ASRock Z77 Extreme3 User Manual [en, ru, de, es, fr, it]
Copyright Notice:
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 identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:
Specications 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 tness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASRock, its
directors, ofcers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages (including damages for loss of prots, 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 August 2012
Copyright©2012 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
English
1
Motherboard Layout
Intel
Z77
64Mb
BIOS
DDR3_ A2( 64 bit, 240-p i nm odule)
DDR3_ A1( 64 bit, 240-p i nm odule)
DDR3_ B2( 64 bit, 240-p i nm odule)
DDR3_ B1( 64 bit, 240-p i nm odule)
ATX12V1
CPU_FAN1
CMOS
Batte ry
Super
I/O
USB 2.0
T:USB 0
B:U SB1
PS2
Keyboar d
ATXPWR 1
1
USB3_2_3
CPU_FAN2
AUDIO
CODEC
LAN
PHY
1
HD_AUDIO1
1
HDMI_SPDIF 1
COM1
1
CLRCMOS1
1
IR1
1
CIR1
1
USB6_7
1
HDLED RESET
PLEDP WRBTN
PANEL1
1
PLED1
1
1
SPEAKER1
PCI E1
PCI E2
PCI E3
PCI 1
CHA_FAN1
HDMI 1
USB 3.0
T:US B0
B: USB1
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T:U SB2
B: USB3
21.8 cm (8. 6 in)
30.5 cm (12 .0 in)
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2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
18
19
15
16
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20
21
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24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
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34
DDR3 2 800+
RoHS
Fron t USB 3. 0
Z77 Ext rem e3
X
Fas t USB
X
Fas t LAN
PCI E xpres s 3.0
ErP/ EuP Rea dy
X
ast R AMF
Top:
SIDE SPK
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
CTR BASS
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
USB4_5
1
PWR_FAN1
PCI E4
PCI 2
CHA_FAN2 CHA_FAN3
VGA1
DVI1
SATA2_4_5 SATA2_2_3 SATA3_0_1
English
1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
2 1155-Pin CPU Socket
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2)
5 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots
(DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, Black)
7 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots
(DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2, Black)
2
8 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
9 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_2_3, Black)
10 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3)
11 Intel Z77 Chipset
12 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0_1, Gray)
13 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_2_3, Black)
14 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_4_5, Black)
15 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1, Black)
16 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Black)
17 Power LED Header (PLED1)
18 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
19 SPI Flash Memory (64Mb)
20 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
21 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Black)
22 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Black)
23 Consumer Infrared Module Header
(CIR1, Gray)
24 COM Port Header (COM1)
25 HDMI_SPDIF Header
(HDMI_SPDIF1, Black)
26 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
27 Front Panel Audio Header
(HD_AUDIO1, Black)
28 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4, Black)
29 PCI Slot (PCI2, Black)
30 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3, Black)
31 PCI Slot (PCI1, Black)
32 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2, Black)
33 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1, Black)
34 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)
I/O Panel
11
3
7
4
5
8
9
6
10
ACT/LINK
LED
SPEED
LED
1
14
1 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_0_1) ** 8 Front Speaker (Lime)
2 D-Sub Port (VGA1) 9 Microphone (Pink)
* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port 10 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_2_3)
4 Central / Bass (Orange) 11 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_0_1)
5 Rear Speaker (Black) 12 HDMI Port (HDMI1)
6 Optical SPDIF Out Port 13 DVI-D Port (DVI1)
7 Line In (Light Blue) 14 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
2
13
LAN Port LED Indications
12
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link 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 for Audio Output Connection
Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Line In or
(No. 8) (No. 5) (No. 4) Side Speaker
(No. 7)
2 V -- -- -4 V V -- -6 V V V -8 V V V V
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will nd “Mixer” tool on your system.
Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable 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.
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock Z77 Extreme3 motherboard, a reliable motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers
excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to
quality and endurance.
This Quick Installation Guide contains introduction of the motherboard and step-bystep installation guide. More detailed information of the motherboard can be found
in the user manual presented in the Support CD.
Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS software might be
updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modications 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 specic information about the model you are using.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.1 Package Contents
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Quick Installation Guide
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Support CD
2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
ASRock Reminds You...
To get better performance in Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / Vista
VistaTM 64-bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage Conguration to AHCI mode. For the BIOS setup, please refer to the “User
Manual” in our support CD for details.
TM
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
/
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1.2 Specications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm
- ASRock DuraCap (2.5 x longer life time) (100% Japan-made
high-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors)
CPU - Supports 3rd and 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM i7 / i5 / i3 in
LGA1155 Package
- Digi Power Design
- 8 + 3 Power Phase Design
- Supports Intel® Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology
- Supports Intel® K-Series unlocked CPU
Chipset - Intel® Z77
- Supports Intel® Rapid Start Technology and Smart Connect
Technology
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR3 2800+(OC)/2400(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/
1600/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)1.3/1.2
Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (PCIE2/PCIE3: single at x16
(PCIE2) / x8 (PCIE3) or dual at x8/x8 mode)
* PCIE 3.0 is only supported with Intel® Ivy Bridge CPU. With
Intel® Sandy Bridge CPU, it only supports PCIE 2.0.
- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (PCIE4 @ x4 mode)
- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x 1 slot
- 2 x PCI slots
- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and
CrossFireX
- Supports NVIDIA® Quad SLITM and SLI
Graphics * Intel® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can
be supported only with processors which are GPU
integrated.
- Supports Intel® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals: Intel® Quick
Sync Video 2.0, Intel® InTruTM 3D, Intel® Clear Video HD
Technology, Intel® InsiderTM, Intel® HD Graphics 2500/4000
- Pixel Shader 5.0, DirectX 11 with Intel® Ivy Bridge CPU.
Pixel Shader 4.1, DirectX 10.1 with Intel® Sandy Bridge
CPU.
- Max. shared memory 1760MB
TM
TM
6
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
(see CAUTION 2)
- Supports HDMI 1.4a Technology with max. resolution up to
1920x1200 @ 60Hz
- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536 @
75Hz
- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and
HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI (Compliant HDMI
monitor is required) (see CAUTION 3)
- Supports HDCP function with DVI and HDMI ports
- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback
with DVI and HDMI ports
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
(Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)
- Premium Blu-ray audio support
- Supports THX TruStudio
TM
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Realtek RTL8111E
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports LAN Cable Detection
- Supports Energy Efcient Ethernet 802.3az
- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x D-Sub Port
- 1 x DVI-D Port
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
- HD Audio Jack: Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/Line in/Front
Speaker/Microphone
SATA3 - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel Rapid Storage and Intel
Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug
functions
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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USB3.0 - 2 x Rear USB 3.0 ports, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to
5Gb/s
- 1 x Front USB 3.0 header (supports 2 USB 3.0 ports),
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, Intel Rapid Storage and Intel
Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug
functions
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x CIR header
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- 1 x Power LED header
- 2 x CPU Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
- 3 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 2 x 3-pin)
- 1 x Power Fan connector (3-pin)
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
- Front panel audio connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
- 1 x USB 3.0 header (supports 2 USB 3.0 ports)
BIOS Feature - 64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
- CPU Core, IGPU, DRAM, 1.8V PLL, VTT, VCCSA Voltage
Multi-adjustment
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version),
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, Google Chrome
Browser and Toolbar
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer
- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan (Allows Chassis Fan Speed Auto Adjust by CPU Temperature)
- CPU/Chassis Fan Multi-Speed Control
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 4)
- 2 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
Certications - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
WARNING
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking,
including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking
Technology, or using third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may
affect your system’s stability, or even cause damage to the 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. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size
may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage
under Windows® 8 / 7 / VistaTM / XP. For Windows® OS with 64bit CPU, there is no such limitation. You can use ASRock XFast
RAM to utilize the memory that Windows® cannot use.
2. You can choose to use two of the three monitors only. D-Sub,
DVI-D and HDMI monitors cannot be enabled at the same time.
Besides, with the DVI-to-HDMI adapter, the DVI-D port can support the same features as HDMI port.
3. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Windows® 8
64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7. Deep Color mode will be enabled only
if the display supports 12bpc in EDID. HBR is supported under
Windows® 8 64-bit / 8 / 7 64-bit / 7 / VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM.
4. ASRock XFast RAM is not supported by Microsoft® Windows®
XP / XP 64-bit. Intel® Smart Connect Technology and Intel® USB
3.0 ports are not supported by Microsoft® Windows® VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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1.3 Unique Features
ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU)
ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) is an all-in-one tool to
ne-tune different system functions in a user-friendly interface,
which includes Hardware Monitor, Fan Control, Overclocking,
OC DNA, IES and XFast RAM. In Hardware Monitor, it shows
the major readings of your system. In Fan Control, it shows the
fan speed and temperature for you to adjust. In Overclocking,
you are allowed to overclock CPU frequency for optimal system
performance. In OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as
a prole and share it with your friends. Your friends then can
load the OC prole 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 efciency
when the CPU cores are idle without sacricing computing performance. In XFast RAM, it fully utilizes the memory space that
cannot be used under Windows® OS 32-bit CPU.
ASRock Instant Boot
ASRock Instant Boot allows you to turn on your PC in just a few
seconds, provides a much more efcient way to save energy,
time, money, and improves system running speed for your system. It leverages the S3 and S4 ACPI features which normally
enable the Sleep/Standby and Hibernation modes in Windows®
to shorten boot up time. By calling S3 and S4 at specic timing
during the shutdown and startup process, Instant Boot allows
you to enter your Windows® desktop in a few seconds.
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ASRock Instant Flash
ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS ash utility embedded in Flash
ROM. This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update
system BIOS without entering operating systems rst like MSDOS or Windows®. With this utility, you can press the <F6> key
during the POST or the <F2> key to enter into the BIOS setup
menu to access ASRock Instant Flash. Just launch this tool and
save the new BIOS le to your USB ash drive, oppy disk or
hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks
without preparing an additional oppy diskette or other complicated ash utility. Please be noted that the USB ash drive or
hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 le system.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
ASRock APP Charger
If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your
Apple devices, such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock has
prepared a wonderful solution for you - ASRock APP Charger.
Simply install the APP Charger driver, it makes your iPhone
charge much quickly from your computer and up to 40% faster
than before. ASRock APP Charger allows you to quickly charge
many Apple devices simultaneously and even supports continuous charging when your PC enters into Standby mode (S1),
Suspend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5).
With APP Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the marvelous charging experience.
ASRock XFast USB
ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device perfor-
mance. The performance may depend on the properties of the
device.
ASRock XFast LAN
ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which
includes the benefits listed below. LAN Application Prioritization: You can congure 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. Trafc
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.
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ASRock XFast RAM
ASRock XFast RAM is a new function that is included into AS-
Rock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU). It fully utilizes the memory
space that cannot be used under Windows® OS 32-bit CPU.
ASRock XFast RAM shortens the loading time of previously
visited websites, making web surfing faster than ever. And it
also boosts the speed of Adobe Photoshop 5 times faster. Another advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that it reduces the
frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in order to extend
their lifespan.
ASRock Crashless BIOS
ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their BIOS
without fear of failing. If power loss occurs during the BIOS update process, ASRock Crashless BIOS will automatically 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.
ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard)
Administrators are able to establish an internet curfew or restrict
internet access at specied times via OMG. You may schedule
the starting and ending hours of internet access granted to other
users. In order to prevent users from bypassing OMG, guest
accounts without permission to modify the system time are required.
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ASRock Internet Flash
ASRock Internet Flash searches for available UEFI firmware
updates from our servers. In other words, the system can autodetect the latest UEFI from our servers and ash them without
entering Windows® OS. Please note that you must be running
on a DHCP congured computer in order to enable this function.
ASRock UEFI System Browser
ASRock UEFI system browser is a useful tool included in
graphical UEFI. It can detect the devices and configurations
that users are currently using in their PC. With the UEFI system
browser, you can easily examine the current system conguration in UEFI setup.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
ASRock Dehumidier Function
Users may prevent motherboard damages due to dampness by
enabling “Dehumidier Function”. When enabling Dehumidier
Function, the computer will power on automatically to dehumidify the system after entering S4/S5 state.
ASRock Interactive UEFI
ASRock Interactive UEFI is a blend of system configuration
tools, cool sound effects and stunning visuals. The unprecedented UEFI provides a more attractive interface and brings a
lot more amusing.
Lucid Virtu Universal MVP
Lucid Virtu Universal MVP can be supported only with proces-
sors which are GPU integrated. VIRTU Universal MVP includes
the base features of Virtu Universal technology, which virtualizes
integrated GPU and discrete GPU for best of breed functionality. It also features Virtual Vsync™ for no-compromise visual
quality. With the added benets of HyperFormance technology,
VIRTU Universal MVP improves game performance by intelligently reducing redundant rendering tasks in the ow between
the CPU, GPU and the display.
ASRock On/Off Play Technology
ASRock On/Off Play Technology allows users to enjoy the great
audio experience from the portable audio devices, such like
MP3 player or mobile phone to your PC, even when the PC is
turned off (or in ACPI S5 mode)! This motherboard also provides
a free 3.5mm audio cable (optional) that ensures users the most
convenient computing environment.
ASRock Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.)
Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.) provides the exible option to
adopt three different CPU cooler types, Socket LGA 775, LGA
1155 and LGA 1156. Please be noticed that not all the 775 and
1156 CPU Fan can be used.
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ASRock Good Night LED
ASRock Good Night LED technology can offer you a better en-
vironment by extinguishing the unessential LED. By enabling
Good Night LED in BIOS, the Power / HDD / LAN LED will be
switched off when system is on. Not only this, Good night LED
will automatically switch off Power and Keyboard LED when the
system enters into Standby / Hibernation mode as well.
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2. Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0” x 8.6”, 30.5 x 21.8 cm) motherboard. Before you
install the motherboard, study the conguration 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 antistatic pad or in the bag that comes with the component.
5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the motherboard to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing
so may damage the motherboard.
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.
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2.3 CPU Installation
In order to provide the LGA 1155 CPU sockets more protection and make the installation process easier, ASRock has added
a new protection cover on top of the load
plate to replace the former PnP caps that
were under the load plate. For the installation of Intel® 1155-Pin CPUs with the new
protection cover, please follow the steps
below.
Before you insert the 1155-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 lever by pressing it
down and sliding it out of the hook.
You do not have to remove the protection cover.
Step 1-2. Keep the lever positioned at about
135 degrees in order to flip up the
load plate.
Loa d
Pla te
Cov er
Con tact
Arr ay
1155-Pin Socket Overview
Loa d
Lev er
Soc ket
Bod y
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Step 2. Insert the 1155-Pin CPU:
Step 2-1. Hold the CPU by the edge which is
marked with a black line.
Step 2-2. Orient the CPU with the IHS (Inte-
grated Heat Sink) up. Locate Pin1
and the two orientation key notches.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
black line
orientation key notch
Pin1
alignment key
Pin1
orientation key notch
1155-Pin CPU
For proper installation, please ensure to match the two orientation
key notches of the CPU with the two alignment keys of the socket.
Step 2-3. Car efully pla ce the CPU into the
socket.
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.
Step 3-2. Press down the load lever, and se-
cure it with the load plate tab under
th e r etention ta b. Th e p rotection
cover will automatically come off by
itself.
alignment key
1155-Pin Socket
Please save and replace the cover if the processor is removed. The
cover must be placed if you wish to return the motherboard for after
service.
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2.4 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
This motherboard is equipped with 1155-Pin socket that supports Intel 1155-Pin
CPUs. Please adopt the type of heatsink and cooling fan compliant with Intel 1155Pin CPU to dissipate heat. Before you install the heatsink, you need to spray thermal interface material between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dissipation. 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 2, No. 3 or CPU_FAN2, see page 2. No. 4).
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 1155-Pin CPUs.
Step 1. Apply thermal interface material onto the cen-
ter of the IHS on the socket’s surface.
Step 2. Place the heatsink onto the socket. Ensure
that the fan cables are oriented on side closest
to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard
(CPU_FAN1, see page 2, No. 3 or CPU_
FAN2, see page 2. No. 4).
Step 3. Align fasteners with the motherboard through-
holes.
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 redundant cable with tie-wrap to ensure the cable does not
interfere with fan operation or contact other components.
Please be noticed that this motherboard supports Combo Cooler
Option (C.C.O.), which provides exible options to adopt three different CPU cooler types, Socket LGA 775, LGA 1155 and LGA 1156.
The white throughholes are for Socket LGA
1155/1156 CPU fan.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM
slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel conguration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size
and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pair in the slots: You have to install identical
DDR3 DIMMs in Dual Channel A (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1; Black slots; see p.2
No. 6) or identical DDR3 DIMMs in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_
B2; Black slots; see p.2 No. 7), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology can
be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR3 DIMMs
for dual channel conguration, please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four
slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Conguration Table below.
Dual Channel Memory Conguration
DDR3_A1 DDR3_A2 DDR3_B1 DDR3_B2
(Black Slot) (Black Slot) (Black Slot) (Black Slot)
(1) - Populated - Populated
(2) Populated - Populated (3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
For conguration (3), please install identical DDR3 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: DDR3_
A1 and DDR3_B1, or DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2.
2. If only one memory module or three memory modules are installed
in the DDR3 DIMM slots on this motherboard, it is unable to activate
Dual Channel Memory Technology.
3. If a pair of memory modules is NOT installed in the same Dual
Cha nnel, for example, installing a pair of memory modules in
DDR3_A1 and DDR3_A2, it is unable to activate Dual Channel
Memory Technology.
4. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.
5. Some DDR3 1GB double-sided DIMMs with 16 chips may not work
on this motherboard. It is not recommended to install them on this
motherboard.
6. For optimal compatibility and stability while overclocking memory
frequency, it is recommended to install one memory module on
DDR3_B2 slot or two memory modules on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_
B2 slots.
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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.
notch
break
notch
break
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.
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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.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2.6 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 install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
PCIE slots: PCIE1 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for a PCI Express x1 lane width card,
such as a Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc.
PCIE2 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireXTM or SLITM function.
PCIE3 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x8 lane width graph-
ics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM or SLITM function.
PCIE4 (PCIE 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width graph-
ics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support 3-Way
CrossFireXTM function.
1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express
x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.
2. In CrossFireXTM mode or SLITM mode, please install the PCI Express
x16 graphics cards on PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots. Therefore, both these
two slots will work at x8 bandwidth.
3. In 3-Way CrossFireXTM mode, please install the PCI Express x16
graphics cards in PCIE2, PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots. PCIE2 and PCIE3
will work at x8 bandwidth, while PCIE4 works at x4 bandwidth.
4. Please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard’s chassis fan
connector (CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using
multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
5. Only PCIE2 and PCIE3 slots support Gen 3 speed. To run the PCI
Express in Gen 3 speed, please install an Ivy Bridge CPU. If you
install a Sandy Bridge CPU, the PCI Express will run only at PCI
Express Gen 2 speed.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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Installing an expansion card
Step 1. Before installing an 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.
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2.7 SLITM and Quad SLI
TM
Operation Guide
This motherboard supports NVIDIA® SLITM and Quad SLITM (Scalable Link Interface)
technology that allows you to install up to two identical PCI Express x16 graphics
cards. Currently, NVIDIA® SLITM technology supports Windows® XP / XP 64-bit /
VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / 8 / 8 64-bit OS. NVIDIA® Quad SLITM technology
support Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / 8 / 8 64-bit OS only. Please
follow the installation procedures in this section.
Requirements
1. For SLITM technology, you should have two identical SLITM-ready graphics
cards that are NVIDIA® certied. For Quad SLITM technology, you should
have two identical Quad SLITM-ready graphics cards (dual-GPU on each
graphics card) that are NVIDIA® certied.
2. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports NVIDIA® SLITM
technology. Download the driver from 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. It is recommended to use
NVIDIA® certied PSU. Please refer to NVIDIA® website for details.
2.7.1 Graphics Card Setup
2.7.1.1 Installing Two SLITM-Ready Graphics Cards
Step 1. Install the identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certied
because different types of graphics cards will not work together properly.
(Even the GPU chips version shall be the same.) Insert one graphics card
into PCIE2 slot and the other graphics card to PCIE3 slot. Make sure that
the cards are properly seated on the slots.
Step2. If required, connect the auxiliary power source to the PCI Express
graphics cards.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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Step3. Align and insert the ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card to the goldngers on
each graphics card. Make sure the ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card is rmly
in place.
ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
Step4. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI cable to the monitor connector or the DVI
connector of the graphics card that is inserted to PCIE2 slot.
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2.7.2 Driver Installation and Setup
Install the graphics card drivers to your system. After that, you can enable the MultiGraphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA® nView system tray utility.
Please follow the below procedures to enable the multi-GPU feature.
For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:
(For SLITM mode only)
A. Double-click NVIDIA Settings icon on your Windows® taskbar.
B. From the pop-up menu, select Set SLI and PhysX conguration. In
Set PhysX GPU acceleration item, please select Enabled. In Select
an SLI conguration item, please select Enable SLI. And click Apply.
C. Reboot your system.
D. You can freely enjoy the benet of SLITM feature.
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For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / 8 / 8 64-bit OS:
(For SLITM and Quad SLITM mode)
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 and PhysX conguration. In
Set PhysX GPU acceleration item, please select Enabled. In Select
an SLI conguration item, please select Enable SLI. And click Apply.
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F. Reboot your system.
G. You can freely enjoy the benet of SLITM or Quad SLITM feature.
* SLITM appearing here is a registered trademark of NVIDIA® Technologies Inc., and is used
only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2.8 CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and Quad
CrossFireXTM Operation Guide
This motherboard supports CrossFireXTM, 3-way CrossFireX
CrossFireXTM feature. CrossFireXTM technology offers the most advantageous
means available of combining multiple high performance Graphics Processing
Units (GPU) in a single PC. Combining a range of different operating modes with
intelligent software design and an innovative interconnect mechanism, CrossFireXTM
enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in any 3D
application. Currently CrossFireXTM feature is supported with Windows® XP with
Service Pack 2 / VistaTM / 7 / 8 OS. 3-way CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireX
feature are supported with Windows® VistaTM / 7 / 8 OS only. Please check AMD
website for ATITM CrossFireXTM driver updates.
1. If a customer incorrectly congures their system they will not see the
performance benets of CrossFireXTM. All three CrossFireXTM components, a
CrossFireXTM Ready graphics card, a CrossFireXTM Ready motherboard and a
CrossFireXTM Edition co-processor graphics card, must be installed correctly to
benet from the CrossFireXTM multi-GPU platform.
2. If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireXTM Edition card with a 16-pipe card, both cards
will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireXTM mode.
TM
and Quad
TM
2.8.1 Graphics Card Setup
2.8.1.1 Installing Two CrossFireXTM-Ready Graphics Cards
Different CrossFireXTM cards may require different methods to enable CrossFireXTM
feature. For other CrossFireXTM cards that AMD has released or will release in the
future, please refer to AMD graphics card manuals for detailed installation guide.
Step 1. Insert one Radeon graphics card into PCIE2 slot and the other Radeon
graphics card to PCIE3 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.
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Step 2. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing CrossFire Bridge on
CrossFire Bridge Interconnects on the top of Radeon graphics cards.
(CrossFire Bridge is provided with the graphics card you purchase, not
bundled with this motherboard. Please refer to your graphics card vendor
for details.)
CrossFire Bridge
or
Step 3. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon
graphics card on PCIE2 slot. (You may use the DVI to D-Sub adapter to
convert the DVI connector to D-Sub interface, and then connect the D-Sub
monitor cable to the DVI to D-Sub adapter.)
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ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
2.8.1.2 Installing Three CrossFireXTM-Ready Graphics Cards
Step 1. Install the identical 3-Way CrossFireXTM-ready graphics cards that are
AMD® certified because different types of graphics cards will not work
together properly. (Even the GPU chips version shall be the same.) Insert
one graphics card into PCIE2 slot, another graphics card to PCIE3 slot,
and the other graphics card to PCIE4 slot. Make sure that the cards are
properly seated on the slots.
Step 2. Use one CrossFireTM Bridge to connect Radeon graphics cards on PCIE2
and PCIE3 slots, and use the other CrossFireTM Bridge to connect Radeon
graphics cards on PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots. (CrossFireTM Bridge is provided
with the graphics card you purchase, not bundled with this motherboard.
Please refer to your graphics card vendor for details.)
CrossFireTM Bridge
Step 3. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon graph-
ics card on PCIE2 slot. (You may use the DVI to D-Sub adapter to convert
the DVI connector to D-Sub interface, and then connect the D-Sub monitor
cable to the DVI to D-Sub adapter.)
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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2.8.2 Driver Installation and Setup
Step 1. Power on your computer and boot into OS.
Step 2. Remove the ATITM driver if you have any VGA driver installed in your
system.
The Catalyst Uninstaller is an optional download. We recommend using this
utility to uninstall any previously installed Catalyst drivers prior to installation.
Please check AMD website for ATITM driver updates.
Step 3. Install the required drivers to your system.
For Windows® XP OS:
A. ATITM recommends Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or higher to be
installed (If you have Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or higher installed
in your system, there is no need to download it again):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
B. You must have Microsoft .NET Framework installed prior to
downloading and installing the CATALYST Control Center. Please
check Microsoft website for details.
For Windows® 8 / 7 / VistaTM OS:
Install the CATALYST Control Center. Please check AMD website for de-
tails.
Step 4. Restart your computer.
Step 5. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your computer.
Then you will nd “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on your Windows® taskbar.
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ATI Catalyst Control Center
Step 6. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, select “CrossFi-
reXTM”, and then check the item “Enable CrossFireXTM”. Select “2 GPUs”
and click “Apply” (if you install two Radeon graphics cards). Select “3
GPUs” and click “OK” (if you install three Radeon graphics cards).
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 Motherboard
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