This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and
to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of the
manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
AMD, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD
Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective
owners and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
•Connect the equipment onto an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Preface
ii
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian Department of Communications
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interferencecausing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur
le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
About the Manual
The manual consists of the following:
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
Chapter 4
Using the Motherboard Software
Chapter 5
Setting Up AMD SB950 RAID
Configuration
Chapter 6
ATI CrossFireX
Support
Chapter 7
Trouble Shooting
TM
T echnology
Preface
Describes features of the motherboard.
Go to
Describes installation of motherboard
components.
Go to
Provides information on using the BIOS
Setup Utility.
Thank you for choosing the A990FXM-A DELUXE motherboard. This motherboard
is a high performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports socket for
AMD PhenomTM and later desktop processors (socket AM3+) for high-end business
or personal desktop markets.
The motherboard incorporates the AMD 990FX Northbridge (NB) and SB950
Southbridge (SB) chipsets. The Northbridge supports the HyperTransport
terface. The memory controller supports DDR3 memory DIMM frequencies of
2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333*. It supports four DDR3 slots with maximum memory
size of 128 GB*. Three PCI Express x16 slots, intended for Graphics Interface, are
fully compliant to the PCI Express Gen2 (version 2.0). In addition, two PCI Express
x1 slots are supported.
The SB950 Southbridge supports one PCI slot which is PCI v2.3 compliant. It
integrates USB 2.0 interface, supporting up to twelve USB 2.0 ports (eight USB ports
and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports) and one USB 3.0
header.The Southbridge integrates a Serial ATA host controller, supporting six SATA
ports with maximum transfer rate up to 6 Gb/s each, and two eSATA3 6.0 Gb/s
connector at Real connector.
In addition, the mainboard assembles extra USB3.0 chip, which supports two USB 3.0
ports at rear panel with high speed of 5Gb/s.
There is an advanced full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including one PS/2 mouse
and keyboard combo connector, one Bluetooth, two ESATA ports, one CLR_CMOS
button, eight USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, two LAN ports, one optical SPDIFO
port and audio jacks for microphone, line-in and 8-ch line-out.
TM
3.0 in-
1
* Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL
for more information.
Introducing the Motherboard
2
Feature
Processor
This motherboard uses a socket AM3+ that carries the following features:
•Accommodates AMD PhenomTM and later desktop processors (socket
HyperTransportTM Technology is a point-to-point link between two devices, it
enables integrated circuits to exchange information at much higher speeds than
currently available interconnect technologies.
Chipset
The AMD 990FX Northbridge (NB) and SB950 Southbridge (SB) chipsets are
based on an innovative and scalable architecture with proven reliability and
performance.
AMD 990FX
(NB)
SB950 (SB)
•One x4 A-Link Express III interface for connection to
an AMD Southbridge. The A-Link Express III is a proprietary interface developed by AMD basing on the PCI
Express technology, with additional NorthbridgeSouthbridge messaging functionalities. It supports the
PCIe Gen 2 transfer rate of 5 GT/s, and is backward
compatible with the A-Link Express II interface.
•Supports three x16 PCI-Express Gen2 graphics link
•Fully supports ACPI states S1, S3, S4 and S5
•Complies with all relevant Windows Logo Program
(WLP) requirements from Microsoft® for WHQL certification.
•Supports 16-bit up/down HyperTransport (HT) 3.0 interface up to 5.2 GT/s.
•Compliant with PCI 2.3 specification at 33 MHz
•Four-lane PCI Express® (PCIe®) 2.0 interface, supporting up to two general purpose devices. Supported
configurations include: § 1x4 § 2x4 § 1x2+2x1 § 4x1
•Supports six Serial ATA devices which speeds up to 6
Gb/s and one IDE ATA133
•Supports two eSATA3 which speeds up to 6.0 Gb/s
through the bundled eSATA3 bracket
•Integrated USB 3.0 Host Controller supporting up to
two USB 3.0 ports
•Integrated USB 2.0 Host Controller supporting up to
twelve USB 2.0 ports
•Supports integrated RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID
10 functionality across all 6 ports (RAID 10 requires
use of 4 or more SATA ports, and RAID 5 requires use
of 3 or more SATA ports)
Memory
•Supports DDR3 2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333 DDR3 SDRAM with Dualchannel architecture
•Accommodates four unbuffered DIMMs
Introducing the Motherboard
•Up to 32 GB per DIMM with maximum memory size up to 128 GB
Audio
•7.1+2 Channel High Definition Audio Codec
•Meets Microsoft WLP3.x (Windows Logo Program) audio requirements
•1 x Audio port (Line in, microphone in, line out, and optical
SPDIF out)
•1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
•1 x 8-pin ATX12V connector
•6 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
•2 x eSATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors through the bundled eSATA3
bracket
•1 x IDE ATA133 support by Marvell 9128
•2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
•1 x USB 3.0 header
•1 x Front panel header
•1 x Chassis Intrusion Detect header
•1 x SPDIF out header
•1 x Front panel audio header
•1 x POST Debug LED
•1 x Buzzer
•1 x Reset button
•1 x Power button
•1 x CLR_COMS header
•1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
Introducing the Motherboard
•1 x 3-pin SYS_FAN connector
•1 x 3-pin PWR_FAN connector
System
BIOS
Form Factor•ATX Size, 305mm x 244mm
•AMI BIOS with 32Mb SPI Flash ROM
•Supports Plug and Play, STR (S3) / STD (S4) , Hardware
monitor, Multi Boot
•Supports ACPI & DMI
•Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
•F7 hot key for boot up devices option
•Supports FSB adjustment, increase in a increase of 1MHz.
•Support Over-Clocking
•Support Dual Display
•Support PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey Has PS2 KB Model only
5
Introducing the Motherboard
6
Motherboard Components
The above image is for reference only; please take the actual
motherboard for detailed parts.
Introducing the Motherboard
Table of Motherboard Components
LABELCOMPONENTS
TM
and later desktop processors
1. CPU Socket
AMD Phenom
(socket AM3+)
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. DDR3_1/2/3/4 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots
4. BZBuzzer
5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
6. POSTPOST Debug LED
7. PWR_FANPower cooling fan connector
8. IDEPrimary IDE channel
9. SATA1~6Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
10. PANELFront panel switch/LED header
11. PWR_BTNPower on button
12. RST_BTNReset button
13. F_USB2Front panel USB 2.0 header
14. CLR_CMOSClear CMOS jumper
15. F_USB1
Front panel USB 2.0 header(with EZ Charge
function
)
16. USB3FFront panel USB 3.0 header
17. CASECase open header
18. SYS_FANSystem cooling fan connector
19. SPDIFOSPDIF out header
20. F_AUDIOFront panel audio header
21. PCI32-bit add-on card slot
22. PCIEX16_SPCI Express slot for graphics interface
23. PCIE1~2PCI Express x1 slots
24. PCIEX16_1~2 PCI Express slots for graphics interface
25. ATX12V8-pin +12V power connector
7
This concludes Chapter 1. The next chapter explains how to install the motherboard.
Introducing the Motherboard
8
Memo
Introducing the Motherboard
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
Safety Precautions
•Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard
•Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage from static electricity
•Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely
grounded object before working on the motherboard
•Leave components in the static-proof bags they came in
•Hold all circuit boards by the edges. Do not bend circuit boards
Choosing a Computer Case
There are many types of computer cases on the market. The motherboard complies
with the specifications for the ATX system case. Some features on the motherboard
are implemented by cabling connectors on the motherboard to indicators and switches
on the system case. Make sure that your case supports all the features required. Make
sure that your case has sufficient power and space for all drives that you intend to
install.
Most cases have a choice of I/O templates in the rear panel. Make sure that the I/O
template in the case matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the
motherboard.
This motherboard carries an ATX form factor of 305 X 244 mm. Choose a case that
accommodates this form factor.
9
Installing the Motherboard in a Case
Refer to the following illustration and instructions for installing the motherboard in
a case.
Most system cases have mounting brackets installed in the case, which correspond
the holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets
and secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Ensure that your case has an I/O template that supports the I/O ports and expansion
slots on your motherboard.
Installing the Motherboard
10
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.
Checking Jumper Settings
This section explains how to set jumpers for correct configuration of the motherboard.
Setting Jumpers
Use the motherboard jumpers to set system configuration options. Jumpers with
more than one pin are numbered. When setting the jumpers, ensure that the jumper
caps are placed on the correct pins.
The illustrations show a 2-pin jumper. When
the jumper cap is placed on both pins, the
jumper is SHORT. If you remove the jumper
cap, or place the jumper cap on just one pin,
the jumper is OPEN.
This illustration shows a 3-pin jumper. Pins
1 and 2 are SHORT.
SHORT OPEN
Installing the Motherboard
Checking Jumper Settings
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
11
NameTypeDescription
CLR_CMOS
3-pin
Clear CMOS
To avoid the system unstability after clearing CMOS, we recommend
users to enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings”
and then “Save Changes and Exit”.
Installing the Motherboard
Setting (default)
1-2: NORMAL
2-3: CLEAR
Before clearing the
CMOS, make sure to
turn off the system.
1 23
CLR_CMOS
12
Installing Hardware
Installing the Processor
Caution: When installing a CPU heatsink and cooling fan make sure that
you DO NOT scratch the motherboard or any of the surface-mount resistors with the clip of the cooling fan. If the clip of the cooling fan scrapes
across the motherboard, you may cause serious damage to the motherboard
or its components.
On most motherboards, there are small surface-mount resistors near the
processor socket, which may be damaged if the cooling fan is carelessly
installed.
Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges on the fan casing and the clips.
Also, install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly
see the motherboard and processor socket.
Before installing the Processor
This motherboard automatically determines the CPU clock frequency and system
bus frequency for the processor. You may be able to change these settings by making
changes to jumpers on the motherboard, or changing the settings in the system Setup
Utility. We strongly recommend that you do not over-clock processors or other
components to run faster than their rated speed.
Warning:
1. Over-clocking components can adversely affect the reliability of the
system and introduce errors into your system. Over-clocking can permanently damage the motherboard by generating excess heat in components
that are run beyond the rated limits.
2. Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the
power outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.
This motherboard has a socket AM3+ processor socket. When choosing a processor,
consider the performance requirements of the system. Performance is based on the
processor design, the clock speed and system bus frequency of the processor, and the
quantity of internal cache memory and external cache memory.
Installing the Motherboard
CPU Installation Procedure
The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
1Install your CPU. Pull up the lever away from
the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle.
2Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with
the pin hold noticeably missing). Align and
insert the CPU correctly.
3Press the lever down and apply thermal
grease on top of the CPU.
4Put the CPU Fan down on the retention mod-
ule and snap the four retention legs of the
cooling fan into place.
5Flip the levers over to lock the heat sink in
place and connect the CPU cooling Fan power
cable to the CPU FAN connector. This completes the installation.
* For reference only
To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 4800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heatsink
installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied. The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
Installing Memory Modules
This motherboard accommodates four memory modules. It can support four 240-pin
DDR3 2133 (OC)/1866/1600/1333*. The total memory capacity is 128 GB*.
You must install at least one module in any of the four slots. Each module can be
installed with 32 GB of memory.
Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until
you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only
by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always
wear a grounding strap when you handle the modules.
Due to the limitation of AMD CPU spec, please refer to Memory QVL for
*
more information.
Installing the Motherboard
14
Installation Procedure
Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
1This motherboard supports unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM only.
2Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
3Align the memory module with the slot. The DIMM slots are keyed with
notches and the DIMMs are keyed with cutouts so that they can only be
installed correctly.
4Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge connector match the
notches in the DIMM slot.
5Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to
the edges of the DIMM.
6Install any remaining DIMM modules.
* For reference only
For best performance and compatibility, we recommend AMD AM3+
CPU with the RAM Module sequence as below.
The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect
them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the
motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks that are
not part of the basic system.
15
PCIEX16_1~2
Slots
PCIE1~2 Slots
PCIEX16_S
Slot
PCI Slot
The PCI Express x16 slots are used to install external PCI
Express graphics cards that are fully compliant to the PCI
Express Gen2 (version 2.0).
The PCI Express x1 slots are fully compliant to the PCI
Express Gen2 (version 2.0).
The PCI Express x16_S slot is used to install an external
PCI Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI
Express Gen2 (version 2.0).
This motherboard is equipped with one standard PCI slot.
PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a
bus standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is
a supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slot on
this board is PCI v2.3 compliant.
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation
for the card carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you
may have to manually configure the card before installation.
Installing the Motherboard
16
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
1Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the
slot you are going to use.
2Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
* For reference only
Installing the Motherboard
Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
17
SA T A1~6: Serial A T A connectors
These connectors are used to support the new Serial ATA devices for the highest data
transfer rates (6.0 Gb/s), simpler disk drive cabling and easier PC assembly. It eliminates limitations of the current Parallel ATA interface. But maintains register compatibility and software compatibility with Parallel ATA.
Pin Signal Name
1Ground 2TX+
3TX- 4Ground
5RX- 6RX+
7Ground--
Pin Signal Name
SPDIFO: SPDIF out header
This is an optional header that provides an S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface)
output to digital multimedia device through optical fiber or coaxial connector.
Pin Signal Name Function
1SPDIF SPDIF digital output
2+5VA 5V analog Power
3Key No pin
4 GND Ground
Installing the Motherboard
18
F_USB1~2: Front Panel USB 2.0 headers
The motherboard has six USB ports installed on the rear edge I/O port array. Additionally, some computer cases have USB ports at the front of the case. If you have
this kind of case, use auxiliary USB connector to connect the front-mounted ports to
the motherboard.
Unlike F_USB2 in this mainboard, F_USB1 supports EZ Charger technology (optional), provides 3 times current than general USB port in off mode for USB devices.
It is useful and excellent, especially for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that
need a large amount of current for faster recharging within less time.
PinSignal Name
Function
1USBPWRFront Panel USB Power
2USBPWRFront Panel USB Power
3USB_FP_P0-USB Port 0 Negative Signal
4USB_FP_P1-USB Port 1 Negative Signal
5USB_FP_P0+USB Port 0 Positive Signal
6USB_FP_P1+USB Port 1 Positive Signal
7GNDGround
8GNDGround
9KeyNo pin
10 USB_FP_OC0Overcurrent signal
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as
indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system
hang-up.
F_AUDIO: Front Panel Audio header
This header allows the user to install auxiliary front-oriented microphone and lineout ports for easier access.
This detects if the chassis cover has been removed. This function needs a chassis
equipped with instrusion detection switch and needs to be enabled in BIOS.
Pin 1-2 Function
Short Chassis cover is removed
Open Chassis cover is closed
Installing the Motherboard
USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 header
This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0
ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate.