1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. ASROCK Manuals
  4. Motherboard
  5. A790GXH128M -
  6. User manual

ASROCK A790GXH/128M User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for A790GXH/128M:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Installation Manual
A790GXH/128M

User Manual

Version 1.0
Published August 2009
Copyright©2009 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
1 1 1 1 1

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for ASROCK A790GXH/128M

Summary of Contents for ASROCK A790GXH/128M

  • Page 1: User Manual

    A790GXH/128M User Manual Version 1.0 Published August 2009 Copyright©2009 ASRock INC. All rights reserved. 1 1 1 1 1...
  • Page 2 (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in the manual or product.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Contents Contents Contents Contents 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . Introduction Introduction Introduction ............Introduction ....................................5 5 5 5 5 Introduction ............Package Contents ..............5 Specifications ................6 Minimum Hardware Requirement for 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD Playback Support ............
  • Page 4 3 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 3 . BIOS S BIOS S BIOS S BIOS SETUP UTILITY ETUP UTILITY ETUP UTILITY ETUP UTILITY ..........................................46 BIOS S ETUP UTILITY ........... Introduction ................46 3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............... 46 3.1.2 Navigation Keys .............

  • Page 5: Introduction Introduction

    In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated version will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit our website for specific information about the model you are using.

  • Page 6: Specifications

    1 . 2 1 . 2 1 . 2 Specifications Specifications Specifications 1 . 2 1 . 2 Specifications Specifications - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.4-in, 30.5 cm x 21.3 cm Platform - Solid Capacitor for CPU power - Support for Socket AM2+ / AM2 processors: AMD Phenom FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core / Athlon X2 Dual-Core / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor - Support for AM3 processors: AMD Phenom...
  • Page 7 - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), AMD Support CD OverDrive Utility, AMD Live! Explorer, AMD Fusion - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 10) Unique Feature - Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 11) - Instant Boot - ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 12)
  • Page 8 Certifications - EuP Ready (EuP ready power supply is required) (see CAUTION 17) * For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com 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.
  • Page 9 64-bit / Vista / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2. 10. It is a user-friendly ASRock overclocking tool which allows you to surveil your system by hardware monitor function and overclock your hardware devices to get the best system performance under Windows ®...
  • Page 10 To improve heat dissipation, remember to spray thermal grease between the CPU and the heatsink when you install the PC system. 16. This motherboard supports ASRock AM2 Boost overclocking technology. If you enable this function in the BIOS setup, the memory performance will improve up to 12.5%, but the effect still depends on the AM2 CPU you adopt.

  • Page 11: Minimum Hardware Requirement For 1080P Blu-Ray (Bd)

    64-bit OS. If you install Windows XP / XP 64-bit OS, the function of ® 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback is not available, please visit our website for AMD 790GX VGA driver update in the future. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com...

  • Page 12: 1080P Blu-Ray (Bd) / Hd-Dvd Films Which Pass Our Lab Test

    1 . 4 1 . 4 1 . 4 P P P P P assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD assed 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-D -D -D -DVD F VD F VD F...

  • Page 13: Motherboard Layout

    1.5 Motherboard Layout 1.5 Motherboard Layout 1.5 Motherboard Layout 1.5 Motherboard Layout 1.5 Motherboard Layout 21.3cm (8.4-in) PS2_USB_PW1 CPU_FAN1 USB 2.0 T: USB2 B: USB3 USB 2.0 Top: T: USB0 RJ-45 B: USB1 790GX NB_FAN1 PWR_FAN1 Chipset HT3.0 Sideport memory 128MB PCIE1 RoHS CMOS...

  • Page 14: I/O Panel

    1 . 6 1 . 6 1 . 6 I/O P I/O P I/O Panel anel anel anel 1 . 6 1 . 6 I/O P I/O P anel PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) Microphone (Pink) VGA/D-Sub Port USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) LAN RJ-45 Port USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) Side Speaker (Gray)
  • Page 15 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 “VIA HD Audio Deck” tool on your system. Please follow below instructions according to the OS you install. ®...

  • Page 16: Installation

    2. 2. 2. 2. 2. Installation Installation Installation Installation Installation This is an ATX form factor (12.0-in x 8.4-in, 30.5 cm x 21.3 cm) motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to en- sure that the motherboard fits into it. Pre-installation Precautions Pre-installation Precautions Pre-installation Precautions...

  • Page 17: Cpu Installation

    CPU Installation CPU Installation CPU Installation CPU Installation CPU Installation 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.

  • Page 18: Installation Of Memory Modules (Dimm)

    2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides four 240-pin DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology.
  • Page 19 Installing a DIMM Installing a DIMM Installing a DIMM Installing a DIMM 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.

  • Page 20: Expansion Slots (Pci And Pci Express Slots)

    2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots) There are 2 PCI slots and 3 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

  • Page 21: Dual Monitor And Surround Display Features

    2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features 2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features 2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features 2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features 2.5 Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features Dual Monitor Feature This motherboard supports dual monitor feature. With the internal VGA output support (DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI), you can easily enjoy the benefits of dual monitor feature without installing any add-on VGA card to this motherboard.
  • Page 22 Surround Display Feature This motherboard supports surround display upgrade. With the internal VGA output support (DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI) and external add-on PCI Express VGA card, you can easily enjoy the benefits of surround display feature. Please refer to the following steps to set up a surround display environment: 1.
  • Page 23 G. Repeat steps C through E for the diaplay icon identified by the number one, two, three, four, five and six. ® For Windows 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.
  • Page 24 2.6 CrossFireX 2.6 CrossFireX 2.6 CrossFireX Operation Guide Operation Guide Operation Guide 2.6 CrossFireX 2.6 CrossFireX Operation Guide Operation Guide This motherboard supports CrossFireX feature. 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, CrossFireX enables the highest possible level of performance and image quality in any...
  • Page 25 1. If a customer incorrectly configures their system they will not see the performance benefits of CrossFireX . All three CrossFireX components, a CrossFireX Ready graphics card, a CrossFireX Ready motherboard and a CrossFireX Edition co-processor graphics card, must be installed correctly to benefit from the CrossFireX multi-GPU platform.

  • Page 26: Ati Tm

    CrossFire Bridge Step 4. Connect the DVI monitor cable to the DVI connector on the Radeon 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.) Step 5.
  • Page 27 Step 10. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, and select “Advanced View”. Click “CrossFire ”, and then set the option “Enable CrossFire ” to “Yes”. View CrossFire Enable CrossFire Although you have selected the option “Enable CrossFire ”, CrossFireX function may not work actually.

  • Page 28: Ati Tm Hybrid Crossfirex Tm Operation Guide

    2 . 7 2 . 7 2 . 7 A A A A A TI TI TI TI TI Hybrid CrossF Hybrid CrossFireX Hybrid CrossF ireX ireX ireX Operation Guide Operation Guide Operation Guide 2 . 7 2 . 7 Hybrid CrossF Hybrid CrossF ireX...
  • Page 29 Step 7. Double-click “ATI Catalyst Control Center”. Click “View”, click “CrossFire ”, and then select the option “Enable CrossFire ”. View Enable CrossFire CrossFire Step 8. Click “Yes” to continue. Step 9. Click “OK” to save your change. Step 10. Reboot your system. Then you can freely enjoy the benefit of Hybrid CrossFireX feature.

  • Page 30: Jumpers Setup

    2 . 8 2 . 8 2 . 8 Jumpers Setup Jumpers Setup Jumpers Setup 2 . 8 2 . 8 Jumpers Setup Jumpers Setup The illustration shows how jumpers are setup. When the jumper cap is placed on pins, the jumper is “Short”.

  • Page 31: Onboard Headers And Connectors

    2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors 2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors 2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors 2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors 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! •...
  • Page 32 USB 2.0 Headers Besides four default USB 2.0 USB_PWR P-11 ports on the I/O panel, there are P+11 (9-pin USB10_11) DUMMY three USB 2.0 headers on this (see p.13 No. 26) motherboard. Each USB 2.0 header can support two USB P+10 P-10 USB_PWR...
  • Page 33 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].
  • Page 34 ATX Power Connector Please connect an ATX power supply to this connector. (24-pin ATXPWR1) (see p.13 No. 8) Though this motherboard provides 24-pin ATX power connector, 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.
  • Page 35 HDMI_SPDIF Cable Please connect the black end (A) of HDMI_SPDIF cable to the (Optional) HDMI_SPDIF header on the motherboard. Then connect the white end (B or C) of HDMI_SPDIF cable to the HDMI_SPDIF connector of HDMI VGA card. A. black end B.

  • Page 36: Hdmi_Spdif Header Connection Guide

    2.10 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide 2.10 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide 2.10 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide 2.10 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide 2.10 HDMI_SPDIF Header Connection Guide HDMI (High-Definition Multi-media Interface) is an all-digital audio/video specification, which provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).

  • Page 37: Sataii Hard Disk Setup Guide

    2 . 1 1 2 . 1 1 2 . 1 1 SA SAT T T T T AII Hard Disk Setup Guide AII Hard Disk Setup Guide AII Hard Disk Setup Guide AII Hard Disk Setup Guide 2 . 1 1 2 .

  • Page 38: Installation

    2 . 1 2 2 . 1 2 Serial A 2 . 1 2 Serial A Serial A Serial AT T T T T A (SA A (SA A (SA A (SAT T T T T A) / Serial A A) / Serial A A) / Serial AT T T T T AII (SA A) / Serial A...

  • Page 39: Sata / Sataii Hdd Hot Plug Feature And Operation Guide

    SATA / SATAII Hot Plug support information of our motherboard is indicated in the product spec on our website: www.asrock.com 2. Make sure your SATA / SATAII HDD can support Hot Plug function from your dealer or HDD user manual.
  • Page 40 How to Hot Plug a SATA / SATAII HDD: Points of attention, before you process the Hot Plug: Please do follow below instruction sequence to process the Hot Plug, improper procedure will cause the SATA / SATAII HDD damage and data loss. Step 1 Step 2 Connect SATA data cable to...

  • Page 41: Driver Installation Guide

    B. Set the “SATA Operation Mode” option to [RAID]. STEP 2: Make a SATA / SATAII Driver Diskette. A. Insert the ASRock Support CD into your optical drive to boot your system. (There are two ASRock Support CD in the motherboard gift box pack, please choose the one for Windows XP / XP 64-bit.)

  • Page 42: Tm Tm

    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 AMD RAID drivers. AMD RAID drivers...

  • Page 43: Without Raid Functions

    NOTE1. If you install Windows Vista / Windows Vista 64-bit on IDE HDDs and want to ® ® manage (create, convert, delete, or rebuild) RAID functions on SATA / SATAII HDDs, you still need to set up “SATA Operation Mode” to [RAID] in BIOS first. Then, please set the RAID configuration by using the Windows RAID installation guide in the following path in the Support CD: ..
  • Page 44 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 AMD AHCI drivers. AMD AHCI drivers...

  • Page 45: Untied Overclocking Technology

    2.18 2.18 2.18 Untied Overclocking T Untied Overclocking T Untied Overclocking Technology Untied Overclocking T echnology echnology echnology 2.18 2.18 Untied Overclocking T echnology This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology, which means during overclocking, FSB enjoys better margin due to fixed PCI / PCIE buses. Before you enable Untied Overclocking function, please enter “Overclock Mode”...

  • Page 46: Etup Utility

    3. 3. 3. 3. 3. BIOS SETUP UTILITY BIOS SETUP UTILITY BIOS SETUP UTILITY BIOS SETUP UTILITY BIOS SETUP UTILITY 3.1 Introduction 3.1 Introduction 3.1 Introduction 3.1 Introduction 3.1 Introduction This section explains how to use the BIOS SETUP UTILITY to configure your system. The SPI Memory on the motherboard stores the BIOS SETUP UTILITY.

  • Page 47: Navigation Keys

    3.1.2 3.1.2 Navigation Keys 3.1.2 Navigation Keys Navigation Keys Navigation Keys 3.1.2 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 + / -...

  • Page 48: Smart Screen

    3 . 3 3 . 3 Smart Screen 3 . 3 Smart Screen Smart Screen Smart Screen 3 . 3 3 . 3 Smart Screen In the Smart screen, you can load the BIOS setup according to your requirements. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced H/W Monitor...

  • Page 49: Advanced Screen

    AM2 Boost This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. If you set this option to [Enabled], you will enable ASRock AM2 Boost function, which will improve the memory performance. The default value is [Disabled]. Please refer to cau- tion 16 on page 10 for details.
  • Page 50 CPU Frequency (MHz) Use this option to adjust CPU frequency. PCIE Frequency (MHz) Use this option to adjust PCIE frequency. Spread Spectrum This item should always be [Auto] for better system stability. Boot Failure Guard Enable or disable the feature of Boot Failure Guard. Cool ‘n’...
  • Page 51 BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration If AUTO, multiplier and voltage will be left at the AM2 Boost [Disabled] Overclock Mode [Auto] rated frequency/voltage. If Manual, multiplier and CPU Frequency (MHz) [200] voltage will be set based PCIE Frequency (MHz) [100] on User Selection in Setup.
  • Page 52 Flexibility Option The default value of this option is [Disabled]. It will allow better tolerance for memory compatibility when it is set to [Enabled]. Memory Controller Mode This option appears only when you adopt Phenom CPU. It allows you to adjust the memory controller mode.
  • Page 53 TWRWR This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. Use this to adjust TWRWR values. Configuration options: [Auto], [1CLK], [2CLK] and [3CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRDRD This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. Use this to adjust TRWTTD values.

  • Page 54: Chipset Configuration

    3 . 4 . 2 3 . 4 . 2 Chipset Configuration 3 . 4 . 2 Chipset Configuration Chipset Configuration Chipset Configuration 3 . 4 . 2 3 . 4 . 2 Chipset Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Chipset Settings Options Onboard HD Audio [Auto]...
  • Page 55 Onboard HDMI HD Audio This allows you to enable or disable the onboard HDMI HD Audio in AMD 790GX. Onboard GPU Clock Override This allows you to enable or disable the Onboard GPU Clock Override feature. Onboard GPU Clock This option only appears when you enable “Onboard GPU Clock Override”. The default value is [700].

  • Page 56: Acpi Configuration

    3 . 4 . 3 3 . 4 . 3 ACPI Configuration 3 . 4 . 3 ACPI Configuration ACPI Configuration ACPI Configuration 3 . 4 . 3 3 . 4 . 3 ACPI Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced ACPI Settings Select auto-detect or disable the STR feature.

  • Page 57: Storage Configuration

    ACPI HPET Table Use this item to enable or disable ACPI HPET Table. The default value is [Disabled]. Please set this option to [Enabled] if you plan to use this motherboard to submit Windows Vista certification. ® 3.4.4 3.4.4 3.4.4 Storage Configuration 3.4.4 3.4.4 Storage Configuration...
  • Page 58 TYPE Use this item to configure the type of the IDE device that you specify. Configuration options: [Not Installed], [Auto], [CD/DVD], and [ARMD]. [Not Installed]: Select [Not Installed] to disable the use of IDE device. [Auto]: Select [Auto] to automatically detect the hard disk drive. After selecting the hard disk information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format the new IDE hard disk drives.

  • Page 59: Pcipnp Configuration

    3 . 4 . 5 3 . 4 . 5 PCIPnP Configuration 3 . 4 . 5 PCIPnP Configuration PCIPnP Configuration PCIPnP Configuration 3 . 4 . 5 3 . 4 . 5 PCIPnP Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Value in units of PCI Advanced PCI / PnP Settings clocks for PCI device latency timer...

  • Page 60: Floppy Configuration

    3 . 4 . 6 3 . 4 . 6 Floppy Configuration 3 . 4 . 6 Floppy Configuration Floppy Configuration Floppy Configuration 3 . 4 . 6 3 . 4 . 6 Floppy Configuration In this section, you may configure the type of your floppy drive. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Floppy Configuration...

  • Page 61: Usb Configuration

    3 . 4 . 8 3 . 4 . 8 USB Configuration 3 . 4 . 8 USB Configuration USB Configuration USB Configuration 3 . 4 . 8 3 . 4 . 8 USB Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Configuration To enable or disable the onboard USB controllers.

  • Page 62: Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen

    3 . 5 3 . 5 3 . 5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen 3 . 5 3 . 5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen In this section, it allows you to monitor the status of the hardware on your system, including the parameters of the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU fan speed, chassis fan speed, and the critical voltage.

  • Page 63: Boot Screen

    3 . 6 3 . 6 3 . 6 Boot Screen Boot Screen Boot Screen 3 . 6 3 . 6 Boot Screen Boot Screen In this section, it will display the available devices on your system for you to config- ure the boot settings and the boot priority.

  • Page 64: Security Screen

    Use this option to select logo in POST screen. This option only appears when you enable the option “Full Screen Logo”. Configuration options: [Auto], [PCIE2.0 Revolution], [Scenery] and [ASRock]. The default value is [Auto]. Currently, the option [Auto] is set to Aircraft.

  • Page 65: Exit Screen

    3 . 8 3 . 8 3 . 8 Exit Screen Exit Screen Exit Screen Exit Screen 3 . 8 3 . 8 Exit Screen BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Smart Advanced H/W Monitor Boot Security Exit Exit Options Exit system setup after saving the Save Changes and Exit changes.

  • Page 66: Software Support Software Support

    4.2.4 Contact Information Contact Information Contact Information Contact Information Contact Information If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, welcome to visit ASRock’s website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer for further information.

This manual is also suitable for:

A790gxh 128m - v1.0

Table of Contents