ASROCK H97M-ITX/ac User manual

Version 1.0
Published April 2014
Copyright©2014 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

e terms HDMI™ and HDMI High-Denition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI
logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United
States and other countries.

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1.4 Motherboard Layout
Intel
H97
PCIE1
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
HDL ED RES ET
PLE D PWRB TN
PANEL1
1
1
HD_AUDIO1
CPU_FAN1
USB 2.0
T: USB1
B: USB2
HDMI 1
USB 3.0
T: USB1
B: USB2
Top:
RJ-45
USB 3.0
T: USB3
B: USB4
Top:
CTR BASS
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
4
ATXPWR1
7
RoHS
H97M-ITX/ac
ATX12V1
12
CMOS
Battery
USB3_5_6
1
TPMS1
CLRM OS 1
USB_3_4
9
8
12
14 11
17
10
1
CI1
PS2
Keyboard
/Mouse
15
16 13
VGA1
DVI1
PCI Express 3.0
1
1
SATA3 _1
SATA3 _0
SATA3 _4
SATA3 _3 SATA3 _2
MPCIE1
64Mb
BIOS
CHA_FAN1
AUDIO
CODEC
3
5
6
Front USB 3.0

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No. Description
1 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
3 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
4 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1)
5 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
6 Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1)
7 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
8 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_5_6)
9 USB 2.0 Header (USB_3_4)
10 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
11 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_0)
12 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_1)
13 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_2)
14 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_3)
15 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_4)
16 TPM Header (TPMS1)
17 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)

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1.5 I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 USB 2.0 Ports (USB_1_2) 8 Microphone (Pink)
2D-Sub Port 9 Optical SPDIF Out Port
3 LAN RJ-45 Port* 10 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_3_4)
4 Central / Bass (Orange) 11 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_1_2)
5 Rear Speaker (Black) 12 HDMI Port
6 Line In (Light Blue) 13 DVI-D Port
7 Front Speaker (Lime)** 14 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
14 101112
1 3
13
25
89
4
7
6

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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 --
8VVVV
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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Chapter 1 Introduction
ank you for purchasing ASRock H97M-ITX/ac 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 H97M-ITX/ac Motherboard (Mini-ITX Form Factor)
•ASRock H97M-ITX/ac Quick Installation Guide
•ASRock H97M-ITX/ac Support CD
•2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
•1 x I/O Panel Shield
•1 x WiFi-802.11ac Module
•2 x SMA WiFi Antenna Cables
•2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antennas
•1 x WiFi Module Bracket
•2 x Screws for WiFi Module
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 •Mini-ITX Form Factor
•Solid Capacitor design
•High Density Glass Fabric PCB
Unique
Feature
ASRock Super Alloy
•Premium Alloy Choke (Reduces 70% core loss compared to
iron powder choke)
•NexFET™ MOSFET
•Sapphire Black PCB
ASRock 802.11ac WiFi
ASRock Full Spike Protection
ASRock Cloud
ASRock APP Shop
CPU •Supports 4th Gen & 5th Generation Intel® CoreTM Processors
(Socket 1150)
•4 Power Phase design
•Supports Intel® Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology
Chipset •Intel® H97
Memory •Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology
•2 x DDR3 DIMM Slots
•Supports DDR3 1600/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buered
memory
•Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION)
•Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) 1.3 / 1.2
Expansion
Slot
•1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1: x16 mode)
•1 x Vertical Half Mini-PCI Express Slot: For WiFi + BT
Module

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Graphics •Intel® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can
be supported only with processors which are GPU integrated.
•Supports Intel® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals : Intel® Quick
Sync Video with AVC, MVC (S3D) and MPEG-2 Full
HW Encode1, Intel® InTruTM 3D, Intel® Clear Video HD
Technology, Intel® InsiderTM, Intel® HD Graphics 4400/4600
•Pixel Shader 5.0, DirectX 11.1
•Max. shared memory 1792MB
•ree graphics output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
•Supports Triple Monitor
•Supports HDMI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @
60Hz
•Supports DVI-D with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @
60Hz
•Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @
60Hz
•Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and
HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI Port (Compliant
HDMI monitor is required)
•Supports HDCP with DVI-D and HDMI Ports
•Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) playback with DVI-D
and HDMI Ports
Audio •7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC892
Audio Codec)
•Premium Blu-ray Audio support
•Supports Surge Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection)
•ELNA Audio Caps
LAN •PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
•Qualcomm® Atheros® AR8171
•Supports Qualcomm® Atheros® Security Wake On Internet
Technology
•Supports Wake-On-LAN
•Supports Lightning/ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike
Protection)
•Supports Energy Ecient Ethernet 802.3az
•Supports PXE

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Wireless
LAN
•Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
•Supports Dual-Band (2.4/5 GHz)
•Supports High speed wireless connection up to 433Mbps
•Supports Bluetooth 4.0 / 3.0 + High speed class II
Rear Panel
I/O
•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 USB 2.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full
Spike Protection))
•4 x USB 3.0 Ports (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 •5 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel Rapid Storage Technology
13 and Intel Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and
Hot Plug
Connector •1 x Chassis Intrusion Header
•1 x TPM Header
•1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)
•1 x Chassis Fan Connector (4-pin)
•1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector
•1 x 4 pin 12V Power Connector
•1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
•1 x USB 2.0 Header (Supports 2 USB 2.0 ports) (Supports ESD
Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
•1 x USB 3.0 Header (Supports 2 USB 3.0 ports) (Supports ESD
Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
BIOS
Feature
•64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with multilingual GUI support
•ACPI 1.1 Compliant wake up events
•SMBIOS 2.3.1 support

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•CPU, DRAM, PCH 1.05V, PCH 1.5V Voltage multi-adjust-
ment
Support
CD
•Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Soware (Trial Version), Google
Chrome Browser and Toolbar, Start8 (30 days trial), Kloudian
Orbweb.ME Professional (Win 8.1 / 7)
Hardware
Monitor
•CPU/Chassis temperature sensing
•CPU/Chassis Tachometer
•CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan (Auto adjust chassis fan speed by
CPU temperature)
•CPU/Chassis Fan multi-speed control
•CASE OPEN detection
•Voltage monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Input Voltage,
CPU Internal Voltages
OS •Microso® Windows® 8.1 32-bit / 8.1 64-bit / 8 32-bit / 8 64-
bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit
Certica-
tions
•FCC, CE, WHQL
•ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
* 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.
Due to limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation
for system usage under Windows® 32-bit operating systems. Windows® 64-bit operat-
ing systems do not have such limitations. You can use ASRock XFast RAM to utilize
the memory that Windows® cannot use.

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1.3 Unique Features
ASRock Super Alloy
is motherboard is specially designed with Super Alloy Technology for faster,
stabler, and more durable performance, including Premium Alloy Choke,
NexFETTM MOSFET, and Sapphire Black PCB.
ASRock 802.11ac WiFi
No one has time for weak WiFi signals and sluggish Internet connection! at’s why
this motherboard comes with an exclusive 802.11ac WiFi (5G WiFi) module that
supports up to 433Mbps wireless networks and Bluetooth v4.0. Experience up to
144% speed boost compared to your old WiFi!
ASRock Full Spike Protection
A technology consists of 3 unique features: Surge Protection, Lightning Protection,
and ESD Protection. By adding specialized ICs and redesigning circuits, the
onboard audio chip, USB ports, LAN ports, and MOSFETs in critical areas are all
well protected from surges, spikes, and electrostatic discharge.
ASRock Cloud
ASRock partners with Kloudian to make your mobile devices connect to your PC
seamlessly! ASRock Cloud allows you to get connected with your PC’s les, music,
photos, and video clips remotely with tablets anytime, anywhere.
* OrbWeb ME is provided by a third party. Restriction may apply and the oer is subject to change,
termination or discontinuation by the third party without prior notice. Please visit the website for further
details: http://www.asrock.com/feature/cloud/index.html
ASRock APP Shop
ASRock APP Shop is designed for your convenience. We provide various apps and
support soware for users to download on the mainpage of APP Shop. You can eas-
ily optimize your system and keep your motherboard up to date with a few clicks.
ASRock A-Tuning
A-Tuning is ASRock’s multi purpose soware suite with a new interface, more new
features and improved utilities.
ASRock Disk Health Report
Displaying detailed HDD information. You can check the model names, capacities,
temperatures, SMART info, health status, and other information of your HDDs
here.

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ASRock USB Key
In a world where time is money, why waste precious time everyday typing usernames to log
in to Windows? Why should we even bother memorizing those foot long passwords? Just
plug in the USB Key and let your computer log in to windows automatically!
ASRock APP Charger
Simply by installing the ASRock APP Charger makes your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch charge
up to 40% faster than before on your computer. 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), Suspend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or
power o (S5).
ASRock XFast LAN
ASRock XFast LAN provides faster internet access, which includes the benets
listed below. LAN Application Prioritization: You can congure your application’s
priority ideally and add new programs to the list. Lower Latency in Game: Aer
setting online game’s priority higher, it can lower the latency in games. Trac
Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD videos and download simultaneously. Real-
Time Analysis of Your Data: With the status window, you can easily recognize
which data streams you are currently transferring.
ASRock XFast RAM
ASRock XFast RAM is included in A-Tuning. It fully utilizes the memory space
that cannot be used under Windows® 32-bit operating systems. ASRock XFast RAM
shortens the loading time of previously visited websites, making web surng faster
than ever. And it also boosts the speed of Adobe Photoshop 5 times faster. Another
advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that it reduces the frequency of accessing your
SSDs or HDDs in order to extend their lifespan.
ASRock Restart to UEFI
Windows® 8 brings the ultimate boot up experience. e lightning boot up speed
makes it hard to access the UEFI setup. ASRock Restart to UEFI allows users to
enter the UEFI automatically when turning on the PC. By enabling this function,
the PC will enter the UEFI directly aer you restart.
ASRock Full HD UEFI
All new Full HD UEFI with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. e UEFI should be
designed easy to use and setup. With Full HD resolution, now it is much easier and
clearer for all users to setup, optimize, and update their BIOS.

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ASRock My Favorites in UEFI
Another handy design in ASRock UEFI. You can select and add commonly used
BIOS options to "My Favorites" by clicking the asterisk icon at the upper right hand
corner of the screen. ese chosen options will show up on "My Favorites" page in
UEFI.
ASRock UEFI Guide
Need help to optimize your UEFI setting? Got lost among UEFI pages? Just select
“UEFI Guide”! e tutorial will explain every detailed setting and help you to cus-
tomize your UEFI easily.
ASRock Instant Flash
ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS ash utility embedded in Flash ROM. is conve-
nient BIOS update tool allows you to update the system BIOS in a few clicks without
preparing an additional oppy diskette or other complicated ash utility. Just save
the new BIOS le to your USB storage and launch this tool by pressing <F6> or
<F2> during POST to enter the BIOS setup menu to access ASRock Instant Flash.
Please be noted that the USB ash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 le
system.
ASRock Internet Flash
ASRock Internet Flash downloads and updates the latest UEFI rmware version
from our servers for you without entering Windows® OS. You can update the latest
BIOS before installing OS. Please setup network conguration before using Internet
Flash.
ASRock Crashless BIOS
ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their BIOS without fear of failing. If
power loss occurs during the BIOS updating process, ASRock Crashless BIOS will
automatically nish the BIOS update procedure aer regaining power. Please note
that BIOS les need to be placed in the root directory of your USB disk. Only USB 2.0
ports support this feature.
ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard)
Administrators are able to establish an internet curfew or restrict internet access
at specied times via OMG. You may schedule the starting and ending hours of
internet access granted to other users. In order to prevent users from bypassing
OMG, guest accounts without permission to modify the system time are required.

H97M-ITX/ac
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ASRock UEFI Tech Service
Contact ASRock Tech Service by sending a support request from the UEFI setup
utility if you are having trouble with your PC.
ASRock Dehumidier Function
Users may prevent motherboard damages due to dampness by enabling
“Dehumidier Function”. When enabling Dehumidier Function, the computer
will power on automatically to dehumidify the system aer entering S4/S5 state.
ASRock Easy RAID Installer
ASRock Easy RAID Installer can help you to copy the RAID driver from the
support CD to your USB storage device. Aer copying the RAID driver to your
USB storage device, please change “SATA Mode” to “RAID”, then you can start
installing the OS in RAID mode.
ASRock Easy Driver Installer
For users that don’t have an optical disk drive to install the drivers from our support
CD, Easy Driver Installer is a handy tool in the UEFI that installs the LAN driver
to your system via an USB storage device, then downloads and installs the other
required drivers automatically.

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1.4 WiFi-802.11ac Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antenna
WiFi-802.11ac + BT Module
is motherboard comes with an exclusive WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac + BT v4.0
module that oers support for WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac connectivity standards and
Bluetooth v4.0. WiFi + BT module is an easy-to-use wireless local area network
(WLAN) adapter to support WiFi + BT. Bluetooth v4.0 standard features Smart
Ready technology that adds a whole new class of functionality into the mobile
devices. BT 4.0 also includes Low Energy Technology and ensures extraordinary
low power consumption for PCs.
* e transmission speed may vary according to the environment.
* e WiFi + BT module is supported under Windows® 8.1 / 8.1 64-bit / 8 / 8 64-bit /
7 / 7 64-bit only.
ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antennas
(included in the package)
WiFi + BT Module
(included in the package)

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WiFi Module and WiFi Antennas Installation Guide
Step 1
Prepare the WiFi Module, WiFi Module Bracket,
and the two screws (M2*3) that come with the
package. Prepare a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Step 2
Attach the WiFi Module Bracket to the WiFi
card, aligning the screw hole on the WiFi card
with the screw hole on the bracket. Use the screw
to attach the bracket and the WiFi card, but do
not tighten the screw.
Step 3
Insert the WiFi Module Card into the vertical
mini PCI Express slot (MPCIE1).
Step 4
Tighten the screw that holds the card in place.

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Step 5
Tighten the screw that attaches the WiFi
Module Bracket to the WiFi card (installed
in Step 2).
Step 6
Prepare the SMA Wi-Fi Antenna Cables
and WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antennas that come
with the package.
Step 7
Attach the SMA Wi-Fi Antenna Cables to
the WiFi Module.

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Step 8
Insert the RP-SMA Wi-Fi Antenna Con-
nectors to the antenna ports on the I/O
shield
Step 9
Fasten the screw nuts to secure the
antenna connectors.
Step 10
Connect the two WiFi 2.4/5 GHz
Antennas to the antenna connectors. Turn
the antenna clockwise until it is securely
connected.

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Step 11
Set the WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antenna at 90-de-
gree angle.
*You may need to adjust the direction of
the antenna for a stronger signal.