ASROCK P55 PRO/USB3 - User manual

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P55 Pro/USB3
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published April 2010
Copyright©2010 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 Introduction1 Introduction
1 Introduction1 Introduction
1 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 Motherboard Layout ...................................................... 12
1.5 I/O Panel ......................................................................... 13
2 Installation2 Installation
2 Installation2 Installation
2 Installation............................................................................................................
............................................................................................................
...................................................... 1414
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2.1 Screw Holes ................................................................. 14
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions ........................................... 14
2.3 CPU Installation .............................................................. 15
2.4 Installation of Heatsink and CPU fan ............................. 17
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) ......................... 18
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) ..................... 20
2.7 CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation Guide 21
2.8 Surround Display Feature ............................................. 25
2.9 Jumpers Setup .............................................................. 26
2.10 Onboard Headers and Connectors .............................. 27
2.11 Smart Switches ............................................................. 31
2.12 Dr. Debug ...................................................................... 32
2.13 SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide ....................................... 35
2.14 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks
Installation ...................................................................... 36
2.15 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII
HDDs ............................................................................ 37
2.16 SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation
Guide .............................................................................. 38
2.17 Driver Installation Guide ................................................. 40
2.18 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM
64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit With RAID Functions .................. 40
2.18.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit With RAID
Functions ............................................................ 40
2.18.2 Setting Up a “RAID Ready” System ................... 41
2.18.3 Migrating a “RAID Ready” System to RAID 0,
RAID 1 or RAID 5 ................................................. 42
2.18.4 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit With RAID Functions ................... 43

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2.19 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
/ XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions ........................ 44
2.19.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions ........................................................... 44
2.19.2 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID Functions .............. 45
2.20 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................... 45
3 BIOS S3 BIOS S
3 BIOS S3 BIOS S
3 BIOS SETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITYETUP UTILITY
ETUP UTILITY......................................................................................
......................................................................................
........................................... 4646
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3.1 Introduction .................................................................... 46
3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar .................................................... 46
3.1.2 Navigation Keys ................................................... 47
3.2 Main Screen ................................................................... 47
3.3 OC Tweaker Screen ...................................................... 48
3.4 Advanced Screen ......................................................... 52
3.4.1 CPU Configuration ................................................ 53
3.4.2 Chipset Configuration .......................................... 55
3.4.3 ACPI Configuration ............................................... 56
3.4.4 Storage Configuration ......................................... 57
3.4.5 PCIPnP Configuration ........................................... 59
3.4.6 Floppy Configuration ........................................... 60
3.4.7 Super IO Configuration ........................................ 60
3.4.8 USB Configuration ............................................... 61
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen .................. 62
3.6 Boot Screen ................................................................... 63
3.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration .................................. 63
3.7 Security Screen ............................................................ 64
3.8 Exit Screen .................................................................... 65
4 Software Support4 Software Support
4 Software Support4 Software Support
4 Software Support ......................................................................................
......................................................................................
........................................... 6666
6666
66
4.1 Install Operating System ............................................... 66
4.2 Support CD Information ................................................. 66
4.2.1 Running Support CD ............................................ 66
4.2.2 Drivers Menu ........................................................ 66
4.2.3 Utilities Menu ........................................................ 66
4.2.4 Contact Information .............................................. 66

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Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock P55 Pro/USB3 motherboard, a reliable
motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It de-
livers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commit-
ment to quality and endurance.
In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-by-step
guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the configuration guide to
BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.
Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might
be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without
notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated
version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You
may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website
as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit
our website for specific information about the model you are using.
www.asrock.com/support/index.asp
1.1 P1.1 P
1.1 P1.1 P
1.1 Packack
ackack
ackage Contentsage Contents
age Contentsage Contents
age Contents
ASRock P55 Pro/USB3 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)
ASRock P55 Pro/USB3 Quick Installation Guide
ASRock P55 Pro/USB3 Support CD
4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield

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1.21.2
1.21.2
1.2 SpecificationsSpecifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm
- All Solid Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-quality
Conductive Polymer Capacitors)
CPU - Supports Intel®CoreTM i7 / i5 / i3 and Pentium®G6950
Processors in LGA1156 Package
- Advanced V8 + 2 Power Phase Design
- Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology
- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- Supports EM64T CPU
Chipset - Intel®P55
Memory - Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 3)
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR3 2600+(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/
1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 16GB (see CAUTION 4)
- Supports Intel®Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
(see CAUTION 5)
Expansion Slot - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
(blue @ x16 mode; white @ x4 mode)
- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)
- 2 x PCI slots
- Supports ATITM CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
(Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)
- Premium Blu-ray audio support
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Realtek RTL8111E
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports LAN Cable Detection
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
- 7 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x eSATAII Connector
- 1 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Port

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- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
- HD Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 6)
USB3.0 - 1 x USB 3.0 port by Fresco FL1000G, supports USB 3.0 up to
5Gb/s
Connector - 7 x SATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, JBOD and Intel Rapid Storage), NCQ,
AHCI and “Hot Plug” functions (see CAUTION 7)
- 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices)
- 1 x Floppy connector
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- 1 x 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)
- 1 x Dr. Debug (7-Segment Debug LED)
Smart Switch - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
- 1 x Power Switch with LED
- 1 x Reset Switch with LED
BIOS Feature - 16Mb 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, VTT, PCH, CPU PLL Voltage Multi-adjustment
- Supports I. O. T. (Intelligent Overclocking Technology)
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version),
ASRock Software Suite (CyberLink DVD Suite and Creative
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB) (OEM and Trial Version)
Unique Feature - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 8)
- Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 9)
- Instant Boot
- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 10)
- ASRock OC DNA (see CAUTION 11)

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CAUTION!
1. About the setting of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page 54.
2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read
“Untied Overclocking Technology” on page 45 for details.
3. This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before you
implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read the
installation guide of memory modules on page 18 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®7 /
VistaTM / XP. For Windows®XP 64-bit and Windows®OS with 64-bit CPU,
there is no such limitation.
5. For those CPU that only support up to DDR3 1333, the XMP DDR3 1600
is supported through overclocking.
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.
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 12)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 13)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
- Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.) (see CAUTION 14)
- Good Night LED
- Turbo 40 / Turbo 50 CPU Overclocking
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Tachometer
- CPU Quiet Fan
- CPU/Chassis Fan Multi-Speed Control
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
/ XP / XP 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 15)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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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 13 for
proper connection.
7. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the
“SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide” on page 35 to adjust your SATAII hard disk
drive to SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII
connector directly.
8. 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/feature/OCTuner/index.htm
9. 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 exceptional
power saving and improve power efficiency without sacrificing computing
performance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of
Intelligent Energy Saver.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/feature/IES/index.html
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.

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13. 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.
14. Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.) provides the flexible option to adopt two
different CPU cooler types, Socket LGA 775 and LGA 1156. Please be
noticed that not all the 775 CPU Fan can be used.
15. 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 / 7 / 7 64-bit)
Chipset Model Name Chipset Name Driver
Vendor
ATI Powercolor AX3650 512MMD3-XP RADEON 3650 Catalyst 9.12
Gigabyte GV-RX385256H-B RADEON 3850 Catalyst 9.12
Powercolor AX3870 512MD4-H RADEON 3870 Catalyst 9.12
ASUS EAH4350 SILENT/DI/512MD2/A RADEON HD 4350 Catalyst 9.12
Powercolor AX4670 512MD3-P RADEON 4670 Catalyst 9.12
Gecube GC-HD485PG3-E3 RADEON 4850 Catalyst 9.12
ASUS EAH5850/G/2DIS/1GD5/A RADEON 5850 Catalyst 9.12
MSI-ATI-R5770-PM2D1G RADEON 5770 Catalyst 9.12
* 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

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1.4 Motherboard Layout1.4 Motherboard Layout
1.4 Motherboard Layout1.4 Motherboard Layout
1.4 Motherboard Layout
Intel
P55
30.5cm (12.0 in)
21.8cm (8.6 in)
CMOS
Battery
DDR3_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
ATXPWR1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
PANEL1
1
USB8_9
11
IDE1
SATAII_5_6 SATAII_3_4 SATAII_1_2
16Mb
BIOS
P55 Pro/USB3
ATX12V1
PS2_USB_PWR1
1
DDR3 2600+
PS2
Mouse
Coaxial
SPDIF
PS2
Keyboard
Optical
SPDIF
Clr
CMOS
USB 2.0
T:USB0
B: USB1
Top:
SIDE SPK
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
CTR BASS
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
LAN
PHY
1
HD_AUDIO1
CHA_FAN3
CHA_FAN1
PWRBTN
RSTBTN
Dr.
Debug
AUDIO
CODEC
CD1
Super
I/O
CLRCMOS1
1
IR1
1
COM1
1
FLOPPY1
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
USB 3.0
RoHS
123456
7
8
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24
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18
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26
2728
29
3031
32
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34
35
36
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38
USB10_11
11
USB12_13
1
CHA_FAN2
PWR_FAN1 CPU_FAN1
PCIE1
Dual Channel
PCI Express 2.0
USB 2.0
T:USB4
B: USB5
Top:
RJ-45
PCIE2
PCIE3
PCIE4
PCI1
PCI2
JMicron
JMB363
ErP/EuP Ready
USB 2.0
T:USB6
B: USB7
eSATAII_1
USB 2.0: USB2
USB 3.0: USB3
USB_PWR2
1
SATAII_7
USB_PWR3
1
SPEAKER1
1
PLED1
1
Designed in Taipei
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1 PS2_USB_PWR1 Jumper 22 USB_PWR3 Jumper
2 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 23 Power LED Header (PLED1)
3 1156-Pin CPU Socket 24 System Panel Header (PANEL1, White)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 25 USB 2.0 Header (USB12_13, Blue)
5 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 26 USB 2.0 Header (USB10_11, Blue)
(Dual Channel: DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2, Blue) 27 USB 2.0 Header (USB8_9, Blue)
6 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 28 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
(Dual Channel: DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, White) 29 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
7 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2) 30 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
8 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 31 COM Port Header (COM1)
9 SATAII Connector (SATAII_1_2, Blue) 32 HDMI_SPDIF Header
10 SATAII Connector (SATAII_3_4,Blue) (HDMI_SPDIF1, White)
11 SATAII Connector (SATAII_5_6,Blue) 33 Front Panel Audio Header
12 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3) (HD_AUDIO1, White)
13 SATAII Connector (SATAII_7, Blue) 34 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
14 Intel P55 Chipset 35 PCI Slots (PCI1-2)
15 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 36 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4, White)
16 16Mb SPI Flash 37 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE3, White)
17 Infrared Module Header (IR1) 38 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2, Blue)
18 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, White) 39 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE1, White)
19 Reset Switch (RSTBTN) 40 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1)
20 Dr. Debug 41 USB_PWR2 Jumper
21 Power Switch (PWRBTN)

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1.51.5
1.51.5
1.5 I/O PanelI/O Panel
I/O PanelI/O Panel
I/O Panel
To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will find “Mixer” tool on your system.
Please select “Mixer ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click
“ok”. Choose “2CH”, “4CH”, “6CH”, or “8CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA
Primary output” to use Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek
HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio.
** If you use 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”.
See the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.
TABLE for Audio Output Connection
Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Side Speaker
(No. 9) (No. 6) (No. 7) (No. 5)
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 LAN port LED
indications.
LAN Port LED Indications
Activity/Link LED SPEED LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) 10 Microphone (Pink)
2 Coaxial SPDIF Out Port 11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45)
3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB67) 12 USB 2.0 Port (USB2)
* 4 LAN RJ-45 Port 13 USB 3.0 Port (USB3)
5 Side Speaker (Gray) 14 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 15 eSATAII Connector (eSATAII_1)
7 Central / Bass (Orange) 16 Optical SPDIF Out Port
8 Line In (Light Blue) 17 Clear CMOS Switch (CLRCBTN)
** 9 Front Speaker (Lime) 18 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)

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Chapter 2: InstallationChapter 2: Installation
Chapter 2: InstallationChapter 2: Installation
Chapter 2: Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0" x 8.6", 30.5 x 21.8 cm) motherboard. Before you
install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard fits into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so may cause physical injuries to you and
damages to motherboard components.
2.1 Screw Holes2.1 Screw Holes
2.1 Screw Holes2.1 Screw Holes
2.1 Screw Holes
Place screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.
Do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions2.2 Pre-installation Precautions
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions2.2 Pre-installation Precautions
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
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 antistatic pad or
in the bag that comes with the component.
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.

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2.3 CPU Installation2.3 CPU Installation
2.3 CPU Installation2.3 CPU Installation
2.3 CPU Installation
For the installation of Intel 1156-Pin CPU,
please follow the steps below.
Before you insert the 1156-Pin 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.
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. Remove PnP Cap (Pick and Place Cap).
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.
1156-Pin Socket Overview
Contact Array Socket Body
Load Lever
Load Plate

1616
1616
16
black line
Pin1
alignment key
alignment key
Pin1
1156-PinCPU
1156-PinSocket
Step 3. Insert the 1156-Pin CPU:
Step 3-1. Hold the CPU by the edge where is
marked with black line.
Step 3-2. Orient the CPU with IHS (Integrated Heat
Sink) up. Locate Pin1 and the two ori-
entation 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 3-3. Carefully place the CPU into the socket
by using a purely vertical motion.
Step 3-4. Verify that the CPU is within the socket
and properly mated to the orient keys.
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.
orientation key notch
orientation key notch

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2.42.4
2.42.4
2.4 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
This motherboard is equipped with 1156-Pin socket that supports Intel 1156-Pin CPU.
Please adopt the type of heatsink and cooling fan compliant with Intel 1156-Pin CPU
to dissipate heat. Before you installed the heatsink, you need to spray thermal
interface material between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dissipation.
Ensure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened and in good contact with
each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the CPU_FAN connector (CPU_FAN1, see
page 12, No. 4).
For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of your
CPU fan and heatsink.
Below is an example to illustrate the installation of the heatsink for 1156-Pin CPU.
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 12, No. 4).
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.
Apply Thermal
Interface Material
Fan cables on side
closest to MB header
Fastener slots
pointing straight out
Press Down
(4 Places)
Please be noticed that this motherboard supports Combo Cooler
Option (C.C.O.), which provides the flexible option to adopt two
different CPU cooler types, Socket LGA 775 and LGA 1156. The
white throughholes are for Socket LGA 1156 CPU fan.

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2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
2.5 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 (DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1;
white slots; see p.12 No.6), so that Dual Channel Memory Technology 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_A2 DDR3_A1 DDR3_B2 DDR3_B1
(Blue Slot) (White Slot) (Blue Slot) (White Slot)
(1) - Populated - Populated
(2)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For the configuration (2), 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 white slots
(DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1).
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. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot;otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged.
4. Please install the memory module into the white slot (DDR3_B1) for
the first priority.

1919
1919
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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20
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 2 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 (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 x16 lane width
graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to
support CrossFireXTM function.
PCIE4 (PCIE x16 slot; White) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width
cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireXTM function.
1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express
x16 graphics card on PCIE2 slot.
2. In CrossFireXTM mode, please install PCI Express x16 graphics cards
on PCIE2 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, PCIE2 slot will work at x16
bandwidth while PCIE4 slot will work at x4 bandwidth.
3. If you use PCIE3 slot, PCIE4 slot will work at x2 bandwidth.
4. Please connect a chassis fan to motherboard chassis fan connector
(CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3) when using multiple
graphics cards for better thermal environment.
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.