ASRock A55M-DGS: 2. Installation

2. Installation: ASRock A55M-DGS

2. Installation

This is a Micro ATX form factor (8.8-in x 6.8-in, 22.4 cm x 17.3 cm) 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.

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.

1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any

component.

2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static elec-

tricity, 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 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.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.1 CPU Installation

o

Step 1. Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90

angle.

Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with

the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

Step 3. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place.

The CPU ts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU

into the socket to avoid bending of the pins.

Step 4. When the CPU is in place, press it rmly on the socket while you push

down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab

to indicate that it is locked.

Lever 90° Up

CPU Golden Triangle

Socket Corner Small

Triangle

STEP 1:

STEP 2 / STEP 3:

STEP 4:

Lift Up The Socket Lever

Match The CPU Golden Triangle

Push Down And Lock

To The Socket Corner Small

The Socket Lever

Triangle

2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

After you install the CPU into this motherboard, it is necessary to install a

larger heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat. You also need to spray

thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis-

sipation. Make sure 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 2, No. 3). For proper instal-

lation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and

the heatsink.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

This motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots,

and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration,

you always need to install two identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-

type) memory modules in the DDR3 DIMM slots to activate Dual Channel Memory

Technology. Otherwise, it will operate at single channel mode.

1. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into

DDR3 slot;otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be

damaged.

2. If you install only one memory module or two non-identical

memory modules, it is unable to activate the Dual Channel

Memory Technology.

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 ts in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent

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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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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There is 1 PCI slot and 1 PCI Express slot on this motherboard.

PCI Slot: PCI slot is used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI

interface.

PCIE Slot: PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot; Black) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width

graphics cards.

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 rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

Step 6. Replace the system cover.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.5 AMD Dual Graphics Operation Guide

This motherboard supports AMD Dual Graphics feature. AMD Dual Graphics brings

multi-GPU performance capabilities by enabling an AMD A55 FCH (Hudson-D2)

integrated graphics processor and a discrete graphics processor to operate

simultaneously with combined output to a single display for blisteringly-fast frame

®

rates. Currently, AMD Dual Graphics Technology is only supported with Windows

7

®

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OS, and is not available with Windows

Vista

/ XP OS.

What does an AMD Dual Graphics system include?

An AMD Dual Graphics system includes an AMD Radeon HD 65XX/64XX graphics

processor and a motherboard based on an AMD A55 FCH (Hudson-D2) integrated

®

chipset, all operating in a Windows

7 environment. Please refer to below PCI

Express graphics card support list for AMD Dual Graphics. For the future update of

more compatible PCI Express graphics cards, please visit AMD website for further

information.

Chipset Model Driver

AMD RADEON HD6670 ASUS DIS-PCIE2.1-ASUS-HDMI-EAH6670-DI-1GD3/1G-DDR3 8.881

AMD RADEON HD6570 MSI DIS-PCIE2.1-MSI-HDMI-R6570-MD1GD3-LP/1G-DDR3 8.881

AMD RADEON HD6450 MSI DIS-PCIE2.1-MSI-HDMI-R6450-MD1GD3-LP/1G-DDR3 8.881

Enjoy the benefit of AMD Dual Graphics

Step 1. Please keep the default UEFI setting of “Dual Graphics“ option on [Auto].

Step 2. Install one AMD RADEON HD6670 / 6570 / 6450 PCI Express graphics

card to PCIE1 slot (black).

Step 3. Connect the monitor cable to the onboard VGA port. Please be noted that

the current VGA driver / VBIOS can allow Dual Graphics output from on-

board display only. For any future update, please refer to our website for

further information.

Step 4. Boot into OS. Please remove the AMD driver if you have any VGA driver

installed in your system.

Step 5. Install the onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system for

both the onboard VGA and the discrete graphics card.

Step 6. Restart your computer. Right-click the desktop. Click “AMD VISION

Engine Control Center” to enter AMD VISION Engine Control Center.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

Step 7. You can also click “AMD VISION Engine Control Center” on your

®

Windows

taskbar to enter AMD VISION Engine Control Center.

AMD VISION Engine Control Center

Step 8. In AMD VISION Engine Control Center, please choose “Performance”.

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Click “AMD CrossFire

”.

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Step 9. Click “Enable CrossFire

” and click “Apply“ to save your change.

Step 10. Reboot your system. Then you can freely enjoy the benet of Dual

Graphics feature.

* Dual Graphics appearing here is a registered trademark of AMD Technologies Inc., and is

used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

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* For further information of AMD Dual Graphics technology, please check AMD website for up

dates and details.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.6 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features

Dual Monitor Feature

This motherboard supports dual monitor feature. With the internal VGA output sup-

port (D-Sub and DVI-D), you can easily enjoy the benets of dual monitor feature

without installing any add-on VGA card to this motherboard. This motherboard also

provides independent display controllers for D-Sub and DVI-D to support dual VGA

output so that D-Sub and DVI-D can drive same or different display contents.

To enable dual monitor feature, please follow the below steps:

1. Connect D-Sub monitor cable to D-Sub port on the I/O panel, or connect DVI-D

monitor cable to DVI-D port on the I/O panel.

DVI-D portD-Sub port

2. If you have installed onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system

already, you can freely enjoy the benets of dual monitor function after your

system boots. If you haven’t installed onboard VGA driver yet, please install

onboard VGA driver from our support CD to your system and restart your

computer.

When you playback HDCP-protected video from Blu-ray (BD) or

HD-DVD disc, the content will be displayed only in one of the two

monitors instead of both monitors.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

Surround Display Feature

This motherboard supports surround display upgrade. With the internal VGA output

support (D-Sub and DVI-D) and external add-on PCI Express VGA cards, you can

easily enjoy the benets of surround display feature.

Please refer to the following steps to set up a surround display environment:

1. Install the PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE1 slot. Please refer to page 13 for

proper expansion card installation procedures for details.

2. Connect D-Sub monitor cable to D-Sub port on the I/O panel, or connect DVI-D

monitor cable to DVI-D port on the I/O panel. Then connect other monitor cables

to the corresponding connectors of the add-on PCI Express VGA cards on PCIE1

slot.

3. Boot your system. Press <F2> or <Del> to enter UEFI setup. Enter “Share

Memory” option to adjust the memory capability to [32MB], [64MB], [128MB],

[256MB] or [512MB] to enable the function of D-sub. Please make sure that

the value you select is less than the total capability of the system memory. If you

do not adjust the UEFI setup, the default value of “Share Memory”, [Auto], will

disable D-Sub function when the add-on VGA card is inserted to this

motherboard.

4. Install the onboard VGA driver and the add-on PCI Express VGA card driver to

your system. If you have installed the drivers already, there is no need to install

them again.

5. Set up a multi-monitor display.

®

For Windows

XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Right click the desktop, choose “Properties”, and select the “Settings” tab

so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to

the steps below.

A. Click the “Identify” button to display a large number on each monitor.

B. Right-click the display icon in the Display Properties dialog that you

wish to be your primary monitor, and then select “Primary”. When

you use multiple monitors with your card, one monitor will always be

Primary, and all additional monitors will be designated as Secondary.

C. Select the display icon identied by the number 2.

D. Click “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor”.

E. Right-click the display icon and select “Attached”, if necessary.

F. Set the “Screen Resolution” and “Color Quality” as appropriate for the

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second monitor. Click “Apply” or “OK” to apply these new values.

G. Repeat steps C through E for the diaplay icon identied by the number

one to four.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

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For Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit OS:

Right click the desktop, choose “Personalize”, and select the “Display

Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor

according to the steps below.

A. Click the number ”2” icon.

B. Click the items “This is my main monitor” and “Extend the desktop onto

this monitor”.

C. Click “OK” to save your change.

D. Repeat steps A through C for the display icon identied by the number

three to four.

6. Use Surround Display. Click and drag the display icons to positions representing

the physical setup of your monitors that you would like to use. The placement

of display icons determines how you move items from one monitor to another.

HDCP Function

HDCP function is supported on this motherboard. To use HDCP

function with this motherboard, you need to adopt the monitor

that supports HDCP function as well. Therefore, you can enjoy

the superior display quality with high-denition HDCP

encryption contents. Please refer to below instruction for more

details about HDCP function.

What is HDCP?

HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection,

®

a specication developed by Intel

for protecting digital

entertainment content that uses the DVI interface. HDCP is a

copy protection scheme to eliminate the possibility of

intercepting digital data midstream between the video source,

or transmitter - such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box -

and the digital display, or receiver - such as a monitor, television

or projector. In other words, HDCP specication is designed to

protect the integrity of content as it is being transmitted.

Products compatible with the HDCP scheme such as DVD

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players, satellite and cable HDTV set-top-boxes, as well as few

entertainment PCs requires a secure connection to a compliant

display. Due to the increase in manufacturers employing HDCP

in their equipment, it is highly recommended that the HDTV or

LCD monitor you purchase is compatible.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.7 ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide

ASRock Smart Remote is only used for ASRock motherboard with CIR header.

Please refer to below procedures for the quick installation and usage of ASRock

Smart Remote.

Step1. Find the CIR header located next

to the USB 2.0 header on ASRock

USB 2.0 header (9-pin, black)

motherboard.

CIR header (4-pin, gray)

USB_PWR

Step2. Connect the front USB cable to the

P-

USB 2.0 header (as below, pin 1-5)

P+

and the CIR header. Please make

GND

DUMMY

sure the wire assignments and the

pin assignments are matched

correctly.

GND

IRTX

IRRX

ATX+5VSB

Step3. Install Multi-Angle CIR Receiver to the front USB port.

Step4. Boot up your system. Press <F2> or <Del> to enter BIOS Setup Utility.

Make sure the option "CIR Controller" is setting at [Enabled].

(Advanced -> Super IO Conguration -> CIR Controller -> [Enabled])

If you cannot nd this option, please shut down your system and install

Multi-Angle CIR Receiver to the other front USB port then try again.

Step5. Enter Windows. Execute ASRock support CD and install CIR Driver. (It is

listed at the bottom of driver list.)

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

3 CIR sensors in different angles

1. Only one of the front USB port can support CIR function. When

the CIR function is enabled, the other port will remain USB

function.

2. Multi-Angle CIR Receiver is used for front USB only. Please do

not use the rear USB bracket to connect it on the rear panel.

Multi-Angle CIR Receiver can receive the multi-direction infrared

signals (top, down and front), which is compatible with most of

the chassis on the market.

3. The Multi-Angle CIR Receiver does not support Hot-Plug

function. Please install it before you boot the system.

* ASRock Smart Remote is only supported by some of ASRock motherboards. Please refer to

ASRock website for the motherboard support list: http://www.asrock.com

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.8 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.

Jumper Setting Description

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1)

(see p.2, No. 26)

Clear CMOSDefault

Note: CLRCMOS1 allows you to clear the data in CMOS. 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 pin2 and pin3 on CLRCMOS1 for 5 seconds. However,

please do not clear the CMOS right after you update the BIOS. If you need

to clear the CMOS when you just nish updating the BIOS, you must boot

up the system rst, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS ac-

tion. Please be noted that the password, date, time, user default prole, 1394

GUID and MAC address will be cleared only if the CMOS battery is removed.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

2.9 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!

Serial ATA2 Connectors These four Serial ATA2

(SATA_1: see p.2, No. 12)

(SATA2) connectors support

SATA_3

SATA_4

(SATA_2: see p.2, No. 13)

SATA data cables for internal

(SATA_3: see p.2, No. 11)

storage devices. The current

SATA_1

(SATA_4: see p.2, No. 10)

SATA2 interface allows up to

3.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

SATA_2

Serial ATA (SATA) Either end of the SATA data

Data Cable cable can be connected to the

(Optional)

SATA / SATA2 hard disk or the

SATA2 connector on this

motherboard.

Print Port Header This is an interface for print

AF D #

ER R OR#

(25-pin LPT1)

port cable that allows

PI N IT#

SL I N#

GN D

(see p.2 No. 17)

convenient connection of printer

1

devices.

SP D 7

SP D 6

AC K #

SP D 5

BU S Y

SP D 4

PE

SP D 3

SL C T

SP D 2

SP D 1

SP D 0

ST B #

USB 2.0 Headers Besides four default USB 2.0

(9-pin USB6_7)

ports on the I/O panel, there

(see p.2 No. 18)

are two USB 2.0 headers on

this motherboard. Each USB 2.0

header can support two USB

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2.0 ports.

(9-pin USB8_9)

U SB_PWR

P-9

(see p.2 No. 20)

P +9

GND

DUMMY

1

GND

P +8

P-8

U SB_PWR

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

Infrared Module Header This header supports an

(5-pin IR1)

optional wireless transmitting

(see p.2 No. 16)

and receiving infrared module.

Consumer Infrared Module Header This header can be used to

(4-pin CIR1)

connect the remote

(see p.2 No. 19)

controller receiver.

Front Panel Audio Header This is an interface for the front

GND

P RESENCE#

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1)

panel audio cable that allows

M IC_RET

OUT_RET

(see p.2 No. 25)

convenient connection and

control of audio devices.

1

O UT2_L

J _SENSE

O UT2_R

M IC2_R

M IC2_L

1. High Denition 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. To activate the front mic.

®

For Windows

XP / XP 64-bit OS:

Select “Mixer”. Select “Recorder”. Then click “FrontMic”.

®

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For Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit OS:

Go to the "FrontMic" Tab in the Realtek Control panel. Adjust

“Recording Volume”.

System Panel Header This header accommodates

(9-pin PANEL1)

several system front panel

(see p.2 No. 15)

functions.

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Connect the power switch, reset switch and system status indicator

on the chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below.

Note the positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

PWRBTN (Power Switch):

Connect to the power switch on the chassis front panel. You may con-

gure the way to turn off your system using the power switch.

RESET (Reset Switch):

Connect to the reset switch on the chassis front panel. Press the reset

switch to restart the computer if the computer freezes and fails to per-

form a normal restart.

PLED (System Power LED):

Connect to the power status indicator on the chassis front panel. The

LED is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking

when the sys-tem is in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system

is in S3/S4 sleep state or powered off (S5).

HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED):

Connect to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The

LED is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.

The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module

mainly consists of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive

activity LED, speaker and etc. When connecting your chassis front

panel module to this header, make sure the wire assignments and the

pin assign-ments are matched correctly.

Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis

(4-pin SPEAKER 1)

speaker to this header.

(see p.2 No. 9)

Chassis and Power Fan Connectors Please connect the fan cables

(4-pin CHA_FAN1)

to the fan connectors and

(see p.2 No. 8)

match the black wire to the

ground pin.

(3-pin PWR_FAN1)

(see p.2 No. 2)

CPU Fan Connectors Please connect the CPU fan

4 3 2 1

(4-pin CPU_FAN1)

cable to the connector and

(see p.2 No. 3)

GND

match the black wire to the

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+ 12V

CPU_FAN_SPEED

ground pin.

FAN_S PEED_CONTROL

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

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

ATX Power Connector Please connect an ATX power

12

24

(24-pin ATXPWR1)

supply to this connector.

(see p.2 No. 7)

1

13

Though this motherboard provides 24-pin ATX power connector,

12

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it can still work if you adopt a traditional 20-pin ATX power supply.

To use the 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug your power

supply along with Pin 1 and Pin 13.

20-Pin ATX Power Supply Installation

1

13

ATX 12V Power Connector Please connect an ATX 12V

(4-pin ATX12V1)

power supply to this connector.

(see p.2, No. 1)

Serial port Header This COM1 header supports a

(9-pin COM1)

serial port module.

(see p.2 No.21)

2.10 Driver Installation Guide

To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD to your optical

drive rst. 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.

®

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2.11 Installing Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit / XP /

XP 64-bit With RAID Functions

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If you want to install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit

on your SATA / SATAII HDDs with RAID functions, please refer to the document at

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the following path in the Support CD for detailed procedures:

..\ RAID Installation Guide

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard

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2.12 Installing Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit / XP /

XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions

®

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If you want to install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit / XP / XP 64-

bit OS on your SATA / SATAII HDDs without RAID functions, please follow below

procedures according to the OS you install.

®

2.12.1 Installing Windows

XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions

®

If you want to install Windows

XP / XP 64-bit on your SATA / SATAII HDDs without

RAID functions, please follow below steps.

Using SATA / SATAII HDDs without NCQ and Hot Plug functions (IDE mode)

STEP 1: Set up UEFI.

A. Enter UEFI SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage

Conguration.

B. Set the “SATA Mode” option to [IDE].

®

STEP 2: Install Windows

XP / XP 64-bit OS on your system.

®

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2.12.2 Installing Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit

Without RAID Functions

®

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If you want to install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit on your SATA /

SATAII HDDs without RAID functions, please follow below steps.

Using SATA / SATAII HDDs without NCQ and Hot Plug functions (IDE mode)

STEP 1: Set up UEFI.

A. Enter UEFI SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage

Conguration.

B. Set the “SATA Mode” option to [IDE].

®

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STEP 2: Install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit OS on your

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system.

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ASRock A55M-DGS Motherboard