ASROCK 970A-G3.1 User manual

Version 1.1
Published June 2017
Copyright©2017 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
Copyright Notice:
No part of this documentation 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 documentation may or may not
be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used
only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to
infringe.
Disclaimer:
Specications and information contained in this documentation 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 documentation.
With respect to the contents of this documentation, ASRock does not provide
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to
the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular
purpose.
In no event shall ASRock, its directors, ocers, employees, or agents be liable for
any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for
loss of prots, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like),
even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any
defect or error in the documentation or product.
is 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
e 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

Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent Nos: 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 6,487,535;
7,003,467 & other U.S. and worldwide patents issued & pending. DTS, the Symbol, &
DTS and the Symbol together is a registered trademark & DTS Connect, DTS Interactive,
DTS Neo:PC are trademarks of DTS, Inc. Product includes soware.
© DTS, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

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970A-G/3.1
Motherboard Layout
FSB800
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
FSB800
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
AMD
SB950
Chipset
BIOS
ROM
CMOS
BATTERY
CLRCMOS1
1
COM1
1
Super
I/O
HD_AUDIO1
1
PCIE1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
PANE L 1
SPEAKER1
1
PCIE2
1
PLED1
CPU_FAN1
AMD
970/990FX
Chipset
PS2
Mouse
PS2
Keyboard
Top:
RJ-45
USB 3.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
RoHS
CHA_FAN4
USB3_2_3
SOCKET AM3b
ATX12 V1
USB 2.0
T: USB2
B: USB3
SATA3 _2
SATA3 _3
SATA3_4
SATA3_5
M2_1
Top:
Central/Bass
Center:
REAR SPK
Top:
LINE I N
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
Bottom:
MIC IN
PCIE3
PCIE4
PCI1
CPU_FAN2
CHA_FAN1
SATA3_0
SATA3 _1
CHA_FAN2
USB_6_7
1
USB_4_5
1
970A-G/3.1
USB 2.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
USB 3. 1
T: USB31_TA_1
B: USB31_TC_1
CHA_FAN3
USB 3.1

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No. Description
1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
2 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN4)
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
5 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2)
7 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
8 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
9 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3)
10 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_0)
11 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4)
13 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5)
14 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3)
15 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)
16 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)
17 Power LED Header (PLED1)
18 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
19 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1)
20 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
21 USB 2.0 Header (USB_6_7)
22 USB 2.0 Header (USB_4_5)
23 COM Port Header (COM1)
24 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
25 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_2_3)

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970A-G/3.1
I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 PS/2 Mouse Port 8 Microphone (Pink)
2 USB 3.1 Type-A Port (USB31_TA_1) 9 Optical SPDIF Out Port
3 LAN RJ-45 Port* 10 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_0_1)
4 Central / Bass (Orange) 11 USB 3.1 Type-C Port (USB31_TC_1)
5 Rear Speaker (Black) 12 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_0_1)
6 Line In (Light Blue) 13 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_2_3)
7 Front Speaker (Lime)** 14 PS/2 Keyboard Port
14 891013
5
4
7
6
1 3
12
2
11

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* ere are two LEDs on each LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Activity / Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
O No Link O 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
** If you use a 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.
Audio Output
Channels
Front Speaker
(No. 7)
Rear Speaker
(No. 5)
Central / Bass
(No. 4)
Line In
(No. 6)
2V -- -- --
4V V -- --
6V V V --
8V V V V
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
To enable Multi-Streaming, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. Aer restarting your computer, you will nd the “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 the Rear Speaker, Central/
Bass, and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use the front
panel audio.

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970A-G/3.1
Chapter 1 Introduction
ank you for purchasing ASRock 970A-G/3.1 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.
1.1 Package Contents
• ASRock 970A-G/3.1 Motherboard (ATX Form Factor)
• ASRock 970A-G/3.1 Quick Installation Guide
• ASRock 970A-G/3.1 Support CD
• 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
• 1 x I/O Panel Shield
• 1 x Screw for M.2 Socket
Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS soware might be updated, the
content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modica-
tions of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock’s website
without further notice. If you require technical support related to this motherboard,
please visit our website for specic information about the model you are using. You
may nd the latest VGA cards and CPU support list on ASRock’s website as well.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com.

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1.2 Specications
Platform • ATX Form Factor
• Solid Capacitor design
CPU • Supports Socket AM3+ processors
• Supports Socket AM3 processors: AMD PhenomTM II X6
/ X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 /
Sempron processors
• Supports 8-Core CPU
• Supports UCC feature (Unlock CPU Core)
• Digi Power design
• 8 + 2 Power Phase design
• Supports CPU up to 220W
• Supports AMD's Cool 'n' Quiet Technology
• FSB 2400 MHz (4.8 GT/s)
• Supports Untied Overclocking Technology
• Supports Hyper-Transport 3.0 (HT 3.0) Technology
Chipset • Northbridge: AMD 970/990FX
• Southbridge: AMD SB950
Memory • Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology
• 4 x DDR3 DIMM Slots
• Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/2100(OC)/1866(OC)/1800
(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buered memory
(see CAUTION1)
• Max. capacity of system memory: 64GB (see CAUTION2)
• Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) 1.3 / 1.2
• Supports AMD Memory Prole Technology (AMP) up to
AMP 2400
Expansion
Slot
• 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2: x16 mode)
• 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4: x4 mode)
• 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slots
• 1 x PCI Slot
• Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM and CrossFireXTM

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970A-G/3.1
Audio • 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC1150
Audio Codec)
• Premium Blu-ray Audio Support
• Supports Surge Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection)
• ELNA Audio Caps
• Supports DTS Connect
LAN • PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
• Realtek RTL8111GR
• Supports Wake-On-WAN
• Supports Wake-On-LAN
• Supports Lightning/ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike
Protection)
• Supports LAN Cable Detection
• Supports Energy Ecient Ethernet 802.3az
• Supports PXE
Rear Panel
I/O
• 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
• 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
• 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
• 4 x USB 2.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full
Spike Protection))
• 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s) (ASMedia ASM1143) (Sup-
ports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
• 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s) (ASMedia ASM1143) (Sup-
ports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
• 2 x USB 3.0 Ports (Etron EJ188H) (Supports ESD Protection
(ASRock Full Spike Protection))
• 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
• HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in /
Front Speaker / Microphone
Storage • 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug
• 1 x M.2_SSD (NGFF) Socket 3, supports type
2230/2242/2260/2280/22110 M.2 PCI Express module up to
Gen2 x4 (20 Gb/s)

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* If PCIE4 is occupied, M2_1 will be disabled.
* Supports ASRock U.2 Kit
Connector • 1 x COM Port Header
• 1 x Power LED Header
• 2 x CPU Fan Connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
• 4 x Chassis Fan Connectors (2 x 4-pin, 2 x 3-pin)
• 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector
• 1 x 8 pin 12V Power Connector
• 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports) (Supports ESD
Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
• 1 x USB 3.0 Header by Etron EJ188H (Supports 2 USB
3.0 ports) (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike
Protection))
BIOS
Feature
• AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
• Supports “Plug and Play”
• ACPI 1.1 Compliant wake up events
• Supports jumperfree
• SMBIOS 2.3.1 support
• CPU, VCCM, NB, SB Voltage multi-adjustment
Hardware
Monitor
• CPU/Chassis temperature sensing
• CPU/Chassis Fan Tachometer
• CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan (Auto adjust fan speed by CPU tem-
perature)
• CPU/Chassis Fan multi-speed control
• Voltage monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore Voltage
OS • Microso® Windows® 10 32-bit / 10 64-bit / 8.1 32-bit / 8.1 64-
bit / 8 32-bit / 8 64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit / VistaTM 32-bit /
VistaTM 64-bit / XP 32-bit / XP 64-bit
* For the updated Windows® 10 driver, please visit ASRock’s web-
site for details: http://www.asrock.com

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970A-G/3.1
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjust-
ing the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using third-
party overclocking tools. Overclocking may aect 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.
1. Whether 2400/2100MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM3/AM3+
CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 2400/2100 memory module on this
motherboard, please refer to the memory support list on our website for the compatible
memory modules. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
2. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB
for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 32-bit OS. For Windows® 64-bit
OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation. You can use ASRock XFast RAM to
utilize the memory that Windows® cannot use.
Certica-
tions
• FCC, CE, WHQL
• ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)

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is is an ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study
the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.
Failure to do so may cause physical injuries to you and damages to motherboard
components.
• In order to avoid damage from static electricity to the motherboard’s components,
NEVER place your motherboard directly on a carpet. Also remember to use a grounded
wrist strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle the components.
• Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
• Whenever you uninstall any components, place them on a grounded anti-static pad or
in the bag that comes with the components.
• When placing screws to secure the motherboard to the chassis, please do not over-
tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
Chapter 2 Installation

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970A-G/3.1
2.1 Installing the CPU
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.
2
1

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3

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970A-G/3.1
2.2 Installing the CPU Fan and Heatsink
Aer you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a larger
heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray thermal grease
between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dissipation. Make sure that the
CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened and in good contact with each other.
en connect the CPU fan to the CPU FAN connector. For proper installation,
please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

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2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM)
is motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots,
and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology.
Dual Channel Memory Conguration
e DIMM only ts in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent damage to
the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into the slot at incorrect
orientation.
Priority DDR3_A1 DDR3_A2 DDR3_B1 DDR3_B2
1Populated Populated
2Populated Populated
3Populated Populated Populated Populated
1. For dual channel conguration, you always need to install identical (the same
brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pairs.
2. It is unable to activate Dual Channel Memory Technology with only one or three
memory module installed.
3. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into a DDR3 slot;
otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.
4. Please install the memory module into DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots for the rst
priority.
5. If you adopt DDR3 2400/2100 memory modules on this motherboard, it is recom-
mended to install them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

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970A-G/3.1
1
2
3

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2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
ere is 1 PCI slot and 4 PCI Express slots on the motherboard.
PCI slot:
e PCI1 slot is used to install expansion cards that have 32-bit PCI interface.
PCIe slots:
PCIE1 (PCIe 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards.
PCIE2 (PCIe 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards.
PCIE3 (PCIe 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards.
PCIE4 (PCIe 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width graphics cards.
PCIe Slot Congurations
PCIE2 PCIE4
Single Graphics Card x16 N/A
Two Graphics Cards in
CrossFireXTM Mode x16 x4
For a better thermal environment, please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard’s
chassis fan connector (CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3 or CHA_FAN4) when
using multiple graphics cards.
Before installing an expansion card, please make sure that the power supply is
switched o 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.

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970A-G/3.1
2.5 Jumpers Setup
e illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on
the pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap is placed on the pins, the jumper
is “Open”. e illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1 and pin2 are “Short”
when a jumper cap is placed on these 2 pins.
Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.1, No. 18)
CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. To clear and reset the system
parameters to default setup, please turn o the computer and unplug the power
cord from the power supply. Aer waiting for 15 seconds, use a jumper cap to
short pin2 and pin3 on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However, please do not clear
the CMOS right aer you update the BIOS. If you need to clear the CMOS when
you just nish updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system rst, and then shut
it down before you do the clear-CMOS action. Please be noted that the password,
date, time, and user default prole will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is
removed.
Clear CMOSDefault

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2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
System Panel Header
(9-pin PANEL1)
(see p.1, No. 20)
Connect the power
switch, reset switch and
system status indicator on
the chassis to this header
according to the pin
assignments below. Note
the positive and negative
pins before connecting
the cables.
GND
RESET#
PWRBTN#
PLED-
PLED+
GND
HDLED-
HDLED+
1
GND
PWRBTN (Power Switch):
Connect to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may congure the way to
turn o your system using the power switch.
RESET (Reset Switch):
Connect to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset switch to restart
the computer if the computer freezes and fails to perform a normal restart.
PLED (System Power LED):
Connect to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. e LED is on when
the system is operating. e LED keeps blinking when the system is in S1/S3 sleep state.
e LED is o when the system is in S4 sleep state or powered o (S5).
HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED):
Connect to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. e LED is on when
the hard drive is reading or writing data.
e front panel design may dier by chassis. A front panel module mainly consists
of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc.
When connecting your chassis front panel module to this header, make sure the wire
assignments and the pin assignments are matched correctly.
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 to the motherboard.