ASROCK N7AD-SLI User manual

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Copyright Notice:Copyright Notice:
Copyright Notice:Copyright Notice:
Copyright Notice:
No part of this installation guide may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or trans-
lated in any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documen-
tation by the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of ASRock Inc.
Products and corporate names appearing in this guide may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identifica-
tion or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:
Specifications and information contained in this guide are furnished for informational
use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be constructed as a
commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions
that may appear in this guide.
With respect to the contents of this guide, ASRock does not provide warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties or
conditions of merchantability or 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 guide
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
Published October 2008
Copyright©2008ASRock INC.All rights reserved.

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Motherboard LMotherboard L
Motherboard LMotherboard L
Motherboard Layoutayout
ayoutayout
ayout
1 PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 20 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) (FRONT_1394, Red)
3 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 21 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
4 775-Pin CPU Socket 22 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
5 NVIDIA nForce 740i SLI Chipset 23 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots 24 COM Port Header (COM1)
(Dual Channel A: DDRII_1, DDRII_3; Yellow) 25 Front Panel Audio Header
7 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots (HD_AUDIO1, Lime)
(Dual Channel B: DDRII_2, DDRII_4; Orange) 26 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
8 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 27 PCI Slots (PCI1-2)
9 SPI BIOS Chip 28 HDMI_SPDIF Header
10 SATAII Connector (SATAII_2 (Port1), Red) (HDMI_SPDIF1, Yellow)
11 SATAII Connector (SATAII_4 (Port3), Red) 29 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE4, Blue)
12 SATAII Connector (SATAII_6 (Port5), Orange) 30 USB/WiFi Header (USB/WIFI, Yellow)
13 SATAII Connector (SATAII_3 (Port2), Red) 31 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE3, Green)
14 SATAII Connector (SATAII_5 (Port4), Red) 32 SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot
15 SATAII Connector (SATAII_1 (Port0), Red) 33 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE2, Green)
16 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 34 PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE1, Green)
17 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) 35 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector
18 Chassis Speaker Header 36 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)
(SPEAKER 1, Purple) 37 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)
19 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange) 38 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_TOP, Orange)

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

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1. Introduction1. Introduction
1. Introduction1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock N7AD-SLI motherboard, a reliable motherboard pro-
duced underASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It delivers excellent perfor-
mance with robust design conformingtoASRock’scommitment to quality and endurance.
This Quick InstallationGuide contains introduction of the motherboard and step-by-step
installation guide. More detailed information of the motherboard can be found in the user
manual presented in 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 onASRock 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
1.1 P1.1 P
1.1 P1.1 P
1.1 Packack
ackack
ackage Contentsage Contents
age Contentsage Contents
age Contents
1 xASRock N7AD-SLI Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm)
1 xASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
1 xASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card
1 xASRock N7AD-SLI Quick InstallationGuide
1 xASRock N7AD-SLI Support CD
1 x UltraATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor)
1 x 3.5-in FloppyDrive Ribbon Cable
2 x SerialATA(SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x SerialATA(SATA) HDDPower Cable (Optional)
1 x “ASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O” I/O Shield

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1.21.2
1.21.2
1.2 SpecificationsSpecifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Platform -ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.2-in, 30.5 cm x 20.8 cm
-All Solid Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-quality
Conductive Polymer Capacitors)
CPU - LGA 775 for Intel®CoreTM 2 Extreme / CoreTM 2 Quad / CoreTM
2 Duo / Pentium®Dual Core / Celeron®Dual Core / Celeron®,
supporting Penryn Quad Core Yorkfield andDual Core Wolfdale
processors
- Supports FSB1600/1333/1066/800/533 MHz
- Supports Hyper-ThreadingTechnology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports EM64T CPU
Chipset -NVIDIA®nForce 740i SLI
Memory -Dual Channel DDR2 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 3)
- 4 xDDR2 DIMM slots
- SupportDDR2 800/667 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 4)
Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
(green @ x16 mode, blue @ x8 mode)
- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
- 2 x PCI slots
- SupportsNVIDIA®SLITM (see CAUTION 5)
Audio - 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Premium Level HDAudio with
Content Protection
-DAC with 110dB dynamic range (ALC890Audio Codec)
LAN -Gigabit LAN10/100/1000 Mb/s
-Giga PHYRealtek RTL8211CL
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/O ASRock 1394_SPDIF I/O
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x eSATAII Port
- 1 x RJ-45 LANPort with LED(ACT/LINK LEDand SPEEDLED)
- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port
- HDAudio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 6)

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Connector - 6 x SATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID(RAID0,
RAID1, RAID 0+1, JBODand RAID5),NCQ,AHCI and “Hot
Plug” functions (see CAUTION 7)
- 1 x eSATAII 3.0Gb/s connector (shared with 1 SATAII
connector) (see CAUTION 8)
- 1 xATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- 1 x IEEE 1394 header
- CPU/Chassis FANconnector
- 24 pinATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
-SLI/XFIRE power connector
- CD in header
- Front panel audio connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
(see CAUTION 9)
- 1 x USB/WiFi header (see CAUTION 10)
BIOS Feature - 8MbAMI BIOS
-AMI Legal BIOS
- Supports “Plug and Play”
-ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
-AMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
- CPU, DRAM, NB, VTTVoltage Multi-adjustment
- Supports Smart BIOS
Support CD -Drivers, Utilities,AntiVirus Software (Trial Version)
Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 11)
- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 12)
- Instant Boot
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 13)
-ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 14)
- Boot FailureGuard (B.F.G.)
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore

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CAUTION!
1. About the setting of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page
51 of “User Manual” in the support CD.
2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 31 for details.
3. This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before
you implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read
the installation guide of memory modules on page 13 for proper
installation.
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. This motherboard supports NVIDIA®SLITM technology. If you want to use
SLITM function, please follow the instructions on page 17 and 18 to reverse
the direction of ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card. For the information of the
compatible SLITM Mode PCI Express VGA cards, please refer to the “Sup-
ported PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode” on page 9. For the proper
installation of PCI Express VGA card, please refer to the installation guide
on page 15.
6. 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 3 for proper connection.
7. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the
“SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 37 of “User Manual” in the
support CD to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to SATAII mode. You can
also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector directly.
8. This motherboard supports eSATAII interface, the external SATAII
specification. Please read “eSATAII Interface Introduction” on page 28
for details about eSATAII and eSATAII installation procedures.
9. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft®Windows®
VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2.
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.
OS - Microsoft® Windows® XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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10. USB/WiFi header can be used to support 2 USB 2.0 ports. It can also be
used to support WiFi+AP function with ASRock WiFi-802.11g or WiFi-
802.11n module, an easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN)
adapter. It allows you to create a wireless environment and enjoy the
convenience of wireless network connectivity. Please visit our website
for the availability of ASRock WiFi-802.11g or WiFi-802.11n
module. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
11. It is a user-friendly ASRock overclocking tool which allows you to surveil
your system by hardware monitor function and overclock your hardware
devices to get the best system performance under Windows®
environment. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of
ASRock OC Tuner. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
12. Featuring an advanced proprietary hardware and software design,
Intelligent Energy Saver is a revolutionary technology that delivers
unparalleled power savings. In other words, it is able to provide excep-
tional power saving and improve power efficiency without sacrificing
computing performance. Please visit our website for the operation pro-
cedures of Intelligent Energy Saver.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
13. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recom-
mended to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recom-
mended CPU bus frequencies may cause the instability of the system
or damage the CPU.
14. While CPU overheat is detected, the system will automatically shutdown.
Before you resume the system, please check if the CPU fan on the
motherboard functions properly and unplug the power cord, then plug it
back again. To improve heat dissipation, remember to spray thermal
grease between the CPU and the heatsink when you install the PC
system.

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

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2.2.
2.2.
2.InstallationInstallation
InstallationInstallation
Installation
Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions
Pre-installation PrecautionsPre-installation Precautions
Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install mother-
board components or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
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
antstatic 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.
2.12.1
2.12.1
2.1 CPU InstallationCPU Installation
CPU InstallationCPU Installation
CPU Installation
For the installation of Intel 775-LAND CPU,
please follow the steps below.
Before you insert the 775-LAND CPU into the socket, please check if
the CPU surface is unclean or if there is any bent pin on the socket.
Do not force to insert the CPU into the socket if above situation is
found. Otherwise, the CPU will be seriously damaged.
775-Pin Socket Overview

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Step 1. Open the socket:
Step 1-1. Disengaging the lever by depressing
down and out on the hook to clear
retention tab.
Step 1-2. Rotate the load lever to fully open po-
sition at approximately 135 degrees.
Step 1-3. Rotate the load plate to fully open po-
sition at approximately 100 degrees.
Step 2. Insert the 775-LAND CPU:
Step 2-1. Hold the CPU by the edges where are
marked with black lines.
Step 2-2. Orient the CPU with IHS (Integrated
Heat Sink) up. Locate Pin1 and the two
orientation key notches.
For proper inserting, please ensure to match the two orientation key
notches of the CPU with the two alignment keys of the socket.
Step 2-3. Carefully place the CPU into the socket
by using a purely vertical motion.
Step 2-4. Verify that the CPU is within the socket
and properly mated to the orient keys.
Step 3. Remove PnP Cap (Pick and Place Cap):
Use your left hand index finger and thumb to
support the load plate edge, engage PnP cap
with right hand thumb and peel the cap from the
socket while pressing on center of PnP cap to
assist in removal.
black line
black line
775-PinSocket
Pin1
alignment key alignment key
Pin1
orientation
key notch orientation
key notch
775-LAND CPU
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1. It is recommended to use the cap tab to handle and avoid kicking
off the PnP cap.
2. This cap must be placed if returning the motherboard for after
service.
Step 4. Close the socket:
Step 4-1. Rotate the load plate onto the IHS.
Step 4-2. While pressing down lightly on load
plate, engage the load lever.
Step 4-3. Secure load lever with load plate tab
under retention tab of load lever.
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
For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of your CPU fan
and heatsink.
Below is an example to illustrate the installation of the heatsink for 775-LANDCPU.
Step 1. Apply thermal interface material onto center
of IHS on the socket surface.
Step 2. Place the heatsink onto the socket. Ensure
fan cables are oriented on side closest to the
CPU fan connector on the motherboard
(CPU_FAN1, see page 2,No. 3).
Step 3. Align fasteners with the motherboard
throughholes.
Step 4. Rotate the fastener clockwise, then press
down on fastener caps with thumb to install
and lock. Repeat with remaining fasteners.
If you press down the fasteners without rotating them clockwise,
the heatsink cannot be secured on the motherboard.
Step 5. Connect fan header with the CPU fan
connector on the motherboard.
Step 6. Secure excess cable with tie-wrap to ensure
cable does not interfere with fan operation or
contact other components.

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2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memor2.3 Installation of Memor
2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)
y Modules (DIMM)y Modules (DIMM)
y Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) DIMM slots,
and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration,
you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type)
DDR2DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install
identicalDDR2DIMM pair inDual ChannelA(DDRII_1 andDDRII_3; Yellow slots;
see p.2 No.6) or identical DDR2 DIMM pair in Dual Channel B (DDRII_2 and
DDRII_4; Orange slots; see p.2 No.7), so that Dual Channel MemoryTechnology
can be activated.This motherboard also allows you to install fourDDR2DIMMs for
dual channel configuration, and please install identical DDR2DIMMs in all four
slots. You may refer to theDual Channel Memory Configuration Table below.
Dual Channel Memory Configurations
DDRII_1 DDRII_2 DDRII_3 DDRII_4
(Yellow Slot) (Orange Slot) (Yellow Slot) (Orange Slot)
(1) Populated - Populated -
(2) - Populated - Populated
(3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For the configuration (3), please install identicalDDR2DIMMs in all four slots.
1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal compatibil-
ity and reliability, it is recommended to install them in the slots of
the same color. In other words, install them either in the set of
yellow slots (DDRII_1 and DDRII_3), or in the set of orange slots
(DDRII_2 and DDRII_4).
2. If only one memory module or three memory modules are in-
stalled in the DDR2 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
DDRII_1 and DDRII_2, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel
Memory Technology .
4. It is not allowed to install a DDR memory module into DDR2 slot;
otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.

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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 aDIMM on the slot such that the notch on theDIMM 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 theDIMM 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 / PCIE3 (PCIE x1 slot;Green) is used for PCI Express cards with
x1 lane width cards, such asGigabit LANcard, SATA2 card.
PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot;Green) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
SLITM function.
PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; Blue) is used to install PCI Express graphics
cards to support SLITM function.
PCIE2 / PCIE4 / SLI/XFire Switch Card Retention Slot
Configurations
PCIE2 Slot PCIE4 Slot SLI/XFire Switch Card
(Green) (Blue) Retention Slot
Single Graphics Card PCIE x16 N/A
Dual Graphics Cards PCIE x8 PCIE x8
in SLITM Mode
(Default)

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1. If you plan to install only one PCI Express VGA card on this
motherboard, please install it on PCIE2 slot (Green). In this mode,
you do not need to adjust the default setting of ASRock SLI/XFire
Switch Card, and please do not remove or lose ASRock SLI/XFire
Switch Card when it is still in working condition.
2. For the information of the compatible SLITM Mode PCI Express VGA
cards and SLITM setup procedures, please refer to the “Supported
PCI Express VGA Card List for SLITM Mode” on page 9 and “SLITM
Operation Guide” on page 17.
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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2.5 SLITMTM
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TM Operation GuideOperation Guide
Operation GuideOperation Guide
Operation Guide
Thismotherboard supportsNVIDIA®SLITM (ScalableLinkInterface)technologythatallows
you to install two identicalNVIDIA®SLITM enabled PCI Express x16 graphics
cards. Currently, NVIDIA®SLITM technology supports Windows®XP, XP 64-bit, VistaTM
and VistaTM 64-bit OS. Please follow the installation procedures in this section.
SLITM Technology Requirements
1. You should have two identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®
certified.
2. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLITM
technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA®website
(www.nvidia.com).
3. Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the
minimum power required by your system.
Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI
Enjoy the benefit of SLIEnjoy the benefit of SLI
Enjoy the benefit of SLITMTM
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Step 1. There is oneASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card factory-mounted on this
motherboard. This card served as a switch between the default mode (x16)
and SLI mode (x8 / x8). ASRock SLI/XFire Switch Card is factory-mounted
with its default mode (x16) side toward the retention slot base.
Step 2. To change it to SLI Mode, you need to reverse the direction ofASRock
SLI/XFire Switch Card. Please simultaneously pull open both the retention
arms that hold the card in position. The card itself will spring away from the
retention slot. Take it out gently by holding its edges, and keep away from
touching the connectors (Golden Fingers).

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Step 3. Reverse the card direction so as to have the “X8 / X8 MODE” wording side
toward the retention slot base. Insert the card into the bottom of the base.
Step 4. Push the card down into the retention slot till both the retention arms firmly
hold the card into position.Also, keep away from touching the connectors
(GoldenFingers).
Step 5. Install the identical SLITM-ready graphics cards that areNVIDIA®certified be-
cause different types of graphics cards will not work together properly. (Even
theGPU chips version shall be the same.) Insert one graphics card into PCIE2
slot and another graphics card to PCIE4 slot. Make sure that the cards are
properly seated on the slots.
Step 6. If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics
cards.
Step 7. AlignandinsertASRockSLI_Bridge_2SCardtothegoldfingersoneachgraphics
card. Make sure that ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card is firmly in place.

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Step 8. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the monitor connector and the DVI
connector of the graphics card that is inserted to PCIE2 slot.
Step 9. Connect a 4-pinATX power cable to SLI/XFIRE power connector.
Step 10. Install the graphics card drivers to your system.After that, you can enable the
Multi-Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA®nView
system tray utility. Please follow the below procedures to enable the multi-
GPUfeature.
For Windows®XP / XP 64-bit OS:
A. Click the NVIDIA Settings icon on your Windows®taskbar.
B. From the pop-up menu, select nView Desktop Manager, and then
click nView Properties.
C. From the nViewDesktop Manager window, select the Desktop
Management tab.
D. Click Properties to display theDisplay Properties dialog box.

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E. From theDisplay Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click
Advanced.
F. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab.
G. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI
multi-GPU item.
H. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box.
I. Click OK when done.