ASROCK W790 WS User manual

Contact Information
If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, you’re welcome
to visit ASRock’s website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer
for further information. For technical questions, please submit a support request
form at https://event.asrock.com/tsd.asp
ASRock Incorporation
e-mail: [e-mail]
ASRock EUROPE B.V.
e-mail: [e-mail]
ASRock America, Inc.
e-mail: sa[email protected]
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Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Package Contents 1
1.2 Specications 2
1.3 Motherboard Layout 6
1.4 I/O Panel 8
1.5 Block Diagram 10
1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna 11
Chapter 2 Installation 12
2.1 Installing the CPU and Heatsink 13
2.2 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) 19
2.3 Connecting the Front Panel Header 21
2.4 Installing the Motherboard 22
2.5 Installing SATA Drives 23
2.6 Installing a Graphics Card 25
2.7 Connecting Peripheral Devices 27
2.8 Connecting the Power Connectors 28
2.9 Power On 29
2.10 Jumpers Setup 30
2.11 Onboard Headers and Connectors 31
2.12 Smart Buttons 47
2.13 Dr. Debug 51

2.14 M.2 SSD Module Installation Guide (M2_1) 57
2.15 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide (M2_2 and
M2_3) 61
2.16 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide (M2_4) 64

1
W790 WS
Chapter 1 Introduction
ank you for purchasing ASRock W790 WS 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.
1.1 Package Contents
• ASRock W790 WS Motherboard (EATX Form Factor)
• ASRock W790 WS User Manual
• 4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
• 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna (Optional)
• 4 x Screws for M.2 Sockets (Optional)
• 2 x Standos for M.2 Sockets (Optional)
Because the motherboard specications and the BIOS soware might be updated, the
content of this documentation will be subject to change without notice. In case any modi-
cations of this documentation occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock’s
website without further notice. If you require technical support related to this mother-
board, please visit our website for specic information about the model you are using. You
may nd the latest VGA cards and CPU support list on ASRock’s website as well. ASRock
website http://www.asrock.com.

2
1.2 Specications
Platform • EATX Form Factor
• 14 Layer PCB
CPU • Supports 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® W-3400 and W-2400
Processors (LGA4677)
• Supports Intel® Optane™ Persistent Memory
• Supports Intel® Boot Guard
• Supports Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT)
• Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
• Supports Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)
• Supports Intel® Hyper-reading Technology (Intel® HT
Technology)
• Supports Intel® Data Streaming Accelerator (Intel® DSA)
• Supports ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine
Chipset • Intel® W790
• Supports Intel® vPro® Technology
• Supports Intel® Active Management Technology
Memory • Quad Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
• 8 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
• Supports DDR5 ECC, buered memory (RDIMM/ RDIMM-
3DS/ RDIMM-9x4) up to 6800+(OC)*
1DPC Up to 6800+ MHz (OC), 4800 MHz Natively for Xeon
W9, Xeon W7 and Xeon W5.
2DPC Up to 6000+ MHz (OC), 4400 MHz Natively for Xeon
W9, Xeon W7 and Xeon W5.
Supports 4400 MHz Natively for Xeon W3, W5-3423 and
W5-3433. Overclocking is not supported.
* Actual support may vary by CPU
• Max. capacity of system memory: 2TB
* Please refer to Memory Support List on ASRock's website for
more information. (http://www.asrock.com/)

3
W790 WS
Expansion
Slot
CPU:
• 4 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots (PCIE1/PCIE3 at x16; PCIE2/PCIE5 at
x8)*
Chipset:
• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4), supports x4 mode*
• 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT
PCIe WiFi module
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
• 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slots
Audio • 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec)
• Nahimic Audio
LAN 2 x 10 Gigabit LAN 100/1000/2500/5000/10000 Mb/s (Marvell
(Aquantia) AQC113CS)
• Support Wake-On-LAN
• Support PXE
1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s (Intel® I225LM)
• Support Wake-On-LAN
• Support PXE
• Supports Intel® vPro® Technology
Wireless
LAN
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module
• Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Supports Dual-Band 2x2 with extended 6GHz band*
* Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be supported by Microso®
Windows® 11. e availability will depend on the dierent
regulation status of each country and region. It will be ac-
tivated (for supported countries) through Windows Update
and soware updates once available.
* A 6GHz compatible router is required for 6E functionality.
• 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity
technology
• Supports Bluetooth 5.3 + High speed class II
• Supports MU-MIMO

4
USB • 2 x USB4 underboltTM 4 Type-C (Rear)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
• 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
• 3 x USB 2.0 (Front)
* All USB ports support ESD Protection
Rear Panel
I/O
• 2 x Antenna Ports
• 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
• 2 x USB4 underboltTM 4 Type-C Ports*
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s)
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports
• 3 x RJ-45 LAN Ports
• 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
• 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
• 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
* Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 9V@3A (27W) / 5V@3A (15W)
charging
Storage CPU:
• 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type
2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
• 2 x Blazing M.2 Sockets (M2_2 and M2_3, Key M), support
type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
• 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type
2260/2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
Chipset:
• 8 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
• 1 x U.2 Connector, supports PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode
* Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD)
* Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
RAID • Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA
storage devices
• Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2
NVMe storage devices*
* Requires additional M.2 NVMe expansion cards to support
RAID 10

5
W790 WS
Connector • 1 x Virtual RAID On CPU Header
• 1 x SPI TPM Header
• 1 x Chassis Intrusion and Speaker Header
• 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)*
• 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan
Speed Control)**
• 3 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan
Speed Control)***
• 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Con-
nector)
• 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connec-
tor) (for Motherboard)
• 1 x 6 pin 12V Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connec-
tor) (for Motherboard)****
• 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connec-
tor) (for PCIe card)*****
• 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 3 USB 2.0 ports)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
• 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
• 1 x Clear CMOS Button
• 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
• 1 x Power Button with LED
• 1 x Reset Button with LED
* CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
** CPU_FAN2/WP_3A supports the fan power up to 3A (36W).
*** CHA_FAN1~3/WP support the fan power up to 2A (24W).
*** CPU_FAN2/WP_3A and CHA_FAN1~3/WP can auto detect
if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
**** It is optional to connect an ATX 12V 6-pin cable to
ATX12V3, which provides more power for overclocking.
***** Use either GTX_12V1 or GTX_12V2 when you install one
or two PCIe card(s). Use both connectors when you install more
than two PCIe cards. Otherwise, the system may not boot up
properly.
BIOS
Feature
• AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support

6
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting
the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using third-party
overclocking tools. Overclocking may aect your system’s 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.
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
OS • Microso® Windows® 10 64-bit / 11 64-bit
• Linux
* Linux supported by Intel via the upstreaming of Intel Linux
drivers to the Linux Open Source Community. Adoption into
individual Linux distributions is dependent upon the OS vendor
Certica-
tions
• FCC, CE
• ErP/EuP ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
• CEC Tier II ready

7
W790 WS
Intel
W790
PCIE1
PCIE5
2
11
AUDIO
CODEC
27
6
CPU_FAN2
/WP_3A
5
14
31
33
1
USB_1_2
SPK_CI1 1
PANEL1
SPI_TPM_J1
20
21
19
13
CPU_FAN1
8
25
28
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
1
1
USB32_7_8
1
CLR
MOS1
USB32_TC1
1
DDR5_C2 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_C1 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_D2 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_D1 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
SATA3_0
SATA3_1
SATA3_4
SATA3_5
LAN
29 26
ATX12V1
ATX12V2
ATX12V3
GFX_12V1
ATXPWR1
SATA3_6
SATA3_7
18
PCIE3
BIOS
ROM
CHA_FAN3/WP
Dr.
Debug
1
USB32_9_10
Power
22
Reset
23
30
32
CLRC
BTN1
24
Top: MIC I N
Center:
Line Out
Bottom:
Optical
SPDIF
LAN
US B 3.2 Ge n1
US B32_ 5
TB_1
TB_2
US B 3.2 Ge n1
US B32 6_
12
W790 WS
7
9
10
M2_1
CHA_FAN1/WP
RoHS
M2_2
M2_3
M2_4
SATA3_2
SATA3_3
16
U2_1
15
PCIE2
PCIE4
4
3
DDR5_B1 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_B2 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_A1 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
DDR5_A2 (64 bit, 288-pin module)
1
HD_AUDIO1
CHA_FAN2/WP
USB_3
1
34
BIOS
_FB1
M2_WIFI_2
Top:
10GLAN
(Marvell
(Aquantia)
AQC113CS)
Top:
10GLAN
(Marvell
(Aquantia)
AQC113CS)
Top:
2.5GLAN
(Intel I225LM)
USB 3.2 Gen2
T: USB3_5
B: USB3_6
USB 3.2 Gen1
T: USB32_1
B: USB32_2
VROC1
1
1
GFX_12V2
17
1.3 Motherboard Layout

8
No. Description
1 Virtual RAID On CPU Header (VROC1)
2 8 pin 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1)
3 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_B2, DDR5_A2)
4 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_B1, DDR5_A1)
5 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_C1, DDR5_D1)
6 2 x 288-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_C2, DDR5_D2)
7 8 pin 12V Power Connector (ATX12V2)
8 6 pin 12V Power Connector (ATX12V3)
9 CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2/WP_3A)
10 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)
11 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
12 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1/WP)
13 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_7_8)
14 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (USB32_TC1)
15 U.2 Connector (U2_1)
16 8 pin 12V Power Connector (GFX_12V1)
17 8 pin 12V Power Connector (GFX_12V2)
18 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_6)(Upper), (SATA3_7)(Lower)
19 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_4)(Upper), (SATA3_5)(Lower)
20 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_2)(Upper), (SATA3_3)(Lower)
21 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0)(Upper), (SATA3_1)(Lower)
22 Power Button (PWRBTN1)
23 Reset Button (RSTBTN1)
24 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
25 Chassis Intrusion and Speaker Header (SPK_CI1)
26 SPI TPM Header (SPI_TPM_J1)
27 USB 2.0 Header (USB_3)
28 USB 2.0 Header (USB_1_2)
29 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_9_10)
30 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2/WP)
31 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3/WP)
32 Clear CMOS Button (CLRCBTN1)
33 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRMOS1)
34 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)

9
W790 WS
1.4 I/O Panel
No. Description No. Description
1 10G LAN RJ-45 Port 8 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port (USB32_6)
(Marvell (Aquantia) AQC113CS)* 9 USB 4.0 underboltTM 4
2 10G LAN RJ-45 Port Type-C Port (TB_2)****
(Marvell (Aquantia) AQC113CS)*10 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port
3 2.5G LAN RJ-45 Port (USB32_5)
(Intel® I225LM)** 11 USB 4.0 underboltTM 4
4 Microphone Input Jack*** Type-C Port (TB_1)****
5 Line Out Jack*** 12 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port
6 Optical SPDIF Out Port (USB32_12)
7 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports 13 Antenna Ports
(USB32_56) 14 BIOS Flashback Button
614 13
5
4
10
11
1
12 8
9
2
7
3

10
* ere are two LEDs on each LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Activity / Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
O No Link
Orange
100Mbps/1Gbps/2.5Gbps
/5Gbps connection
Blinking Data Activity
On Link Green 10Gbps connection
**ere are two LEDs on each LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Activity / Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
O No Link O 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps/1Gbps
connection
On Link Green 2.5Gbps connection
*** Function of the Audio Ports in 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel Conguration:
Channel Port Function
2ch Line Out Jack
(Rear Panel) Front speaker out
4ch Pink-Mic
(Front Panel) Rear speaker out
5.1ch Microphone Input Jack
(Rear Panel) Central/Subwoofer speaker out
7.1ch Lime-Headphone
(Front Panel) Side Speaker out
****For the underbolt compatibility and limitation, please visit www.asrock.com.
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port
ACT/LINK LED
SPEED LED
LAN Port

11
W790 WS
1.5 Block Diagram
Intel Thunderbolt4 (Maple ridge) Rear type C 2 port
(thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2gen1, no DP)
thunderbolt
20Gb/s
Front USB 3.2 GEN2x2 Type C
5Gb/s
Rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A 4 Port
5Gb/s
Front USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A 4 Port
H/W monitor
NCT3947S NCT3947S NCT3947S NCT3947S
SATA 8 port (SATA3.0) SATA 6Gb
SPI
Flash ROM 256Mb
eSPI
SIO NCT6686D
CPU FAN2 4(3C, 3A) CHA FAN1 4(3C)
CHA FAN2 4(3C)
CHA FAN3 4(3C) VRM FAN1 4(3C)
NCT3947S
CPU FAN1
ASM1074 USB3 Hub
Gen3 x1 Intel AX210 (M.2 Key E wifi 6E)
ALC897 (2+1 jack Audio) AZ(HD Audio)
Intel W790 Chipset
Intel
Sapphire Rapids Processor (LGA4677)
10Gb/s
Channel D Channel C
DDR5 Slot x2 DDR5 Slot x2
DMI Gen4 x8
Gen4 x4 PCIE4 (Gen4 x4 Slot)
Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A 2 Port
Gen3 x2 AQUANTIA AQC113CS (10G LAN) Gen3 x2 AQUANTIA AQC113CS (10G LAN)
M2_2 (M.2 PCIe Gen5 x4)
Gen5 x4 Gen3 x1 Intel I225LM (2.5G LAN)
Gen4 x4 U2_1 (U.2 PCIe Gen4 x4)
Channel B Channel A
DDR5 Slot x2 DDR5 Slot x2
Gen5 x16
PCIE1 gen5 x16 (PCIe Gen5 x16)
Gen5 x8
PCIE2 gen5 x8 (PCIe Gen5 x8)
Gen5 x16
PCIE3 gen5 x16 (PCIe Gen5 x16)
M2_1 (M.2 PCIe Gen5 x4)
Gen5 x4
M2_3 (M.2 PCIe Gen5 x4)
Gen5 x4
M2_4 (M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4)
Gen4 x4Gen5 x8
PCIE5 gen5 x8 (PCIe Gen5 x8)
Gen3 x4
5Gb/s

12
1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz
Antenna
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E + BT Module
is motherboard comes with an exclusive 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6E + BT v5.3
module that oers support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6E connectivity standards
and Bluetooth v5.3. Wi-Fi 6E + BT module is an easy-to-use wireless local area network
(WLAN) adapter to support Wi-Fi 6E + BT. Bluetooth v5.3 standard features Smart
Ready technology that adds a whole new class of functionality into the mobile devices.
BT 5.3 also includes Low Energy Technology and ensures extraordinary low power
consumption for PCs.
* e transmission speed may vary according to the environment.
* Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be supported by Microso® Windows® 11. e availability
will depend on the dierent regulation status of each country and region. It will be
activated (for supported countries) through Windows Update and soware updates
once available.
* A 6GHz compatible router is required for 6E functionality.
ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna

13
W790 WS
is is an EATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard,
study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
Pre-installation Precautions
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard
components. Failure to do so may cause physical injuries and damages to motherboard
components.
• In order to avoid damage from static electricity to the motherboard’s components,
NEVER place your motherboard directly on a carpet. Also remember to use a grounded
wrist strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle the components.
• Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
• Whenever you uninstall any components, place them on a grounded anti-static pad or
in the bag that comes with the components.
• When placing screws to secure the motherboard to the chassis, please do not over-
tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
Chapter 2 Installation

14
2.1 Installing the CPU and Heatsink
1
2
Socket Dust Cover
CPU Carrier

15
W790 WS
3
4

16
6
5
180o