ASROCK M3N78D FX User manual

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M3N78D FX
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published December 2011
Copyright©2011 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 Motherboard Layout ................................................................... 11
1.4 I/O Panel .................................................................................... 12
2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation ..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
............................................................. 1414
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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 Jumpers Setup .......................................................................... 19
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................................. 20
2.7 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide .................................... 25
2.8 SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide ................................................... 26
2.9 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks
Installation ................................................................................. 27
2.10 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs
Devices ...................................................................................... 27
2.11 SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Guide ....... 28
2.12 Driver Installation Guide ............................................................. 30
2.13 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP /
XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions ............................................. 30
2.13.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 30
2.13.2 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
Without RAID Functions ................................................ 31
2.14 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP /
XP 64-bit With RAID Functions .................................................. 32
2.14.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit With RAID
Functions ...................................................................... 32
2.14.2 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit With RAID Functions ............................... 33
2.15 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................................ 34
3.3.
3.3.
3. BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SBIOS S
BIOS SETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITY ....................................................................................................
....................................................................................................
.................................................. 3535
3535
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3.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 35
3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 35
3.1.2 Navigation Keys .............................................................. 36
3.2 Main Screen .............................................................................. 36

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3.3 OC Tweaker Screen ................................................................... 37
3.4 Advanced Screen ....................................................................... 41
3.4.1 CPU Configuration ........................................................... 42
3.4.2 Chipset Configuration ...................................................... 43
3.4.3 ACPI Configuration .......................................................... 44
3.4.4 Storage Configuration ...................................................... 45
3.4.5 PCIPnP Configuration ...................................................... 47
3.4.6 Floppy Configuration ........................................................ 48
3.4.7 Super IO Configuration .................................................... 48
3.4.8 USB Configuration ........................................................... 49
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ................................. 50
3.6 Boot Screen .............................................................................. 51
3.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration ............................................. 51
3.7 Security Screen ......................................................................... 52
3.8 Exit Screen ................................................................................ 53
4.4.
4.4.
4. Software SupportSoftware Support
Software SupportSoftware Support
Software Support ......................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................... 5454
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4.1 Install Operating System ........................................................... 54
4.2 Support CD Information .............................................................. 54
4.2.1 Running Support CD ........................................................ 54
4.2.2 Drivers Menu ................................................................... 54
4.2.3 Utilities Menu .................................................................. 54
4.2.4 Contact Information .......................................................... 54

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1.1.
1.1.
1. IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock M3N78D FX 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 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 M3N78D FX Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 7.5-in, 30.5 cm x 19.1 cm)
ASRock M3N78D FX Quick Installation Guide
ASRock M3N78D FX Support CD
Two Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (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 7.5-in, 30.5 cm x 19.1 cm
- Solid Capacitor for CPU power
CPU - Support for Socket AM3+ processors
- Support for Socket AM3 processors: AMD PhenomTM II X6 /
X4 / X3 / X2 (except 920 / 940) / Athlon II X4 / X3 / X2 /
Sempron processors
- Supports 8-Core CPU
- Supports CPU up to 140W
- 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 - NVIDIA®nForce 720D
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Support DDR3 1800(OC)/1600(OC)/1333/1066/800 non-ECC,
un-buffered memory (see CAUTION 3)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 4)
Expansion Slot - 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue @ x16 mode)
- 3 x PCI Express x1 slots
- 3 x PCI slots
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio (VIA®VT1718S Audio Codec)
LAN - Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Giga PHY Realtek RTL8211CL
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports PXE
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
- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 x Powered eSATA2/USB Connectors
- 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 5)

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Connector - 4 x SATA2 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD), NCQ, AHCI and “Hot
Plug” functions (see CAUTION 6)
- 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- 1 x Chassis Intrusion header
- 1 x Power LED header
- CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connector
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
- CD in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
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
- VCCM, NB Voltage Multi-adjustment
- Supports NVIDIA®NVCC (NVIDIA®Clock Calibration)
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), CyberLink
MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, ASRock Software Suite (CyberLink
DVD Suite - OEM and Trial; Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi MB -
Trial; ASRock MAGIX Multimedia Suite - OEM)
Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 7)
- ASRock Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 8)
- ASRock Instant Boot
- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 9)
- ASRock OC DNA (see CAUTION 10)
- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 11)
- ASRock SmartView (see CAUTION 12)
- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 13)
- ASRock XFast LAN (see CAUTION 14)
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 15)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 16)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)

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CAUTION!
1. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 34 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 16 for proper
installation.
3. Whether 1800/1600MHz memory speed is supported depends on the
AM3/AM3+ CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDR3 1800/1600 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
4. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be
less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows®7 /
VistaTM / XP. For Windows®OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
5. 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 12
for proper connection.
6. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the “SATAII
Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 26 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to
SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector
directly.
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.
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- CASE OPEN detection
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
/ XP / XP Media Center / XP 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 17)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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7. 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
8. 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
9. 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.
10. The software name itself – OC DNA literally tells you what it is capable
of. OC DNA, an exclusive utility developed by ASRock, provides a conve-
nient way for the user to record the OC settings and share with others. It
helps you to save your overclocking record under the operating system
and simplifies the complicated recording process of overclocking settings.
With OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as a profile and share with
your friends! Your friends then can load the OC profile to their own system
to get the same OC settings as yours! Please be noticed that the OC
profile can only be shared and worked on the same motherboard.
11. If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your Apple devices,
such as iPhone/iPod/iPad Touch, ASRock has prepared a wonderful
solution for you - ASRock APP Charger. Simply installing the APP Charger
driver, it makes your iPhone charged much quickly from your computer
and up to 40% faster than before. ASRock APP Charger allows you to
quickly charge many Apple devices simultaneously and even supports
continuous charging when your PC enters into Standby mode (S1),
Suspend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5). With
APP Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the marvelous charg-
ing experience than ever.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/AppCharger/index.asp

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12. SmartView, a new function of internet browser, is the smart start page
for IE that combines your most visited web sites, your history, your
Facebook friends and your real-time newsfeed into an enhanced view
for a more personal Internet experience. ASRock motherboards are
exclusively equipped with the SmartView utility that helps you keep in
touch with friends on-the-go. To use SmartView feature, please make
sure your OS version is Windows®7 / 7 64 bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64 bit,
and your browser version is IE8.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/SmartView/index.asp
13. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The
performance may depend on the property of the device.
14. ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes
below benefits. LAN Application Prioritization: You can configure your
application priority ideally and/or add new programs. Lower Latency in
Game: After setting online game priority higher, it can lower the latency
in game. Traffic Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD video and down-
load files simultaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With the
status window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are
currently transferring.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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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1.3 Motherboard Layout1.3 Motherboard Layout
1.3 Motherboard Layout1.3 Motherboard Layout
1.3 Motherboard Layout
Super
I/O
CMOS
BATTERY
ATXPWR1
SOCKET AM3
CD1
NVIDIA
nForce 720D
Chipset
PS2_USB_PW1
1
IDE1
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)
PCI1
AUDIO
CODEC
1
CLRCMOS1
CPU_FAN1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
PANEL1
PWR_FAN1
SPEAKER1
1
FLOPPY1
HD_AUDIO1
1
RoHS
30.5cm (12.0-in)
19.1cm (7.5-in)
6
7
124
35
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
181920
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
PCIE1
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
29
8Mb
BIOS
SATAII_1(PORT 0)
HT3.0
Phenom II
DDR3 1800
PCI Express 2.0
PCI2
USB8_9
1
30
31
32
33
PCI3
M3N78D FX
COM1
1
34
LAN
PHY
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: USB 0
B: USB1
Top:
RJ-45
Coaxial
SPDIF
Optical
SPDIF
USB 2.0
T: US B4
B: USB5
USB10_11
1
USB6_7
1
SATAII_2(PORT 1)
SATAII_3(PORT 2)
SATAII_4(PORT 3)
CHA_FAN1
PCIE2
PCIE3
PCIE4
Dual Channel
eSATAII6/USB3
eSATAII5/USB2
ATX12V1
AM3+
140W CPU
FSB2.6GHz
PLED1
1
CI1
1
35
1 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 19 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange)
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 20 Power LED Header (PLED1)
3 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 21 Serial Port Connector (COM1)
4 AM3 CPU Socket 22 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
5 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 23 Front Panel Audio Header
(Dual Channel A: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1; Blue) (HD_AUDIO1, Lime)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 24 HDMI_SPDIF Header
(Dual Channel B: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2; White) (HDMI_SPDIF1,Yellow)
7 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 25 PCI Slots (PCI1- 3)
8 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 26 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
9 NVIDIA nForce 720D Chipset 27 Chassis Intrusion Header (CI1)
10 SATAII Connector (SATAII_4 (PORT 3), Red) 28 SPI BIOS Chip
11 SATAII Connector (SATAII_3 (PORT 2), Red) 29 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE4, White)
12 SATAII Connector (SATAII_2 (PORT 1), Red) 30 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
13 SATAII Connector (SATAII_1 (PORT 0), Red) 31 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE3, White)
14 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) 32 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE2, Blue)
15 USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Blue) 33 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE1, White)
16 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9,Blue) 34 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
17 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, Purple) 35 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
18 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)

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1.41.4
1.41.4
1.4 I/O PanelI/O Panel
I/O PanelI/O Panel
I/O Panel
** 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. 7) (No. 4) (No. 5) (No. 3)
2 V -- -- --
4VV----
6VVV--
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 LANport LED
indications.
LAN Port LED Indications
Activity/Link LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Activity Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
Green 1Gbps connection
6
7
12
4
3
58
9
11
12
13
14 10
1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 8 Microphone (Pink)
*2 LAN RJ-45 Port (LAN1) 9 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
3 Side Speaker (Gray) *** 10 Powered eSATA2/USB Connector
4 Rear Speaker (Black) 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
5 Central / Bass (Orange) 12 Optical SPDIF Out Port
6 Line In (Light Blue) 13 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
** 7 Front Speaker (Lime) 14 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)

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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 “VIA HD Audio Deck” tool on
your system. Please follow below instructions according to the OS you install.
For Windows®XP / XP 64-bit OS:
Please click “VIA HD Audio Deck” icon. Click “Jack” and then click “Configuration”. In
“Configuration” screen, please check the item “Independent Headphone”.
For Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:
Please click “VIA HD Audio Deck” icon. Click “Advanced Options” on the right side on the
bottom. In “Advanced Options” screen, please check the item “Independent Headphone”.
*** Due to chipset limitation, the powered eSATA2 function can work in RAID / AHCI mode
only.
If you want to install Windows®XP / XP 64-bit in RAID / AHCI mode, please make a SATA
driver diskette first. You may refer to our user manual in the support CD or the quick
installation guide for the detail steps of making a SATA driver diskette.
If you want to install Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM in RAID / AHCI mode,
please install the OS directly, and you can enjoy the benefit of powered eSATA2 function.

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2.2.
2.2.
2. InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 7.5-in, 30.5 cm x 19.1 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 11, No. 35). 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.11 No.5) or identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B
(DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2; White slots; see p.11 No.6), so thatDual Channel Memory
Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to install four DDR3
DIMMs for dual channel configuration, and please install identicalDDR3 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 identical DDR3 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 activate
the Dual Channel Memory Technology.
3. If a pair of memory modules is NOT installed in the same Dual
Channel, for example, installing a pair of memory modules in
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.

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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 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCIslots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI
interface.
PCIE slots:
PCIE1 / PCIE3 / PCIE4 (PCIE x1 slot; White) is used for PCI Express
cards with x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2
card, etc.
PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used for PCI Express cards with x16
lane width graphics cards.
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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+5V
1_2
+5VSB
2_3
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_PW1 Short pin2, pin3 to enable
(see p.11, No. 1) +5VSB (standby) for PS/2 or
USB wake up events.
Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by
power supply.
Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS1)
(see p.11, No. 30)
Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. The data in CMOS includes
system setup information such as system password, date, time, and system
setup parameters. To clear and reset the system parameters to default setup,
please turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power
supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a jumper cap to short pin2 and pin3
on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However, please do not clear the CMOS right
after you update the BIOS. If you need to clear the CMOS when you just finish
updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system first, and then shut it down
before you do the clear-CMOS action.
Clear CMOS
2_3 1_2
Default

2020
2020
20
FLOPPY1
Pin1
the red-striped side to Pin1
connect the black end
to the IDE devices
connect the blue end
to the motherboard
IDE1
PIN1
80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors
2.6 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!
•
Floppy Connector
(33-pin FLOPPY1)
(see p.11, No. 22)
Note: Make sure the red-striped side of the cable is plugged into Pin1 side of the
connector.
Primary IDE connector (Blue)
(39-pin IDE1, see p.11, No. 8)
Note: Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details.
Serial ATA II Connectors These four Serial ATAII
(SATAII_1 (PORT 0): see p.11, No. 13) (SATAII) connectors support
(SATAII_2 (PORT 1): see p.11, No. 12) SATA data cables for internal
(SATAII_3 (PORT 2): see p.11, No. 11) storage devices. The current
(SATAII_4 (PORT 3): see p.11, No. 10) SATAII interface allows up to
3.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.
SATAII_4 (PORT 3)
SATAII_3 (PORT 2)
Serial ATA (SATA) Either end of the SATA data cable
Data Cable can be connected to the SATA /
(Optional) SATAII hard disk or the SATAII
connector on this motherboard.
SATAII_2 (PORT 1)
SATAII_1 (PORT 0)