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In no event shall ASRock Rack, 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 Rack has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the documentation or product.
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Contact Information If you need to contact ASRock Rack or want to know more about ASRock Rack, you’re welcome to visit ASRock Rack’s website at www.ASRockRack.com; or you may contact your dealer for further information. ASRock Rack Incorporation 6F., No.37, Sec. 2, Jhongyang S. Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Package Contents Specifications Unique Features Motherboard Layout Onboard LED Indicators I/O Panel Block Diagram Chapter 2 Installation Screw Holes Pre-installation Precautions Installing the CPU Installing the CPU Fan and Heatsink Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) Jumper Setup Onboard Headers and Connectors Dr.
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3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar 3.1.2 Navigation Keys Main Screen Advanced Screen 3.3.1 CPU Configuration 3.3.2 DRAM Configuration 3.3.3 Chipset Configuration 3.3.4 Storage Configuration 3.3.5 ACPI Configuration 3.3.6 USB Configuration 3.3.7 Super IO Configuration 3.3.8 Serial Port Console Redirection 3.3.9 H/W Monitor 3.3.10 Runtime Error Logging 3.3.11 Intel ME Configuration 3.3.12 Intel(R) Bios Guard Technology...
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Chapter 4 Software Support Install Operating System Support CD Information 4.2.1 Running The Support CD 4.2.2 Drivers Menu 4.2.3 Utilities Menu 4.2.4 Contact Information Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Procedures Technical Support Procedures Returning Merchandise for Service...
In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock Rack website without further notice. You may find the latest memory and CPU support lists on ASRock Rack website as well. ASRock Rack’s Website: www.ASRockRack.com If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit our website for specific information about the model you are using.
1.2 Specifications C246 WS MB Physical Status Form Factor Dimension 12” x 9.6” (30.5 cm x24.4 cm) Processor System Supports Intel® Xeon® E-2100 Series Processors Socket Single Socket LGA1151 Chipset Intel® C246 System Memory Capacity - 4 x 288-pin DDR4 DIMM slots...
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C246 WS Management Features - Watch Dog - NMI Graphics Controller CPU pGFX Rear Panel I/O USB 3.1 Gen1 3 x TypeA + 1 x TypeC ports Ports VGA Port 1 x D-Sub Serial Port HDMI Port Display Port - RJ45: 2 x GLAN(by Intel® i210 + Intel® i219LM)
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256 Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS BIOS Features - Plug and Play (PnP) - ACPI 2.0 Compliance Wake Up Events - SMBIOS 2.8.0 Support - ASRock Rack Instant Flash Hardware Monitor Temperature - CPU/PCH Temperature Sensing - MB/Card side/TR1 Temperature Sensing...
POST or the <F2> key to enter into the BIOS setup menu to access ASRock Rack 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.
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C246 WS Description Rear Fan Connector (REAR_FAN1) ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 2 x 288-pin DDR4 DIMM Slots (DDR4_A1, DDR4_B1, Blue)* 2 x 288-pin DDR4 DIMM Slots (DDR4_A2, DDR4_B2, White)* CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) Front Fan Connector (FRNT_FAN1)
1.6 I/O Panel No. Description No. Description Serial Port (COM1) USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C Port (USB3_3) Antenna Bracket (optional: Build To VGA Port (VGA1) Order) Display Port (DISPLAY1) Central / Bass (Orange) HDMI Port (HDMI1) Rear Speaker (Black) LAN RJ-45 Port (LAN1)* Optical SPDIF Out Port (SPDIF1) USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports (USB3_1_2) Line In (Light Blue)
Chapter 2 Installation This is an ATX form factor (12'' x 9.6'', 30.5 cm 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.
C246 WS 2.3 Installing the CPU 1. Before you insert the 1151-Pin CPU into the socket, please check if the PnP cap is on the socket, 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.
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Please save and replace the cover if the processor is removed. The cover must be placed if you wish to return the motherboard for after service.
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides four 288-pin DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. 1. For dual channel configuration, you always need to install identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR4 DIMM pairs. 2.
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C246 WS 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.
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) There is one PCI and 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard. PCI slot: The PCI1 is used to install expansion cards that have 32-bit PCI interface. PCIE slot: PCIE2 (PCIe 3.0 x8 slot) is used for PCI Express x8 lane width cards. PCIE4 (PCIe 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width cards.
C246 WS 2.7 Jumper Setup The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on the pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap is placed on the pins, the jumper is “Open”. The illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose pin1 and pin2 are “Short”...
2.8 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 to the motherboard. System Panel Header C onnec t t he power sw itch, PLED+ PLED-...
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C246 WS Auxiliary Panel Header This header supports multiple (18-pin AUX_PANEL1) functions on the front panel, (see p.6, No. 30) including the front panel SMB, internet status indicator and chassis intrusion pin. A. Front panel SMBus connecting pin (6-1 pin FPSMB) This header allows you to connect SMBus (System Management Bus) equipment.
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Serial ATA3 Connectors These SATA3 connectors (SATA_1) support SATA data cables for (see p.6, No. 18) internal storage devices with (SATA_2) up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer (see p.6, No. 20) rate. (SATA_3) (see p.6, No. 19) (SATA_4) (see p.6, No. 22) (SATA_5) (see p.6, No.
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3-Pin CPU fan, CPU_FAN_SPEED FA N_SPEED_CONTROL please connect it to Pin 1-3. *For more details, please refer to the Cooler QVL list on the ASRock Rack website. Non Maskable Interrupt Please connect a NMI device Button Header to this header.
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Front and Rear Fan Please connect fan cables to the Connectors fan connectors and match the (4-pin FRNT_FAN1) black wire to the ground pin. (see p.6, No. 7) FAN_VOLTAGE All fans support Fan Control. FAN_SPEED (4-pin FRNT_FAN2) FAN_SPEED_CONTROL (see p.6, No. 8) (4-pin FRNT_FAN3) (see p.6, No.
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C246 WS Serial General Purpose The headers suppor t Seria l SCLOCK SLOAD Input/Output Headers Li n k i nter face for onboa rd (7-pin SATA_SGPIO1) SATA connections. (see p.6, No. 11) (7-pin SATA_SGPIO2) SDATAOUT (see p.6, No. 12) Thermal Sensor Header...
2.9 Dr. Debug Dr. Debug is used to provide code information, which makes troubleshooting even easier. Please see the diagrams below for reading the Dr. Debug codes. Code Description 0x10 PEI_CORE_STARTED 0x11 PEI_CAR_CPU_INIT 0x15 PEI_CAR_NB_INIT 0x19 PEI_CAR_SB_INIT 0x31 PEI_MEMORY_INSTALLED 0x32 PEI_CPU_INIT 0x33 PEI_CPU_CACHE_INIT...
2.10 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 top to bottom to install those required drivers.
C246 WS 2.11 Dual LAN and Teaming Operation Guide Dual LAN with Teaming enabled on this motherboard allows two single connections to act as one single connection(s) for twice the transmission bandwidth, making data transmission more effective and improving the quality of transmission of distant images.
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2.12 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide (M2_1 / M2_2) The M.2, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The M.2 Socket (M2_1) supports M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s module and M.2 PCI Express module up to Gen3 x4 (32 Gb/s).
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C246 WS Step 3 Move the standoff based on the module type and length. Skip Step 3 and 4 and go straight to Step 5 if you are going to use the default nut. Otherwise, release the standoff by hand.
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Step 6 Tighten the screw with a screwdriver to secure the module into place. Please do not overtighten the screw as this might damage the module. NUT2 NUT1...
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C246 WS 2.13 M.2 WiFi/BT Module Installation Guide (M2_3) The M.2, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The M.2 Socket (Key E) supports type 2230 WiFi/BT module.
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Step 3 Gently insert the WiFi/BT module into the M.2 slot. Please be aware that the module only fits in one orientation. Step 4 Tighten the screw with a screwdriver to secure the module into place. Please do not overtighten the screw as this might damage the module.
C246 WS Chapter 3 UEFI Setup Utility 3.1 Introduction Th is section explains how to use the UEFI SETUP UTILITY to confi gure your system. Th e UEFI chip on the motherboard stores the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. You may run the UEFI SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer.
3.1.2 Navigation Keys Please check the following table for the function description of each navigation key. Navigation Key(s) Function Description Moves cursor left or right to select Screens Moves cursor up or down to select items + / - To change option for the selected items <Tab>...
C246 WS 3.2 Main Screen Once you enter the UEFI SETUP UTILITY, the Main screen will appear and display the system overview. The Main screen provides system overview information and allows you to set the system time and date.
3.3 Advanced Screen In this section, you may set the configurations for the following items: CPU Configuration, DRAM Configuration, Chipset Configuration, Storage Configuration, ACPI Configura- tion, USB Configuration, Super IO Configuration, Serial Port Console Redirection, H/W Monitor, Runtime Error Logging, Server ME Configuration, Intel(R) Bios Guard Technol- ogy and Instant Flash.
C246 WS 3.3.1 CPU Configuration Software Guard Extensions (SGX) Use this item to enable or disable Software Controlled Software Guard Extensions (SGX). Hyper Threading Intel Hyper Threading Technology allows multiple threads to run on each core, so that the overall performance on threaded software is improved.
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CPU C7 State Support Enable C7 deep sleep state for lower power consumption. Package C State Support Enable CPU, PCIe, Memory, Graphics C State Support for power saving. CPU Thermal Throttling Enable CPU internal thermal control mechanisms to keep the CPU from overheating. Intel Virtualization Technology Intel Virtualization Technology allows a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions, so that one computer system can function as...
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C246 WS Long Duration Power Limit Configure Package Power Limit 1 in watts. When the limit is exceeded, the CPU ratio will be lowered after a period of time. A lower limit can protect the CPU and save power, while a higher limit may improve performance.
3.3.2 DRAM Configuration DRAM Frequency If [Auto] is selected, the motherboard will detect the memory module(s) inserted and assign the appropriate frequency automatically. ECC Support Use this item to enable or disable DDR ECC Support.
C246 WS 3.3.3 Chipset Configuration Primary Graphics Adapter If PCI Express graphics card is installed on the motherboard, you may use this option to select PCI Express or Onboard as the primary graphics adapter. Top of Lower Usable Dram Maximum Value of TOLUD. Dynamic assignment would adjust TOLUD automatically based on largest MMIO length of installed graphic controller.
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PCIE2 Link Speed This allows you to select PCIE2 Link Speed. The default value is [Auto]. PCIE2 ASPM Support This option enables or disables the ASPM support for PCIE2. PCIE4 Link Speed This allows you to select PCIE4 Link Speed. The default value is [Auto]. PCIE4 ASPM Support This option enables or disables the ASPM support for PCIE4.
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C246 WS Onboard LAN1 (I210) Use this to enable or disable the Onboard LAN1 function. The default value is [Enabled]. Onboard LAN2 (I219) Use this to enable or disable the Onboard LAN2 function. The default value is [Enabled]. SR-IOV Support If system has SR-IOV capable PCIe Devices, this option Enables or Disables Single Root IO Virtualization Support.
3.3.4 Storage Configuration SATA Controller(s) Use this item to enable or disable the SATA controllers. SATA/M.2_SATA Mode Selection Identify the SATA port is connected to Solid State Drive or Hard Disk Drive. Press <Ctrl+I> to enter RAID ROM during UEFI POST process. SATA Aggressive Link Power Management SATA Aggressive Link Power Management allows SATA devices to enter a low power state during periods of inactivity to save power.
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C246 WS Bootable Marvell 9172 SATA3 We recommend to use Intel SATA ports (Port 0~5) for your bootable devices. This will minimize your boot time and get the best performance. If you still want to boot from Marvell SATA3 controller, please set this item to [Yes].
3.3.5 ACPI Configuration Suspend to RAM Select disable for ACPI suspend type S1. It is recommended to select auto for ACPI S3 power saving. PCIE Devices Power On Use this item to enable or disable PCIE devices to turn on the system from the power-soft- off mode.
C246 WS 3.3.6 USB Configuration Legacy USB Support Enable Legacy OS Support for USB 2.0 devices. Select UEFI Setup Only to support USB devices under the UEFI setup and Windows/Linux operating systems only.
3.3.7 Super IO Configuration Serial Port Use this item to enable or disable the onboard serial port. Serial Port Address Use this item to select an optimal setting for Super IO device.
C246 WS 3.3.8 Serial Port Console Redirection COM1 Console Redirection Use this option to enable or disable Console Redirection. If this item is set to Enabled, you can select a COM Port to be used for Console Redirection. Console Redirection Settings Use this option to configure Console Redirection Settings, and specify how your computer and the host computer to which you are connected exchange information.
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Bits Per Second Use this item to select the serial port transmission speed. The speed used in the host computer and the client computer must be the same. Long or noisy lines may require lower transmission speed. The options include [9600], [19200], [57600] and [115200]. Data Bits Use this item to set the data transmission size.
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C246 WS Redirect After POST When Bootloader is selected, then Legacy Console Redirection is disabled before booting to legacy OS. When Always Enable is selected, then Legacy Console Redirection is enabled for legacy OS. Default setting for this option is set to Always Enable.
3.3.9 H/W Monitor In this section, it allows you to monitor the status of the hardware on your system, includ- ing the parameters of the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU fan speed, chassis fan speed, and the critical voltage. FAN Control If [Auto] is selected, the fan speed will controlled by BMC.
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C246 WS FRNT_FAN4 Setting This allows you to set the front fan 4’s speed. The default value is [Smart Fan]. Smart Fan Control This allows you to set the Smart fan’s level speed. Smart Fan Duty Control Smart Fan Duty x (x means 1 to 11 stage) This allows you to set duty cycle for each stage.
C246 WS 3.3.11 Intel ME Configuration Intel ME Configuration screen displays the Intel ME Configuration information, such as Operational Firmware Version and Firmware State.
3.3.12 Intel(R) Bios Guard Technology Intel Bios Guard Support Use this to enable or disable Intel Bios Guard Support. The default value is [Disabled].
C246 WS 3.3.13 Instant Flash Instant Flash is a UEFI flash utility embedded in Flash ROM. This convenient UEFI update tool allows you to update system UEFI without entering operating systems ® first like MS-DOS or Windows . Just save the new UEFI file to your USB flash drive,...
3.4 Security In this section, you may set or change the supervisor/user password for the system. For the user password, you may also clear it. Supervisor Password Set or change the password for the administrator account. Only the administrator has authority to change the settings in the UEFI Setup Utility. Leave it blank and press enter to remove the password.
C246 WS 3.4.1 Key Management In this section, expert users can modify Secure Boot Policy variables without full authenti- cation. Factory Key Provision Install factory default Secure Boot keys after the platform reset and while the System is in Setup mode.
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a) EFI_SIGNATURE_LIST b) EFI_CERT_X509 (DER) c) EFI_CERT_RSA2048 (bin) d) EFI_CERT_SHA256, 384, 512 2. Authenticated UEFI Variable 3. EFI PE/COFF Image(SHA256) Key Source: Factory, External, Mixed Key Exchange Keys Enroll Factory Defaults or load certificates from a file: 1. Public Key Certificate in: a) EFI_SIGNATURE_LIST b) EFI_CERT_X509 (DER encoded) c) EFI_CERT_RSA2048 (bin)
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C246 WS Forbidden Signatures Enroll Factory Defaults or load certificates from a file: 1. Public Key Certificate in: a) EFI_SIGNATURE_LIST b) EFI_CERT_X509 (DER encoded) c) EFI_CERT_RSA2048 (bin) d) EFI_CERT_SHA256, 384, 512 2. Authenticated UEFI Variable 3. EFI PE/COFF Image(SHA256) Key Source: Factory, External, Mixed...
C246 WS 3.5 Boot Screen In this section, it will display the available devices on your system for you to configure the boot settings and the boot priority. Boot Option #1 Use this item to set the system boot order.
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Bootup Num-Lock If this item is set to [On], it will automatically activate the Numeric Lock function after boot-up. Boot Beep Select whether the Boot Beep should be turned on or off when the system boots up. Please note that a buzzer is needed. Full Screen Logo Use this item to enable or disable OEM Logo.
C246 WS 3.5.1 CSM Parameters Enable to launch the Compatibility Support Module. Please do not disable unless you’re running a WHCK test. If you are using Windows Server 2012 R2 or later ver- sions 64-bit UEFI and all of your devices support UEFI, you may also disable CSM for faster boot speed.
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PCIE4 Slot OpROM To select Slot Storage and Network Option ROM policy. In Auto option, the default is Dis- abled with NVMe device, but it is Legacy with other devices. (This item can’t select Video Option ROM policy.) PCIE6 Slot OpROM To select Slot Storage and Network Option ROM policy.
C246 WS 3.6 Event Logs Change Smbios Event Log Settings This allows you to configure the Smbios Event Log Settings. When entering the item, you will see the followings: Smbios Event Log Use this item to enable or disable all features of the SMBIOS Event Logging during system boot.
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entries which utilize a multiple-event counter. The value ranges from 0 to 99 minutes. View Smbios Event Log Press <Enter> to view the Smbios Event Log records. All values changed here do not take effect until computer is restarted.
C246 WS 3.7 Exit Screen Save Changes and Exit When you select this option, the following message “Save configuration changes and exit setup?” will pop-out. Press <F10> key or select [Yes] to save the changes and exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY.
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4.2.4 Contact Information If you need to contact ASRock Rack or want to know more about ASRock Rack, welcome to visit ASRock Rack’s website at http://www.ASRockRack.com; or you may contact your...
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C246 WS Chapter 5 Troubleshooting 5.1 Troubleshooting Procedures Follow the procedures below to troubleshoot your system. Always unplug the power cord before adding, removing or changing any hardware com- ponents. Failure to do so may cause physical injuries to you and damages to motherboard components.
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1. Verify if the battery on the motherboard provides ~3VDC. Install a new battery if it does not. 2. Confirm whether your power supply provides adaquate and stable power. Other problems... 1. Try searching keywords related to your problem on ASRock Rack’s FAQ page: http://www.asrockrack.com/support...
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C246 WS 5.2 Technical Support Procedures If you have tried the troubleshooting procedures mentioned above and the problems are still unsolved, please contact ASRock Rack’s technical support with the following information: 1. Your contact information 2. Model name, BIOS version and problem type.
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