ASROCK K8A8X-M User manual

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K8A8X-M
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published April 2005
Copyright©2005 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.
ASRock Website: http://www.asrock.com

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ContentsContents
ContentsContents
Contents
1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction ..............................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................
....................................................... 55
55
5
1.1 Package Contents ............................................................... 5
1.2 Specifications ...................................................................... 6
1.3 Motherboard Layout ............................................................ 8
1.4 ASRock I/O PlusTM ............................................................................................................ 9
2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation ..................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
......................................................... 1010
1010
10
Pre-installation Precautions ......................................................... 10
2.1 CPU Installation .................................................................... 11
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink .................................. 11
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)............................... 12
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and AGP Slots) ................................. 13
2.5 Jumpers Setup .................................................................... 14
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors .................................... 15
2.7 Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Disks Installation ........................... 18
2.8 Making a SATADriver Diskette For SATA Operation in
“RAID” Mode ........................................................................ 19
2.9 SATA Operating in “non-RAID” Mode .................................. 19
3.3.
3.3.
3. BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITY ............................................................................................
............................................................................................
.............................................. 2020
2020
20
3.1 Introduction ......................................................................... 20
3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar ......................................................... 20
3.1.2 Navigation Keys ....................................................... 21
3.2 Main Screen........................................................................ 21
3.3 Advanced Screen .............................................................. 22
3.3.1 CPU Configuration .................................................... 22
3.3.2 Chipset Configuration............................................... 25
3.3.3 ACPI Configuration ................................................... 26
3.3.4 IDE Configuration ...................................................... 27
3.3.5 PCIPnPConfiguration................................................ 29
3.3.6 Floppy Configuration ................................................ 30
3.3.7 Super IO Configuration............................................. 30
3.3.8 USB Configuration .................................................... 32
3.4 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ....................... 32
3.5 Boot Screen........................................................................ 33
3.5.1 Boot Settings Configuration ..................................... 33
3.5.2 BootDevice Priority .................................................. 34
3.6 Security Screen.................................................................. 34
3.7 Exit Screen ......................................................................... 35

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4.4.
4.4.
4. Software SupportSoftware Support
Software SupportSoftware Support
Software Support ......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................... 3636
3636
36
4.1 Install Operating System........................................................... 36
4.2 Support CD Information............................................................. 36
4.2.1 Running Support CD....................................................... 36
4.2.2 Drivers Menu .................................................................. 36
4.2.3 Utilities Menu ................................................................... 36
4.2.4 Contact Information ........................................................ 36
APPENDIX: AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietAPPENDIX: AMD’s Cool ‘n’ Quiet
APPENDIX: AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietAPPENDIX: AMD’s Cool ‘n’ Quiet
APPENDIX: AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTMTM
TMTM
TM TT
TT
T
echnologyechnology
echnologyechnology
echnology............
............
...... 3737
3737
37

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1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock K8A8X-M motherboard, a reliable motherboard
produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers excellent
performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to quality and
endurance.
In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-by-
step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the 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 memory and CPU support lists onASRock website as
well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
1.11.1
1.11.1
1.1 Package ContentsPackage Contents
Package ContentsPackage Contents
Package Contents
1 x ASRock K8A8X-M Motherboard
(Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 7.8-in, 24.4 cm x 19.8 cm)
1 x ASRock K8A8X-M Quick Installation Guide
1 x ASRock K8A8X-M Support CD
1 x Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor)
1 x 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable
1 x SerialATA (SATA) Data Cable
1 x SerialATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)
1 xASRock I/O PlusTM Shield

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1.21.2
1.21.2
1.2 SpecificationsSpecifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Platform: Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 7.8-in, 24.4 cm x 19.8 cm
CPU: 754-Pin Socket Supporting advanced 64-bit AMDAthlonTM 64
and 32-bit Sempron Processor
Chipset: Bridge:ALi M1689, FSB @ 800 MHz
Memory: 2 xDDRDIMM Slots:
2DIMMs support PC3200 (DDR 400) / PC2700 (DDR 333) /
PC2100 (DDR 266), Max. 2GB
IDE: IDE1:ATA133 / UltraDMA Mode 6
IDE2:ATA133 / UltraDMA Mode 6
Support up to 4 IDE devices
Serial ATA: 2 x SATA connectors
Support 1.5Gb/s data transfer rate
Floppy Port: Supports up to 2 floppy disk drives
Audio: 5.1 channels AC’97 Audio
LAN: Speed: 802.3u (10/100 Ethernet), supports Wake-On-LAN
Hardware Monitor: CPU temperature sensing
Motherboard temperature sensing
CPU overheat shutdown to protect CPU life
(ASRock U-COP)(see CAUTION 1)
CPU fan tachometer
Chassis fan tachometer
Voltage monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore
PCI Slots: 2 x PCI slots, PCI specification 2.1
AGP Slot: 1 x AGP slot
Supports 1.5V, 8X / 4X AGP card (see CAUTION 2)
USB 2.0: 8 x USB 2.0 ports:
6 ready-to-use USB 2.0 ports on the I/O panel,
plus 1 on-board header supporting 2 extra USB 2.0 ports
(see CAUTION 3)
ASRock I/O PlusTM:1 x PS/2 mouse port, 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x Serial Port: COM1
1 x Parallel Port (ECP/EPP Support)
6 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
Audio Jack: Line In / Line Out / Microphone

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BIOS: AMIBIOS
Supports “Plug and Play”
ACPI 1.1 compliance wake up events
SMBIOS 2.3.1 support
CPU frequency stepless control
(only for advanced users’ reference, see CAUTION 4)
OS: Microsoft®Windows®98SE / ME / 2000 / XP compliant
CAUTION!
1. 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.
2. Do NOT use a 3.3V AGP card on the AGP slot of this motherboard!
It may cause permanent damage!
3. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft®Windows® XP
SP1 / 2000 SP4. It may not work properly under Microsoft®Windows® 98 /
ME.
4. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended
to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU
FSB frequencies may cause the instability of the system or damage the
CPU.

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1.31.3
1.31.3
1.3 Motherboard LayoutMotherboard Layout
Motherboard LayoutMotherboard Layout
Motherboard Layout
1 PS2_USB_PWR1 Jumper 16 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
2 ATX 12V Connector (ATX12V1) 17 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1)
3 CPU Socket 18 USB 2.0 Header (USB67, Blue)
4 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 19 Game Port Header (GAME1)
5 2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM Slots (DDR1- 2) 20 AMR Slot (AMR1)
6 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 21 Flash Memory
7 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 22 2 x PCI Slots (PCI1, PCI2)
8 Secondary Serial ATA Connector (SATA2) 23 AGP Slot (1.5V_AGP1)
9 Primary Serial ATA Connector (SATA1) 24 Bridge Controller
10 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 25 JR1 Jumper / JL1 Jumper
11 Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2, Black) 26 Front Panel Audio Header (AUDIO1)
12 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRTC1) 27 Internal Audio Connector: AUX1 (White)
13 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1) 28 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
14 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 29 Shared USB 2.0 Header (USB45, Blue)
15 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
DDR2 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
DDR1 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
ATXPWR1
IDE2 IDE1
SATA2
SATA1
SOCKET 754
ALi
M1689
Chipset
1.5V_AGP1
CMOS
Battery
CLRTC1
CHA_FAN1
USB67
1
SPEAKER1
1
IR1
1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
PANEL 1
FLOPPY1
CPU_FAN1
PS2_USB_PWR1
1
Shared
USB 2.0
T: USB 4
B: USB5
1
USB4_5
PCI 1
PCI 2
AMR1
2MB
BIOS
Super
I/O
AUDIO
CODEC
1
AUDIO1
JR1 JL1
CD1
AUX1
LAN
PHY
Top:
Line In
Center:
Line Out
Bottom:
Mic In
USB 2.0
T: USB 0
B: USB1
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T: USB 2
B: USB3
PARALLEL PORT
COM1
PS2
Mouse
PS2
Keyboard
24.4cm (9.6-in)
19.8cm (7.8-in)
AGP 8X
FSB800
SATA
K8A8X-M
ATA133
DDR400
USB2.0
5.1CH
ATX12V1
GAME1
1
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7
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10
12
13
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9
15
20
21
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18 17
29
28
25
26
24
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1

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1.41.4
1.41.4
1.4 ASRock I/O PlusASRock I/O Plus
ASRock I/O PlusASRock I/O Plus
ASRock I/O PlusTMTM
TMTM
TM
1 Parallel Port 7 2 x USB 2.0 Ports (USB0, USB1)
2 RJ-45 Port 8 2 x USB 2.0 Ports (USB2, USB3)
3 Line In (Light Blue) 9 Serial Port: COM1
4 Line Out (Lime) 10 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
5 Microphone (Pink) 11 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green)
6 2 x Shared USB 2.0 Ports (USB4, USB5)
12
3
4
5
6
7
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2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation
K8A8X-M is a MicroATX form factor (9.6-in x 7.8-in, 24.4 cm x 19.8 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 90° angle.
Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that its marked corner
matches the base of the socket lever.
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 8, No. 6). For proper
installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan
and the heatsink.
STEP 1:
Lift Up The Socket Lever
STEP 2 / STEP 3:
Match The CPU Golden Triangle
To The Socket Corner
STEP 4:
Push Down And Lock
The Socket Lever
Lever 90° Up
CPU Golden Triangle
Socket Corner

1212
1212
12
notch
break
notch
break
2.32.3
2.32.3
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
K8A8X-M motherboard is equipped with two 184-pinDDR (Double Data Rate)DIMM
slots.
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 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 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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2.42.4
2.42.4
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and AGP Slots)Expansion Slots (PCI and AGP Slots)
Expansion Slots (PCI and AGP Slots)Expansion Slots (PCI and AGP Slots)
Expansion Slots (PCI and AGP Slots)
There are 2 PCI slots and 1 AGP slot on K8A8X-M motherboard.
PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
AGP slot: TheAGP slot is used to install a graphics card. TheASRock AGP slot has
a special design of clasp that can securely fasten the inserted graphics
card.
Please do NOT use a 3.3VAGP card on theAGP slot of this motherboard!
It may cause permanent damage! For the voltage information of your
AGP card, please check with the AGP card vendors.
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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2.52.5
2.52.5
2.5 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_PWR1 Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.8, 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.
JR1 / JL1 Jumpers
(see p.8, No. 25)
Note: If JR1 and JL1 Jumpers are short, both the front panel and the rear panel
audio connectors can work.
ClearCMOS
(CLRTC1)
(see p.8, No. 12)
Note: CLRTC1 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, then use a jumper
cap to short pin2 and pin3 on CLRTC1 for 3 seconds. Please remember to put
the jumper cap back to the default setting (short pin1 and pin2) after clearing
the CMOS.
+5V
1_2
+5VSB
2_3
Short Open
JR1JL1
1_2
Default Clear CMOS
2_3

1515
1515
15
FLOPPY1
Pin1
IDE1
PIN1
IDE2
PIN1
connect the black end
to the IDE devices
connect the blue end
to the motherboard80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable
thered-striped side toPin1
2.62.6
2.62.6
2.6 Onboard Headers and ConnectorsOnboard Headers and Connectors
Onboard Headers and ConnectorsOnboard Headers and Connectors
Onboard Headers and Connectors
Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper
caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the
headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the motherboard!
FDD Connector
(33-pin FLOPPY1)
(see p.8, No. 13)
Note: Make sure the red-striped side of the cable is plugged into Pin1 side of the
connector.
Primary IDE Connector (Blue) Secondary IDE Connector (Black)
(39-pin IDE1, see p.8, No. 10) (39-pin IDE2, see p.8, No.11)
Note: If you use only one IDE device on this motherboard, please set the IDE
device as “Master”. Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor
for the details. Besides, to optimize compatibility and performance, please
connect your hard disk drive to the primary IDE connector (IDE1, blue) and
CD-ROM to the secondary IDE connector (IDE2, black).
Serial ATA Connectors These two Serial ATA (SATA)
(SATA1: see p.8, No. 9) connectors support SATA data
(SATA2: see p.8, No. 8) cables for internal storage
devices. The current SATA
interface allows up to 1.5 Gb/s
data transfer rate.
Serial ATA (SATA) Either end of the SATA data
Data Cable cable can be connected to the
SATA hard disk or the SATA
connector on the motherboard.
SATA2
SATA1

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Serial ATA (SATA) Please connect the black end of
Power Cable SATA power cable to the power
(Optional) connector on the drive. Then
connect the white end of SATA
power cable to the power
connector of the power supply.
USB 2.0 Header ASRock I/O PlusTM provides you
(9-pin USB67) 6 ready-to-use USB 2.0 ports on
(see p.8, No. 18) the rear panel. If the rear USB
ports are not sufficient, this
USB 2.0 header is available to
support 2 extra USB 2.0 ports.
Shared USB 2.0 Header This USB4_5 connector is shared
(9-pin USB4_5) with the USB 2.0 ports 4,5 on
(see p.8, No. 29) ASRock I/O PlusTM. When using
the front panel USB ports by
attaching the front panel USB
cable to this connector
(USB4_5), the USB ports 4,5 on
ASRock I/O PlusTM will not be able
to function.
Infrared Module Header This header supports an optional
(5-pin IR1) wireless transmitting and
(see p.8, No. 16) receiving infrared module.
Internal Audio Connectors These connectors allow you
(4-pin CD1, 4-pin AUX1) to receive stereo audio input
(CD1: see p.8, No. 28) from sound sources such as
(AUX1: see p.8, No. 27) a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, TV
tuner card, or MPEG card.
Front PanelAudio Header This is an interface for the front
(9-pin AUDIO1) panel audio cable that allows
(see p.8, No. 26) convenient connection and
control of audio devices.
DUMMY
GND
+5V
IRTX
IRRX
1
CD-R
GND
GND
CD-L
AUX-R
GND
GND
AUX-L
CD1AUX1
USB_PWR
USB_PWR
P+7
P-7
P+6
P-6
GND
GND
DUMMY
1
GND
GND
+5VA
BACKOUT-R
BACKOUT-L
AUD-OUT-L
AUD-OUT-R
MIC-POWER
MIC
1
connect to the SATA HDD
powerconnector
connect tothe
powersupply
USB_PWR
USB_PWR
P+5
P-5
P+4
P-4
GND
GND
DUMMY
1

1717
1717
17
GND
+12V
CHA_FAN_SPEED
+5V
DUMMY
DUMMY
SPEAKER
1
GND
PWRBTN#
PLED-
PLED+
DUMMY
RESET#
GND
HDLED+
HDLED-
1
System Panel Header This header accommodates
(9-pin PANEL1) several system front panel
(see p.8, No. 15) functions.
Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis
(4-pin SPEAKER 1) speaker to this header.
(see p.8, No. 17)
Chassis Fan Connector Please connect the chassis fan
(3-pin CHA_FAN1) cable to this connector and
(see p.8, No. 14) match the black wire to the
ground pin.
CPU Fan Connector Please connect the CPU fan
(3-pin CPU_FAN1) cable to this connector and
(see p.8, No. 6) match the black wire to the
ground pin.
Game Connector Connect a Game cable to this
(15-pinGAME1) connector if the Game port
(see p.8, No. 19) bracket is installed.
ATX Power Connector Please connect an ATX power
(20-pinATXPWR1) supply to this connector.
(see p.8, No. 7)
ATX 12V Connector Please note that it is necessary
(4-pin ATX12V1) to connect a power supply with
(see p.8, No. 2) ATX 12V plug to this connector
so that it can provides sufficient
power. Failing to do so will cause
the failure to power up.
GND
+12V
CPU_FAN_SPEED
MIDI_OUT
JAB2
JBY
JBB2
MIDI_IN
+5V
JAY
GND
GND
1
JAX
JAB1
+5V
JBX
JBB1
+5V

1818
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18
2.72.7
2.72.7
2.7 Serial ASerial A
Serial ASerial A
Serial ATT
TT
TA (SAA (SA
A (SAA (SA
A (SATT
TT
TA) Hard Disks InstallationA) Hard Disks Installation
A) Hard Disks InstallationA) Hard Disks Installation
A) Hard Disks Installation
This motherboard supports Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks and RAID functions. This
section will guide you to install the SATA hard disks.
STEP1: Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis.
STEP2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA hard disk.
STEP3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard’s SATA
connector.
STEP4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA hard disk.
1. If you plan to use RAID 0, RAID1, or JBOD functions on SATA, SATA
HDDs must be operated in “RAID” mode.
2. “RAID” and “non-RAID” mode are options under “SATA Operation Mode” in
BIOS setup. Please refer to page 27 for details. They need different drivers
during actual operation.

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2.82.8
2.82.8
2.8 Making a SAMaking a SA
Making a SAMaking a SA
Making a SATT
TT
TA Driver DiskA Driver Disk
A Driver DiskA Driver Disk
A Driver Diskette Fette F
ette Fette F
ette For SAor SA
or SAor SA
or SATT
TT
TA Operation inA Operation in
A Operation inA Operation in
A Operation in
“RAID” Mode“RAID” Mode
“RAID” Mode“RAID” Mode
“RAID” Mode
If you want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows XP 64-bit OS on
your SATA HDDs, you will need to make a SATA driver before you start the OS
installation.
STEP1: Insert the ASRock Support CDinto your optical drive to boot your system.
(Do NOT insert any floppy diskette into the floppy drive at this moment!)
STEP2: During POST at the beginning of system boot-up, press <F11> key, and
then a window for boot devices selection appears. Please select CD-
ROM as the boot device.
STEP3: When you see the message on the screen, “Do you want to generate
Serial ATA driver diskette [YN]?”, press <Y>.
STEP4: Then you will see these messages,
Please insert a diskette into the floppy drive.
WARNING! Formatting the floppy diskette will
lose ALL data in it!
Start to format and copy files [YN]?
Please insert a floppy diskette into the floppy drive, and press <Y>.
STEP5: The system will start to format the floppy diskette and copy SATA drivers
into the floppy diskette.
2.92.9
2.92.9
2.9 SASA
SASA
SATT
TT
TA Operating in “non-RAID” ModeA Operating in “non-RAID” Mode
A Operating in “non-RAID” ModeA Operating in “non-RAID” Mode
A Operating in “non-RAID” Mode
If you want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows XP 64-bit OS on
your SATA HDDs operating in non-RAID mode, you don’t need to make a SATA
driver diskette before OS installation.
Windows 98 SE and Windows ME must be installed by SATAoperating in
RAID mode, and you don’t need to make a SATA driver diskette for these
two OS before OS installation.
Once you have the SATA driver diskette ready, you may start to install Windows 2000
/ Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit on your system directly without setting the RAID
configuration on your system, or you may start to use “ALi RAID BIOS Setup Utility” to
set RAID 0 / RAID 1 / JBOD configuration before you install the OS. Before you start
to configure the RAID function, you need to check the installation guide in the Support
CD for proper configuration. Please find the document, “Guide to SATA Hard Disks
Installation and RAID Configuration”, at the following path in the Support CD:
.. \ RAID_SETUP_GUIDE \ English.PDF

2020
2020
20
3.3.
3.3.
3. BIOS SETUP UTILITYBIOS SETUP UTILITY
BIOS SETUP UTILITYBIOS SETUP UTILITY
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
3.1 Introduction3.1 Introduction
3.1 Introduction3.1 Introduction
3.1 Introduction
This section explains how to use the BIOS SETUP UTILITY to configure your system.
The Flash Memory on the motherboard stores the BIOS SETUP UTILITY.You may run
the BIOS SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer. Please press <F2> during
the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS SETUP UTILITY, otherwise, POST
will continue with its test routines.
If you wish to enter the BIOS SETUP UTILITY after POST, restart the system by
pressing <Ctl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system
chassis. You may also restart by turning the system off and then back on.
Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following
BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purpose only,
and they may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
3.1.13.1.1
3.1.13.1.1
3.1.1 BIOS Menu BarBIOS Menu Bar
BIOS Menu BarBIOS Menu Bar
BIOS Menu Bar
The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:
Main To set up the system time/date information
Advanced To set up the advanced BIOS features
H/W Monitor To display current hardware status
Boot To set up the default system device to locate and load the
Operating System
Security To set up the security features
Exit To exit the current screen or the BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Use < > key or < > key to choose among the selections on the menu bar,
and then press <Enter> to get into the sub screen.