ASROCK A75 Pro4 MVP User manual

1
A75 Pro4
User Manual
Version 1.1
Published June 2011
Copyright©2011 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

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Copyright Notice:
No part of this manual 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 manual may or may not be regis-
tered 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 manual are furnished for informa-
tional 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 manual.
With respect to the contents of this manual, ASRock does not provide warranty of
any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warran-
ties or conditions of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose.
In no event shall ASRock, its directors, of cers, employees, or agents be liable for
any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for
loss of pro ts, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like),
even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from
any defect or error in the manual or product.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing 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 Cali-
fornia, 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

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Contents
1. Introduction................................................................. 5
1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 5
1.2 Speci cations............................................................................. 6
1.3 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12
1.4 I/O Panel .................................................................................. 13
2. Installation................................................................... 15
Pre-installation Precautions ................................................................ 15
2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 16
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ...................................... 16
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) .................................... 17
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)........................... 19
2.5 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide............ 20
2.6 Dual Graphics Operation Guide ................................................ 24
2.7 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features ........................... 26
2.8 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide................................. 29
2.9 Jumpers Setup........................................................................... 30
2.10 Onboard Headers and Connectors ....................................... 31
2.11 Smart Switches.......................................................................... 36
2.12 Dr. Debug .............................................................................. 37
2.13 Serial ATA3 (SATA3) Hard Disks Installation ......................... 41
2.14 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA3 HDDs ................. 41
2.15 SATA3 HDD Hot Plug and Hot SwapFeature and Operation
Operation Guide ........................................................................ 42
2.16 Driver Installation Guide ............................................................ 44
2.17 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP /
XP 64-bit With RAID Functions.................................................. 44
2.17.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit With RAID
Functions ....................................................................... 44
2.17.2 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
With RAID Functions ..................................................... 45
2.18 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP /
XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions............................................. 46
2.18.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ....................................................................... 46
2.18.2 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
Without RAID Functions ................................................ 47

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3. UEFI SETUP UTILITY.......................................................... 48
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 48
3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar................................................................ 48
3.1.2 Navigation Keys............................................................... 49
3.2 Main Screen............................................................................... 49
3.3 OC Tweaker Screen................................................................... 50
3.4 Advanced Screen ...................................................................... 53
3.4.1 CPU Con guration........................................................... 54
3.4.2 North Bridge Con guration .............................................. 55
3.4.3 South Bridge Con guration ............................................. 56
3.4.4 Storage Con guration...................................................... 57
3.4.5 Super IO Con guration.................................................... 58
3.4.6 ACPI Con guration.......................................................... 59
3.4.7 USB Con guration........................................................... 61
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ............................... 62
3.6 Boot Screen ............................................................................... 63
3.7 Security Screen ......................................................................... 64
3.8 Exit Screen ................................................................................ 65
4. Software Support......................................................... 66
4.1 Install Operating System............................................................ 66
4.2 Support CD Information ............................................................. 66
4.2.1 Running Support CD ....................................................... 66
4.2.2 Drivers Menu ................................................................... 66
4.2.3 Utilities Menu ................................................................... 66
4.2.4 Contact Information ......................................................... 66

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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock A75 Pro4 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.
In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-
by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the con guration
guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.
Because the motherboard speci cations and the BIOS software might
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
notice. In case any modi cations of this manual occur, the updated ver-
sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may
nd the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as
well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit
our website for speci c information about the model you are using.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.1 Package Contents
ASRock A75 Pro4 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.8-in, 30.5 cm x 22.4 cm)
ASRock A75 Pro4 Quick Installation Guide
ASRock A75 Pro4 Support CD
4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
ASRock Reminds You...
To get better performance in Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64
bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage Con guration
to AHCI mode. For the BIOS setup, please refer to the “User Manual” in
our support CD for details.

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1.2 Specifications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.8-in, 30.5 cm x 22.4 cm
- All Solid Capacitor design
CPU - Support for Socket FM1 100W processors
- V4 + 1 Power Phase Design
- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology
- UMI-Link GEN2
Chipset - AMD A75 FCH (Hudson-D3)
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Support DDR3 2400+(OC)/1866/1600/1333/1066/
800 non-ECC, un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 2)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB (see CAUTION 3)
Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
(PCIE2 @ x16 mode; PCIE4 @ x4 mode)
- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
- 3 x PCI slots
- Supports AMD Quad CrossFireXTM, CrossFireXTM and Dual
Graphics
Graphics - AMD Radeon HD 65XX/64XX graphics
- DirectX 11, Pixel Shader 5.0
- Max. shared memory 512MB (see CAUTION 4)
- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
(see CAUTION 5)
- Supports HDMI 1.4a Technology with max. resolution up to
1920x1200 @ 60Hz
- Supports Dual-link DVI with max. resolution up to
2560x1600 @ 75Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1600 @
60Hz
- Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and
HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI (Compliant HDMI
monitor is required) (see CAUTION 6)
- Supports Blu-ray Stereoscopic 3D with HDMI 1.4a
- Supports AMD Steady VideoTM: New video post processing
capability for automatic jutter reduction on home/online
video
- Supports HDCP function with DVI and HDMI ports
- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback
with DVI and HDMI ports

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Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
(Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)
- Premium Blu-ray audio support
- Supports THX TruStudioTM
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Realtek RTL8111E
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports LAN Cable Detection
- Supports Energy Ef cient Ethernet 802.3az
- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
- 1 x D-Sub Port
- 1 x DVI-D Port
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x eSATA3 Connector
- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port 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 (see CAUTION 7)
SATA3 - 5 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1 and RAID 10), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions
USB 3.0 - 4 x USB 3.0 ports, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
Connector - 5 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors
- 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
- CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connector
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
- Front panel audio connector
- 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
- 1 x Dr. Debug (7-Segment Debug LED)

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Smart Switch - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
- 1 x Power Switch with LED
- 1 x Reset Switch with LED
BIOS Feature - 32Mb 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
- DRAM, VDDP, VDDR, SB Voltage Multi-adjustment
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), AMD
Live! Explorer, AMD Fusion, CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5
Trial, ASRock Software Suite (CyberLink DVD Suite - OEM
and Trial)
Unique Feature - ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) (see CAUTION 8)
- ASRock Instant Boot
- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 9)
- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 10)
- ASRock SmartView (see CAUTION 11)
- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 12)
- ASRock On/Off Play Technology (see CAUTION 13)
- Hybrid Booster:
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 14)
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer
- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan
- CPU/Chassis Fan Multi-Speed Control
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP
SP3 / XP 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 15)
* 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 the third-party over-
clocking 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.

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CAUTION!
1. This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before
you implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read the
installation guide of memory modules on page 17 for proper installation.
2. Whether 2400/1866/1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on
the CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 2400/1866/1600 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
3. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be
less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows®7 /
VistaTM / XP. For Windows®64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such
limitation.
4. The maximum shared memory size is de ned by the chipset vendor and
is subject to change. Please check AMD website for the latest informa-
tion.
5. You can choose to use two of the three monitors only. D-Sub, DVI-D and
HDMI monitors cannot be enabled at the same time. Besides, with the
DVI-to-HDMI adapter, the DVI-D port can support the same features as
HDMIport.
6. xvYCC and Deep Color are only supported under Windows®7 64-bit /
7. Deep Color mode will be enabled only if the display supports 12bpc
in EDID. HBR is supported under Windows®7 64-bit / 7 / VistaTM 64-bit /
VistaTM.
7. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono
modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-chan-
nel, 6-channel, and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on page 13
for proper connection.
8. ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) is an all-in-one tool to ne-tune
different system functions in a user-friendly interface, which is including
Hardware Monitor, Fan Control, Overclocking, OC DNA and IES. In Hard-
ware Monitor, it shows the major readings of your system. In Fan Control,
it shows the fan speed and temperature for you to adjust. In Overclock-
ing, you are allowed to overclock CPU frequency for optimal system
performance. In OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as a pro le
and share with your friends. Your friends then can load the OC pro le to
their own system to get the same OC settings. In IES (Intelligent Energy
Saver), the voltage regulator can reduce the number of output phases to
improve ef ciency when the CPU cores are idle without sacri cing com-
puting performance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures
of ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU).
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com

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9. ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS ash utility embedded in Flash ROM.
This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS
without entering operating systems rst like MS-DOS or Windows®. With
this utility, you can press <F6> key during the POST or press <F2> key to
BIOS setup menu to access ASRock Instant Flash. Just launch this tool
and save the new BIOS le to your USB ash drive, oppy disk or hard
drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without prepar-
ing an additional oppy diskette or other complicated ash utility. Please
be noted that the USB ash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 le
system.
10. If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your Apple devices,
such as iPhone/iPod/iPad Touch, ASRock has prepared a wonderful solu-
tion for you - ASRock APP Charger. Simply installing the APP Charger
driver, it makes your iPhone charged 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), Sus-
pend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5). With APP
Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the marvelous charging
experience than ever.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/AppCharger/index.asp
11. SmartView, a new function of internet browser, 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 SmartView utility that helps you keep in touch with
friends on-the-go. To use SmartView feature, please make sure your OS
version is Windows®7 / 7 64 bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64 bit, and your browser
version is IE8.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/SmartView/index.asp
12. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The
performance may depend on the property of the device.
13. ASRock On/Off Play Technology allows users to enjoy the great audio ex-
perience from the portable audio devices, such like MP3 player or mobile
phone to your PC, even when the PC is turned off (or in ACPI S5 mode)!
This motherboard also provides a free 3.5mm audio cable (optional) that
ensures users the most convenient computing environment.
14. While CPU overheat is detected, the system will automatically shutdown.
Before you resume the system, please check if the CPU fan on the moth-
erboard 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.

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15. EuP, stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by Eu-
ropean Union to de ne the power consumption for the completed system.
According to EuP, the total AC power of the completed system shall be
under 1.00W in off mode condition. To meet EuP standard, an EuP ready
motherboard and an EuP ready power supply are required. According to
Intel’s suggestion, the EuP ready power supply must meet the standard
of 5v standby power ef ciency is higher than 50% under 100 mA current
consumption. For EuP ready power supply selection, we recommend you
checking with the power supply manufacturer for more details. Besides,
please be noted that if you enable ASRock On/Off Play Technology, your
system will not meet EuP standard. To meet EuP standard, please dis-
able ASRock On/Off Play Technology rst.

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1.3 Motherboard Layout
1 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1) 22 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 23 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
3 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 24 Power LED Header (PLED1)
4 CPU Socket 25 USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Blue)
5 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 26 SPI Flash Memory (32Mb)
6 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 27 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)
7 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 28 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)
(Dual Channel A: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue) 29 Consumer Infrared Module Header (CIR1)
8 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 30 COM Port Header (COM1)
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; White) 31 HDMI_SPDIF Header (HDMI_SPDIF1, White)
9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 32 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
10 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) (FRONT_1394, White)
11 Southbridge Controller 33 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1, White)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_5, White) 34 PCI Slot (PCI3)
13 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4, White) 35 PCI Slot (PCI2)
14 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3, White) 36 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4; Blue)
15 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1, White) 37 PCI Slot (PCI1)
16 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2, White) 38 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE3; White)
17 Dr. Debug (LED) 39 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Blue)
18 Power Switch (PWRBTN) 40 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; White)
19 Reset Switch (RSTBTN) 41 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2)
20 System Panel Header (PANEL1, White) 42 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3)
21 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, White)
Super
I/O
CMOS
BATTERY
ATXPWR1
AMD
A75 FCH
(Hudson-D3)
Chipset
COM1
PCIE1
PCI1
LAN
AUDIO
CODEC
1
CLRCMOS1
1
CPU_FAN1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
PANEL1
CHA_FAN1
SPEAKER1
1
HD_AUDIO1
1
30.5cm (12.0-in)
22.4cm (8.8-in)
67
124
358
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
2627
28
29
32Mb
BIOS
IR1
1
PCIE2
HDMI1
Top:
CTR BASS
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
1
USB6_7
CPU_FAN2
A75 Pro4
ErP/EuP Ready
RoHS
DDR3 2400+
USB 3.0
T: US B4
B: USB5
CIR1
1
SATA3 6Gb/s
ATX12V1
HDMI 1.4a
Ps2
Keyboard/
Mouse
SOCKET FM1
PCIE4
Dr.
Debug
PWRBTN RSTBTN
PLED1
1
SATA3_1
SATA3_2
SATA3_3
SATA3_4
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
PWR_FAN1
FRONT_1394
1
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
1
USB8_9
1
USB10_11
VGA1
DVI_CON1
Clr
CMOS
USB 2.0
T: US B2
B: USB3
IEEE 1394
eSATA1
Top:
RJ-45
USB 3.0
T: US B0
B: USB1
CHA_FAN3
CHA_FAN2
USB 3.0
1394a
303132
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
PCIE3
PCI2
PCI3
SATA3_5
DX11
XFast USB
Designed in Taipei
Dual Graphics

13
1.4 I/O Panel
** There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
LAN Port LED Indications
Activity/Link LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
1 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port (Green/Purple) 10 Microphone (Pink)
2 D-Sub Port 11 USB 3.0 Ports (USB01)
* 3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) 12 IEEE 1394 Port (IEEE 1394)
** 4 LAN RJ-45 Port **** 13 eSATA3 Connector
5 Central / Bass (Orange) 14 Clear CMOS Switch (CLRCBTN)
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 15 HDMI Port
7 Optical SPDIF Out Port 16 DVI-D Port
8 Line In (Light Blue) 17 USB 3.0 Ports (USB45)
*** 9 Front Speaker (Lime)
LAN Port
ACT/LINK
LED SPEED LED
124
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
*** 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. 9) (No. 6) (No. 5) Side Speaker
(No. 8)
2 V -- -- --
4 V V -- --
6 V V V --
8 V V V V
* It is recommended to install the USB Keyboard/Mouse cable to USB 2.0 ports (USB23)
instead of USB 3.0 ports.

14
To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will nd “Mixer” tool on your system.
Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click “ok”.
Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or “8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Pri-
mary 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.

15
2. Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 8.8-in, 30.5 cm x 22.4 cm) 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.
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.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static elec-
tricity, 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 anti-
static pad or in the bag that comes with the component.
5. When placing screws into the screw holes to secure the mother-
board to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing
so may damage the motherboard.

16
2.1 CPU Installation
Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90oangle.
Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with
the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.
Step 3. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place.
The CPU ts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU
into the socket to avoid bending of the pins.
Step 4. When the CPU is in place, press it rmly on the socket while you push
down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
After 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 dis-
sipation. Make sure 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 12, No. 5 or CPU_FAN2,
see Page 12, No. 6). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the
instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.
STEP 1:
Lift Up The Socket Lever
STEP 2 / STEP 3:
Match The CPU Golden Triangle
To The Socket Corner Small
Triangle
STEP 4:
Push Down And Lock
The Socket Lever
CPU Golden Triangle
Lever 90° Up
Socket Corner Small
Triangle

17
2.3 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 con-
guration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size
and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words,
you have to install identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel A (DDR3_
A1 and DDR3_B1; Blue slots; see p.12 No.7) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in
Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2; White slots; see p.12 No.8), so
that Dual Channel Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard
also allows you to install four DDR3 DIMMs for dual channel con guration, and
please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots. You may refer to the Dual
Channel Memory Con guration Table below.
Dual Channel Memory Configurations
DDR3_A1 DDR3_A2 DDR3_B1 DDR3_B2
(Blue Slot) (White Slot) (Blue Slot) (White Slot)
(1) Populated - Populated -
(2) - Populated - Populated
(3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For the con 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 of the
same color. In other words, install them either in the set of blue
slots (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1), or in the set of white slots (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
the 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 the 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 dam-
aged.
5. If you adopt DDR3 2400/1866/1600 memory modules on this
motherboard, it is recommended to install them on DDR3_A2 and
DDR3_B2 slots.

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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 ts in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent
damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into
the slot at incorrect orientation.
Step 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the slot until the retaining clips at both ends
fully snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
notch
break
notch break

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2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 3 PCI slots and 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
PCIE Slots:
PCIE1 / PCIE3 (PCIE x1 slot; White) is used for PCI Express cards with
x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and SATA2 card.
PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireXTM function.
PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width
cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireXTM function.
1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Ex-
press x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.
2. In CrossFireXTM mode, please install PCI Express x16 graphics
cards on PCIE2 and PCIE4 slots.
3. Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connec-
tor (CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using multiple
graphics cards for better thermal environment.
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 system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed
in a chassis).
Step 3. Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the
screws for later use.
Step 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.
Step 6. Replace the system cover.

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2.5 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide
This motherboard supports CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM feature.
CrossFireXTM technology offers the most advantageous means available of
combining multiple high performance Graphics Processing Units (GPU) in a single
PC. Combining a range of different operating modes with intelligent software design
and an innovative interconnect mechanism, CrossFireXTM enables the highest
possible level of performance and image quality in any 3D application. Currently
CrossFireXTM feature is supported with Windows®XP with Service Pack 2 / VistaTM /
7 OS. Quad CrossFireXTM feature are supported with Windows®VistaTM / 7 OS only.
Please check AMD website for AMD CrossFireXTM driver updates.
2.5.1 Graphics Card Setup
Different CrossFireXTM cards may require different methods to enable CrossFi-
reXTM feature. For other CrossFireXTM cards that AMD has released or will release
in the future, please refer to AMD graphics card manuals for detailed installation
guide.
Step 1. Insert one Radeon graphics card into PCIE2 slot and the other Radeon
graphics card to PCIE4 slot. Make sure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.
1. If a customer incorrectly configures their system they will not see the
performance bene ts of CrossFireXTM. All three CrossFireXTM components, a
CrossFireXTM Ready graphics card, a CrossFireXTM Ready motherboard and a
CrossFireXTM Edition co-processor graphics card, must be installed correctly
to bene t from the CrossFireXTM multi-GPU platform.
2. If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireXTM Edition card with a 16-pipe card, both cards
will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireXTM mode.