ASROCK 4CoreDX90-VSTA R2.0 User manual

11
11
1
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
Copyright Notice:Copyright Notice:
Copyright Notice:Copyright Notice:
Copyright Notice:
No part of this installation guide may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or trans-
lated in any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documen-
tation 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 identifica-
tion or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:
Specifications 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 fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall
ASRock, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special,
incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, 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
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
Published April 2007
Copyright©2007 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
22
22
2
Motherboard LMotherboard L
Motherboard LMotherboard L
Motherboard Layoutayout
ayoutayout
ayout
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
1 PS2_USB_PWR1 Jumper 14 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
2 ATX 12V Connector (ATX12V1) 15 South Bridge Controller
3 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 16 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1)
4 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 17 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
5 North Bridge Controller 18 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
6 775-Pin CPU Socket 19 HDMR Slot (HDMR1)
7 2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM Slots (DDR1, DDR2; Blue) 20 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
8 Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2, Black) 21 3 x PCI Slots (PCI1- 3)
9 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 22 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
10 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Blue) 23 FlashMemory
11 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) 24 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE1)
12 Secondary Serial ATA Connector (SATA2) 25 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
13 Primary Serial ATA Connector (SATA1) 26 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)

33
33
3
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
ASRock 8CH I/O PlusASRock 8CH I/O Plus
ASRock 8CH I/O PlusASRock 8CH I/O Plus
ASRock 8CH I/O Plus
1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 8 Line In (Light Blue)
2 Parallel Port * 9 Front Speaker (Lime)
3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) 10 Microphone (Pink)
4 RJ-45 Port 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
5 Side Speaker (Gray) 12 VGAPort
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 13 COM Port
7 Central/ Bass (Orange) 14 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
* 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 Side Speaker
(No. 9) (No. 6) (No. 7) (No. 5)
2 V -- -- --
4VV----
6 VVV--
8 VVVV
* 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 find “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.

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
44
44
4
1. Introduction1. Introduction
1. Introduction1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA motherboard, a reliable moth-
erboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers
excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to
quality and endurance.
This Quick Installation Guide contains introduction of the motherboard and step-by-
step installation guide. More detailed information of the motherboard can be found in
the user manual presented in the Support CD.
Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change
without notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the
updated version will be available on ASRock website without further
notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on
ASRock website as well.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
1.1 Package Contents1.1 Package Contents
1.1 Package Contents1.1 Package Contents
1.1 Package Contents
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
(Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm)
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Quick Installation Guide
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Support CD
One 80-conductor Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable
One Ribbon Cable for a 3.5-in Floppy Drive
One SerialATA (SATA) Cable (Optional)
One SerialATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)
OneASRock 8CH I/O Plus Panel Shield
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English

55
55
5
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
1.21.2
1.21.2
1.2 SpecificationsSpecifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Platform - Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm
CPU - LGA 775 for Intel®CoreTM 2 Extreme / CoreTM 2 Duo /
Pentium®XE / Pentium®D/ Pentium®Dual Core / Pentium®4 /
Celeron®/ Celeron® D, supporting Quad Core Kentsfield
processors
- FSB 1066/800/533 MHz
- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports EM64T CPU
Chipset -Northbridge: VIA® P4M900
- Southbridge: VIA®VT8237A
Memory - 2 xDDRDIMM slots
- SupportDDR400/333/266
- Max. capacity: 2GB
Hybrid Booster - CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 3)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 4)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
Expansion Slot - 3 x PCI slots
- 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
- 1 x HDMR slot
Graphics - VIA®Chrome9 HC
- Pixel Shader 2.0,DirectX 9.0
- Max. shared memory 256MB
Audio - 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Basic Level HDAudio
(ALC883 Audio Codec)
LAN - VIA®PHY VT6103
- Speed: 10/100 Ethernet
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/O ASRock 8CH I/O Plus
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x Serial Port: COM1
- 1 x VGA Port
- 1 x Parallel Port (ECP/EPP Support)
- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 Port
- HDAudio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 5)

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
66
66
6
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
Connector - 2 x Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s connectors, support RAID(RAID 0,
RAID 1 and JBOD) and “Hot Plug” functions
- 2 x ATA133 IDE connectors (support 4 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x IR header
- CPU/Chassis FAN connector
- 20 pin ATX power connector
- 4 pin 12V power connector
- CD in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
(see CAUTION 6)
BIOS Feature - 4MbAMI BIOS
-AMI Legal BIOS
- Supports “Plug and Play”
-ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version)
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 7)
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
WARNING
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting
the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using the third-
party overclocking tools. Overclocking may affect your system stability, or even
cause damage to the components and devices of your system. It should be done at
your own risk and expense. We are not responsible for possible damage caused by
overclocking.

77
77
7
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
CAUTION!
1. About the setting of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page 33
of “User Manual” in the support CD.
2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 22 for details.
3. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended
to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU
bus frequencies may cause the instability of the system or damage the
CPU.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft®Windows®
VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4.
7. Microsoft®Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver keeps on updating now. As
long as we have the latest driver, we will update it to our website in the future.
Please visit our website for Microsoft®Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver
and related information.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
88
88
8
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
1.31.3
1.31.3
1.3 Minimum Hardware RMinimum Hardware R
Minimum Hardware RMinimum Hardware R
Minimum Hardware Requirement Tequirement T
equirement Tequirement T
equirement Table for Wable for W
able for Wable for W
able for Windowsindows
indowsindows
indows®®
®®
®
VistaVista
VistaVista
VistaTMTM
TMTM
TM Basic LogoBasic Logo
Basic LogoBasic Logo
Basic Logo
For system integrators and users who purchase our motherboard and
plan to submit Windows®VistaTM Basic logo, please follow below table for
minimum hardware requirement.
CPU Celeron D 326
Memory 512MB Single Channel*
VGA DX9.0 with WDDM Driver
* If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size 512MB and plan to
submit Windows®VistaTM Basic logo, please adjust the shared memory size of
onboard VGA to 64MB. If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size
above 512MB and plan to submit Windows®VistaTM Basic logo, please adjust the
shared memory size of onboard VGA to 128MB or above.

99
99
9
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
2.2.
2.2.
2.InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation
Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions
Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions
Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install mother-
board components or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard 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 components.
3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antstatic 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.
2.12.1
2.12.1
2.1 CPU InstallationCPU Installation
CPU InstallationCPU Installation
CPU Installation
For the installation of Intel 775-LAND CPU,
please follow the steps below.
Before you insert the 775-LAND CPU into the socket, please check if
the CPU surface is unclean or if there is any bent pin on the socket.
Do not force to insert the CPU into the socket if above situation is
found. Otherwise, the CPU will be seriously damaged.
775-Pin Socket Overview
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
1010
1010
10
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
Step 1. Open the socket:
Step 1-1. Disengaging the lever by depressing
down and out on the hook to clear
retention tab.
Step 1-2. Rotate the load lever to fully open po-
sition at approximately 135 degrees.
Step 1-3. Rotate the load plate to fully open po-
sition at approximately 100 degrees.
Step 2. Insert the 775-LAND CPU:
Step 2-1. Hold the CPU by the edges where are
marked with black lines.
Step 2-2. Orient the CPU with IHS (Integrated
Heat Sink) up. Locate Pin1 and the two
orientation key notches.
For proper inserting, 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
by using a purely vertical motion.
Step 2-4. Verify that the CPU is within the socket
and properly mated to the orient keys.
Step 3. Remove PnP Cap (Pick and Place Cap):
Use your left hand index finger and thumb to
support the load plate edge, engage PnP cap
with right hand thumb and peel the cap from the
socket while pressing on center of PnP cap to
assist in removal.
black line
black line
775-PinSocket
Pin1
alignment key alignment key
Pin1
orientation
key notch orientation
key notch
775-LAND CPU

1111
1111
11
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
1. It is recommended to use the cap tab to handle and avoid kicking
off the PnP cap.
2. This cap must be placed if returning the motherboard for after
service.
Step 4. Close the socket:
Step 4-1. Rotate the load plate onto the IHS.
Step 4-2. While pressing down lightly on load
plate, engage the load lever.
Step 4-3. Secure load lever with load plate tab
under retention tab of load lever.
2.22.2
2.22.2
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and HeatsinkInstallation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
Installation of CPU Fan and HeatsinkInstallation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
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 775-LAND CPU.
Step 1. Apply thermal interface material onto center
of IHS on the socket surface.
Step 2. Place the heatsink onto the socket. Ensure
fan cables are oriented on side closest to the
CPU fan connector on the motherboard
(CPU_FAN1, see page 2, No. 4).
Step 3. Align fasteners with the motherboard
throughholes.
Step 4. Rotate the fastener clockwise, then press
down on fastener caps with thumb to install
and lock. Repeat with remaining fasteners.
Ifyoupressdownthefastenerswithoutrotatingthemclockwise,the heatsinkcannotbe
securedonthemotherboard.
Step 5. Connect fan header with the CPU fan
connector on the motherboard.
Step 6. Secure excess cable with tie-wrap to ensure
cable does not interfere with fan operation or
contact other components.
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
1212
1212
12
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
2.32.3
2.32.3
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard is equipped with two 184-pin DDR (Double Data Rate) DIMM slots.
Please make sure to disconnect power supply before adding or
removing DIMMs or the system components.
Step 1. Unlock aDIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward.
Step 2. Align aDIMM on the slot such that the notch on theDIMM matches the break
on the slot.
The DIMM only fits 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 theDIMM into the slot until the retaining clips at both ends fully
snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

1313
1313
13
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
2.42.4
2.42.4
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI, HDMR and PCI Express Slots)Expansion Slots (PCI, HDMR and PCI Express Slots)
Expansion Slots (PCI, HDMR and PCI Express Slots)Expansion Slots (PCI, HDMR and PCI Express Slots)
Expansion Slots (PCI, HDMR and PCI Express Slots)
There are 3 PCI slots, 1 HDMR slot and 1 PCI Express slot on this motherboard.
PCI slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
HDMR slot: HDMR slot is used to insert a HDMR card with v.92 Modem
functionality.
PCIE Slot: PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane
width graphics cards.
If you install the add-on PCI Express VGA card to PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot),
the onboard VGAwill be disabled.
Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card
Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card
Installing an expansion card
Step 1. Before installing the expansion card, please make sure that the power
supply is switched off or the power cord is unplugged. Please read the
documentation of the expansion card and make necessary hardware
settings for the card before you start the installation.
Step 2. Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws
for later use.
Step 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
Step 4. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
1414
1414
14
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
2.5 Jumpers Setup2.5 Jumpers Setup
2.5 Jumpers Setup2.5 Jumpers Setup
2.5 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
PS2_USB_PWR1 Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.2, No. 1) +5VSB (standby) for PS/2
or USB wake up events.
Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided
by power supply.
ClearCMOS
(CLRCMOS1, 2-pin jumper)
(see p.2, No. 17)
Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. The data in CMOS includes
system setup information such as system password, date, time, and system
setup parameters. 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 2 pins on
CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds.
Short Open
2-pin jumper

1515
1515
15
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
2.6 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!
FDDConnector
(33-pinFLOPPY1)
(see p.2, No. 18)
Note: Make sure the red-striped side of the cable is plugged into Pin1 side of the
connector.
Primary IDE Connector (Blue) Secondary IDE Connector (Black)
(39-pin IDE1, see p.2, No. 9) (39-pin IDE2, see p.2, No. 8)
Note: If you use only one IDE device on this motherboard, please set the IDE
device as “Master”. Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor
for the details. Besides, to optimize compatibility and performance, please
connect your hard disk drive to the primary IDE connector (IDE1, blue) and
CD-ROM to the secondary IDE connector (IDE2, black).
Serial ATA Connectors These two Serial ATA (SATA)
(SATA1:see p.2,No.13) connectors support SATA data
(SATA2:see p.2,No.12) cables for internal storage
devices. The current SATA
interface allows up to 1.5 Gb/s
data transfer rate.
Serial ATA (SATA) Either end of the SATA data
Data Cable cable can be connected to the
(Optional) SATA hard disk or the SATA
connector on the motherboard.
connect the black end
to the IDE devices
connect the blue end
to the motherboard
80-conductorATA 66/100/133 cable
thered-stripedside to Pin1
SATA1
SATA2

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
1616
1616
16
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
Serial ATA (SATA) Please connect the black end of
Power Cable SATA power cable to the power
(Optional) connector on the drive. Then
connect the white end of SATA
power cable to the power
connector of the power supply.
USB 2.0 Headers Besides four default USB 2.0
(9-pinUSB6_7) ports on the I/O panel, there are
(see p.2 No. 11) two USB 2.0 headers on this
motherboard. Each USB 2.0
header cansupport two USB
2.0 ports.
(9-pinUSB4_5)
(see p.2 No. 10)
Infrared Module Header This header supports an optional
(5-pin IR1) wireless transmitting and
(see p.2, No. 25) receiving infrared module.
Internal Audio Connector This connector allows you
(4-pin CD1) to receive stereo audio input
(CD1: see p.2, No. 22) from sound sources such as
a CD-ROM,DVD-ROM, TV
tuner card, or MPEG card.
Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for the front
(9-pin HD_AUDIO1) panel audio cable that allows
(see p.2, No. 20) convenient connection and
control of audio devices.
1. High Definition 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.
connect tothe
powersupply
connect totheSATA
HDDpower connector
CD1

1717
1717
17
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
System Panel Header This header accommodates
(9-pinPANEL1) several system front panel
(see p.2, No. 14) functions.
Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis
(4-pinSPEAKER1) speaker to this header.
(see p.2, No. 16)
Chassis Fan Connector Please connect the chassis fan
(3-pin CHA_FAN1) cable to this connector and
(see p.2, No. 4) match the black wire to the
ground pin.
CPU Fan Connector Please connect the CPU fan
(4-pin CPU_FAN1) cable to this connector and
(see p.2, No. 26) match the black wire to the
ground pin.
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).
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. Enter BIOS Setup Utility. Enter Advanced Settings, and then select
Chipset Configuration. Set the Front Panel Control option from
[Auto] to [Enabled].
F. Enter Windows system. Click the icon on the lower right hand
taskbar to enter Realtek HDAudio Manager. Click “Audio I/O”, select
“Connector Settings” , choose “Disable front panel jack
detection”, and save the change by clicking “OK”.
Though this motherboard provides 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) support, the 3-Pin
CPU fan still can work successfully even without the fan speed control function.
If you plan to connect the 3-Pin CPU fan to the CPU fan connector on this
motherboard, please connect it to Pin 1-3.
3-PinFan Installation
Pin 1-3 Connected
4
3
2
1

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
1818
1818
18
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
ATX Power Connector Please connect an ATX power
(20-pinATXPWR1) supply to this connector.
(see p.2, No. 3)
ATX 12V Connector Please note that it is necessary
(4-pin ATX12V1) to connect a power supply with
(see p.2, No. 2) ATX 12V plug to this connector
so that it can provides sufficient
power. Failing to do so will cause
the failure to power up.
2.7 Serial A2.7 Serial A
2.7 Serial A2.7 Serial A
2.7 Serial ATT
TT
TA (SAA (SA
A (SAA (SA
A (SATT
TT
TA) Hard Disks InstallationA) Hard Disks Installation
A) Hard Disks InstallationA) Hard Disks Installation
A) Hard Disks Installation
This motherboard adopts VIA®VT8237A southbridge chipset that supports Serial
ATA (SATA) hard disks and RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD) functions. You may
install SATA hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This
section will guide you to install the SATA hard disks.
STEP1: Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis.
STEP2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA hard disk.
STEP3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard’s SATA
connector.
STEP4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA hard disk.

1919
1919
19
ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
EnglishEnglish EnglishEnglish
English
2.92.9
2.92.9
2.9 Driver Installation GuideDriver Installation Guide
Driver Installation GuideDriver Installation Guide
Driver Installation Guide
To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD to your optical
drive first. Then, the drivers compatible to your system can be auto-detected and
listed on the support CD driver page. Please follow the order from up to bottom
side to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work
properly.
2.102.10
2.102.10
2.10 HDMR Card and Driver InstallationHDMR Card and Driver Installation
HDMR Card and Driver InstallationHDMR Card and Driver Installation
HDMR Card and Driver Installation
If you do not insert HDMR card to this motherboard, and you finish installing all
drivers to your system now, but in the future, you plan to use HDMR card function
on this motherboard, please follow the steps below then.
1. Insert HDMR card to HDMR slot on this motherboard. Please make sure that the
HDMR card is completely seated on the slot.
2. Install HDMR card driver from our support CD to your system.
3. Reboot your system.
2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap F2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap F
2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap F2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap F
2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SAunctions for SA
unctions for SAunctions for SA
unctions for SATT
TT
TA HDDsA HDDs
A HDDsA HDDs
A HDDs
4CoreDX90-VSTA motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for
SATADevices.
NOTE
What is Hot Plug Function?
If the SATA HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot
Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA HDDs while the system
is still power-on and in working condition.
However, please note that it cannot perform Hot Plug if the OS has been
installed into the SATA HDD.
What is Hot Swap Function?
If SATA HDDs are built as RAID1 then it is called “Hot Swap” for the action
to insert and remove the SATA HDDs while the system is still power-on
and in working condition.

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard
2020
2020
20
EnglishEnglish
EnglishEnglish
English
2.112.11
2.112.11
2.11 Installing WindowsInstalling Windows
Installing WindowsInstalling Windows
Installing Windows®2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista
2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista
2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTMTM
TMTM
TM
/ Vista/ Vista
/ Vista/ Vista
/ VistaTMTM
TMTM
TM 64-bit With RAID Functions64-bit With RAID Functions
64-bit With RAID Functions64-bit With RAID Functions
64-bit With RAID Functions
If you want to install Windows®2000, Windows®XP, Windows®XP 64-bit, Windows®
VistaTM or Windows®VistaTM 64-bit OS on your SATA HDDs with RAID functions,
please follow below procedures according to the OS you install.
2.11.1 Installing Windows2.11.1 Installing Windows
2.11.1 Installing Windows2.11.1 Installing Windows
2.11.1 Installing Windows®2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With
2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With
2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With
RAID FunctionsRAID Functions
RAID FunctionsRAID Functions
RAID Functions
If you want to install Windows®2000, Windows®XP or Windows®XP 64-bit on your
SATA HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below steps.
STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.
A.EnterBIOSSETUPUTILITY Advanced screen IDE Configuration.
B. Set the “SATA Operation Mode” option to [RAID].
STEP 2: Make a SATA Driver Diskette.
A. Insert the ASRock Support CD into your optical drive to boot your system.
B. During POST at the beginning of system boot-up, press <F11> key, and then a
window for boot devices selection appears. Please select CD-ROM as the boot
device.
C. When you see the message on the screen, “Generate Serial ATA driver diskette
[YN]?”, press <Y>.
D. Then you will see these messages,
Please insert a blank
formatted diskette into floppy
drive A:
press any key to start
Please insert a floppy diskette into the floppy drive, and press any key.
E. The system will start to format the floppy diskette and copy SATA drivers into
the floppy diskette.
STEP 3: Use “RAID Installation Guide” to set RAID configuration.
Before you start to configure RAID function, you need to check the RAID installation
guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the BIOS RAID
installation guide of the document in the following path in the Support CD: .. \ RAID
Installation Guide
STEP 4: Install Windows®2000 / Windows®XP / Windows®XP 64-bit OS on
your system.
After step 1, 2, 3, you can start to install Windows®2000 / Windows®XP / Windows®
XP 64-bit OS on your system.At the beginning of Windows®setup, press F6 to install
a third-party RAID driver. When prompted, insert the SATA driver diskette containing
the VIA®RAID driver. After reading the floppy disk, the driver will be presented.
Select the driver to install according to the OS you install.