ASROCK K10N7SLI User manual

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K10N7SLI
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published November 2008
Copyright©2008 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

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Copyright Notice:Copyright Notice:
Copyright Notice:Copyright Notice:
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
identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:
Specifications 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 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 manual or product.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY
The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic
substance controlled in Perchlorate Best Management Practices (BMP) regulations
passed by the California Legislature. When you discard the Lithium battery in
California, USA, please follow the related regulations in advance.
“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”
ASRock Website: http://www.asrock.com

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ContentsContents
ContentsContents
Contents
1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction ......................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
........................................................... 55
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5
1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 5
1.2 Specifications ........................................................................... 6
1.3 Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode ........... 11
1.4 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12
1.5 I/O Panel .................................................................................... 13
2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation ..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
............................................................. 1414
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14
Pre-installation Precautions ................................................................ 14
2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 15
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ......................................... 15
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) .................................... 16
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express slots) .................................. 18
2.5 SLITM Operation Guide ............................................................... 20
2.6 Jumpers Setup .......................................................................... 25
2.7 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................................. 26
2.8 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide .................................... 32
2.9 eSATAII Interface Introduction .................................................... 33
2.10 SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide ................................................... 36
2.11 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks
Installation ................................................................................. 37
2.12 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs and
eSATAIIDevices ......................................................................... 38
2.13 SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Guide ....... 39
2.14 Driver Installation Guide ............................................................. 41
2.15 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
Without RAID Functions ............................................................ 41
2.15.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 41
2.15.2 Installing Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 42
2.16 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
With RAID Functions ................................................................. 43
2.16.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit With RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 43
2.16.2 Installing Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit With RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 44
2.17 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................................ 45
3.3.
3.3.
3. BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITY ......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................... 4646
4646
46
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................... 46

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3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 46
3.1.2 Navigation Keys .............................................................. 47
3.2 Main Screen .............................................................................. 47
3.3 Smart Screen ............................................................................ 48
3.4 Advanced Screen .................................................................... 49
3.4.1 CPU Configuration .......................................................... 49
3.4.2 Chipset Configuration ..................................................... 54
3.4.3 ACPI Configuration ......................................................... 56
3.4.4 IDE Configuration ............................................................ 57
3.4.5 PCIPnP Configuration ...................................................... 59
3.4.6 Floppy Configuration ...................................................... 60
3.4.7 Super IO Configuration ................................................... 60
3.4.8 USB Configuration .......................................................... 61
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ............................. 62
3.6 Boot Screen .............................................................................. 63
3.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration ........................................... 63
3.7 Security Screen ........................................................................ 64
3.8 Exit Screen ............................................................................... 65
4.4.
4.4.
4. Software SupportSoftware Support
Software SupportSoftware Support
Software Support ......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................... 6666
6666
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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1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock K10N7SLI 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.
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 configuration
guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.
Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated
version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You
may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website
as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
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
ASRock K10N7SLI Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.8-in, 30.5 cm x 22.4 cm)
ASRock K10N7SLI Quick Installation Guide
ASRock K10N7SLI Support CD
One ASRock SLI Bridge
One ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card
One 80-conductor Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable
One 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable
Two Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
One Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)
One I/O Panel Shield

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1.21.2
1.21.2
1.2 SpecificationsSpecifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.8-in, 30.5 cm x 22.4 cm
- All Solid Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-quality
Conductive Polymer Capacitors)
CPU - Support for Socket AM2+ / AM2 processors: AMD PhenomTM
FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core / Athlon
X2 Dual-Core / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor
- Supports CPU up to 140W
- AMD LIVE!TM Ready
- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology
- FSB 2600 MHz (5.2 GT/s) (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports Hyper-Transport 3.0 (HT 3.0) Technology
Chipset - NVIDIA®nForce 740a SLI
Memory - Dual Channel DDR2 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 3)
- 4 x DDR2 DIMM slots
- SupportDDR2 1066/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
(see CAUTION 4)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB (see CAUTION 5)
Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
(green @ x16 mode, blue @ x8 mode)
- 1 x PCI Express x1 slot
- 3 x PCI slots
- Supports NVIDIA®SLITM (see CAUTION 6)
Audio - 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Premium Level HD Audio with
Content Protection
- DAC with 110dB dynamic range (ALC890 Audio Codec)
LAN - Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Giga PHY Realtek RTL8211B
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x eSATAII Port
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port
- HD Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 7)

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Connector - 6 x SATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 0+1, JBOD and RAID 5), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot
Plug” functions (see CAUTION 8)
- 1 x eSATAII 3.0Gb/s connector (shared with 1 SATAII
connector) (see CAUTION 9)
- 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- 1 x IEEE 1394 header
- CPU/Chassis FAN connector
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
- SLI/XFIRE power connector
- CD in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
(see CAUTION 10)
BIOS Feature - 8Mb AMI BIOS
- AMI Legal BIOS
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- AMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
- CPU, DRAM, Chipset Core, HTT Voltage Multi-adjustment
- Supports Smart BIOS
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version)
Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 11)
- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 12)
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 13)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 14)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
- ASRock AM2 Boost: ASRock Patented Technology to boost
memory performance up to 12.5% (see CAUTION 15)
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer

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CAUTION!
1. If you install AM2 CPU on this motherbord, the system bus speed will be
HT1.0 (2000 MT/s). If you install AM2+ CPU on this motherbord, the system
bus speed will be HT3.0 (up to 5200 MT/s), and the HT Link frequency
depends on the ability of the AM2+ CPU you adopt. Please refer to the CPU
support list on our website for more information.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 45 for details.
3. 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 16 for proper
installation.
4. 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
5. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be
less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows®XP
and Windows®VistaTM. For Windows®XP 64-bit and Windows®VistaTM
64-bit with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
6. This motherboard supports NVIDIA®SLITM technology. If you want to use
SLITM function, please follow the instructions on page 20 to reverse the
direction of ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card. For the information of the com-
patible SLITM Mode PCI Express VGA cards, please refer to the “Supported
PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode” on page 11. For the proper
installation of PCI Express VGA card, please refer to the installation guide
on page 18.
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.
- CPU Quiet Fan
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® XP / XP Media Center / XP 64-bit / VistaTM
/ VistaTM 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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7. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono modes.
For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel,
and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on page 13 for proper connection.
8. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the “SATAII
Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 36 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to
SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector
directly.
9. This motherboard supports eSATAII interface, the external SATAII
specification. Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 33
for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.
10. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft®Windows®
VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2.
11. It is a user-friendly ASRock overclocking tool which allows you to surveil
your system by hardware monitor function and overclock your hardware
devices to get the best system performance under Windows®
environment. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of
ASRock OC Tuner. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
12. Featuring an advanced proprietary hardware and software design,
Intelligent Energy Saver is a revolutionary technology that delivers
unparalleled power savings. The voltage regulator can reduce the
number of output phases to improve efficiency when the CPU cores are
idle. In other words, it is able to provide exceptional power saving and
improve power efficiency without sacrificing computing performance. To
use Intelligent Energy Saver function, please enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet option
in the BIOS setup in advance. Please visit our website for the operation
procedures of Intelligent Energy Saver.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
13. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recom-
mended to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recom-
mended CPU bus frequencies may cause the instability of the system
or damage the CPU.
14. 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.

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15. This motherboard supports ASRock AM2 Boost overclocking technology
for AM2 CPU. 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 func-
tion is enabled, it may not be applicative to your system. You may choose to
disable this function for keeping the stability of your system.

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1.31.3
1.31.3
1.3 Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLISupported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLI
Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLISupported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLI
Supported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITMTM
TMTM
TM ModeMode
ModeMode
Mode
(for Windows®XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit only)
Graphics Chip Model Name Chipset Name
Vendor
NVIDIA ASUS EN8800GTX
ASUS EN8600GT/2DHT
ASUS EN7950GX2 *
ASUS EN7900GT TOP
ASUS EN7800GT
ASUS EN7600GSSILENT
ASUS EN7600GT/2DHT
ASUS EN6800LE
ASUS Extreme N6800/TD
ALBATRON PC6600GT
GIGABYTE GV-NX66256DP2
LEADTEK PX7900GS TDH
LEADTEK PX7300GS TDH *
MSI 7300GT-TD256EH
* These two cards can only work under Windows®XP / XP 64-bit OS.
For the latest updates of the supported PCI Express VGA card list for SLITM Mode,
please visit our website for details.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/support/index.htm
GeForce 8800GTX
GeForce 8600GT
GeForce 7950GX2
GeForce 7900GT
GeForce 7800GT
GeForce 7600GT
GeForce 7600GS
GeForce 6800LE
GeForce 6800
GeForce 6600GT
GeForce 6600
GeForce 7900GS
GeForce 7300GS
GeForce 7300GT

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1.4 Motherboard Layout1.4 Motherboard Layout
1.4 Motherboard Layout1.4 Motherboard Layout
1.4 Motherboard Layout
Super
I/O
CMOS
BATTERY
ATXPWR1
SOCKET AM2
CD1
NVIDIA
nForce
740a SLI
Chipset
PS2_USB_PW1
1
IDE1
FSB800
DDRII_1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDRII_2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
FSB800
DDRII_3 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDRII_4 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
PCIE1
PCI1
LAN
PHY
AUDIO
CODEC
1
CLRCMOS1
CPU_FAN1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
PANEL1
CHA_FAN1
SPEAKER1
1
FLOPPY1
HD_AUDIO1
1
RoHS
30.5cm (12.0-in)
22.4cm (8.8-in)
67
124
358
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1920
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
PCIE2
USB6_7
1
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
29
30
31
8Mb
BIOS
SATAII_1(PORT0)
IR1
1
AM2+
PCI Express 2.0
ATX12V1
SATAII_2(PORT1)
SATAII_6(PORT5)
SATAII_5(PORT4)
SATAII_4(PORT3)
SATAII_3(PORT2)
eSATAII_TOP
Top:
SIDE SPK
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
CTR BASS
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
PS2
Mouse
PS2
Keyboard
USB 2.0
T:USB0
B: USB1
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T:USB2
B: USB3
Top:
IEEE
1394
PCIE3
PCI2
PCI3
USB8_9
1
FRONT_1394
11
SLI/XFIRE_PWR1
32
33
34
35
36
Coaxial SPDIF
Optical SPDIF
Bottom:
ESATAII
USB 2.0 T: US B4 B: USB5
37
COM1
1
RAID
DDR2 1066 Dual Channel
140W CPU FSB2.6GHz
K10N7SLI
1394a
1 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 21 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange)
2 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 22 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
3 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) (FRONT_1394, Red)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 23 Chassis Speaker Header
5 AM2 940-Pin CPU Socket (SPEAKER 1,Purple)
6 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 24 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
7 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 25 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
(Dual Channel A: DDRII_1, DDRII_2; Yellow) 26 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
8 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 27 HDMI_SPDIF Header
(Dual Channel B: DDRII_3, DDRII_4; Orange) (HDMI_SPDIF1, Yellow)
9 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 28 Front Panel Audio Header
10 NVIDIA nForce 740a SLI Chipset (HD_AUDIO1, Lime)
11 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 29 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
12 SATAII Connector (SATAII_6 (PORT5), Orange) 30 PCI Slots (PCI1- 3)
13 SATAII Connector (SATAII_5 (PORT4), Red) 31 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE3, Blue)
14 SATAII Connector (SATAII_2 (PORT1), Red) 32 SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot
15 SATAII Connector (SATAII_4 (PORT3), Red) 33 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE2, Green)
16 SATAII Connector (SATAII_3 (PORT2), Red) 34 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE1, White)
17 SATAII Connector (SATAII_1 (PORT0), Red) 35 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector
18 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue) 36 COM Port Header (COM1)
19 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) 37 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_TOP, Orange)
20 SPI BIOS Chip

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1.51.5
1.51.5
1.5 I/O PI/O P
I/O PI/O P
I/O Panelanel
anelanel
anel
To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will find “Mixer” tool on your system.
Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click
“ok”. Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or “8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA
Primary output” to use Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek
HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio.
** If you use 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”.
See the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.
TABLE for Audio Output Connection
Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Side Speaker
(No. 8) (No. 5) (No. 6) (No. 4)
2 V -- -- --
4VV----
6VVV--
8VVVV
LAN Port
ACT/LINK
LED
SPEED
LED
12
4
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1314
15
16
1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 9 Microphone (Pink)
2 IEEE 1394 Port 10 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)
4 Side Speaker (Gray) 12 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
5 Rear Speaker (Black) 13 eSATAII Port
6 Central / Bass (Orange) 14 Optical SPDIF Out Port
7 Line In (Light Blue) 15 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
**8 Front Speaker (Lime) 16 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
* 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
SPEED LED Activity/Link LED
Status Description Status Description
Off 10Mbps connection Off No link
Orange 100Mbps connection Orange Linked
Green 1Gbps connection Blinking Data Activity

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2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
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 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 12, No. 4). 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
SocketCorner
Small Triangle

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2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR2 (Double Data 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)
DDR2 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install
identicalDDR2 DIMM pair in Dual ChannelA (DDRII_1 and DDRII_2; Yellow slots;
see p.12 No.7) or identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDRII_3 and
DDRII_4; Orange slots; see p.12 No.8), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology
can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR2 DIMMs for
dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR2 DIMMs in all four
slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Configuration Table 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 identicalDDR2 DIMMs 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 installed
in the DDR2 DIMM slots on this motherboard, it is unable to acti-
vate 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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notch
break
notch
break
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 a DIMM on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break
on the slot.
The DIMM only fits in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent
damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into the
slot at incorrect orientation.
Step 3. Firmly insert the DIMM 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 (PCIE x1 slot; White) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane
width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card.
PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Green) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
SLITM function.
PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width cards,
such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc., or used to install PCI
Express graphics cards to support SLITM function.
PCIE2 / PCIE3 / SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot
Configurations
PCIE2 Slot PCIE3 Slot SLI/XFire Switch Card
(Green) (Blue) Retention Slot
Single Graphics Card PCIE x16 PCIE x1
Dual Graphics Cards PCIE x8 PCIE x8
in SLITM Mode

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1. If you plan to install only one PCI Express VGA card on this
motherboard, please install it on PCIE2 slot (Green). In this mode,
you do not need to adjust the default setting of ASRock SLI/XFire
Switch Card, and please do not remove or lose ASRock SLI/XFire
Switch Card when it is still in working condition.
2. For the information of the compatible SLITM Mode PCI Express VGA
cards and SLITM setup procedures, please refer to the “Supported
PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode” on page 11 and “SLITM
Operation Guide” on page 20.
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.

2020
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2.5 SLI2.5 SLI
2.5 SLI2.5 SLI
2.5 SLITMTM
TMTM
TM Operation GuideOperation Guide
Operation GuideOperation Guide
Operation Guide
This motherboard supports NVIDIA®SLITM (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows
you to install two identical NVIDIA®SLITM enabled PCI Express x16 graphics
cards. Currently, NVIDIA®SLITM technology supports Windows®XP, XP 64-bit, VistaTM
and VistaTM 64-bit OS. Please follow the installation procedures in this section.
SLITM Technology Requirements
1. You should have two identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®
certified.
2. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLITM
technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA®website
(www.nvidia.com).
3. Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the
minimum power required by your system.
Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI
Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI
Enjoy the benefit of SLITMTM
TMTM
TM
Step 1. There is one ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card factory-mounted on this
motherboard. This card served as a switch between the default mode (x16)
and SLI mode (x8 / x8). ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card is factory-mounted
with its default mode (x16) side toward the retention slot base.
Step 2. To change it to SLI Mode, you need to reverse the direction of ASRock SLI/
XFire Switch Card. Please simultaneously pull open both the retention arms
that hold the card in position. The card itself will spring away from the
retention slot. Take it out gently by holding its edges, and keep away from
touching the connectors (Golden Fingers).