ASROCK X79 Extreme4 User manual

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X79 Extreme4
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published September 2011
Copyright©2011ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

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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:
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 fol-
lowing 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 Cali-
fornia, 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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Contents
1 Introduction......................................................... 5
1.1 Package Contents ......................................................... 5
1.2 Specifications................................................................. 6
1.3 Motherboard Layout....................................................... 12
1.4 I/OPanel ...................................................................... 13
2 Installation........................................................... 15
2.1 Screw Holes................................................................... 15
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions ......................................... 15
2.3 CPU Installation............................................................. 16
2.4 Installation of Heatsink and CPU fan............................. 18
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)........................ 19
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) .................... 20
2.7 SLITM, 3-Way SLITM and Quad SLITM Operation Guide ... 21
2.8 CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM and Quad
CrossFireXTM Operation Guide ...................................... 27
2.9 Surround Display Features............................................ 31
2.10 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide..................... 32
2.11 ASRock XFast Charger Operation Guide....................... 33
2.12 Jumpers Setup .......................................................... 34
2.13 Onboard Headers and Connectors ............................ 35
2.14 Smart Switches .......................................................... 41
2.15 Dr. Debug ................................................................... 42
2.16 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATA2 (SATA2) Hard Disks
Installation ................................................................. 46
2.17 Serial ATA3 (SATA3) Hard Disks Installation ............. 46
2.18 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII
HDDs ............................................................................ 47
2.19 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA3 HDDs .... 47
2.20 SATA / SATA2 / SATA3 HDD Hot Plug Feature and
Operation Guide ........................................................ 48
2.21 Driver Installation Guide ............................................ 50
2.22 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM
64-bit With RAID Functions ....................................... 50
2.23 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit
/ XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions ................... 51
2.23.1 Installing Windows®XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions............................................................ 51
2.23.2 Installing Windows®7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID Functions............... 51

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2.24 Untied Overclocking Technology ................................... 52
3 UEFI SETUP UTILITY ................................................. 53
3.1 Introduction.................................................................... 53
3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar .................................................... 53
3.1.2 Navigation Keys................................................... 54
3.2 Main Screen................................................................... 54
3.3 OC Tweaker Screen ...................................................... 55
3.4 Advanced Screen........................................................... 60
3.4.1 CPU Configuration............................................... 61
3.4.2 North Bridge Configuration................................... 63
3.4.3 South Bridge Configuration.................................. 64
3.4.4 Storage Configuration.......................................... 65
3.4.5 Super IO Configuration ........................................ 66
3.4.6 ACPI Configuration............................................... 67
3.4.7 USB Configuration ............................................... 68
3.4.8 ME Subsystem..................................................... 69
3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen ................... 70
3.6 Boot Screen................................................................... 71
3.7 Security Screen ............................................................. 72
3.8 Exit Screen .................................................................... 73
4 Software Support................................................. 74
4.1 Install Operating System................................................ 74
4.2 Support CD Information................................................. 74
4.2.1 Running Support CD............................................ 74
4.2.2 Drivers Menu........................................................ 74
4.2.3 Utilities Menu........................................................ 74
4.2.4 Contact Information.............................................. 74

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Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock X79 Extreme4 motherboard, a reliable moth-
erboard 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 contains introduction of the motherboard and step-
by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contains 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 Package Contents
ASRock X79 Extreme4 Motherboard
(ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
ASRock X79 Extreme4 Quick Installation Guide
ASRock X79 Extreme4 Support CD
4 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)
1 x I/O Panel Shield
1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
1 x ASRock 3-Way SLI-2S1S Bridge Card
ASRock Reminds You...
To get better performance in Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-
bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage Configuration to
AHCI mode. For the BIOS setup, please refer to the “User Manual” in our
support CD for details.

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1.2 Specifications
Platform - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
- Premium Gold Capacitor design (100% Japan-made high-
quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors)
CPU - Supports Intel®CoreTM i7-39xx & 38xx Series Processors in
Socket LGA 2011
- Digi Power Design
- Advanced V6 + 2 Power Phase Design
- Supports Intel®Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology
- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)
- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology
Chipset - Intel®X79
Memory - Quad Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see CAUTION 2)
- 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/1600/1333/1066/800 non-ECC,
un-buffered memory
- Supports DDR3 ECC, un-buffered memory with Intel®
Workstation 1S Xeon®processors E5 2xxx & 4xxx series in
socket LGA 2011
- Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB (see CAUTION 3)
- Supports Intel®Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)1.3/1.2
Expansion Slot - 3 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (PCIE1/PCIE3: x16 mode;
PCIE4: x8 mode) (see CAUTION 4)
- 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x 1 slots
- 2 x PCI slots
- Supports AMDTM Quad CrossFireXTM, 3-Way CrossFireXTM
and CrossFireXTM
- Supports NVIDIA®Quad SLITM, 3-Way SLITM and SLITM
Audio - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection
(Realtek ALC898 Audio Codec)
- Premium Blu-ray audio support
- Supports THX TruStudioTM
LAN - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- Broadcom BCM57781
- Supports Wake-On-LAN
- Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az
- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port

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- 1 x Coaxial SPDIF Out Port
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 6 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x eSATA3 Connector
- 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
- 1 x IEEE 1394 Port
- 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
- HD Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central/Bass/
Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 5)
SATA3 - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Intel®X79, support RAID
(RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel Rapid
Storage3.0), NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions
- 3 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by ASMedia ASM1061,
support NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions
USB3.0 - 2 x Rear USB 3.0 ports by ASMedia ASM1042, support
USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
- 1 x Front USB 3.0 header (supports 2 USB 3.0 ports) by
ASMedia ASM1042, supports USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
Connector - 4 x SATA2 3.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel Rapid Storage3.0),
NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug functions
- 5 x SATA3 6.0Gb/s connectors
- 1 x IR header
- 1 x CIR header
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
- 1 x IEEE 1394 header
- 1 x Power LED header
- CPU/Chassis/Power/SB FAN connector
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 8 pin 12V power connector
- SLI/XFire power connector
- Front panel audio connector
- 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
- 1 x USB 3.0 header (supports 2 USB 3.0 ports)
- 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
Smart Switch - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
- 1 x Power Switch with LED
- 1 x Reset Switch with LED

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BIOS Feature - 64MbAMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
- CPU, VCCSA, DRAM, VTT, CPU PLL, PCH1.1V, PCH1.5V
Voltage Multi-adjustment
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version),
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, ASRock Software Suite
(ASRock MAGIX Multimedia Suite - OEM)
Unique Feature - ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) (see CAUTION 6)
- ASRock Instant Boot
- ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 7)
- ASRock APP Charger (see CAUTION 8)
- ASRock SmartView (see CAUTION 9)
- ASRock XFast USB (see CAUTION 10)
- ASRock XFast LAN (see CAUTION 11)
- ASRock XFast Charger (see CAUTION 12)
- ASRock XFast RAM (see CAUTION 13)
- ASRock X-FAN (see CAUTION 14)
- ASRock Crashless BIOS (see CAUTION 15)
- Hybrid Booster:
- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 16)
- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 17)
- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
- Good Night LED
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU/Chassis/Power/SB Fan Tachometer
- CPU/Chassis Quiet Fan (Allows Chassis Fan Speed Auto-
Adjust by CPU Temperature)
- CPU/Chassis/SB 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 (see CAUTION 18)
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
- ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)
(see CAUTION 19)
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com

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WARNING
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including
adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using
third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may affect 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.
CAUTION!
1. About the setting of “Hyper Threading Technology”, please check page
61.
2. This motherboard supports Quad Channel Memory Technology. Before
you implement Quad Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read
the installation guide of memory modules on page 19 for proper installa-
tion.
3. 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 limita-
tion. You can use ASRock XFast RAM to utilize the memory that Win-
dows®cannot use.
4. Currently Intel®Socket 2011 Sandy Bridge-E Processor doesn’t support
PCIE 3.0, but this motherboard is already PCIE 3.0 hardware ready. It
depends on Intel’s CPU to enable PCIE 3.0. Please check Intel’s website
for information on future CPU updates and releases.
5. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono
modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-chan-
nel, 6-channel, and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on page 13
for proper connection.
6. ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU) is an all-in-one tool to ne-tune dif-
ferent system functions in a user-friendly interface, which includes Hard-
ware Monitor, Fan Control, Overclocking, OC DNA and IES. In Hardware
Monitor, it shows the major readings of your system. In Fan Control, it
shows the fan speed and temperature for you to adjust. In Overclocking,
you are allowed to overclock CPU frequency for optimal system per-
formance. In OC DNA, you can save your OC settings as a profile and
share it with your friends. Your friends then can load the OC profile to
their own system to get the same OC settings. In IES (Intelligent Energy
Saver), the voltage regulator can reduce the number of output phases to
improve efficiency when the CPU cores are idle without sacrificing com-
puting performance. Please visit our website for the operation procedures
of ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU).
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com
7. 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 the <F6> key during the POST or the <F2> key

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to enter into the 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 preparing 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.
8. If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your Apple devices,
such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock has prepared a wonderful solu-
tion for you - ASRock APP Charger. Simply install the APP Charger
driver, it makes your iPhone charge 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 continu-
ous 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 charging experience.
ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com/Feature/AppCharger/index.asp
9. ASRock SmartView, a new function for internet browsers, 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 ASRock SmartView utility that helps you
keep in touch with friends on-the-go. To use ASRock 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
10. ASRock XFast USB can boost USB storage device performance. The
performance may depend on the properties of the device.
11. ASRock XFast LAN provides a faster internet access, which includes
the benefits listed below. LAN Application Prioritization: You can config-
ure your application’s priority ideally and/or add new programs. Lower
Latency in Game: After setting online game’s priority higher, it can lower
the latency in games. Traffic Shaping: You can watch Youtube HD videos
and download simultaneously. Real-Time Analysis of Your Data: With
the status window, you can easily recognize which data streams you are
transferring currently.
12. ASRock XFast Charger is the best and fastest technology to charge your
mobile devices via PC. With the superb XFast Charger USB port, users
are assured to enjoy the quick charging experience anytime. In addi-
tion to Apple devices, it is also capable of Charging the BC 1.1 standard
smart devices. Please refer to page 33 for details.
13. ASRock XFast RAM is a new function that is included into ASRock Ex-
treme Tuning Utility (AXTU). It fully utilizes the memory space that cannot
be used under Windows®OS 32-bit CPU. ASRock XFast RAM shortens
the loading time of previously visited websites, making web surfing faster
than ever. And it also boosts the speed of Adobe Photoshop 5 times
faster. Another advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that it reduces the

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frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in order to extend their lifes-
pan.
14. ASRock X-FAN will be automatically activated only when the system rises
to a certain temperature under heavy-loading or overclocking. Normally,
ASRock X-FAN will remain deactivated to give users the quietest comput-
ing experience. The target temperature and fan speed settings can be
configured in the UEFI setup utility.
15. ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their BIOS without fear
of failing. If power loss occurs during the BIOS update process, ASRock
Crashless BIOS will automatically finish the BIOS update procedure after
regaining power. Please note that BIOS files need to be placed in the root
directory of your USB disk. Only USB2.0 ports support this feature.
16. Although this motherboard offers stepless control, it is not recommended
to perform over-clocking. Frequencies other than the recommended CPU
bus frequencies may cause instability of the system or damage the CPU.
17. While CPU overheat is detected, the system will automatically shutdown.
Before you resume the system, please check if the CPU fan on the moth-
erboard functions properly and unplug the power cord, then plug it back
again. To improve heat dissipation, remember to spray thermal grease
between the CPU and the heatsink when you install the PC system.
18. Intel Rapid Storage Technology enterprise 3.0 is not supported by Micro-
soft® Windows®XP / XP 64-bit.
19. EuP stands for Energy Using Product, was a provision regulated by the
European Union to define the power consumption for the completed
system. According to EuP, the total AC power of the completed system
should be under 1.00W in off mode condition. To meet EuP standards,
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, and the standby power efficiency should be higher
than 50% under 100 mA current consumption. For EuP ready power sup-
ply selection, we recommend you to check with the power supply manu-
facturer for more details.

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1.3 Motherboard Layout
1 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 24 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER1, Black)
2 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 25 System Panel Header (PANEL1, Black)
(DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, Black) 26 Dr. Debug
3 2011-Pin CPU Socket 27 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
4 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2) 28 USB 2.0 Header (USB_10_11, Black)
5 2 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Slots 29 USB 2.0 Header (USB_8_9, Black)
(DDR3_D1, DDR3_C1, Black) 30 USB 2.0 Header (USB_6_7, Black)
6 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 31 Consumer Infrared Module Header
7 Power Fan Connector (PWR_FAN1) (CIR1, Gray)
8 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 32 Front Panel IEEE 1394 Header
9 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) (FRONT_1394, Black)
10 USB 3.0 Header (USB3_2_3, Black) 33 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
11 SATA3 Connector (SATA3_A2, Gray) 34 COM Port Header (COM1)
12 SB Fan Connector (SB_FAN1) 35 HDMI_SPDIF Header
13 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN2) (HDMI_SPDIF1, Black)
14 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_2_3, Black) 36 Front Panel Audio Header
15 SATA2 Connectors (SATA2_0_1, Black) (HD_AUDIO1, Black)
16 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_0_1, Gray) 37 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE5, Black)
17 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_A0_A1, Gray) 38 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4, Black)
18 SPI Flash Memory (64Mb) 39 PCI Slot (PCI2, Black)
19 Intel X79 Chipset 40 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3, Black)
20 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3) 41 PCI Slot (PCI1, Black)
21 Power LED Header (PLED1) 42 PCI Express 2.0 x1 Slot (PCIE2, Black)
22 Reset Switch (RSTBTN) 43 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1, Black)
23 Power Switch (PWRBTN) 44 SLI / XFIRE Power Connector
DDR3_D1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_C1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)
ATX12V1
PS2
Mouse
PS2
Keyboard
Clr
CMOS
Coaxial SPDIF
Optical SPDIF
USB 3.0
T:USB0
B: USB1
USB 2.0
T:USB0
B: USB1
Top:
RJ-45
USB 2.0
T: US B2
B: USB3
USB 2.0 T: US B4 B: USB5
eSATA3
IEEE 1394
Top:
SIDE SPK
Center:
REAR SPK
Bottom:
CTR BASS
Top:
LINE IN
Center:
FRONT
Bottom:
MIC IN
SLI/XFIRE_PWR1
ATXPWR1
PWR_FAN1
CPU_FAN1
CPU_FAN2
CHA_FAN1
1
USB3_2_3
SATA3_A2
CHA_FAN2
Intel
X79
PCIE1
PCIE3
PCIE4
PCI1
PCI2
PCIE2
PCIE5
Super
I/O
LAN
PHY
AUDIO
CODEC
CMOS
Battery
SATA3_A0_A1 SATA2_2_3
SATA2_0_1
SATA3_0_1
64Mb
BIOS
24.4cm (9.6 in)
30.5cm (12.0 in)
Dr.
Debug
PWRBTN1 RSTBTN1
HDLED RESET
PLED PWRBTN
PANEL1
1
1
SPEAKER1
PLED1
1
SB_FAN1
CLRCMOS1
1
CHA_FAN3
FRONT_1394
1
IR1
1
COM1
1
1
HD_AUDIO1
1
HDMI_SPDIF1
USB_6_7
1
CIR1
1
USB_8_9
1
USB_10_11
1
Designed in Taipei
DDR3 2400+
4 Channels DDR3
SATA3 6Gb/s
Front USB 3.0
ErP/EuP Ready
1394a
USB 3.0
3-Way S LI
RoHS
X79 Extreme4
XFast LAN
1234567
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
3334
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
XFast USB
2 oz Copper PCB
PCI Express 3.0 Ready

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1.4 I/O Panel
* 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 IEEE 1394 Port (IEEE 1394)
* 3 LAN RJ-45 Port *** 12 eSATA3 Connector
4 USB 2.0 Ports (USB45) 13 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)
5 Side Speaker (Gray) 14 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
6 Rear Speaker (Black) 15 USB 3.0 Ports (USB3_0_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)
ACT/LINK
LED SPEED LED
LAN Port
** If you use 2-channel speaker, please connect the speaker’s plug into “Front Speaker Jack”.
See the table below for connection details in accordance with the type of speaker you use.
TABLE for Audio Output Connection
Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker Central / Bass Side Speaker
(No. 9) (No. 6) (No. 7) (No. 5)
2 V -- -- --
4 V V -- --
6 V V V --
8 V V V V

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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 “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
HDAAudio 2nd output” to use front panel audio.
*** eSATA3 connector supports SATA Gen3 in cable 1M.

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Chapter 2: Installation
This is an ATX form factor (12.0" x 9.6", 30.5 x 24.4 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 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 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
components.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard’s 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 the 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 mother-
board to the chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing
so may damage the motherboard.
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 Installation
For the installation of Intel 2011-Pin CPU,
please follow the steps below.
Before you insert the 2011-Pin CPU into the socket, please check if the
CPU surface is unclean or if there are any bent pins in 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. Disengage the left lever by pressing it
down and sliding it out of the hook.
Step 1-2. Disengage the right lever by pressing
it down and sliding it out of the hook.
Step 1-3. Keep the right lever positioned at
about 90 degrees in order to flip up
the load plate.
Step 2. Insert the 2011-Pin CPU:
Step 2-1. Hold the CPU by the edge with the
triangle mark(Pin 1) on your upper
right corner.
2011-Pin Socket Overview
Pin1

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Step 2-2. Locate Pin1 and the two orientation
key notches.
alignment key
alignment key
Pin1
2011-Pin CPU 2011-Pin Socket
For proper inserting, please ensure to match the four orientation key
notches of the CPU with the four alignment keys of the socket.
Step 2-3. Carefully place the CPU into the
socket by using a purely vertical mo-
tion.
Step 2-4. Verify that the CPU is within the sock-
et and properly mated to the orient
keys.
Step 3. Close the socket:
Step 3-1. Flip the load plate onto the IHS, then
the cover will automatically come off
by itself.
The cover must be placed if returning the
motherboard for after service.
Step 3-2. Press down the right load lever, and
secure it with the load plate tab under
the retention tab.
Step 3-3. Press down the left load lever, and
secure it with the load plate tab under
the retention tab.
orientation key notch
orientation key notch

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2.4 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
This motherboard is equipped with 2011-Pin socket that supports Intel 2011-Pin
CPU. Please adopt the type of heatsink and cooling fan compliant with Intel 2011-
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 dis-
sipation. 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. 6).
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 2011-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. 6).
Step 3. Align screws with the motherboard’s holes.
Step 4. Use a screw driver to install the screws.
If you don’t fasten the screws, 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 the cable does not interfere
with fan operation or contact other components.

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2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM
slots, and supports Quad Channel Memory Technology. For quad channel con-
figuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size
and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM in the slots: You have to install identical DDR3
DIMM in DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1, DDR3_D1 and DDR3_C1 (Black slots; see p.11
No.2 and No. 5), so that Quad Channel Memory Technology can be activated.
1. If only two memory modules are installed in the DDR3 DIMM slots,
then Dual Channel Memory Technology is activated. If three memo-
ry modules are installed, then Triple Channel Memory Technology is
activated. If four memory modules are installed in the DDR3 DIMM
slots, then Quad Channel Memory Technology is activated.
2. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be dam-
aged.
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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2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 2 PCI slots and 5 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 3.0 x16 slots) are used for PCI Express x16 lane
width graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to
support CrossFireXTM or SLITM function.
PCIE2 / PCIE5 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slots) are used for PCI Express cards with
x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc.
PCIE4 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x8 lane width graph-
ics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
3-Way CrossFireXTM or 3-Way SLITM function.
1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express
x16 graphics card on PCIE1 slot.
2. In CrossFireXTM mode or SLITM mode, please install PCI Express x16
graphics cards on PCIE1 and PCIE3 slots. Therefore, both these two
slots will work at x16 bandwidth.
3. In 3-Way CrossFireXTM or 3-Way SLITM mode, please install PCI
Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE1, PCIE3 and PCIE4 slots.
Therefore, both PCIE1 and PCIE3 will work at x16 bandwidth, while
PCIE4 works at x8 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.
5. Currently Intel®Socket 2011 Sandy Bridge-E Processor doesn’t
support PCIE 3.0, but this motherboard is already PCIE 3.0 hardware
ready. It depends on Intel’s CPU to enable PCIE 3.0. Please check
Intel’s website for information on future CPU updates and releases.
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.