4COREDX90-VSTA - Motherboard ASROCK - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Motherboard
Brand	ASROCK
Model	4COREDX90-VSTA
Form factor	ATX (30.5 cm x 22.9 cm)
Processor socket	AM2+ compatible with AM2 and AM3
Chipset	NVIDIA nForce 630a
Memory type	DDR2, up to 4 GB (2 slots)
Memory frequency	DDR2-800/667/533
Expansion slots	1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16, 2 x PCI Express x1, 3 x PCI
Storage	4 x SATA 3 Gb/s, 1 x IDE (ATA-133)
USB ports	4 x USB 2.0 at rear, 4 x USB 2.0 internal
Video output	VGA (via integrated chipset, requires processor with GPU)
Audio	Realtek ALC662, 7.1 channel audio
Network	Realtek RTL8211CL, Gigabit LAN
Required power supply	ATX 24-pin + 4-pin CPU power supply
Approximate weight	1 kg
Main features	Supports AMD Phenom/Athlon/Sempron processors, DDR2 memory, PCI Express 2.0, SATA 3 Gb/s, USB 2.0, 7.1 audio, Gigabit LAN, integrated VGA output
Maintenance and cleaning	Regularly dust with compressed air, avoid moisture and electrostatic discharges
Safety	Update BIOS for compatibility, use surge protection
Spare parts and repairability	Capacitors and connectors available on the second-hand market; complex repair requiring soldering skills
General information	Full manual available as PDF on the manufacturer's website; user manual included

Frequently Asked Questions - 4COREDX90-VSTA ASROCK

Which processor can I install on the ASROCK 4COREDX90-VSTA motherboard?

This motherboard supports AMD processors with socket AM2+ (compatible with AM2 and AM3), including Phenom II, Athlon II, Phenom, Athlon 64 X2, and Sempron series.

What type of RAM memory is compatible?

The motherboard uses DDR2 at frequencies of 800/667/533 MHz, with a maximum of 4 GB (2 slots).

How to update the BIOS of the 4COREDX90-VSTA?

Download the latest BIOS version from the ASRock website, place it on a USB key formatted as FAT32, then use the Instant Flash tool built into the BIOS.

Does the motherboard support CrossFire or SLI?

No, it does not support multi-GPU. It has a single PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot.

How to connect the front panel LEDs?

Consult the manual for exact pinout. Usually, the connectors are labeled (PWR_LED, HDD_LED, etc.) and plug into the PANEL block on the board.

Sound is not working, what to do?

Check that the Realtek audio driver is installed. Make sure the default audio device is correctly selected in Windows sound settings.

How to connect an IDE hard drive?

Use the IDE connector (40-pin) on the motherboard. Set the hard drive jumpers to Master or Slave according to your configuration.

What is the maximum supported voltage for memory?

The standard voltage for DDR2 is 1.8 V. Do not exceed 2.0 V to avoid damaging the memory controller.

Can I use an AM3 processor on this board?

Yes, AM3 processors are compatible with the AM2+ socket, but they will run in DDR2 mode (not DDR3). Check compatibility on the ASRock website.

How to reset the BIOS?

Turn off the computer, open the case, then remove the CMOS battery (CR2032) for 30 seconds. Put it back and restart.

USER MANUAL 4COREDX90-VSTA ASROCK

No part of this installation guide 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 guide may or may not be registered 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 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 April 2007 Copyright©2007 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

Motherboard Layout

1 PS2_USB_PWR1 Jumper
2 ATX 12V Connector (ATX12V1)
3 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1)
4 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1)
5 North Bridge Controller
6 775-Pin CPU Socket
7 2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM Slots (DDR1, DDR2; Blue)
8 Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2, Black)
9 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue)
10 USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Blue)
11 USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue)
12 Secondary Serial ATA Connector (SATA2)
13 Primary Serial ATA Connector (SATA1)

14 System Panel Header (PANEL1)
15 South Bridge Controller
16 Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1)
17 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1)
18 Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1)
19 HDMR Slot (HDMR1)
20 Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1)
21 3 x PCI Slots (PCI1-3)
22 Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black)
23 Flash Memory
24 PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE1)
25 Infrared Module Header (IR1)
26 CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)

ASRock 8CH I/O Plus

1 PS/2 Mouse Port (Green)
2 Parallel Port
3 USB 2.0 Ports (USB23)
4 RJ-45 Port
5 Side Speaker (Gray)
6 Rear Speaker (Black)
7 Central / Bass (Orange)

8 Line In (Light Blue)
* 9 Front Speaker (Lime)
10 Microphone (Pink)
11 USB 2.0 Ports (USB01)
12 VGA Port
13 COM Port
14 PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)

* 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(No. 9)	Rear Speaker(No. 6)	Central / Bass(No. 7)	Side Speaker(No. 5)
2	V	--	--	--
4	V	V	--	--
6	V	V	V	--
8	V	V	V	V

* 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.

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA 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.

This Quick Installation Guide 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 on ASRock website as well.

ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

1.1 Package Contents

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Motherboard

(Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm)

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Quick Installation Guide

ASRock 4CoreDX90-VSTA Support CD

One 80-conductor Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable

One Ribbon Cable for a 3.5-in Floppy Drive

One Serial ATA (SATA) Cable (Optional)

One Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional)

One ASRock 8CH I/O Plus Panel Shield

1.2 Specifications

Platform	- Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm
CPU	- LGA 775 for Intel® CoreTM 2 Extreme / CoreTM 2 Duo / Pentium® XE / Pentium® D / Pentium® Dual Core / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® / Celeron® D, supporting Quad Core Kentsfield processors- FSB 1066/800/533 MHz- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology (see CAUTION 1)- Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2)- Supports EM64T CPU
Chipset	- Northbridge: VIA® P4M900- Southbridge: VIA® VT8237A
Memory	- 2 x DDR DIMM slots- Support DDR400/333/266- Max. capacity: 2GB
Hybrid Booster	- CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 3)- ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 4)- Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
Expansion Slot	- 3 x PCI slots- 1 x PCI Express x16 slot- 1 x HDMR slot
Graphics	- VIA® Chrome9 HC- Pixel Shader 2.0, DirectX 9.0- Max. shared memory 256MB
Audio	- 7.1 CH Windows® VistaTM Basic Level HD Audio (ALC883 Audio Codec)
LAN	- VIA® PHY VT6103- Speed: 10/100 Ethernet- Supports Wake-On-LAN
Rear Panel I/O	ASRock 8CH I/O Plus- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port- 1 x Serial Port: COM1- 1 x VGA Port- 1 x Parallel Port (ECP/EPP Support)- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports- 1 x RJ-45 Port- HD Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central Bass/Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 5)
Connector	- 2 x Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD) and “Hot Plug” functions- 2 x ATA133 IDE connectors (support 4 x IDE devices)- 1 x Floppy connector- 1 x IR header- CPU/Chassis FAN connector- 20 pin ATX power connector- 4 pin 12V power connector- CD in header- Front panel audio connector- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)(seeCAUTION 6)
BIOS Feature	- 4Mb AMI BIOS- AMI Legal BIOS- Supports “Plug and Play”- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events- Supports jumperfree- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
Support CD	- Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version)
Hardware Monitor	- CPU Temperature Sensing- Chassis Temperature Sensing- CPU Fan Tachometer- Chassis Fan Tachometer- CPU Quiet Fan- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore
OS	- Microsoft® Windows® 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit compliant (seeCAUTION 7)
Certifications	- FCC, CE, WHQL

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.

CAUTION!

1. About the setting of "Hyper Threading Technology", please check page 33 of "User Manual" in the support CD.
2. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read "Untied Overclocking Technology" on page 22 for details.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. For microphone input, this motherboard supports both stereo and mono modes. For audio output, this motherboard supports 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel modes. Please check the table on page 3 for proper connection.
6. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ 64-bit / Vista™ / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4.
7. Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ / Vista™ 64-bit driver keeps on updating now. As long as we have the latest driver, we will update it to our website in the future. Please visit our website for Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ / Vista™ 64-bit driver and related information.
   ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

1.3 Minimum Hardware Requirement Table for Windows® Vista™ Basic Logo

For system integrators and users who purchase our motherboard and plan to submit Windows® Vista™ Basic logo, please follow below table for minimum hardware requirement.

CPU	Celeron D 326
Memory	512MB Single Channel*
VGA	DX9.0 with WDDM Driver

* If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size 512MB and plan to submit Windows® Vista™ Basic logo, please adjust the shared memory size of onboard VGA to 64MB. If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size above 512MB and plan to submit Windows® Vista™ Basic logo, please adjust the shared memory size of onboard VGA to 128MB or above.

2. Installation

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. 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.

2.1 CPU Installation

For the installation of Intel 775-LAND CPU, please follow the steps below.

775-Pin Socket Overview

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.

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 position at approximately 135 degrees.

Step 1-3. Rotate the load plate to fully open position 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.

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.

2.2 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-LAND 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 2, 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.

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

This motherboard is equipped with two 184-pin DDR (Double Data Rate) DIMM slots.

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.

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI, HDMR and PCI Express Slots)

There are 3 PCI slots, 1 HDMR slot and 1 PCI Express slot on this motherboard.

PCI slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI interface.

HDMR slot: HDMR slot is used to insert a HDMR card with v.92 Modem functionality.

PCIE Slot: PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane width graphics cards.

If you install the add-on PCI Express VGA card to PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot), the onboard VGA will be disabled.

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 bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws for later use.

Step 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

Step 4. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

2.5 Jumpers Setup

The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is "Short". If no jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is "Open". The illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1 and pin2 are "Short" when jumper cap is placed on these 2 pins.

Short

Open

Jumper

Setting

PS2_USB_PWR1

(see p.2, No. 1)

Short pin2, pin3 to enable +5VSB (standby) for PS/2 or USB wake up events.

Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by power supply.

Clear CMOS

(CLRCMOS1, 2-pin jumper)

(see p.2, No. 17)

2-pin jumper

Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. The data in CMOS includes system setup information such as system password, date, time, and system setup parameters. To clear and reset the system parameters to default setup, please turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power supply. After waiting for 15 seconds, use a jumper cap to short 2 pins on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds.

2.6 Onboard Headers and Connectors

Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the motherboard!

FDD Connector

(33-pin FLOPPY1)

(see p.2, No. 18)

Note: Make sure the red-striped side of the cable is plugged into Pin1 side of the connector.

Primary IDE Connector (Blue)

(39-pin IDE1, see p.2, No. 9)

Secondary IDE Connector (Black)

(39-pin IDE2, see p.2, No. 8)

connect the blue end to the motherboard

connect the black end to the IDE devices

80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable

Note: If you use only one IDE device on this motherboard, please set the IDE device as "Master". Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details. Besides, to optimize compatibility and performance, please connect your hard disk drive to the primary IDE connector (IDE1, blue) and CD-ROM to the secondary IDE connector (IDE2, black).

Serial ATA Connectors

(SATA1: see p.2, No. 13)

(SATA2: see p.2, No. 12)

SATA2

SATA1

These two Serial ATA (SATA) connectors support SATA data cables for internal storage devices. The current SATA interface allows up to 1.5 Gb/s data transfer rate.

Serial ATA (SATA)

Data Cable

(Optional)

Either end of the SATA data cable can be connected to the SATA hard disk or the SATA connector on the motherboard.

Serial ATA (SATA)

Power Cable

(Optional)

connect to the SATA HDD power connector

connect to the power supply

Please connect the black end of SATA power cable to the power connector on the drive. Then connect the white end of SATA power cable to the power connector of the power supply.

USB 2.0 Headers

(9-pin USB6_7)

(see p.2 No. 11)

Besides four default USB 2.0 ports on the I/O panel, there are two USB 2.0 headers on this motherboard. Each USB 2.0 header can support two USB 2.0 ports.

(9-pin USB4_5)

(see p.2 No. 10)

Infrared Module Header

(5-pin IR1)

(see p.2, No. 25)

Internal Audio Connector

(4-pin CD1)

(CD1: see p.2, No. 22)

CD1

This header supports an optional wireless transmitting and receiving infrared module.

Front Panel Audio Header

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)

(see p.2, No. 20)

This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, TV tuner card, or MPEG card.

This is an interface for the front panel audio cable that allows convenient connection and control of audio devices.

1. High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must support HDA to function correctly. Please follow the instruction in our manual and chassis manual to install your system.

2. If you use AC'97 audio panel, please install it to the front panel audio header as below:

A. Connect Mic_IN (MIC) to MIC2_L.
B. Connect Audio_R (RIN) to OUT2_R and Audio_L (LIN) to OUT2_L.
C. Connect Ground (GND) to Ground (GND).
D. MIC_RET and OUT_RET are for HD audio panel only. You don't need to connect them for AC'97 audio panel.
E. Enter BIOS Setup Utility. Enter Advanced Settings, and then select Chipset Configuration. Set the Front Panel Control option from [Auto] to [Enabled].

F. Enter Windows system. Click the icon on the lower right hand taskbar to enter Realtek HD Audio Manager. Click "Audio I/O", select

"Connector Settings"

, choose "Disable front panel jack

detection", and save the change by clicking "OK".

System Panel Header

(9-pin PANEL1)

(see p.2, No. 14)

This header accommodates several system front panel functions.

Chassis Speaker Header

(4-pin SPEAKER 1)

(see p.2, No. 16)

Please connect the chassis speaker to this header.

Chassis Fan Connector

(3-pin CHA_FAN1)

(see p.2, No. 4)

Please connect the chassis fan cable to this connector and match the black wire to the ground pin.

CPU Fan Connector

(4-pin CPU_FAN1)

(see p.2, No. 26)

Please connect the CPU fan cable to this connector and match the black wire to the ground pin.

Though this motherboard provides 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) support, the 3-Pin CPU fan still can work successfully even without the fan speed control function. If you plan to connect the 3-Pin CPU fan to the CPU fan connector on this motherboard, please connect it to Pin 1-3.

Pin 1-3 Connected

3-Pin Fan Installation

ATX Power Connector

(20-pin ATXPWR1)

(see p.2, No. 3)

Please connect an ATX power supply to this connector.

ATX 12V Connector

(4-pin ATX12V1)

(see p.2, No. 2)

Please note that it is necessary to connect a power supply with ATX 12V plug to this connector so that it can provides sufficient power. Failing to do so will cause the failure to power up.

2.7 Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Disks Installation

This motherboard adopts VIA® VT8237A southbridge chipset that supports Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks and RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD) functions. You may install SATA hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA hard disks.

STEP 1: Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis.

STEP2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA hard disk.

STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard's SATA connector.

STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA hard disk.

2.8 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA HDDs

4CoreDX90-VSTA motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for SATA Devices.

NOTE

What is Hot Plug Function?

If the SATA HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.

However, please note that it cannot perform Hot Plug if the OS has been installed into the SATA HDD.

What is Hot Swap Function?

If SATA HDDs are built as RAID1 then it is called "Hot Swap" for the action to insert and remove the SATA HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.

2.9 Driver Installation Guide

To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD to your optical drive first. Then, the drivers compatible to your system can be auto-detected and listed on the support CD driver page. Please follow the order from up to bottom side to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work properly.

2.10 HDMR Card and Driver Installation

If you do not insert HDMR card to this motherboard, and you finish installing all drivers to your system now, but in the future, you plan to use HDMR card function on this motherboard, please follow the steps below then.

1. Insert HDMR card to HDMR slot on this motherboard. Please make sure that the HDMR card is completely seated on the slot.
2. Install HDMR card driver from our support CD to your system.
3. Reboot your system.

2.11 Installing Windows® 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista™ / Vista™ 64-bit With RAID Functions

If you want to install Windows ^® 2000, Windows ^® XP, Windows ^® XP 64-bit, Windows ^® Vista ^™ or Windows ^® Vista ^™ 64-bit OS on your SATA HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below procedures according to the OS you install.

2.11.1 Installing Windows® 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With RAID Functions

If you want to install Windows ^® 2000, Windows ^® XP or Windows ^® XP 64-bit on your SATA HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below steps.

STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.

A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY → Advanced screen → IDE Configuration.
B. Set the "SATA Operation Mode" option to [RAID].

STEP 2: Make a SATA Driver Diskette.

A. Insert the ASRock Support CD into your optical drive to boot your system.
B. During POST at the beginning of system boot-up, press key, and then a window for boot devices selection appears. Please select CD-ROM as the boot device.
C. When you see the message on the screen, "Generate Serial ATA driver diskette [YN]?", press .
D. Then you will see these messages,

Please insert a blank

formatted diskette into floppy

drive A:

press any key to start

Please insert a floppy diskette into the floppy drive, and press any key.

E. The system will start to format the floppy diskette and copy SATA drivers into the floppy diskette.

STEP 3: Use "RAID Installation Guide" to set RAID configuration.

Before you start to configure RAID function, you need to check the RAID installation guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the BIOS RAID installation guide of the document in the following path in the Support CD: .. \ RAID Installation Guide

STEP 4: Install Windows ^® 2000 / Windows ^® XP / Windows ^® XP 64-bit OS on your system.

After step 1, 2, 3, you can start to install Windows ^® 2000 / Windows ^® XP / Windows ^® XP 64-bit OS on your system. At the beginning of Windows ^® setup, press F6 to install a third-party RAID driver. When prompted, insert the SATA driver diskette containing the VIA ^® RAID driver. After reading the floppy disk, the driver will be presented. Select the driver to install according to the OS you install.

1. If you install Windows® 2000 / Windows® XP / Windows® XP 64-bit on IDE HDDs and want to manage (create, convert, delete, or rebuild) RAID functions on SATA HDDs, please set the RAID configuration by using the Windows RAID installation guide part of the document in the following path in the Support CD:

.. \ RAID Installation Guide

1. If you want to use "VIA RAID Tool" in Windows® environment, please install SATA drivers from the Support CD again so that "VIA RAID Tool" will be installed to your system as well.

2.11.2 Installing Windows® Vista™ / Vista™ 64-bit With RAID Functions

If you want to install Windows ^® Vista ^™ or Windows ^® Vista ^™ 64-bit on your SATA HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below steps.

STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.

A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY → Advanced screen → IDE Configuration.

B. Set the "SATA Operation Mode" option to [RAID].

STEP 2: Use "RAID Installation Guide" to set RAID configuration.

Before you start to configure RAID function, you need to check the RAID installation guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the BIOS RAID installation guide of the document in the following path in the Support CD: .. \ RAID Installation Guide

STEP 3: Install Windows® Vista™ / Windows® Vista™ 64-bit OS on your system.

Insert the Windows® Vista™ / Windows® Vista™ 64-bit optical disk into the optical drive to boot your system, and follow the instruction to install Windows® Vista™ / Windows® Vista™ 64-bit OS on your system. When you see “Where do you want to install Windows?” page, please insert the ASRock Support CD into your optical drive, and click the “Load Driver” button on the left on the bottom to load the VIA® RAID drivers. VIA® RAID drivers are in the following path in our Support CD:

.. \ I386 \ NT5 (For Windows® Vista™ OS)

.. \ AMD64 \ 2003x64 (For Windows® Vista™ 64-bit OS)

After that, please insert Windows® Vista™ / Windows® Vista™ 64-bit optical disk into the optical drive again to continue the installation.

1. If you install Windows® Vista™ / Vista™ 64-bit on IDE HDDs and want to manage (create, convert, delete, or rebuild) RAID functions on SATA HDDs, please set the RAID configuration by using the Windows RAID installation guide part of the document in the following path in the Support CD:

.. \ RAID Installation Guide

1. If you want to use "VIA RAID Tool" in Windows® environment, please install SATA drivers from the Support CD again so that "VIA RAID Tool" will be installed to your system as well.

2.12 Installing Windows ^® 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista ^™ / Vista ^™ 64-bit Without RAID Functions

If you want to install Windows ^® 2000, Windows ^® XP, Windows ^® XP 64-bit, Windows ^® Vista ^™ or Windows ^® Vista ^™ 64-bit OS on your SATA HDDs without RAID functions, please follow below steps.

STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.

A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY → Advanced screen → IDE Configuration.
B. Set the "SATA Operation Mode" option to [non-RAID].

STEP 2: Install Windows® 2000 / Windows® XP / Windows® XP 64-bit / Windows® Vista™ / Windows® Vista™ 64-bit OS on your system.

After step 1, you can start to install Windows ^® 2000 / Windows ^® XP / Windows ^® XP 64-bit / Windows ^® Vista ^TM / Windows ^® Vista ^TM 64-bit OS on your system.

2.13 Untied Overclocking Technology

This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology, which means during overclocking, FSB enjoys better margin due to fixed PCI / PCIE bus. You may set “CPU Host Frequency” option of BIOS setup to [Auto], which will show you the actual CPU host frequency in the following item. Therefore, CPU FSB is untied during overclocking, but PCI / PCIE bus is in the fixed mode so that FSB can operate under a more stable overclocking environment.

Please refer to the warning on page 6 for the possible overclocking risk before you apply Untied Overclocking Technology.

3. BIOS Information

The Flash Memory on the motherboard stores BIOS Setup Utility. When you start up the computer, please press during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter BIOS Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines. If you wish to enter BIOS Setup after POST, please restart the system by pressing + + , or pressing the reset button on the system chassis.

The BIOS Setup program is designed to be user-friendly. It is a menu-driven program, which allows you to scroll through its various sub-menus and to select among the predetermined choices. For the detailed information about BIOS Setup, please refer to the User Manual (PDF file) contained in the Support CD.

4. Software Support CD information

This motherboard supports various Microsoft® Windows® operating systems: 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista™ / Vista™ 64-bit. The Support CD that came with the motherboard contains necessary drivers and useful utilities that will enhance motherboard features. To begin using the Support CD, insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. It will display the Main Menu automatically if “AUTORUN” is enabled in your computer. If the Main Menu does not appear automatically, locate and double-click on the file “ASSETUP.EXE” from the BIN folder in the Support CD to display the menus.

1. 主板简介

步骤2-2.将有IHS(Integrated Heat

(按压(4位置))

(CLRCMOS1, jumper de 2 pins)

(ver p.2, N. 17)

jumper de 2 pins

formatted diskette into floppy

drive A:

press any key to start

(Ranhuras dos fixadores voltados para fora)

(CLRCMOS1, jumper de 2 pinos)

Conector Áudio do painel frontal

(HD_AUDIO1 de 9 pinos)