ASRock Z77 WS 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 identifi ca-
tion or explanation and to the owners’ benefi t, without intent to infringe.

Disclaimer:

Specifi 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 condi­tions of merchantability or fi tness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASRock, its
directors, offi cers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential damages (including damages for loss of profi 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 August 2012

Copyright©2012 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

English

1

Motherboard Layout

24.4cm (9.6in)

Keyboard/

Mouse

USB3.0

PS2

T:U SB 1
B:USB2

Clr

CMOS

HDMI

USB3.0
T:U SB 3
B:USB4

USB3.0

Top:

T:U SB 5

RJ-45

B:USB6

IEEE1394

ESATA_1

USB2.0
T:USB0
B:USB1

USB3.0

Top:

T:U SB 7

RJ-45

B:USB8

44

43

42

41

40

39

38

37

36

Top:

Central/Bass

Center:

REARSPK

Bottom:

Optical

SPDIF

Bottom:

MICIN

Top:

LINEIN

Center:

FRONT

LAN
PHY

Super

I/O

AUDIO

CODEC

HDMI_SPDIF1

1

HD_AUDIO1

1

1

34

35

1

ATX12V1

LAN
PHY

CHA_FAN3

SLI/XFIRE_PWR1

PCIE1

X

FastUSB

X

FastLAN

PCIE2

PCI Express3.0

PCIE3

2 ozCopper PCB

X

FastRAM

PCIE4

Z77 WS

PCIE5

PCIE6

RoHS

IR1

1

PCIE7

COM1

FRONT_1394

CHA_FAN1

CHA_FAN2

1

1

1

33

32

31

USB6_7

CMOS

Battery

CIR1

3

5 6

4

CPU_FAN2

4-WaySLI

Intel

Z77

Dr.

Debug

24

DDR3_A1(64 bit, 240-pinmodule)

64Mb
BIOS

23

DDR3_A2(64 bit, 240-pinmodule)

DDR3_B1(64 bit, 240-pinmodule)

DDR3 3000+

CLRCMOS1

PLED1

1

1

SPEAKER1

1

22

7

30.5cm (12.0in)

8

ATXPWR1

DDR3_B2(64 bit, 240-pinmodule)

21

9

10

USB3_9_10

USB3_11_12

11

12

13

14

15

16

SATA2_4_5 SATA2_2_3 SATA3_0_1 SATA3_A3_A4 SATA3_A1_A2

17

RSTBTN

18

PWRBTN

19

PLEDPWRBTN

20

1

HDLEDRESET

PANEL1

2

PWR_FAN1

CPU_FAN1

USB2_3

USB4_5

1

1

25

2627282930

English

2

1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
2 1155-Pin CPU Socket
3 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
5 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2)
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)
8 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
9 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_11_12, Black)
10 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_9_10, Black)
11 Intel Z77 Chipset
12 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_A1_A2, Gray)
13 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_A3_A4, Gray)
14 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0_1, Gray)
15 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_2_3, Black)
16 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_4_5, Black)
17 Reset Switch (RSTBTN)
18 Power Switch (PWRBTN)
19 Power LED Header (PLED1)
20 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Black)
21 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1, Black)
22 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
23 SPI Flash Memory (64Mb)

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

24 Dr. Debug
25 USB 2.0 Header (USB2_3, Black)
26 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Black)
27 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Black)
28 Consumer Infrared Module Header
(CIR1, Gray)
29 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)
30 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
31 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
(FRONT_1394, Black)
32 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
33 COM Port Header (COM1)
34 HDMI_SPDIF Header
(HDMI_SPDIF1, Black)
35 Front Panel Audio Header
(HD_AUDIO1, Black)
36 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE7, Black)
37 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE6, Black)
38 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE5, Black)
39 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4, Black)
40 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3, Black)
41 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2, Black)
42 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1, Black)
43 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector
44 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3)

I/O Panel

1

1718

16

1 PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port (Purple/Green) ** 10 Front Speaker (Lime)
2 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_34) 11 Microphone (Pink)
* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port 12 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_78)
4 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) 13 IEEE 1394 Port
* 5 LAN RJ-45 Port *** 14 eSATA3 Port (ESATA_1)
6 Central / Bass (Orange) 15 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_56)
7 Rear Speaker (Black) 16 HDMI Port (HDMI1)
8 Optical SPDIF Out Port 17 Clear CMOS Switch (CLRCBTN)
9 Line In (Light Blue) 18 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_12)

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

Activity/Link LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description

LAN Port LED Indications

3

2

15

14

13

5

4

6

9

7

10

11

8

12

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 or
(No. 10) (No. 7) (No. 6) Side Speaker
(No. 9)

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

3

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

English

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 fi 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.

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

English

4

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock Z77 WS 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 specifi cations and the BIOS software might be
updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without no­tice. In case any modifi cations of this manual occur, the updated version
will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may fi 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 specifi c information about the model you are using.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.1 Package Contents

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
ASRock Z77 WS Quick Installation Guide
ASRock Z77 WS Support CD

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

1 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield

2 x ASRock SLI_Bridge Cards

1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_3S Card
1 x ASRock 3-Way SLI Bridge Card

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 Confi guration to
AHCI mode. For the BIOS setup, please refer to the “User Manual” in our
support CD for details.

TM

/ VistaTM 64-

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

English

5

English

1.2 Specifi cations

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

- Premium Gold Capacitor design (100% Japan-made
high-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors)
CPU - Supports 3
LGA1155 Package

- Digi Power Design

- 8 + 4 Power Phase Design

- Supports Intel® Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology

- Supports Intel
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 3000+(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
Expansion Slot - 5 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (PCIE2: x16 mode OR PCIE1/
PCIE3/PCIE5/PCIE7: x16/0/16/0 or x8/8/8/8 mode)
* PCIE 3.0 is only supported with Intel
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

- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX
3-Way CrossFireXTM and CrossFireXTM

- Supports NVIDIA® Quad SLITM, 4-Way SLITM, 3-Way 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

- Pixel Shader 5.0, DirectX 11 with Intel® Ivy Bridge CPU.
Pixel Shader 4.1, DirectX 10.1 with Intel
CPU.

- Max. shared memory 1760MB

rd

and 2nd Generation Intel® CoreTM i7 / i5 / i3 in

®

K-Series unlocked CPU

®

Extreme Memory Profi le (XMP)1.3/1.2

®

Ivy Bridge CPU. With

TM

, 4-Way CrossFireXTM,

TM

®

InsiderTM, Intel® HD Graphics 2500/4000

®

Sandy Bridge

6

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

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

- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and
HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI (Compliant HDMI
monitor is required) (see CAUTION 2)

- Supports HDCP function with HDMI port

- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback
with HDMI port
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
(Realtek ALC898 Audio Codec)

- Premium Blu-ray audio support
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s

- Broadcom BCM57781

- Supports Wake-On-LAN

- Supports Energy Effi cient Ethernet 802.3az

- Supports Dual LAN with Teaming function

- Supports PXE
Storage - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Intel

®

Z77, support RAID

(RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel Rapid Storage and
Intel Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot
Plug functions

- 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by ASMedia ASM1061,
support NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions (SATA3_A4
connector is shared with eSATA3 port)

- 4 x SATA2 3.0 Gb/s connectors by Intel

®

Z77, support RAID

(RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel Rapid Storage and
Intel Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot
Plug functions
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel

- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port

- 1 x HDMI Port

- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port

- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports

- 1 x eSATA3 Connector

- 8 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports

- 2 x RJ-45 LAN Ports with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)

- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port

- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED

- HD Audio Jack: Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/Line in/Front
Speaker/Microphone

English

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

7

English

USB3.0 - 4 x Rear USB 3.0 ports by Intel® Z77, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0

up to 5Gb/s

- 4 x Rear USB 3.0 ports by Etron EJ188, support
USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s

- 2 x Front USB 3.0 headers by Etron EJ188 (support 4
USB 3.0 ports), support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
Connector - 1 x IR header

- 1 x CIR header

- 1 x COM port header

- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header

- 1 x IEEE 1394 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

- SLI/XFire power connector

- Front panel audio connector

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

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

- 1 x Dr. Debug with LED

- 1 x Power Switch with LED

- 1 x Reset Switch with LED

- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
BIOS Feature - 64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support

- Supports “Plug and Play”

- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events

- Supports jumperfree

- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support

- CPU 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
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

8

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

- 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 3)
Certifi cations - 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® 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

2. 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
64-bit / 7 / VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM.

3. 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

VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit.

dows® cannot use.

®

Windows® VistaTM /

®

7

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

English

9

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 profi le and share it with your friends. Your friends then can
load the OC profi le to their own system to get the same OC set-
tings. In IES (Intelligent Energy Saver), the voltage regulator
can reduce the number of output phases to improve effi ciency
when the CPU cores are idle without sacrifi cing computing per-
formance. In

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 effi cient 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 specifi c timing
during the shutdown and startup process, Instant Boot allows
you to enter your Windows

XFast RAM, it fully utilizes the memory space that

®

desktop in a few seconds.

®

English

10

ASRock Instant Flash

ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS fl ash utility embedded in Flash

ROM. This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update
system BIOS without entering operating systems fi 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 fi le to your USB fl ash drive, fl oppy disk or
hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks
without preparing an additional fl oppy diskette or other compli-
cated fl ash utility. Please be noted that the USB fl ash drive or
hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 fi le system.

ASRock Z77 WS 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 SmartView

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 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 confi 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. Traffi 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.

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

English

11

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 fi nish
the BIOS update procedure after regaining power. Please note
that BIOS fi les need to be placed in the root directory of your
USB disk. Only USB2.0 ports support this feature.

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.

English

12

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.

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

2. Installation

This is an ATX form factor (12.0” x 9.6”, 30.5 x 24.4 cm) motherboard. Before you
install the motherboard, study the confi guration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard fi 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 Z77 WS Motherboard

English

13

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
protection cover, please follow the steps
below.

Step 1. Open the socket:

®

1155-Pin CPUs with the new

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 1-1. 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.

Load
Plate

Cover

Contact

Array

1155-Pin Socket Overview

Load

Lever

Socket

Body

English

14

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 WS 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. Carefully place 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
the retention tab. The protection
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. 4 or CPU_FAN2, see page 2. No.5).

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.

Apply Thermal
Interface Material

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Step 2. Place the heatsink onto the socket. Ensure

that the fan cables are oriented on side closest

Fan cableson side
closest toMB header

to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard
(CPU_FAN1, see page 2, No. 4 or CPU_
FAN2, see page 2. No.5).

Fastener slots
pointing straightout

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.

If you press down the fasteners without rotating them clockwise, the
heatsink cannot be secured on the motherboard.

Press Down
(4 Places)

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.

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ASRock Z77 WS 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 con­fi guration, 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 confi guration, please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four
slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Confi guration Table below.

Dual Channel Memory Confi guration

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 confi guration (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
Channel, 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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17

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.

The DIMM only fi 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 WS Motherboard

2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)

There are 7 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCIE slots:

PCIE1 / PCIE5 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane

width graphics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireX

PCIE3 / PCIE7 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x8 lane

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

PCIE2 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width

graphics cards.

PCIE4 (PCIE 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width graph-

ics cards or ASRock Game Blaster.

PCIE6 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for a PCI Express x1 lane width card,

such as a Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc.

TM

or SLITM function.

PCIE1 PCIE2 PCIE3 PCIE5 PCIE7
Single Graphics Card N/A x16 N/A N/A N/A
Two Graphics Cards in x16 N/A N/A x16 N/A
CrossFireXTM or SLITM Mode
Three Graphics Cards in x8 N/A x8 x16 N/A
3-Way CrossFireX
3-Way SLITM Mode
Four Graphics Cards in x8 N/A x8 x8 x8
4-Way CrossFireX
4-Way SLITM Mode

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TM

PCIE Slot Confi gurations

or

or

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19

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1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express
x16 graphics card in the PCIE2 slot.

2. PCIE1, PCIE3, PCIE5 and PCIE7 slots will be disabled if PCIE2 slot
is occupied.

3. In CrossFireX

x16 graphics cards in PCIE1 and PCIE5 slots. Both these two slots
will work at x16 bandwidth.

4. In 3-Way CrossFireX

Express x16 graphics cards in PCIE1, PCIE3 and PCIE5 slots. PCIE1
and PCIE3 will work at x8 bandwidth, while PCIE5 works at x16
bandwidth.

5. In 4-Way CrossFireX

Express x16 graphics cards in PCIE1, PCIE3, PCIE5 and PCIE7
slots. All these four slots will work at x8 bandwidth.

6. 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.

7. Only PCIE1, PCIE2, PCIE3, PCIE5, PCIE6 and PCIE7 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.

TM

mode or SLITM mode, please install the PCI Express

TM

or 3-Way SLITM mode, please install the PCI

TM

or 4-Way SLITM mode, please install the PCI

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 fi 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 WS Motherboard

2.7 SLITM, 3-Way SLITM, 4-Way SLITM and Quad SLI

TM

Operation

Guide

This motherboard supports NVIDIA® SLITM, 3-Way SLITM, 4-Way SLITM and Quad

TM

(Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install up to four

SLI
identical PCI Express x16 graphics cards. Currently, NVIDIA® SLITM technology
supports Windows

®

XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit OS. NVIDIA®
3-Way SLITM, 4-Way SLITM and Quad SLITM technology supports Windows® VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 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® certifi ed. For 3-Way SLITM technology you should
have three, whereas for 4-Way SLI
Quad SLITM technology, you should have two identical Quad SLITM-ready
graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certifi ed.

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
certifi ed PSU. Please refer to NVIDIA® website for details.

TM

technology you should have four. For

2.7.1 Graphics Card Setup

®

2.7.1.1 Installing Two SLITM-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Install identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certifi ed be-

cause different types of graphics cards will not work together properly. (Even
the GPU chips version shall be the same.) Insert one graphics card into
PCIE1 slot and the other graphics card to PCIE5 slot. Make sure that the
cards are properly seated on the slots.

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Step2. If required, connect the auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graph-

ics cards.

Step3. Align and insert the ASRock SLI_Bridge_3S Card to the goldfi ngers on

each graphics card. Make sure the ASRock SLI_Bridge_3S Card is fi rmly
in place.

ASRock SLI_Bridge_3S 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 PCIE1 slot.

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2.7.1.2 Installing Three SLITM-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Install identical 3-Way SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certi-

fi ed because different types of graphics cards will not work together prop­erly. (Even the GPU chips version shall be the same.) Each graphics card
should have two goldfi ngers for the 3-Way SLI Bridge connector. Insert
one graphics card into PCIE1 slot, another graphics card to PCIE3 slot,
and the other graphics card to PCIE5 slot. Make sure that the cards are
properly seated on the slots.

Two Goldfi ngers

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

Step2. Connect the auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics card.

Please make sure that both power connectors on the PCI Express graph­ics card are connected. Repeat this step on the three graphics cards.

Step3. Align and insert the ASRock 3-Way SLI Bridge Card to the goldfingers

on each graphics card. Make sure the ASRock 3-Way SLI Bridge Card is
fi rmly in place.

ASRock 3-Way SLI Bridge 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 PCIE1 slot.

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2.7.1.3 Installing Four SLITM-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Install identical 4-Way SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certi-

fi ed because different types of graphics cards will not work together prop­erly. (Even the GPU chips version shall be the same.) Each graphics card
should have two goldfi ngers for the ASRock SLI Bridge Card connectors.
Insert one graphics card into the PCIE1 slot, another graphics card into the
PCIE3 slot, the third graphics card into the PCIE5 slot and the last graph­ics card into the PCIE7 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.

Two Goldfi ngers

Step2. Connect the auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics card.

Please make sure that both power connectors on the PCI Express graph­ics card are connected. Repeat this step on the other graphics cards.

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Step3. Align and insert an ASRock SLI Bridge Card to the goldfi ngers of the fi rst

and second graphics card. Install the second ASRock SLI Bridge Card to
the goldfi ngers of the third and fourth graphics card. Connect the second
and the fourth graphics card with the ASRock SLI_Bridge_3S Card. Make
sure the ASRock SLI Bridge Cards are fi rmly in place.

2 ASRock SLI_Bridge Cards

and an ASRock SLI_Bridge_3S 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 PCIE1 slot.

ASRock Z77 WS 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
(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 confi guration. In

Set PhysX GPU acceleration item, please select Enabled. In Select
an SLI confi guration item, please select Enable SLI. And click Apply.

XP / XP 64-bit OS:

C. Reboot your system.
D. You can freely enjoy the benefi t of SLITM feature.

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For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 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 confi guration. In

Set PhysX GPU acceleration item, please select Enabled. In Select

an SLI confi guration item, please select Enable SLI. And click Apply.

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F. Reboot your system.
G. You can freely enjoy the benefi t of SLITM or Quad SLITM feature.

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

For Windows® VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit OS:
(For 3-Way SLITM or 4-Way SLITM mode)

A. Follow step A to D on page 26.
B. From the pop-up menu, select Set SLI and PhysX confi guration. In

Select a hardware acceleration setting for PhysX item, please
select Enabled. In Select an SLI confi guration item, please select
Enable 3-way SLI or Enable 4-way SLI. And click Apply.

C. Reboot your system.
D. You can freely enjoy the benefi ts of 3-Way SLI

* SLITM appearing here is a registered trademark of NVIDIA® Technologies Inc., and is used
only for identifi cation or explanation and to the owners’ benefi t, without intent to infringe.

TM

or 4-Way SLITM.

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2.8 CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM, 4-Way CrossFireXTM
and Quad CrossFireX

This motherboard supports CrossFireXTM, 3-way CrossFireXTM, 4-way CrossFireXTM
and Quad CrossFireX
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, CrossFireX
enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in any 3D
application. Currently CrossFireXTM is supported with Windows® XP / VistaTM / 7 OS.
3-way CrossFireXTM, 4-way CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM are supported
with Windows

®

driver updates.

1. If a customer incorrectly confi gures their system they will not see the performance
benefi 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 benefi t from the
CrossFireXTM multi-GPU platform.

2. If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireX
will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireXTM mode.

TM

. CrossFireXTM technology offers the most advantageous

VistaTM / 7 OS only. Please check AMD’s website for CrossFireXTM

TM

Operation Guide

TM

Edition card with a 16-pipe card, both cards

TM

2.8.1 Graphics Card Setup

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2.8.1.1 Installing Two CrossFireX

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.

TM

-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Insert one Radeon graphics card into PCIE1 slot and the other Radeon

graphics card to PCIE5 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated

on the slots.

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard

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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2.8.1.2 Installing Three CrossFireXTM-Ready Graphics Cards

Step 1. Install identical 3-Way CrossFireXTM-ready graphics cards that are AMD®

certifi ed 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 PCIE1 slot, another graphics card to PCIE3 slot, and

the other graphics card to PCIE5 slot. Make sure that the cards are prop-

erly seated on the slots.

TM

Step 2. Use one CrossFire

PCIE1 and PCIE3 slots, and use the other CrossFireTM Bridge to connect

the Radeon graphics cards on PCIE3 and PCIE5 slots. (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.)

Bridge to connect the Radeon graphics cards on

TM

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30

CrossFireTM Bridge

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.)

ASRock Z77 WS Motherboard