................................ 60

2.20 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA3 HDDs .... 60

2.21 SATA / SATAII / SATA3 HDD Hot Plug Feature and

Operation Guide ........................................................ 61

2.22 Driver Installation Guide ............................................ 63

2.23 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

64-bit With RAID Functions ....................................... 63

2.24 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions ................... 64

2.24.1 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID

Functions............................................................ 64

(PCI Express Slots)

................................. 23

Operation Guide ... 34

/ VistaTM

/ VistaTM 64-bit

2.24.2 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /

VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID Functions ............... 65

2.25 Teaming Function Operation Guide ............................... 66

2.26 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................... 69

3 UEFI SETUP UTILITY ................................................. 70

3.1 Introduction .................................................................... 70

3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar .................................................... 70

3.1.2 Navigation Keys ................................................... 71

3.2 Main Screen ................................................................... 71

3.3 OC Tweaker Screen ...................................................... 72

3.4 Advanced Screen ........................................................... 77

3.4.1 CPU Conguration ............................................... 78

3.4.2 North Bridge Conguration................................... 80

3.4.3 South Bridge Conguration .................................. 81

3.4.4 Storage Conguration .......................................... 83

3.4.5 Super IO Conguration ........................................ 84

3.4.6 ACPI Conguration............................................... 85

3.4.7 USB Conguration ............................................... 86

3.4.8 ME Subsystem ..................................................... 87

3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ................... 88

3.6 Boot Screen ................................................................... 89

3.7 Security Screen ............................................................. 90

3.8 Exit Screen .................................................................... 91

4 Software Support ................................................. 92

4.1 Install Operating System ................................................ 92

4.2 Support CD Information ................................................. 92

4.2.1 Running Support CD ............................................ 92

4.2.2 Drivers Menu ........................................................ 92

4.2.3 Utilities Menu........................................................ 92

4.2.4 Contact Information .............................................. 92

Chapter 1: Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock X79 Extreme9 motherboard, a reliable moth-

erboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers

excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to

quality and endurance.

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

by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contains the

conguration guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.

Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS software might

be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without

notice. In case any modications of this manual occur, the updated

version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You

may nd 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 specic information about the model you are using.

www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.1 Package Contents

ASRock X79 Extreme9 Motherboard

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

ASRock X79 Extreme9 Quick Installation Guide

ASRock X79 Extreme9 Support CD

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

2 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cables (Optional)

1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable (Optional)

1 x I/O Panel Shield

1 x Front USB 3.0 Panel

4 x HDD Screws

6 x Chassis Screws

1 x Rear USB 3.0 Bracket

1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card

1 x ASRock 3-Way SLI-2S1S Bridge Card

1 x ASRock Game Blaster

ASRock Reminds You...

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

bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage Conguration to

AHCI mode. For the BIOS setup, please refer to the “User Manual” in our

support CD for details.

/ VistaTM 64-

1.2 Specifications

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

- Premium Gold Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-

quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors)

CPU - Supports Intel® CoreTM i7 processor family for the LGA 2011

Socket

- Digi Power Design

- Advanced V16 + 2 Power Phase Design

- Supports Intel® Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology

- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)

- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology

Chipset - Intel® X79

Memory - Quad Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)

- 8 x DDR3 DIMM slots (see CAUTION 3)

- Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333/

1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory

- Supports DDR3 ECC, un-buffered memory with Intel®

Workstation 1S Xeon® processors E5 16xx/26xx/46xx series

in socket LGA 2011

- Max. capacity of system memory: 64GB (see CAUTION 4)

- Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)1.3/1.2

Expansion Slot - 5 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (PCIE1/PCIE2/PCIE4/PCIE5:

x8/8/8/8 mode or x16/0/16/0 mode; PCIE6: x8 mode)

(see CAUTION 5)

- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

- Supports AMDTM Quad CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireX

and CrossFireX

- Supports NVIDIA® Quad SLITM, 3-Way SLITM and SLITM

Audio - Supported by the bundled ASRock Game Blaster

- Creative Sound Core3D quad-core sound and voice

processor

- Supports CrystalVoice

- Supports EAX1.0 to EAX5.0

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

- Broadcom BCM57781

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

- Supports Energy Efcient Ethernet 802.3az

- Supports Dual LAN with Teaming function with the bundled

ASRock Game Blaster

- Supports PXE

Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel

- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port

- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 2 x eSATA3 Connectors

- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports

- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED

LED)

- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port

- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED

SATA3 - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Intel® X79, support RAID

(RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel Rapid

Storage 3.0), NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions

- 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Marvell SE9220, support

RAID (RAID 0 and RAID 1), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug”

functions

- 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Marvell SE9172, support

RAID (RAID 0 and RAID 1), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug”

functions

USB3.0 - 4 x Rear USB 3.0 ports by TI®, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up

to 5Gb/s

- 2 x Front USB 3.0 headers (support 4 USB 3.0 ports) by TI®,

supports USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s

Connector - 4 x SATA2 3.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel Rapid Storage 3.0),

NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug functions

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x CIR header

- 1 x COM port header

- 1 x IEEE 1394 header

- 1 x Power LED header

- CPU/Chassis/Power/SB FAN connector

- 24 pin ATX power connector

- 2 x 8 pin 12V power connectors

- SLI/XFire power connector

- 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)

- 2 x USB 3.0 headers (support 4 USB 3.0 ports)

- 1 x Dr. Debug with LED

Smart Switch - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED

- 1 x Power Switch with LED

- 8 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors

- 1 x Reset Switch with LED

BIOS Feature - 64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support

- Supports “Plug and Play”

- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events

- Supports jumperfree

- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support

- CPU, VCCSA, DRAM, VTT, CPU PLL, PCH1.1V, PCH1.5V

Voltage Multi-adjustment

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

CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial

Unique Feature - ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) (see CAUTION 6)

- ASRock Instant Boot

- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 7)

- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 8)

- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 9)

- ASRock XFast LAN (see CAUTION 10)

- ASRock XFast Charger (see CAUTION 11)

- ASRock XFast RAM (see CAUTION 12)

- ASRock X-FAN (see CAUTION 13)

- ASRock Crashless BIOS (see CAUTION 14)

- Hybrid Booster:

- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 15)

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 16)

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

- Good Night LED

Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing

Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing

- CPU/Chassis/Power/SB Fan Tachometer

- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan (Allows Chassis Fan Speed Auto-

Adjust by CPU Temperature)

- CPU/Chassis/SB Fan Multi-Speed Control

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

OS - Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ VistaTM 64-bit

/ XP / XP 64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 17)

Certications - FCC, CE, WHQL

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

(see CAUTION 18)

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

WARNING

Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including

adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or

using the third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may affect your system

stability, or even cause damage to the components and devices of your system.

It should be done at your own risk and expense. We are not responsible for possible

damage caused by overclocking.

CAUTION!

1. About the setting of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page

69.

2. This motherboard supports Quad Channel Memory Technology. Before

you implement Quad Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read

the installation guide of memory modules on page 21 for proper installa-

tion.

3. Due to Intel® CPU spec definition, please install the memory modules

on DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, DDR3_C1 and DDR3_D1 for the rst priority.

If above four DDR3 DIMM slots are fully installed, and you want to use

more than four memory modules, please install the other memory mod-

ules from left to right (from DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2, DDR3_D2 to DDR3_

C2.)

4. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be

less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 7 /

VistaTM / XP. For Windows® OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limita-

tion. You can use ASRock XFast RAM to utilize the memory that Win-

dows® cannot use.

5. Currently Intel® Socket 2011 Sandy Bridge-E Processor doesn’t support

PCIE 3.0, but this motherboard is already PCIE 3.0 hardware ready. It

depends on Intel’s CPU to enable PCIE 3.0. Please check Intel’s website

for information on future CPU updates and releases.

6. ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) is an all-in-one tool to ne-tune dif-

ferent system functions in a user-friendly interface, which includes Hard-

ware Monitor, Fan Control, Overclocking, OC DNA and IES. In Hardware

Monitor, it shows the major readings of your system. In Fan Control, it

shows the fan speed and temperature for you to adjust. In Overclocking,

you are allowed to overclock CPU frequency for optimal system per-

formance. In OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as a prole and

share it with your friends. Your friends then can load the OC prole to

their own system to get the same OC settings. In IES (Intelligent Energy

Saver), the voltage regulator can reduce the number of output phases to

improve efciency when the CPU cores are idle without sacricing

computing performance. Please visit our website for the operation proce-

dures of ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU).

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

7. ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS ash utility embedded in Flash ROM.

This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS

without entering operating systems rst like MS-DOS or Windows®. With

this utility, you can press the <F6> key during the POST or the <F2>

key to enter into the BIOS setup menu to access ASRock Instant Flash.

Just launch this tool and save the new BIOS le to your USB ash drive,

oppy disk or hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few

clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or other complicated

ash utility. Please be noted that the USB ash drive or hard drive must

use FAT32/16/12 le system.

8. If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your Apple devices,

such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock has prepared a wonderful solu-

tion for you - ASRock APP Charger. Simply install the APP Charger

driver, it makes your iPhone charge much quickly from your computer and

up to 40% faster than before. ASRock APP Charger allows you to quickly

charge many Apple devices simultaneously and even supports continu-

ous 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 website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/AppCharger/index.asp

9. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The

performance may depend on the properties of the device.

10. ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes

the benets listed below. LAN Application Prioritization: You can cong-

ure your application’s priority ideally and/or add new programs. Lower

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

the latency in games. Trafc Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD videos

and download simultaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With

the status window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are

transferring currently.

11. ASRock XFast Charger is the best and fastest technology to charge your

mobile devices via PC. With the superb XFast Charger USB port, users

are assured to enjoy the quick charging experience anytime. In addi-

tion to Apple devices, it is also capable of Charging the BC 1.1 standard

smart devices. Please refer to page 46 for details.

12. ASRock XFast RAM is a new function that is included into ASRock Ex-

treme Tuning Utility (AXTU). It fully utilizes the memory space that can-

not be used under Windows® OS 32-bit CPU. ASRock XFast RAM also

shortens the loading time of previously visited websites, making web surf-

ing faster than ever. And it also boosts the speed of Adobe Photoshop 5

times faster. Another advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that it reduces

the frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in order to extend their

lifespan.

13. ASRock X-FAN will be automatically activated only when the system

rises to a certain temperature under heavy-loading or overclocking. Nor-

mally, ASRock X-FAN will remain deactivated to give users the quietest

computing experience. The target temperature and fan speed settings

can be congured in the UEFI setup utility.

14. ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their BIOS without fear

of failing. If power loss occurs during the BIOS update process, ASRock

Crashless BIOS will automatically nish the BIOS update procedure after

regaining power. Please note that BIOS les need to be placed in the

root directory of your USB disk. Only USB2.0 ports support this feature.

15. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended

to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU

bus frequencies may cause instability of the system or damage the CPU.

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

Before you resume the system, please check if the CPU fan on the moth-

erboard 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.

17. Intel Rapid Storage Technology enterprise 3.0, ASRock XFast RAM and

ASRock Game Blaster are not supported by Microsoft® Windows® XP /

XP 64-bit.

18. EuP stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by the

European Union to dene the power consumption for the completed sys-

tem. According to EuP, the total AC power of the completed system

should be under 1.00W in off mode condition. To meet EuP standards,

an EuP ready motherboard and an EuP ready power supply are required.

According to Intel’s suggestion, the EuP ready power supply must meet

the standard of 5v, and the standby power efciency should be higher

than 50% under 100 mA current consumption. For EuP ready power sup-

ply selection, we recommend you to check with the power supply manu-

facturer for more details.

1.3 Motherboard Layout

1 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1) 27 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)

2 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_A1, Black) 28 Reset Switch (RSTBTN)

3 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_A2, Black) 29 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3)

4 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_B1, Black) 30 Power Switch (PWRBTN)

5 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_B2, Black) 31 Power LED Header (PLED1)

6 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V2) 32 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Black)

7 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 33 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1, Black)

8 2011-Pin CPU Socket 34 USB 2.0 Header (USB_12_13, Black)

9 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 35 SPI Flash Memory (64Mb)

10 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_D2, Black) 36 USB 2.0 Header (USB_10_11, Black)

11 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_D1, Black) 37 Intel X79 Chipset

12 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 38 Consumer Infrared Module Header

13 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_C2, Black) (CIR1, Gray)

14 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slot (DDR3_C1, Black) 39 USB 2.0 Header (USB_8_9, Black)

15 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 40 Infrared Module Header (IR1)

16 SB Fan Connector (SB_FAN1) 41 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)

17 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_6_7, Black) 42 COM Port Header (COM1)

18 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_4_5, Black) 43 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header

19 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_2_3, Black) (FRONT_1394, Black)

20 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_0_1, Black) 44 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE6, Black)

21 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0_1, Gray) 45 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE5, Black)

22 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_M4_M5, Gray) 46 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4, Black)

23 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_M2_M3, Gray) 47 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE3, Black)

24 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_M0_M1, Gray) 48 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2, Black)

25 Dr. Debug 49 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1, Black)

26 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 50 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector

1.4 I/O Panel

1 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) 6 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_01)

2 IEEE 1394 Port (IEEE 1394) 7 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)

* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port 8 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)

4 USB 3.0 Ports (USB23) 9 Clear CMOS Switch (CLRCBTN)

** 5 eSATA3 Connectors 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 LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description

Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection

Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection

On Link Green 1Gbps connection

LAN Port LED Indications

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN Port

SPEED

LED

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

1.5 ASRock Game Blaster

ASRock Game Blaster is packed with the new earthshattering Creative Sound

Core3D quad-core sound and voice processor. It is designed to deliver sound and

voice with unbeatable quality and accurate 3D positional audio. It also boosts gam-

ing performance, enables dual LAN with teaming function, and allows users to

morph their voice into miscellaneous characters which is amusingly funny.

4 x 1/8” Mini Jacks

** Front Panel Audio Header

*** HDMI_SPDIF Header

* LAN RJ-45 Port

Optical SPDIF Out Port

PCIE Gold Fingers

Coaxial SPDIF Out Port

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

indications.

LAN Port LED Indications

Activity/Link LED SPEED LED

ACT/LINK

LED

SPEED

LED

Status Description Status Description

Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection

Blinking Data Activity Green 100Mbps connection

On Link Green 1Gbps connection

LAN Port

** Front Panel Audio Header

(9-pin F_AUDIO1)

*** HDMI_SPDIF Header

(3-pin HDMI_SPDIF1)

GND

PRE SEN CE#

MIC 2_R

MIC 2_L

DUMM Y

SPDI F OU T

MIC _RE T

J_S ENS E

OUT 2_R

OUT _RE T

OUT 2_L

GND

Specifications

Platform - Size: 4.3-in x 3.0-in, 11.0 cm x 7.5 cm

- Premium Gold Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-

quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors)

Chipset - Creative Sound Core3D quad-core sound and voice

processor

- Powerful 32-bit 200Mhz QUAD-Processor SIMD DSP

- 102dB 24-bit DAC

- 101dB 24-bit ADC

Output Features - Supports Stereo / 2.1 Speakers / 5.1 Surround / 7.1

Surround-EX / Headphones

- Front Panel Headphone Out with built-in amplier (shared

with jack 4)

- Coaxial SPDIF Out Port

- Optical SPDIF Out Port

Input Features - Line in / Microphone in shared with 1/8" mini jack (jack 3)

- Front Panel Microphone In

Audio - Supports CrystalVoice

- Supports EAX1.0 to EAX5.0

- Supports Full Blu-ray Prole 2.0 Audio Decoder

- Supports Blu-ray Audio

- Supports AES-128 Encryption/Decryption Engine

LAN - Broadcom BCM57781

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

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

- Supports Energy Efcient Ethernet 802.3az

- Supports Dual LAN with Teaming function (for motherboards

with Broadcom LAN)

- Supports PXE

Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel

- 1 x Coaxial SPDIF Out Port

- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port

- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED

LED)

- 4 x 1/8" mini jacks

Connector - 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header

- 1 x Front panel audio connector

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

compliant

Chapter 2: Installation

This is an ATX form factor (12.0" x 9.6", 30.5 x 24.4 cm) motherboard. Before you

install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the

motherboard ts into it.

motherboard. Failure to do so may cause physical injuries to you and

damages to motherboard components.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the

2.1 Screw Holes

Place screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the

chassis.

Do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.

2.2 Pre-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

components.

2. To avoid damaging the motherboard’s 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 the components.

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

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

static pad or in the bag that comes with the component.

5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the mother-

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

so may damage the motherboard.

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.

2.3 CPU Installation

For the installation of Intel 2011-Pin CPU,

please follow the steps below.

Before you insert the 2011-Pin CPU into the socket, please check if the

CPU surface is unclean or if there are any bent pins in the socket. Do

not force to insert the CPU into the socket if above situation is found.

Otherwise, the CPU will be seriously damaged.

Step 1. Open the socket:

Step 1-1. Disengage the left lever by pressing it

down and sliding it out of the hook.

Step 1-2. Disengage the right lever by pressing

it down and sliding it out of the hook.

Load Leve r

Load Plat e

2011-Pin Socket Overview

Load Leve r

Contact Ar ray

Socket Bo dy

Step 1-3. Keep t he r igh t le ver posit ion ed at

about 90 degrees in order to ip up

the load plate.

Step 2. Insert the 2011-Pin CPU:

Step 2-1. Hold the CPU by the edge with the

triangle mark(Pin 1) on your upper

right corner.

Pin1

Step 2-2. Locate Pin1 and the two orientation

key notches.

orientation key notch

Pin1

orientation key notch

2011-Pin CPU 2011-Pin Socket

For proper inserting, please ensure to match the four orientation key

notches of the CPU with the four alignment keys of the socket.

Step 2-3. Caref u l l y pla c e the C P U into the

socket by using a purely vertical mo-

tion.

Step 2-4. Verify that the CPU is within the sock-

et and properly mated to the orient

keys.

Step 3. Close the socket:

Step 3-1. Flip the load plate onto the IHS, then

the cover will automatically come off

by itself.

alignment key

The cover must be placed if returning the

motherboard for after service.

Step 3-2. Press down the right load lever, and

secure it with the load plate tab under

the retention tab.

Step 3-3. Press down the left load lever, and

secure it with the load plate tab under

the retention tab.

2.4 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

Appl y Therm al Inte rface M ateri al

Screw s (4 corn ers)

This motherboard is equipped with 2011-Pin socket that supports Intel 2011-Pin

CPU. Please adopt the type of heatsink and cooling fan compliant with Intel 2011-

Pin CPU to dissipate heat. Before you installed the heatsink, you need to spray

thermal interface material between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis-

sipation. Ensure 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 12, No. 9 or CPU_FAN2, see page 12, No. 12).

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 2011-Pin 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 12, No. 9 or CPU_FAN2, see

page 12, No. 12).

Step 3. Align screws with the motherboard’s holes.

Step 4. Use a screw driver to install the screws.

If you don’t fasten the screws, 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 the cable does not interfere

with fan operation or contact other components.

2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

This motherboard provides eight 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM

slots, and supports Quad Channel Memory Technology. For quad channel con-

guration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size

and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM in the slots, so that Quad Channel Memory Tech-

nology can be activated.

1. Due to Intel® CPU spec denition, please install the memory mod-

ules on DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, DDR3_C1 and DDR3_D1 for the

rst priority. If above four DDR3 DIMM slots are fully installed, and

you want to use more than four memory modules, please install the

other memory modules from left to right (from DDR3_A2, DDR3_

B2, DDR3_D2 to DDR3_C2.)

2. If only two memory modules are installed in the DDR3 DIMM slots,

then Dual Channel Memory Technology is activated. If three mem-

ory modules are installed, then Triple Channel Memory Technology

is activated. If more than four memory modules are installed in the

DDR3 DIMM slots, then Quad Channel Memory Technology is acti-

vated.

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

DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be dam-

aged.

Installing 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.

no tc h br ea k

no tc h

br ea k

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

damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into

the slot at incorrect orientation.

Step 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the slot until the retaining clips at both ends

fully snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)

There are 6 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCIE slots: PCIE1 / PCIE2 / PCIE4 / PCIE5 / PCIE6 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slots) are used

for PCI Express graphics cards.

PCIE3 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane

width cards, such as ASRock Game Blaster, Gigabit LAN card, SATA2

card, etc.

PCIE1 PCIE2 PCIE4 PCIE5 PCIE6

Dual Graphics Cards in x16 x0 x16 x0 N/A

CrossFireXTM or SLITM Mode

Triple Graphics Cards in x16 x0 x16 x0 x8

3-Way CrossFireXTM or

3-Way SLITM Mode

Five Graphics Cards x8 x8 x8 x8 x8

PCIE Slot Congurations

1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express

x16 graphics card on PCIE1 slot.

2. In CrossFireXTM mode or SLITM mode, please install PCI Express x16

graphics cards on PCIE1 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, both these two

slots will work at x16 bandwidth.

3. In 3-Way CrossFireXTM or 3-Way SLITM mode, please install PCI

Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE1, PCIE4 and PCIE6 slots.

Therefore, PCIE1 and PCIE4 will work at x16 bandwidth, while PCIE6

works at x8 bandwidth.

4. If you install ve PCI Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE1, PCIE2,

PCIE4, PCIE5 and PCIE6 slots, these ve slots will work at x8

bandwidth.

5. Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connector

(CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using multiple

graphics cards for better thermal environment.

6. Currently Intel® Socket 2011 Sandy Bridge-E Processor doesn’t

support PCIE 3.0, but this motherboard is already PCIE 3.0 hardware

ready. It depends on Intel’s CPU to enable PCIE 3.0. Please check

Intel’s website for information on future CPU updates and releases.

Installing an expansion card

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

supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the

documentation of the expansion card and make necessary hardware

settings for the card before you start the installation.

Step 2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed

in a chassis).

Step 3. Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the

screws for later use.

Step 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

Step 6. Replace the system cover.

2.7 ASRock Game Blaster Installation Guide

2.7.1 ASRock Game Blaster and Driver Installation

Step 1. Please refer to the “Expansion Slots” section then insert ASRock Game

Blaster into PCIE3 slot.

Step2. Follow the step by step driver setup directions. Please make sure to use

Windows® VistaTM 32-bit / 64-bit or Windows® 7 32-bit / 64-bit.

ASRock Game Blaster is not supported under Windows® XP / XP 64-bit.

Step3. Restart your computer for ASRock Game Blaster to take effect.

2.7.2 ASRock Game Blaster Configuration

This section explains how to congure your ASRock Game Blaster.

2.7.2.1 THX TRUSTUDIO PRO

Surround

Control the level of audio immersion in music, movies and games.

Crystalizer

Enhance music and movies to make them sound livelier.

Bass

Control the desired level of bass.

Crossover Frequency

Redirect all frequencies below this value to the optimal speaker for

better bass response.

Smart Volume

Adjust the loudness of your audio playback automatically to minimize

sudden volume changes.

Dialog Plus

Enhance the voices in movies for clearer dialog.

2.7.2.2 CRYSTALVOICE

Select a recording device

Mic Volume

Control the level of mic volume.

Mic Boost

Control the level of mic boost.

CrystalVoice

Click the power button on the left to activate or deactivate.

Morph your voice into different characters and accents.

Smart Volume

Be heard clearly without having to shout or whisper.

Noise Reduction

Eliminate unwanted background noise in your conversation.

Acoustic Echo Cancellation

Eliminate echoes that interfere with your conversation.

2.7.2.3 SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES

Speakers / Headphones Conguration

Select the device connected.

Optional Speakers:

Center

Enable or disable center speaker.

Subwoofer

Enable or disable subwoofer.

Rear pair

Enable or disable rear pair speakers.

If there are both speakers and fr ont head phon es c o nne c ted, pl e ase selec t the devi c e you desire to use as audio output.

Full-Range Speakers:

Select full-range speakers.

Front left and right

Surround speakers

Bass Management

Bass Redirection

Enable or disable bass redirection.

Subwoofer Gain

Enable or disable subwoofer gain.

Crossover Frequency

Redirect all frequencies below this value to the optimal speaker for better

bass response.

2.7.2.4 MIXER

Playback

Speakers

Control the level of speakers playback.

SPDIF-Out

Control the level of SPDIF-Out playback.

Balance

Control the level of various speaker’s balance.

REC

Input Device

Select input device.

What U Hear

Control the level of playback redirect.

2.7.2.5 EQUALIZER

Choose from Flat, Acoustic, Classical, Country, Dance, Jazz, New Age, Pop,

Rock and Vocal.

2.7.2.6 JACK SETUP

+ 67 hidden pages

ASRock X79 Extreme9 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual