ASROCK M3A790GXH 128M - V1.0 User manual

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M3A790GXH/128M
User Manual
Version 1.1
Published July 2009
Copyright©2009 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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1.1 Package Contents ..................................................................... 5
1.2 Specifications ............................................................................ 6
1.3 Two CrossFireXTM Graphics Card Support List ........................... 11
1.4 Three CrossFireXTM Graphics Card Support List ........................ 11
1.5 Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray (BD) /
HD-DVD Playback Support ......................................................... 12
1.6 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD Films Which Pass Our Lab Test . 13
1.7 Motherboard Layout ................................................................... 14
1.8 I/O Panel .................................................................................... 15
2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation ..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
............................................................. 1616
1616
16
Pre-installation Precautions ................................................................ 16
2.1 CPU Installation ......................................................................... 17
2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink ......................................... 17
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) .................................... 18
2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) ........................... 20
2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features ............................. 22
2.6 CrossFireXTM and 3-Way CrossFireXTM Operation Guide ............ 25
2.7 Hybrid CrossFireXTM Operation Guide ........................................ 32
2.8 Jumpers Setup .......................................................................... 34
2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................................. 35
2.10 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide .................................... 41
2.11 SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide ................................................... 42
2.12 eSATAII Interface Introduction .................................................... 43
2.13 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks
Installation ................................................................................. 46
2.14 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs ....... 46
2.15 SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Guide ....... 47
2.16 Driver Installation Guide ............................................................. 49
2.17 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
With RAID Functions ................................................................. 49
2.17.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit With RAID
Functions ................................................................ 49
2.17.2 Installing Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit With RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 50
2.18 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
Without RAID Functions ............................................................ 51
2.18.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 51

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2.18.2 Installing Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 52
2.19 DTS Operation Guide ................................................................. 53
2.20 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................................ 55
3.3.
3.3.
3. BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITY ....................................................................................................
....................................................................................................
.................................................. 5656
5656
56
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 56
3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 56
3.1.2 Navigation Keys .............................................................. 57
3.2 Main Screen .............................................................................. 57
3.3 Smart Screen ............................................................................ 58
3.4 Advanced Screen .................................................................... 60
3.4.1 CPU Configuration .......................................................... 61
3.4.2 Memory Configuration .................................................... 63
3.4.3 Chipset Configuration ..................................................... 67
3.4.4 ACPI Configuration ......................................................... 69
3.4.5 IDE Configuration ............................................................ 71
3.4.6 PCIPnP Configuration ...................................................... 73
3.4.7 Floppy Configuration ...................................................... 74
3.4.8 Super IO Configuration ................................................... 74
3.4.9 USB Configuration .......................................................... 75
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ............................. 76
3.6 Boot Screen .............................................................................. 77
3.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration ........................................... 77
3.7 Security Screen ........................................................................ 78
3.8 Exit Screen ............................................................................... 79
4.4.
4.4.
4. Software SupportSoftware Support
Software SupportSoftware Support
Software Support ......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................... 8080
8080
80
4.1 Install Operating System ........................................................... 80
4.2 Support CD Information ............................................................. 80
4.2.1 Running Support CD ....................................................... 80
4.2.2 Drivers Menu .................................................................. 80
4.2.3 Utilities Menu ................................................................... 80
4.2.4 Contact Information ........................................................ 80

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1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock M3A790GXH/128M 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 qual-
ity 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
1 x ASRock M3A790GXH/128M Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.8-in, 30.5 cm x 22.4 cm)
1 x ASRock M3A790GXH/128M Quick Installation Guide
2 x ASRock M3A790GXH/128M Support CD
1 x Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor)
1 x Ribbon Cable for a 3.5-in Floppy Drive
4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
1 x ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card

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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 AM3 processors: AMD PhenomTM II X4 /
X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) and Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2
processors
- Supports CPU up to 140W
- Supports AMD OverDriveTM with ACC feature (Advanced Clock
Calibration)
- AMD LIVE!TM Ready
- Supports AMD’s Cool ‘n’ QuietTM Technology
- FSB 2600 MHz (5.2 GT/s)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Hyper-Transport 3.0 (HT 3.0) Technology
Chipset - Northbridge: AMD 790GX
- Southbridge: AMD SB750
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Support DDR3 1600(OC)/1333/1066/800 non-ECC, un-buffered
memory (see CAUTION 3)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 4)
Expansion Slot - 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
(green @ x16 mode, blue @ x8 mode, orange @ x4 mode)
- 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
- 2 x PCI slots
- Supports ATITM CrossFireXTM, Hybrid CrossFireXTM and 3-Way
CrossFireXTM (see CAUTION 5)
Graphics - Integrated AMD Radeon HD 3300 graphics
- DX10 class iGPU, Pixel Shader 4.0
- Max. shared memory 512MB (see CAUTION 6)
- Built-in 128MB DDR3 1333(OC)/1200MHz SidePort Memory
- Three VGA Output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
- Supports HDCP function
- Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback
(see CAUTION 7)
Audio - 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Premium Level HD Audio with
Content Protection
- DAC with 110dB dynamic range (ALC890 Audio Codec)
- DTS (Digital Theater Systems) support (see CAUTION 8)

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LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Realtek RTL8111DL
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x VGA/D-Sub Port
- 1 x VGA/DVI-D Port
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port
- 1 x eSATAII Port
- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
- HD Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 9)
Connector - 6 x Serial ATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and JBOD), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot Plug”
functions (see CAUTION 10)
- 1 x eSATAII 3.0Gb/s connector (shared with 1 SATAII
connector) (see CAUTION 11)
- 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 IEEE 1394 header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- CPU/Chassis/NB/Power FAN connector
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
- SLI/XFIRE power connector
- CD in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
(see CAUTION 12)
BIOS Feature - 8Mb AMI BIOS
- AMI Legal BIOS
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
- CPU, DRAM, NB Voltage Multi-adjustment
- Supports Smart BIOS

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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 “Un-
tied Overclocking Technology” on page 55 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 18 for proper
installation.
3. Whether 1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM3
CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 1600 memory module on this
motherboard, please refer to the memory support list on our website for
the compatible memory modules.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), AMD
OverDriveTM Utility, AMD Live! Explorer, AMD Fusion
Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 13)
- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 14)
- Instant Boot
- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 15)
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 16)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 17)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU/Chassis/NB/Power Fan Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® XP / XP Media Center / XP 64-bit /
VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, Microsoft®WHQL Certificated
- EuP Ready (EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 18)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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4. 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.
5. If you want to use CrossFireXTM or 3-Way CrossFireXTM function, please
follow the instructions on page 25 and 26 to reverse the direction of ASRock
SLI/XFire Switch Card in advance.
6. The maximum shared memory size is defined by the chipset vendor
and is subject to change. Please check AMD website for the latest
information.
7. 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback support on this motherboard re-
quires the proper hardware configuration. Please refer to page 12 and 13
for the minimum hardware requirement and the passed 1080p Blu-ray
(BD) / HD-DVD films in our lab test.
8. DTS (Digital Theater Systems) is a multi-channel digital surround sound
format. To enable DTS function, you need to adjust the settings after
audio driver installation. Please refer to “DTS Operation Guide” on page
53 for details.
9. 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 15 for
proper connection.
10. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the “SATAII
Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 42 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to
SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector
directly.
11. This motherboard supports eSATAII interface, the external SATAII
specification. Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 43
for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.
12. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft®Windows®
VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2.
13. 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
14. 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

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15. ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS flash utility embedded in Flash ROM.
This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS
without entering operating systems first like MS-DOS or Windows®. With
this utility, you can press <F6> key during the POST or press <F2> key to
BIOS setup menu to access ASRock Instant Flash. Just launch this tool
and save the new BIOS file to your USB flash drive, floppy disk or hard
drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without prepar-
ing an additional floppy diskette or other complicated flash utility. Please
be noted that the USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file
system.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. EuP, stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by
European Union to define the power consumption for the completed system.
According to EuP, the total AC power of the completed system shall be
under 1.00W in off mode condition. To meet EuP standard, an EuP ready
motherboard and an EuP ready power supply are required. According to
Intel’s suggestion, the EuP ready power supply must meet the standard of
5v standby power efficiency is higher than 50% under 100 mA current
consumption. For EuP ready power supply selection, we recommend you
checking with the power supply manufacturer for more details.

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1.31.3
1.31.3
1.3 TT
TT
Two CrossFwo CrossF
wo CrossFwo CrossF
wo CrossFireXireX
ireXireX
ireXTMTM
TMTM
TM Graphics Card SupporGraphics Card Suppor
Graphics Card SupporGraphics Card Suppor
Graphics Card Support Listt List
t Listt List
t List
(for Windows®XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit)
Chipset Model Name Chipset Name Driver
Vendor
ATI
* The PCI Express VGA card with * mark is supported under Windows®VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit only.
* For the latest updates of the supported PCI Express VGA card list for
CrossFireXTM Mode, please visit our website for details.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/support/index.htm
MSI RX2600PRO-T2D256EZ Radeon HD 2600PRO Catalyst 8.9
Gigabyte GV-RX26T256HP-B Radeon HD 2600XT Catalyst 8.9
Powercolor AX3650 512MMD3-XP RADEON 3650 Catalyst 8.9
Gigabyte GV-RX385256H-B RADEON 3850 Catalyst 8.9
Powercolor AX3870 512MD4-H RADEON 3870 Catalyst 8.9
Powercolor AX3870X2 1GBD3-H * RADEON 3870 Catalyst 8.9
Gecube GC-HD485PG3-E3 RADEON 4850 Catalyst 8.9
Powercolor AX4870 512MD5-H RADEON 4870 Catalyst 8.9
1.41.4
1.41.4
1.4 Three CrossFireXThree CrossFireX
Three CrossFireXThree CrossFireX
Three CrossFireXTMTM
TMTM
TM Graphics Card Support ListGraphics Card Support List
Graphics Card Support ListGraphics Card Support List
Graphics Card Support List
(for Windows®VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit)
Chipset Model Name Chipset Name Driver
Vendor
ATI
* For the latest updates of the supported PCI Express VGA card list for 3-Way
CrossFireXTM Mode, please visit our website for details.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/support/index.htm
Gecube GC-HD485PG3-E3 RADEON 4850 Catalyst 8.12
+ Hotfix
Powercolor AX4870 512MD5-H RADEON 4870 Catalyst 8.12
+ Hotfix

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1.51.5
1.51.5
1.5 Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-rayMinimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray
Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-rayMinimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray
Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray
(BD) / HD(BD) / HD
(BD) / HD(BD) / HD
(BD) / HD-D-D
-D-D
-DVD Playback SupporVD Playback Suppor
VD Playback SupporVD Playback Suppor
VD Playback Supportt
tt
t
1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback support on this motherboard
requires the proper hardware configuration. Please refer to below table
for the minimum hardware requirement.
CPU AM3 all series CPU
VGA Onboard VGA with DVI-D port
Memory Single Channel DDR3 1066, 1GB x 1
Suggested OS Windows®VistaTM or Windows®VistaTM 64
* If you need to use CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra version 7.3, we suggest to disable
Hardware Acceleration function for better playback performance and compatibility.
After executing CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra program, please follow below steps to
disable Hardware Acceleration function.
A. Right-click the main page of CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra program.
B. Click “Configuration”.
C. Select “Video”.
D. Click “Enable hardware acceleration (ATI Avivo)” to remove the “V” mark in
this item.
E. Click “OK” to save the change.
* Currently, 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback is only supported under Windows®
VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS. If you install Windows®XP / XP 64-bit OS, the function of
1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback is not available, please visit our website for
AMD 790GX VGA driver update in the future.
ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

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1.61.6
1.61.6
1.6 PP
PP
Passed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HDassed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD
assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HDassed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD
assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-D-D
-D-D
-DVD FVD F
VD FVD F
VD Films in Our Lilms in Our L
ilms in Our Lilms in Our L
ilms in Our Labab
abab
ab
TT
TT
Testest
estest
est
DVD Film Name Format Producer
Type
Blu-ray SWORDFISH VC-1 WB
DVD UNDERWORLD EVOLUTION MPEG-2 SONY
THE LAST STAND MPEG-4-AVC FOX
CASINO ROYALE MPEG-4-AVC SONY
THE LEAGUE OF MPEG-4-AVC FOX
EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN
HD- KING KONG VC-1 UNIVERSAL
DVD NEW ORLEANS CONCERT MPEG-2 WEA
THE INTERPRETER MPEG-4-AVC UNIVERSAL
* MPEG-4-AVC mentioned above refers to the same format of H.264.
* Above passed films are tested under below configuration.
Items Configurations
CPU AM3 all series CPU
VGA Onboard VGA with DVI-D port
Memory Single Channel DDR3 1066, 1GB x 1
OS Windows®VistaTM or Windows®VistaTM 64
Playback Software CyberLink PowerDVD Ultra (Version 7.3 or above)
DVD Player Pioneer BDR-101A / LG GBW-H10N (BD)
HP HD100 (HD-DVD)

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1.7 Motherboard Layout1.7 Motherboard Layout
1.7 Motherboard Layout1.7 Motherboard Layout
1.7 Motherboard Layout
IDE1
SOCKET AM3
FSB800
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
FSB800
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
AMD
SB750
Chipset
PS2_USB_PW1
1
ATX12V1
CPU_FAN1
8Mb
BIOS
CMOS
BATTERY
CLRCMOS1
COM1
LAN
PHY
1
AUDIO
CODEC
Super
I/O
IR1
1
CD1
HD_AUDIO1
1
PCIE1
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
FLOPPY1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
PANEL1
CHA_FAN1
SPEAKER1
1
USB6_7
1
SATAII_6
22.4cm (8.8-in)
30.5cm (12.0-in)
67
124
3589
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2728
29
3031
3233
34
35
M3A790GXH/128M
SATAII_5
Top:
SIDE SPK
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
CTR BASS
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
PS2
Keyboard
USB 2.0
T:USB0
B: USB1
Top :
RJ-45
Dual Channel
PCI Express 2.0
RoHS
VGA1
DVI_CON1
HDMI1
SPDIF_O1
PCI1
NB_FAN1
PWR_FAN1
Sideport memory 128MB
Hybrid CrossFire
36
37
AMD
790GX
Chipset
USB 2.0
T: US B4
B: USB5
USB2
USB3
IEEE 1394
eSATAII
PCIE2
PCIE3
PCIE4
PCI2
VIA
VT6803S
USB8_9
1
USB10_11
1
SLI/XFIRE_PWR1
FRONT_1394
1
SATAII_1_2
SATAII_3_4
HT3.0
FSB2.6GHz 140W CPU AM3
CrossFireX
1394a
eSATAII_TOP
DDR3 1600
1
38
39
40
41
42
Phenom II
EuP Ready
1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 23 Sixth SATAII Connector
2 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper (SATAII_6, Orange)
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 24 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
4 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector 25 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
5 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 26 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
6 AM3 941-Pin CPU Socket (FRONT_1394)
7 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 27 USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Blue)
(Dual Channel A: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue) 28 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)
8 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 29 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; White) 30 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 31 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
10 North Bridge Fan Connector (NB_FAN1) 32 Serial Port Connector (COM1)
11 Northbridge Controller 33 Front Panel Audio Header
12 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) (HD_AUDIO1, Lime)
13 SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot 34 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
14 Southbridge Controller 35 HDMI_SPDIF Header
15 SPI Flash Memory (8Mb) (HDMI_SPDIF1, Yellow)
16 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange) 36 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot
17 Primary SATAII Connector (SATAII_1, Red) (PCIE4; Orange)
18 Secondary SATAII Connector (SATAII_2, Red) 37 PCI Slots (PCI1- 2)
19 Fourth SATAII Connector (SATAII_4, Red) 38 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3; Blue)
20 Third SATAII Connector (SATAII_3, Red) 39 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2; Green)
21 Chassis Speaker Header 40 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1; Green)
(SPEAKER 1, Purple) 41 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
22 Fifth SATAII Connector (SATAII_5, Red) 42 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_TOP)

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1.81.8
1.81.8
1.8 I/O PI/O P
I/O PI/O P
I/O Panelanel
anelanel
anel
** 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. 9) (No. 6) (No. 7) (No. 5)
2 V -- -- --
4 V -- -- V
6V--VV
8VVVV
LAN Port
ACT/LINK
LED SPEED
LED
* There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
LAN Port LED Indications
Activity/Link LED SPEEDLED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Activity Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
Green 1Gbps connection
124
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple) 10 Microphone (Pink)
2 VGA/D-Sub Port 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) 12 IEEE 1394 Port
* 4 LAN RJ-45 Port 13 eSATAII Port
5 Side Speaker (Gray) 14 Optical SPDIF Out Port
6 Rear Speaker (Black) *** 15 HDMI Port
7 Central / Bass (Orange) 16 VGA/DVI-D Port
8 Line In (Light Blue) 17 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
** 9 Front Speaker (Lime)
*** To support AC3 or DTS audio format with HDMI Audio under VistaTM, please install the
HDMI audio driver in XP support CD AAX790H-10.
The driver is located under the path: ..\Drivers\NB Audio\REALTEK\XP64_XP(R1.68)
And note for LPCM support up to stereo 2 channels only.

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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 14, 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
Socker Corner 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 DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) 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)
DDR3 DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install
identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel A (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1; Blue
slots; see p.14 No.7) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2
and DDR3_B2; White slots; see p.14 No.8), so that Dual Channel Memory Technol-
ogy can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR3 DIMMs
for dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four
slots. You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Configuration Table below.
Dual Channel Memory Configurations
DDR3_A1 DDR3_B1 DDR3_A2 DDR3_B2
(Blue Slot) (Blue Slot) (White Slot) (White Slot)
(1) Populated Populated - -
(2) - - Populated Populated
(3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For the configuration (3), please install identicalDDR3 DIMMs in all four slots.
1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal compatibility
and reliability, it is recommended to install them in the slots of the
same color. In other words, install them either in the set of blue
slots (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1), or in the set of white slots
(DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2).
2. If only one memory module or three memory modules are installed
in the DDR3 DIMM slots on this motherboard, it is unable to 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
DDR3_A1 and DDR3_A2, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel
Memory Technology .
4. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be
damaged.
5. If you adopt DDR3 1600 memory modules on this motherboard, it
is recommended to install them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

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19
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 2 PCI slots and 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
PCIE Slots:PCIE1 (PCIE x1 slot; Green) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane
width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card and 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
CrossFireXTM function.
PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used to install PCI Express graphics
cards to support CrossFireXTM function.
PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Orange) 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 3-Way CrossFireXTM function.
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.
PCIE2 slot
(x16 or x8 mode)
PCIE3 slot
(x8 mode)
PCIE4 slot
(x4 mode)
PCIE1 slot
(x1 mode)