ASROCK ALIVEXFIRE-ESATA2 R3.0_987 - User manual

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ASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2 Motherboard
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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.
PublishedDecember 2007
Copyright©2007ASRock INC.All rights reserved.
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

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Motherboard LMotherboard L
Motherboard LMotherboard L
Motherboard Layoutayout
ayoutayout
ayout
1 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 19 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)
2 ATX 12V Connector (ATX12V1) 20 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 21 Serial ATAII Connector
4 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) (SATAII_BLUE (PORT 4))
5 AM2 940-Pin CPU Socket 22 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
6 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 23 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
7 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 24 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1)
(Dual Channel A: DDRII_1, DDRII_2; Yellow) 25 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
8 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 26 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
(Dual Channel B: DDRII_3, DDRII_4; Orange) 27 PCI Slots (PCI1- 3)
9 IDE1 Connector (IDE1, Blue) 28 HDMI_SPDIF Header (HDMI_SPDIF1)
10 North Bridge Controller 29 BIOS LPC Chip
11 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 30 Infrared Module Connector (IR1)
12 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE3) 31 PCIE Express Slot (PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH)
13 South Bridge Controller 32 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE1)
14 Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_ORANGE (PORT 2))33 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector
15 Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_RED (PORT 1)) 34 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
16 Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_BLACK (PORT 3)) 35 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_TOP)
17 USB 2.0 Header (USB2_3, Blue) 36 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_BOTTOM)
18 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Blue)

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ASRASR
ASRASR
ASRock 6CH_eSAock 6CH_eSA
ock 6CH_eSAock 6CH_eSA
ock 6CH_eSATT
TT
TAII I/OAII I/O
AII I/OAII I/O
AII I/O
1 Parallel Port 7 Microphone (Pink)
2 RJ-45 Port 8 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
3 Rear Speaker (Black) 9 eSATAII Ports
4 Central / Bass (Orange) 10 COM Port
5 Line In (Light Blue) 11 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
*6 Front Speaker (Lime) 12 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green)
* 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
* To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. Please refer to below steps for the software setting of Multi-Streaming.
For Windows®XP:
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” or
“4CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker
and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDAAudio 2nd output” to use front panel audio. Then
reboot your system.
For Windows®VistaTM:
After restarting your computer, please double-click “Realtek HD Audio Manager” on the
system tray. Set “Speaker Configuration” to “5.1 Speaker”. Click “Device advanced settings”,
choose “Make front and rear output devices playbacks two different audio streams
simultaneously”, and click “ok”. Then reboot your system.
Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass
(No. 6) (No. 3) (No. 4)
2 V -- --
4VV--
6VVV

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1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2 motherboard, a reliable
motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It de-
livers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commit-
ment 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 onASRock 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
If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please
visit our website for specific information about the model you are
using.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.11.1
1.11.1
1.1 PP
PP
Packack
ackack
ackage Contentsage Contents
age Contentsage Contents
age Contents
1 xASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm)
1 xASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2 Quick Installation Guide
1 xASRock ALiveXFire-eSATA2 Support CD
1 x UltraATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor)
1 x 3.5-in FloppyDrive Ribbon Cable
2 x SerialATA(SATA)Data Cables (Optional)
1 x SerialATA(SATA) HDDPower Cable (Optional)
1 x HDMI_SPDIF Cable (Optional)
1 xASRock 6CH_eSATAII I/O Shield
1 x USB Bracket
1 x PCIE Switch Card
This motherboard is bundled with one PCIE Switch card installed on PCIE2/
PCIE SWITCH slot, which allows you better flexibility to choose PCIE
functions between one PCIE x16 slot and two PCIE slots for ATITM
CrossFireTM without setting up jumpers.
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1.21.2
1.21.2
1.2 SpecificationsSpecifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm
CPU - Socket AM2 forAMDPhenomTM X4 / X2,Athlon 64FX / 64X2 /
X2 / 64 and Sempron processors
-AMD LIVE!TM Ready
- SupportsAMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology
- FSB 1000 MHz (2.0GT/s)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Hyper-Transport Technology
Chipset -Northbridge: AMD480X CrossFireTM
- Southbridge:ATITM SB600
Memory - Dual ChannelDDR2 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- 4 xDDR2DIMM slots
- SupportDDR2 1066/800/667/533 (see CAUTION 3)
- Max. capacity: 8GB (see CAUTION 4)
Hybrid Booster - CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 5)
-ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 6)
- Boot FailureGuard (B.F.G.)
-AM2 Boost:ASRock Patented Technology to boost memory
performance up to 12.5% (see CAUTION 7)
Expansion Slot - SupportsATITM CrossFireTM graphics cards
(see CAUTION 8)
- 1 x PCI Express x16 slot with PCIE Switch card or 2 x PCI
Express Graphics slots for ATITM CrossFireTM
(see CAUTION 9)
- 1 x PCI Express x1 slot
- 3 x PCI slots
Audio - 5.1 CH Windows®VistaTM Premium Level HDAudio
(ALC662Audio Codec)
LAN - PCIE x1Gigabit LAN10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Realtek RTL8111B
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/O ASRock6CH_eSATAII I/O
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x Serial Port: COM1
- 1 x Parallel Port (ECP/EPP Support)
- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 x eSATAII Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 Port

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- HDAudio Jack: Rear Speaker / Central/Bass / Line in / Front
Speaker / Microphone (see CAUTION 10)
Connector - 4 x SATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID(RAID0,
RAID1 and RAID10),NCQ,AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions
(see CAUTION 11)
- 2 x eSATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors (shared with 2 SATAII ports),
support RAID(RAID 0 and RAID1), NCQ,AHCI and “Hot Plug”
functions (see CAUTION 12)
- 1 xATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- CPU/Chassis FANconnector
- 20 pinATX power connector
- 4 pin 12V power connector
- SLI/XFire power connector
- CD in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 4 x USB 2.0 headers (support 8 USB 2.0 ports)
(see CAUTION 13)
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 (TrialVersion)
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 Media Center / XP 64-bit
/ VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, Microsoft®WHQL Certificated

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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.
CAUTION!
1. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 37 for details.
2. 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 11 for proper
installation.
3. Whether 1066MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM2+
CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR2 1066 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
4. Due to the operating system and chipset limitation, the actual memory
size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under
Windows®XP, Windows®VistaTM, and Windows®VistaTM 64-bit. For
Windows®XP 64-bit with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. This motherboard supports ASRock AM2 Boost overclocking technology. If
you enable this function in the BIOS setup, the memory performance will
improve up to 12.5%, but the effect still depends on the AM2 CPU you
adopt. Enabling this function will overclock the chipset/CPU reference clock.
However, we can not guarantee the system stability for all CPU/DRAM
configurations. If your system is unstable after AM2 Boost function is enabled,
it may not be applicative to your system. You may choose to disable this
function for keeping the stability of your system.
8. Please remove PCIE Switch card from PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot before
you use ATITM CrossFireTM function. In CrossFireTM mode, the two ATITM graph-
ics cards you install should be from the same GPU family.

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9. This motherboard is bundled with one PCIE Switch card installed on PCIE2/
PCIE SWITCH slot, which allows you better flexibility to choose PCIE func-
tions between one PCIE x16 slot and two PCIE slots for ATITM CrossFireTM
without setting up jumpers. To avail of the PCI Express x16 graphics card
installed on PCIE3 slot work at PCIE x16 bandwidth, please make sure that
PCIE Switch card is installed on PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot. Please refer to
page 15 for details of installing a single graphics card.
10. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono
modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-channel
and 6-channel modes. Please check the table on page 3 for proper
connection.
11. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the “SATAII
Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 30 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to
SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector
directly.
12. This motherboard supports eSATAII interface, the external SATAII
specification. Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 27
for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.
13. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft®Windows®
VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4.
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 Premium 2007 and Basic LogoPremium 2007 and Basic Logo
Premium 2007 and Basic LogoPremium 2007 and Basic Logo
Premium 2007 and Basic Logo
For system integrators and users who purchase this motherboard and
plan to submit Windows®VistaTM Premium 2007 and Basic logo, please
follow below table for minimum hardware requirements.
CPU Sempron 2800+
Memory 1GB system memory (Premium)
512MB Single Channel (Basic)
VGA DX9.0 with WDDM Driver
with 128bit VGA memory (Premium)
with 64bit VGA memory (Basic)
* After June 1, 2007, all Windows®VistaTM systems are required to meet above
minimum hardware requirements in order to qualify for Windows®VistaTM Premium
2007 logo.

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2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm) motherboard.
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to en-
sure that the motherboard fits into it.
Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions
Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions
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
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 anti-
static 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.

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2.12.1
2.12.1
2.1 CPU InstallationCPU Installation
CPU InstallationCPU Installation
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 fits in place.
The CPU fits 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 firmly 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.
2.22.2
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
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
dissipation. Make sure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fas-
tened and in good contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to
the CPU FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 2, No. 3). 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
Lever 90° Up CPU Golden Triangle
Socket Corner Small Triangle
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2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)
y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)
y Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR2 (DoubleData Rate 2) DIMM slots,
and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration,
you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type)
DDR2DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install
identicalDDR2DIMM pair in Dual Channel A(DDRII_1 andDDRII_2; Yellow slots;
see p.2 No.7) or identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDRII_3 and
DDRII_4; Orange slots; see p.2 No.8), so thatDual Channel Memory Technology
can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install fourDDR2DIMMs for
dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR2 DIMMs in all four
slots. You may refer to theDual Channel Memory ConfigurationTable below.
Dual Channel Memory Configurations
DDRII_1 DDRII_2 DDRII_3 DDRII_4
(Yellow Slot) (Yellow Slot) (Orange Slot) (Orange Slot)
(1) Populated Populated - -
(2) - - Populated Populated
(3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For the configuration (3), please install identical DDR2DIMMs in all four slots.
1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal compatibil-
ity 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
yellow slots (DDRII_1 and DDRII_2), or in the set of orange slots
(DDRII_3 and DDRII_4).
2. If only one memory module or three memory modules are in-
stalled in the DDR2 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
DDRII_1 and DDRII_3, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel
Memory Technology .
4. It is not allowed to install a DDR memory module into DDR2 slot;
otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.

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Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM
Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM
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 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 theDIMM 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.

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2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 3 PCI slots and 3 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 slot (PCI Express x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with
x1 lane width, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc.
For PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot and PCIE3 slot, you may choose to use
one PCI Express x16 slot with PCIE Switch card or two PCI Express
Graphics slots for ATITM CrossFireTM.
NOTE:
If you want the PCI Express x16 graphics card on PCIE3 slot to work at PCIE
x16 bandwidth, you need to install PCIE Switch card on PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH
slot. Please refer to page 15 for details of installing a single graphics card.
If you want to enable ATITM CrossFireTM feature, please refer to page 16 for
details of installing CrossFireTM graphics cards.
Please refer to the table below for possible PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot
and PCIE3 slot configurations.
PCIE2/PCIE Switch Slot and PCIE3 Slot Configurations
PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH Slot PCIE3 Slot
Card Type Card Type
Single Graphics Card * PCIE Switch Card PCIE x16 graphics card
Dual Graphics Cards
in CrossFireTM Mode ** ATITM Standard Radeon
(CrossFireTM Ready)
graphics card
ATITM Radeon CrossFireTM
Edition graphics card
* To avail of the PCI Express x16 graphics card installed on PCIE3 slot work at
PCIE x16 bandwidth, please make sure that PCIE Switch card is installed on
PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot. Please refer to page 15 for details of installing a
single graphics card.
** Please remove PCIE Switch card from PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot before you
use ATITM CrossFireTM function. In CrossFireTM mode, the two ATITM graphics
cards you install should be from the same GPU family.

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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 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 firmly 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 Installing a Single Graphics Card2.5 Installing a Single Graphics Card
2.5 Installing a Single Graphics Card2.5 Installing a Single Graphics Card
2.5 Installing a Single Graphics Card
Step 1. Install a PCI Express x16 graphics card on PCIE3 slot. Please refer to
page 14 for proper procedures of installing an expansion card.
Step 2. Make sure that the PCIE Switch card is installed on PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH
slot to avail of the PCI Express x16 graphics card full x16 bandwidth.
Step 3. Connect one end of the monitor cable to the PCI Express x16 graphics
card on PCIE3 slot.
Step 4. Connect another end of the monitor cable to the corresponding port on
your monitor.
Step 5. Connect an auxiliary power source from the power supply to the PCI
Express x16 graphics card on PCIE3 slot. (Only when your graphics
card provides such a power connector.)
PCIE Switch card
PCIE Switch card
on PCIE2/PCIE
SWITCH slot

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2.6 Installing CrossFire2.6 Installing CrossFire
2.6 Installing CrossFire2.6 Installing CrossFire
2.6 Installing CrossFireTMTM
TMTM
TM Graphics CardsGraphics Cards
Graphics CardsGraphics Cards
Graphics Cards
This motherboard supports CrossFireTM feature. CrossFireTM technology offers the
most advantageous means available of combining multiple high performanceGraphics
Processing Units (GPU) in a single PC. Combining a range of different operating
modes with intelligent software design and an innovative interconnect mechanism,
CrossFireTM enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in
any 3D application. Currently CrossFireTM feature is only supported with Windows®
XP with Service Pack 2; it may be supported with other OS in the future, such as
Windows®VistaTM. Please check ATITM website for driver updates.
1. If a customer incorrectly configures their system they will not see the
performance benefits of CrossFireTM. All three CrossFireTM components, a
CrossFireTM Ready graphics card, a CrossFireTM Ready motherboard and
a CrossFireTM Edition co-processor graphics card, must be installed
correctly to benefit from the CrossFireTM multi-GPU platform.
2. If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireTM Edition card with a 16-pipe card, both
cards will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireTM mode.
Enjoy the benefit of CrossFireEnjoy the benefit of CrossFire
Enjoy the benefit of CrossFireEnjoy the benefit of CrossFire
Enjoy the benefit of CrossFireTMTM
TMTM
TM
It is recommended to use 500-Watt power supply or greater
to perform the benefit of CrossFireTM feature for Radeon
X850XT, X1900 and X1950 series.
Step 1. Remove PCIE Switch card from PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot if one is installed.
Step 2. Connect to the system power supply. Please connect a hard disk power
connector to SLI/XFIRE Power connector on this motherboard.
What graphics cards work with CrossFireTM?
A complete CrossFireTM system requires a CrossFireTM Ready motherboard,
a CrossFireTM Edition graphics card and a compatible standard Radeon
(CrossFireTM Ready) graphics card from the same series, or two CrossFireTM
Ready cards if they are software enabled. This applies to cards from ATITM or
any of its partners.
Currently, ATITM has released Radeon X850XT, X1800XT, X1900XT, X1950XT,
X1300, and X1600 CrossFireTM cards, which require different methods to
enable CrossFireTM feature. In the below procedures, we use Radeon
X850XT as the example graphics card. For other CrossFireTM cards that
ATITM has released or will release in the future, please refer to ATITM graphics
card manuals for detailed installation guide.
Cards For PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH Slot Cards For PCIE3 Slot
Radeon X1950 Series Radeon X1950 CrossFireTM Edition
Radeon X1900 Series Radeon X1900 CrossFireTM Edition
Radeon X1800 Series Radeon X1800 CrossFireTM Edition
Radeon X1600 Series Radeon X1600 Series
Radeon X1300 Series Radeon X1300 Series
Radeon X850 Series Radeon X850 CrossFireTM Edition

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DVI-DMS cable DMS connector DVI connector
1. You are allowed to install two CrossFireTM Edition graphics cards to both slots, or you
may use one CrossFireTM Edition graphics cards and a compatible standard Radeon
(CrossFireTM Ready) graphics card from the same series.
2. ForATITM Radeon X1300 and X1600 series, there are no CrossFireTM Edition graphics
cards. You can still install two regular graphics cards from the same series (two
Radeon X1300 series cards or two Radeon X1600 series cards) on PCIE2/PCIE
SWITCH slot and PCIE3 slot to support CrossFireTM. Besides, please connect the
monitor cable to the graphics card on PCIE3 slot.
Step 3. Install the standard Radeon (CrossFireTM Ready) graphics card to PCIE2/
PCIE SWITCH slot. For the proper installation procedures, please refer to
section “Expansion Slots”.
Connect the DVI-DMS
cable to DVI connector of
the compatible standard
Radeon (CrossFireTM
Ready) graphics card.
Standard Radeon
(CrossFireTM Ready)
graphics card
Standard Radeon
(CrossFireTM Ready)
graphics card
Radeon CrossFireTM
Edition graphics card
DVI connector
Standard Radeon (CrossFireTM Ready)
graphics card
There are two DVI connectors on the
standard Radeon (CrossFireTM Ready)
graphics card. Please connect the DVI-DMS
cable to the correctDVI connector; otherwise
, the graphics card will not work.
Step 4. Install the Radeon CrossFireTM Edition graphics card to PCIE3 slot. For the
proper installation procedures, please refer to section “Expansion Slots”.
Step 5. Correctly connect the DVI-DMS cable to the monitor connector and two
graphics cards that you install. (If you install two standard Radeon
(CrossFireTM Ready) graphics cards to this motherboard, please skip this
step.)

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Step 6. Power on your computer and boot into OS.
Step 7. Remove theATITM driver if you have anyVGA driver installed in your system.
If you install two CrossFireTM Edition graphics cards to this motherboard, please
connect one end ofDVI-DMS cable to the monitor, another end to DMS of one
of the CrossFireTM Edition graphics cards to PCIE3 slot, and the other end to
DVI of another CrossFireTM Edition graphics card to PCIE2/PCIE SWITCH slot.
If you install one CrossFireTM Edition graphics card and one compatible stan-
dard Radeon (CrossFireTM Ready) graphics card to this motherboard, please
connect one end ofDVI-DMS cable to the monitor, another end toDMS of the
CrossFireTM Edition graphics card, and the other end toDVI of the compatible
standard Radeon (CrossFireTM Ready) graphics card.
Connect the DVI-DMS
cable to the monitor
connector.
Connect the DVI-DMS
cable to DMS connector
of the CrossFireTM Edition
graphics card.
The Catalyst Uninstaller is an optional download. We recommend using this
utility to uninstall any previously installed Catalyst drivers prior to installation.
Please visit this website for the driver:
http://support.ati.com/ics/support/DLRedirect.asp?
fileIDExt=050553d40196ef109fff37cbb40aaf28&accountID=737&deptID=894
Step 8. Install the required drivers to your system. Please visit the websites below
for installing the drivers that ATITM recommends:
A. ATITM recommends Windows®XP Service Pack 2 or higher to be
installed (If you have Windows®XP Service Pack 2 or higher installed
in your system, there is no need to download it again):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
B. You must have Microsoft .NET Framework installed prior to
downloading and installing the CATALYST Control Center:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
FamilyId=262D25E3-F589-4842-8157-034D1E7CF3A3&displaylang=en
DMS
connector
Radeon
CrossFireTM
Edition graphics
card
Step 9. Restart your computer.

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If you install one Radeon CrossFireTM Edition graphics card and one compatible
standard Radeon (CrossFireTM Ready) graphics card to this motherboard but
not two Radeon CrossFireTM Edition graphics cards, please as well follow the
above steps. However, although you have selected the option “Enable
CrossFireTM”, the CrossFireTM function can not work actually. Your computer
will automatically reboot.After restarting your computer, please confirm whether
the option “Enable CrossFireTM” in “ATI Catalyst Control Center” is selected or
not; if not, please select it again, and then you are able to enjoy the benefit of
CrossFireTM feature.
Step 12. You can freely enjoy the benefit of CrossFireTM feature.
Step 11. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, and select “Ad-
vanced View”. Click “CrossFireTM”, and then set the option “Enable
CrossFireTM” to “Yes”.
Step 10. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your computer.
Then you will find “ATI Catalyst Control Center” on your desktop.
You will find “ATI Catalyst
Control Center” on your
desktop.
View
CrossFireTM EnableCrossFireTM
* CrossFireTM appearing here is a registered trademark of ATITM Technologies Inc., and is used
only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

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Short Open
2.82.8
2.82.8
2.8 Jumpers SetupJumpers Setup
Jumpers SetupJumpers Setup
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_PW1 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.
Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.2, No. 11)
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 pin2 and pin3
on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However, please do not clear the CMOS right
after you update the BIOS. If you need to clear the CMOS when you just finish
updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system first, and then shut it down
before you do the clear-CMOS action.
Clear CMOSDefault
2.7 Surround Display Feature2.7 Surround Display Feature
2.7 Surround Display Feature2.7 Surround Display Feature
2.7 Surround Display Feature
This motherboard supports Surround Display upgrade. With the external add-on
PCI Express VGA cards, you can easily enjoy the benefits of SurroundDisplay
feature. For the detailed instruction, please refer to the document at the following
path in the Support CD:
..\ Surround Display Information