ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M: Chapter 2: Installation

Chapter 2: Installation

This is a micro ATX form factor (9.6" x 9.6", 24.4 x 24.4 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 com-

ponents or change any motherboard settings.

1. 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 com-

ponents.

2. In order to avoid damage from static electricity to the moth-

erboard’s components, NEVER place your motherboard

directly on a carpet. Also remember to use a grounded wrist

strap or touch a safety grounded object before you handle

the components.

3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.

4. Whenever you uninstall any components, place them on a

grounded anti-static pad or in the bag that comes with the

components.

5. When placing screws to secure the motherboard to the

chassis, please do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so

may damage the motherboard.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

2.1 CPU Installation

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

angle.

Step 2. Position the CPU directly above the socket so that the CPU corner

with the golden triangle matches the small triangle on the socket’s

corner.

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’s Golden

Push Down And Lock

Triangle To The Small

The Socket Lever

Triangle on the Socket’s

Corner

2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

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

to install a compatible heatsink and cooling fan to dissipate heat.

You also need to spray thermal grease between the CPU and

the heatsink to improve heat dissipation. Make sure that the

CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened and in good con-

tact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the CPU FAN

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connector (CPU_FAN1, see Page 2, No. 5 or CPU_FAN2, see

Page 2, No. 6). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the

instruction manual of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3)

DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual

channel conguration, you always need to install identical (the same

brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3 DIMM pairs. In other words,

you have to install identical DDR3 DIMM pairs in Dual Channel A

(DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1, see p.2 No. 7) or identical DDR3 DIMM

pairs in Dual Channel B (DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2, see p.2 No. 8), so

that Dual Channel Memory Technology can be activated. This moth-

erboard also allows you to install four DDR3 DIMMs for dual channel

conguration, please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four slots.

You may refer to the Dual Channel Memory Conguration Table below.

Dual Channel Memory Congurations

DDR3_A1

DDR3_A2

DDR3_B1

DDR3_B2

(Blue Slot)

(White Slot)

(Blue Slot)

(White Slot)

(1) Populated - Populated -

(2) - Populated - Populated

(3) Populated Populated Populated Populated

* For conguration (3), please install identical DDR3 DIMMs in all four

slots.

1. If you want to install two memory modules, for optimal com-

patibility and reliability, it is recommended to install them in

DDR3_A1 and DDR3_B1 or in DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2.

2. If only one memory module or three memory modules are

installed in the DDR3 DIMM slots on this motherboard, it is

unable to activate the Dual Channel Memory Technology.

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3. If a pair of memory modules is NOT installed in the same

Dual Channel, for example, installing a pair of memory

modules in DDR3_A1 and DDR3_A2, it is unable to acti-

vate Dual Channel Memory Technology.

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

into a DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM

may be damaged.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

5. If you adopt DDR3 2600/2400/2133/1866/1600 memory

modules on this motherboard, it is recommended to install

them on DDR3_A2 and DDR3_B2 slots.

Installing a DIMM

Please make sure to disconnect the power supply before add-

ing or removing DIMMs or 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 per-

manent damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force

the DIMM into the slot at incorrect orientation.

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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 FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

There is 1 PCI slot and 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

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

PCI interface.

PCIE Slots: PCIE1 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width

graphics cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to

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support CrossFireX

function.

PCIE2 (PCIE x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane

width. Such as Gigabit LAN card or SATA2 cards, etc.

PCIE3 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width

cards, or used to install PCI Express graphics cards to support

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CrossFireX

function.

1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a

PCI Express x16 graphics card on PCIE1 slot.

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2. In CrossFireX

mode, please install PCI Express x16

graphics cards on PCIE1 and PCIE3 slots.

Installing an expansion card

Step 1. Before installing the expansion card, please make sure that the

power supply is switched off and 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

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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 FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

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2.5 CrossFireX

and Quad CrossFireX

Operation Guide

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This motherboard supports CrossFireX

and Quad CrossFireX

.

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CrossFireX

technology offers the most advantageous means available

of combining multiple high performance Graphics Processing Units (GPU)

in a single PC. Combining a range of different operating modes with

intelligent software design and an innovative interconnect mechanism,

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CrossFireX

enables the highest possible level of performance and image

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quality in any 3D application. Currently CrossFireX

feature is supported

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with Windows

XP with Service Pack 2 / Vista

/ 7 OS. Quad CrossFireX

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feature are supported with Windows

Vista

/ 7 OS only. Please check

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AMD website for AMD CrossFireX

driver updates.

1. If a customer incorrectly congures their system they will not see

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the performance benefits of CrossFireX

. All three CrossFireX

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components, a CrossFireX

Ready graphics card, a CrossFireX

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Ready motherboard and a CrossFireX

Edition co-processor

graphics card, must be installed correctly to benefit from the

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CrossFireX

multi-GPU platform.

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2. If you pair a 12-pipe CrossFireX

Edition card with a 16-pipe card,

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both cards will operate as 12-pipe cards while in CrossFireX

mode.

2.5.1 Graphics Card Setup

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Different CrossFireX

cards may require different methods to enable

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CrossFireX

feature. For other CrossFireX

cards that AMD has re-

leased or will release in the future, please refer to AMD graphics card

manuals for detailed installation guide.

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Step 1. Insert one Radeon graphics card into PCIE1 slot and the other

Radeon graphics card to PCIE3 slot. Make sure that the cards are

properly seated on the slots.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

Step 2. Connect two Radeon graphics cards by installing a CrossFire

Bridge on the top of the Radeon graphics cards. (The Cross-

Fire Bridge is provided with the graphics card you purchase, not

bundled with this motherboard. Please refer to your graphics card

vendor for details.)

CrossFire Bridge

or

Step 3. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Rad-

eon graphics card on PCIE1 slot. (You may use the DVI to D-Sub

adapter to convert the DVI connector to D-Sub interface, and then

connect the D-Sub monitor cable to the DVI to D-Sub adapter.)

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

2.5.2 Driver Installation and Setup

Step 1. Power on your computer and boot into OS.

Step 2. Remove the AMD driver if you have any VGA driver installed in

your system.

The Catalyst Uninstaller is an optional download. We recommend using

this utility to uninstall any previously installed Catalyst drivers prior to in-

stallation. Please check AMD’s website for AMD driver updates.

Step 3. Install the required drivers to your system.

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For Windows

XP OS:

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A. AMD recommends Windows

XP Service Pack 2 or higher to

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be installed (If you have Windows

XP Service Pack 2 or higher

installed in your system, there is no need to download it again):

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

B. You must have Microsoft .NET Framework installed prior to

downloading and installing the CATALYST Control Center.

Please check Microsoft website for details.

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For Windows

7 / Vista

OS:

Install the CATALYST Control Center. Please check AMD’s web-

site for details.

Step 4. Restart your computer.

Step 5. Install the VGA card drivers to your system, and restart your com-

puter. Then you will nd “AMD Catalyst Control Center” on your

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Windows

taskbar.

AMD Catalyst Control Center

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Step 6. Double-click “AMD Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, select

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“CrossFireX

”, and then check the item “Enable CrossFireX

”.

Select “2 GPUs” and click “Apply” (if you install two Radeon

graphics cards).

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

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Although you have selected the option “Enable CrossFire

”, the Cross-

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FireX

function may not work actually. Your computer will automatically

reboot. After restarting your computer, please conrm whether the option

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“Enable CrossFire

” in “AMD Catalyst Control Center” is selected or not;

if not, please select it again, and then you are able to enjoy the benet of

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CrossFireX

feature.

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Step 7. You can freely enjoy the benet of CrossFireX

or Quad CrossFi-

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reX

feature.

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* CrossFireX

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 CrossFireX

technology, please check AMD’s

website for updates and details.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

2.6 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.

Clear CMOS Jumper

(CLRCMOS1)

Clear CMOSDefault

(see p.2, No. 23)

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 action. 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 FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

2.8 Driver Installation Guide

To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD into 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 top to bottom to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers

you install can work properly.

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2.9 Installing Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit

With RAID

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If you want to install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit on your

SATA3 HDDs with RAID, please refer to the document at the following path

in the Support CD for detailed procedures: ..\ RAID Installation Guide

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2.10 Installing Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit /

XP Without RAID

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If you want to install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit / XP OS

on your SATA3 HDDs without RAID, please follow the procedures below

according to the OS you install.

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2.10.1 Installing Windows

XP Without RAID

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If you want to install Windows

XP OS on your SATA3 HDDs without RAID,

please follow the steps below.

Using SATA3 HDDs without NCQ

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STEP 1: Set Up UEFI.

A. Enter UEFI SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage

Conguration.

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

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STEP 2: Install Windows

XP OS on your system.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard

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2.10.2 Installing Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit

Without RAID

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If you want to install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit OS on

your SATA3 HDDs without RAID, please follow the steps below.

Using SATA3 HDDs with NCQ

STEP 1: Set Up UEFI.

A. Enter UEFI SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage

Conguration.

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

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STEP 2: Install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit OS on

your system.

Using SATA / SATA2 / SATA3 HDDs without NCQ

STEP 1: Set Up UEFI.

A. Enter UEFI SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage

Conguration.

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

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STEP 2: Install Windows

7 / 7 64-bit / Vista

/ Vista

64-bit OS on

your system.

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ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Motherboard