ASRock Z77M 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 identica­tion or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:

Specications 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 condi-

tions 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 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 June 2013

Copyright©2013 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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Motherboard Layout

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1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
2 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2)
4 1155-Pin CPU Socket
5 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots
(DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, Black)
6 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
7 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_0_1, Black)
8 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1, Gray)
9 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_0, Gray)
10 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_2, Black)
11 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_3, Black)
12 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_4, Black)
13 SATA2 Connector (SATA2_5, Black)
14 SPI Flash Memory (64Mb)
15 Intel Z77 Chipset
16 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Black)
17 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1, Black)

ASRock Z77M Motherboard

18 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
19 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Black)
20 Consumer Infrared Module Header
(CIR1, Gray)
21 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Black)
22 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
23 Print Port Header (LPT1, Black)
24 COM Port Header (COM1)
25 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
26 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2, Black)
27 PCI Slots (PCI1-2, Black)
28 HDMI_SPDIF Header
(HDMI_SPDIF1, Black)
29 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1, Black)
30 Front Panel Audio Header
(HD_AUDIO1, Black)
31 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)
32 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)

I/O Panel

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1 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) ** 9 Front Speaker (Lime)
2 D-Sub Port (VGA1) 10 Microphone (Pink)
3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
* 4 LAN RJ-45 Port 12 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_23)
5 Central / Bass (Orange) 13 HDMI Port (HDMI1)
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 14 DVI-D Port (DVI1)
7 Optical SPDIF Out Port 15 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
8 Line In (Light Blue)

* 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

14

LAN Port LED Indications

3

13

12

4

5

8

6

9

10

7

11

ACT/LINK
LED

SPEED
LED

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
(No. 9) (No. 6) (No. 5) (No. 8)

2 V -- -- -­4 V V -- -­6 V V V -­8 V V V V

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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 Z77M Motherboard

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock Z77M 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 specications and the BIOS software might be

updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without no-

tice. 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 Z77M Motherboard
(Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.5-in, 24.4 cm x 21.6 cm)
ASRock Z77M Quick Installation Guide
ASRock Z77M Support CD

2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield

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.

TM

/ VistaTM 64-

ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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1.2 Specifications

Platform - Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.5-in, 24.4 cm x 21.6 cm

- All Solid Capacitor design
CPU - Supports 3rd and 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM i7 / i5 / i3 in
LGA1155 Package

- Digi Power Design

- 4 + 2 Power Phase Design

- Supports Intel® Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology

- Supports Intel® K-Series unlocked CPU

- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)
Chipset - Intel® Z77

- Supports Intel® Rapid Start Technology and Smart Connect
Technology
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)

- 2 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: 16GB (see CAUTION 3)

- Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)1.3/1.2
Expansion Slot - 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot (PCIE1: x16 mode)
(see CAUTION 4)
* 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 (PCIE2: x4 mode)

- 2 x PCI slots

- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM and CrossFireX

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 (see CAUTION 5)

- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
(see CAUTION 6)

- Supports HDMI 1.4a Technology with max. resolution up to
1920x1200 @ 60Hz

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

- 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 7)

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

- Realtek RTL8111E

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

- Supports LAN Cable Detection

- Supports Energy Efcient 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

- 6 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 (see CAUTION 8)
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
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

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug
functions

- 1 x IR header

- 1 x CIR header

- 1 x Print Port header

- 1 x COM port header

- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header

- 2 x CPU Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)

- 2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 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, ASRock MAGIX
Multimedia Suite - OEM
Unique Feature - ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) (see CAUTION 9)

- ASRock Instant Boot

- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 10)

- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 11)

- ASRock SmartView (see CAUTION 12)

- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 13)

- ASRock XFast LAN (see CAUTION 14)

- ASRock XFast RAM (see CAUTION 15)

- ASRock Crashless BIOS (see CAUTION 16)

- ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard)
(see CAUTION 17)

- ASRock Internet Flash (see CAUTION 18)

- ASRock UEFI System Browser

- ASRock On/Off Play Technology (see CAUTION 19)

- ASRock Dehumidier Function (see CAUTION 20)

- 2 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

- Hybrid Booster:

- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 21)

- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 22)

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

- Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.) (see CAUTION 23)

- Good Night LED
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® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit /
XP / XP 64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 24)
Certications - FCC, CE, WHQL

- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 25)

* 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. About the settings of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page
50 of the “User Manual” in the support CD.

2. 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 17 for proper installation.

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

dows® cannot use.

4. Only PCIE1 slot supports 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 Z77M Motherboard

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5. The maximum shared memory size is dened by the chipset vendor and

is subject to change. Please check Intel® website for the latest informa­tion.

6. 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.

7. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Windows® 7 64-bit /

7. Deep Color mode will be enabled only if the display supports 12bpc
in EDID. HBR is supported under Windows® 7 64-bit / 7 / VistaTM 64-bit /
VistaTM.

8. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono

modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-chan­nel, 6-channel, and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on page 3
for proper connection.

9. 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 Hard­ware 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

10. 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.

11. 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),

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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

12. ASRock SmartView, a new function for internet browsers, is the smart
start page for IE that combines your most visited web sites, your history,
your Facebook friends and your real-time newsfeed into an enhanced
view for a more personal Internet experience. ASRock motherboards are
exclusively equipped with the ASRock SmartView utility that helps you
keep in touch with friends on-the-go. To use ASRock SmartView feature,
please make sure your OS version is Windows® 7 / 7 64 bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64 bit, and your browser version is IE8.

ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/SmartView/index.asp

13. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The
performance may depend on the properties of the device.

14. ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes
the benets listed below. LAN Application Prioritization: You can cong­ure 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.

15. ASRock XFast RAM is a new function that is included into ASRock 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 surng 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.

16. 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.

17. Administrators are able to establish an internet curfew or restrict internet

access at specied 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.

18. ASRock Internet Flash searches for available UEFI firmware updates
from our servers. In other words, the system can auto-detect the latest

UEFI from our servers and ash them without entering Windows® OS.
Please note that you must be running on a DHCP congured computer in

order to enable this function.

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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19. 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.

20. Users may prevent motherboard damages due to dampness by enabling

“Dehumidier Function”. When enabling Dehumidier Function, the com­puter will power on automatically to dehumidify the system after entering
S4/S5 state.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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 64­bit.

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

European Union to define the power consumption for the completed
system. 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 sup­ply selection, we recommend you to check with the power supply manu­facturer for more details.

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

2. Installation

This is a Micro ATX form factor (9.6” x 8.5”, 24.4 x 21.6 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 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.

ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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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

English

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.

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black line

ASRock Z77M Motherboard

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

Appl yT herma l
Inte rface Ma teria l

Fan ca bles on si de
clos est to MB he ader

Fast ener slo ts
poin ting str aight o ut

Pres s Down
(4 Pla ces)

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. 2 or CPU_FAN2, see page 2. No. 3).

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. 2 or CPU_
FAN2, see page 2. No. 3).

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.

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

This motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots,
and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration,
you always need to install two identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip­type) memory modules in the DDR3 DIMM slots to activate Dual Channel Memory
Technology. Otherwise, it will operate at single channel mode.

1. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot;otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be
damaged.

2. If you install only one memory module or two non-identical
memory modules, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel
Memory Technology.

3. 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.

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.

not ch
bre ak

not ch

bre ak

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.

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17

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2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There are 2 PCI slots and 2 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCI slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
PCIE slots: PCIE1 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width

graphics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireXTM function.

PCIE2 (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 CrossFi­reXTM function.

1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express
x16 graphics card on PCIE1 slot.

2. In CrossFireXTM mode, please install the PCI Express x16 graphics
cards on PCIE1 and PCIE2 slots. Therefore, PCIE1 will work at x16
bandwidth, while PCIE2 works at x4 bandwidth.

3. Please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard’s chassis fan
connector (CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2) when using multiple
graphics cards for better thermal environment.

4. Only PCIE1 slot supports 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.

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 Z77M Motherboard

2.7 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide

This motherboard supports CrossFireX
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 is
supported by Windows® XP with Service Pack 2 / VistaTM / 7 OS. Quad CrossFireXTM
is supported by Windows® VistaTM / 7 OS only. Please check AMD’s website for AMD
CrossFireXTM driver updates.

1. If a customer incorrectly congures their system they will not see the
performance benets 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

benet 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 CrossFireXTM. CrossFireXTM

2.7.1 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 PCIE1 slot and the other Radeon

graphics card to PCIE2 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.

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19

Step 2. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing a CrossFire Bridge on

the CrossFire Bridge Interconnects on the top of the Radeon graphics
cards. (The 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 graph-

ics card on PCIE1 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 Z77M Motherboard

2.7.2 Driver Installation and Setup

Step 1. Power on your computer and boot into OS.
Step 2. Remove the AMD drivers if you have any VGA drivers 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’s website for AMD driver updates.

Step 3. Install the required drivers to your system.
For Windows® XP OS:
A. AMD 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’s website for details.

For Windows® 7 / VistaTM OS:

Install the CATALYST Control Center. Please check AMD’s website for de-

tails.
Step 4. Restart your computer.
Step 5. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your computer.

You will nd “AMD Catalyst Control Center” on your Windows® taskbar.

AMD 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”.

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Although you have selected the option “Enable CrossFireTM”, the CrossFireXTM
function may not work actually. Your computer will automatically reboot. After

restarting your computer, please conrm whether the option “Enable CrossFireTM” in

“ATI Catalyst Control Center” is selected or not; if not, please select it again, and then

you are able to enjoy the benets of CrossFireXTM.

Step 7. You can freely enjoy the benets of CrossFireXTM or Quad CrossFireXTM.

* CrossFireXTM appearing here is a registered trademark of AMD Technologies Inc., and is used

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

* For further information of AMD CrossFireXTM technology, please check AMD’s website for
updates and details.

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

2.8 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features

Dual Monitor Feature

This motherboard supports dual monitor feature. With the internal VGA output sup-

port (DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI), you can easily enjoy the benets of dual monitor

feature without installing any add-on VGA cards to this motherboard. This mother­board also provides independent display controllers for DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI to
support dual VGA output so that DVI-D, D-sub and HDMI can drive same or different
display contents.
To enable dual monitor feature, please follow the steps below:

1. Connect a DVI-D monitor cable to the DVI-D port on the I/O panel, connect a
D-Sub monitor cable to the D-Sub port on the I/O panel and connect a HDMI
monitor cable to the HDMI port on the I/O panel.

D-Sub port

DVI-D port

2. If you have already installed the onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your

system, you can freely enjoy the benets of dual monitor function after your

system boots. If you haven’t installed the onboard VGA driver yet, please install
the onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system and restart your
computer.

D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI monitors cannot be enabled at the same time.
You can only choose the combination: DVI-D + HDMI, DVI-D + D-Sub,
or HDMI + D-Sub.

HDMI port

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23

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Surround Display Feature

This motherboard supports surround display upgrade. With the internal VGA output
support (DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI) and external add-on PCI Express VGA cards,

you can easily enjoy the benets of surround display feature.

Please refer to the following steps to set up a surround display environment:

1. Install the PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE1 and PCIE2 slots. Please refer to
page 18 for proper expansion card installation procedures.

2. Connect a DVI-D monitor cable to the DVI-D port on the I/O panel, connect a
D-Sub monitor cable to the D-Sub port on the I/O panel and connect a HDMI
monitor cable to the HDMI port on the I/O panel. Then connect other monitor
cables to the corresponding connectors of the add-on PCI Express VGA cards on
PCIE1 and PCIE2 slots.

3. Boot your system. Press <F2> or <Del> to enter UEFI setup. Enter “Share
Memory” option to adjust the memory capability to [32MB], [64MB], [128MB],
[256MB] or [512MB] to enable the function of D-sub. Please make sure that the
value you select is less than the total capability of the system memory. If you do
not adjust the UEFI setup, the default value of “Share Memory”, [Auto], will
disable D-Sub function when an add-on VGA card is inserted to this motherboard.

4. Install the onboard VGA driver and the add-on PCI Express VGA card driver to
your system. If you have installed the drivers already, there is no need to install
them again.

5. Set up a multi-monitor display.

For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Right click on desktop, choose “Properties”, and select the “Settings” tab
so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitors according to
the steps below.
A. Click the “Identify” button to display a large number on each monitor.
B. Right-click the display icon in the Display Properties dialog that you
wish to be your primary monitor, and then select “Primary”. When
you use multiple monitors with your card, one monitor will always be
Primary, and all additional monitors will be designated as Secondary.

C. Select the display icon identied by the number 2.

D. Click “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor”.
E. Right-click the display icon and select “Attached”, if necessary.
F. Set the appropriate “Screen Resolution” and “Color Quality” for the
second monitor. Click “Apply” or “OK” to apply these new values.

G. Repeat steps C through E for the display icon identied by the

numbers three to six.

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

For Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:

Right click the desktop, choose “Personalize”, and select the “Display
Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitors
according to the steps below.
A. Click the number ”2” icon.
B. Click the items “This is my main monitor” and “Extend the desktop onto
this monitor”.
C. Click “OK” to save your change.

D. Repeat steps A through C for the display icons identied by the number

three to six.

6. Use Surround Display. Click and drag the display icons to positions representing
the physical setup of your monitors that you would like to use. The placement of
display icons determines how you move items from one monitor to another.

HDCP Function
HDCP function is supported on this motherboard. To use HDCP
function with this motherboard, you need to adopt a monitor
that supports HDCP function as well. Therefore, you can enjoy

the superior display quality with high-denition HDCP

encryption contents. Please refer to the instructions below for
more details about HDCP function.

What is HDCP?

HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, a

specication developed by Intel® for protecting digital

entertainment content that uses the DVI interface. HDCP is a
copy protection scheme to eliminate the possibility of
intercepting digital data midstream between the video source,
or transmitter - such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box -
and the digital display, or receiver - such as a monitor, television

or projector. In other words, HDCP specication is designed to

protect the integrity of content as it is being transmitted.

Products compatible with the HDCP scheme such as DVD
players, satellite and cable HDTV set-top-boxes, as well as few
entertainment PCs requires a secure connection to a compliant
display. Due to the increase in manufacturers employing HDCP
in their equipment, it is highly recommended that the HDTV or
LCD monitor you purchase is compatible.

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2.9 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide

ASRock Smart Remote is only used for ASRock motherboards with CIR header.
Please refer to below procedures for the quick installation and usage of ASRock
Smart Remote.

Step1. Find the CIR header located next
to the USB 2.0 header on ASRock
motherboard.

USB 2.0 header (9-pin, black)

CIR header (4-pin, gray)

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Step2. Connect the front USB cable to the
USB 2.0 header (as below, pin 1-5)
and the CIR header. Please make

USB_PWR

P-

P+

GND

DUMMY

sure the wire assignments and the
pin assignments are matched
correctly.

1

ATX+5VSB

2

IRRX

3

IRTX

GND

5

4

Step3. Install Multi-Angle CIR Receiver to
the front USB port. If Multi-Angle
CIR Receiver cannot successfully
receive the infrared signals from
MCE Remote Controller, please try
to install it to the other front USB
port.

3 CIR sensors in different angles

1. Only one of the front USB port can support CIR function. When
the CIR function is enabled, the other port will remain USB
function.

2. Multi-Angle CIR Receiver is used for front USB only. Please do
not use the rear USB bracket to connect it on the rear panel.
Multi-Angle CIR Receiver can receive the multi-direction infrared
signals (top, down and front), which is compatible with most of
the chassis on the market.

3. The Multi-Angle CIR Receiver does not support Hot-Plug
function. Please install it before you boot the system.

* ASRock Smart Remote is only supported by some of ASRock's motherboards. Please refer to
ASRock's website for the motherboard support list: http://www.asrock.com

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

2.10 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

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.2, No. 18)

Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. To clear and reset the
system parameters to default setup, please turn off the computer and unplug

the power cord from the power supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a
jumper cap 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 nish updating the BIOS, you must boot
up the system rst, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS ac­tion. Please be noted that the password, date, time, user default prole, 1394

GUID and MAC address will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is removed.

Clear CMOSDefault

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2.11 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!

Serial ATA2 Connectors These four Serial ATA2 (SATA2)

(SATA2_2: see p.2, No. 10)

(SATA2_3: see p.2, No. 11)

(SATA2_4: see p.2, No. 12)

(SATA2_5: see p.2, No. 13)

data transfer rate.

Serial ATA3 Connectors These two Serial ATA3 (SATA3)

(SATA3_0: see p.2, No. 9)

(SATA3_1: see p.2, No. 8)

devices. The current SATA3
interface allows up to 6.0 Gb/s
data transfer rate.

Serial ATA (SATA) Either end of the SATA data
Data Cable cable can be connected to the

(Optional)

SATA / SATA2 / SATA3 hard
disk or the SATA2 / SATA3
connector on this motherboard.

connectors support SATA data
cables for internal storage
devices. The current SATA2

SATA2_5

SATA2_4

SATA2_3

SATA2_2

interface allows up to 3.0 Gb/s

connectors support SATA data

SATA3_1

cables for internal storage

SATA3_0

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USB 2.0 Headers Besides six default USB 2.0

(9-pin USB6_7)

(see p.2, No. 19)

ports on the I/O panel, there are

two USB 2.0 headers on this
motherboard. Each USB 2.0
header can support two USB 2.0
ports.

1

USB _PWR

P-9

P-8

USB _PWR

P+9

P+8

GND

GND

DUM MY

(9-pin USB8_9)
(see p.2, No. 21)

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

USB 3.0 Header Besides two default USB 3.0

1

Int A_P1_ D+

Int A_P1_ D-

GND

Int A_P1_ SSTX +

Int A_P1_ SSTX -

GND

Int A_P1_ SSRX +

Int A_P1_ SSRX -

Vbu s

Int A_P0_ D+

Int A_P0_ D-

GND

Int A_P0_ SSTX +

Int A_P0_ SSTX -

GND

Int A_P0_ SSRX +

Int A_P0_ SSRX -

Vbu s

(19-pin USB3_0_1)

(see p.2, No. 7)

ports on the I/O panel, there is

one USB 3.0 header on this
motherboard. This USB 3.0
header can support two USB 3.0
ports.

Infrared Module Header This header supports an

(5-pin IR1)

optional wireless transmitting

(see p.2, No. 25)

and receiving infrared module.

Consumer Infrared Module Header This header can be used to

(4-pin CIR1)

(see p.2 No. 20)

connect the remote

controller receiver.

Print Port Header This is an interface for print

(25-pin LPT1)

(see p.2 No. 23)

port cable that allows

convenient connection of printer

devices.

Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for front

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)

(see p.2, No. 30)

convenient connection and

control of audio devices.

AFD #

ERR OR#

PIN I T#

SLI N #

1

SPD 2

SPD 1

SPD 0

STB #

panel audio cable that allows

SPD 3

SPD 4

1

SPD 6

SPD 5

GND

PRE SENC E#

MIC 2_R

MIC 2_L

GND

SPD 7

MIC _RET

OUT 2_R

ACK #

OUT _RET

OUT 2_L

J_S ENSE

BUS Y

PE

SLC T

1. High Denition 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).

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29

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. To activate the front mic.
For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:
Select “Mixer”. Select “Recorder”. Then click “FrontMic”.

For Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:
Go to the “FrontMic” Tab in the Realtek Control panel. Adjust
“Recording Volume”.

System Panel Header This header accommodates

(9-pin PANEL1)

(see p.2, No. 16)

several system front panel

functions.

Connect the power switch, reset switch and system status indicator on the

chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the
positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.

PWRBTN (Power Switch):

Connect to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may congure

the way to turn off your system using the power switch.

RESET (Reset Switch):

Connect to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset

switch to restart the computer if the computer freezes and fails to perform a
normal restart.

PLED (System Power LED):
Connect to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The LED

is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when the sys­tem is in S1/S3 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in S4 sleep
state or powered off (S5).

HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED):
Connect to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED

is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.

English

The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly

consists of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED,
speaker and etc. When connecting your chassis front panel module to this
header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assign-ments are
matched correctly.

Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis

(4-pin SPEAKER 1)

(see p.2, No. 17)

speaker to this header.

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard