K8NF6G-VSTA

User Manual
Version 1.2 Published December 2006 Copyright2006 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this manual 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 manual 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 manual 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 manual. With respect to the contents of this manual, 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 manual 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

Contents

1. Introduction.. 5
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Package Contents... Specifications... Minimum Hardware Requirement Table for Windows VistaTM Basic Logo... Motherboard Layout... HD 8CH I/O... 29 32

2. Installation.. 12

Pre-installation Precautions... 2.1 CPU Installation... 2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink.. 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM). 2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI Express, PCI, and HDMR Slots).. 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 Easy Multi Monitor Feature... Jumpers Setup... Onboard Headers and Connectors.. SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide.. Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks Installation... Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs. Driver Installation Guide.. HDMR Card and Driver Installation.. Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID Functions.. Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit With RAID Functions.. 2.14.1 Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit With RAID Functions... 2.14.2 Installing Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit With RAID Functions... Untied Overclocking Technology... Introduction... 3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar... 3.1.2 Navigation Keys... Main Screen... Advanced Screen... 3.3.1 CPU Configuration... 3.3.2 Chipset Configuration...

2.15 3.1

SETUP 3. BIOS S ETUP UTILITY... 27

3.2 3.3

3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 4.1 4.2
3.3.3 ACPI Configuration.. 3.3.4 IDE Configuration.. 3.3.5 PCIPnP Configuration.. 3.3.6 Floppy Configuration.. 3.3.7 Super IO Configuration... 3.3.8 USB Configuration... Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen.. Boot Screen... 3.5.1 Boot Settings Configuration.. Security Screen.. Exit Screen... Install Operating System... Support CD Information... 4.2.1 Running Support CD.. 4.2.2 Drivers Menu... 4.2.3 Utilities Menu.. 4.2.4 Contact Information...
4. Software Support... 43
Technology APPENDIX: AMDs Cool n Quiet TM Technology. 44

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA motherboard, a reliable motherboard produced under ASRocks consistently stringent quality control. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRocks commitment to quality and endurance. In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-bystep guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the configuration guide to BIOS setup and information of 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

Package Contents

1 x ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm) 1 x ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Quick Installation Guide 1 x ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Support CD 1 x Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor) 1 x 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable 1 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable (Optional) 1 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional) 1 x HD 8CH I/O Shield 1 x COM Port Bracket 1 x HDMR Card (Optional)

Specifications

- Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm - Socket 754 for AMD AthlonTM 64 and Sempron Processors - Supports AMDs Cool n QuietTM Technology (see CAUTION 1) - Chipset capable to FSB 1000 MHz (2.0 GT/s) - Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2) - Supports Hyper-Transport Technology - NVIDIA GeForce 6100 / nForce 405 - 2 x DDR DIMM slots - Support DDR400/333/266 - Max. capacity: 2GB - CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 3) - ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 4) - Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.) - 2 x PCI slots - 1 x PCI Express Graphics slot (see CAUTION 5) - 1 x PCI Express x1 slot - 1 x HDMR slot - Integrated NVIDIA GeForce6-class graphics DX9.0 VGA - Pixel Shader 3.0 - Max. shared memory 256MB - Realtek ALC861VD/ALC883 7.1 channel audio CODEC with High Definition audio - Realtek PHY RTL8201CL - Speed: 10/100 Ethernet - Supports Wake-On-LAN HD 8CH I/O - 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port - 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port - 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 6)

Platform CPU

Chipset Memory

Hybrid Booster

Expansion Slot

Graphics

Audio LAN

Rear Panel I/O

Connector

BIOS Feature

Support CD Hardware Monitor

OS Certifications

WARNING
- 2 x Serial ATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD), NCQ, and Hot Plug functions (see CAUTION 7) - 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices) - 1 x Floppy connector - 1 x IR header - 1 x Game header - 1 x COM port 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) (see CAUTION 8) - 4Mb AMI BIOS - AMI Legal BIOS - Supports Plug and Play - ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events - Supports jumperfree - SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version) - CPU Temperature Sensing - Chassis Temperature Sensing - CPU Fan Tachometer - Chassis Fan Tachometer - CPU Quiet Fan - Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore - Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/XP 64-bit/VistaTM/ VistaTM 64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 9) - FCC, CE, Microsoft WHQL Certificated

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 thirdparty 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. For power-savings sake, it is strongly recommended to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology under Windows system. See APPENDIX on page 44 to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read Untied Overclocking Technology on page 26 for details. 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 5. CPU and the heatsink when you install the PC system. PCI Express Graphics slot (PCIE1) supports most of the ATiTM and NVIDIA graphics cards except some old version ATiTM graphics cards, such as ATiTM X300, X550, X700, and X800 series graphics cards. 6. 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 11 for proper connection. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide on page 22 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector 8. 9. directly. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft Windows VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4. Microsoft Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 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 VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
Requirement Table Windows Minimum Hardware R equirement Table for W indows TM Vista Basic Logo
For system integrators and users who purchase our motherboard and plan to submit Windows VistaTM Basic logo, please follow the below table for minimum hardware requirement.
CPU Memory VGA Sempron 2500+ 512MB Single Channel* DX9.0 with WDDM Driver
* If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size 512MB and plan to submit Windows VistaTM 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 VistaTM Basic logo, please adjust the shared memory size of onboard VGA to 128MB or above.

Audio Output Channels Front Speaker Rear Speaker (No. 7) V V V V (No. 4) -V V V Central / Bass (No. 5) --V V Side Speaker (No. 3) ---V

2. Installation

K8NF6G-VSTA is a Micro ATX form factor (9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm) motherboard. Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits 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.

3. 4. 5.

Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. 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. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that comes with the component. 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.

Step 1. Step 2. Step 3.

CPU Installation
Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90 angle. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.
The CPU fits 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 firmly 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.
Socket Corner CPU Golden Triangle Lever 90 Up
STEP 1: Lift Up The Socket Lever
STEP 2 / STEP 3: Match The CPU Golden Triangle To The Socket Corner
STEP 4: Push Down And Lock The Socket Lever
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 dissipation. 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 10, No. 2). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.

6. Use Multi Monitor feature. 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.

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 PS2_USB_PW1

(see p.10, No. 1)

Setting

1_2 +5V 2_3 +5VSB

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 Jumper
(CLRCMOS1) (see p.10, No. 16)

Default

Clear CMOS
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 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 finish updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system first, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS action.
2.7 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!

Floppy Connector

(33-pin FLOPPY1) (see p.10 No. 15)

Pin1 FLOPPY1

the red-striped side to Pin1
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.10 No. 6)
connect the blue end to the motherboard

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.10 No. 12)

PLED+ PLEDPWRBTN# GND

This header accommodates several system front panel functions.
DUMMY RESET# GND HDLEDHDLED+

Chassis Speaker Header

(4-pin SPEAKER 1) (see p.10 No. 13)

SPEAKER DUMMY DUMMY +5V

Please connect the chassis speaker to this header.

Chassis Fan Connector

(3-pin CHA_FAN1) (see p.10 No. 11)

GND +12V CHA_FAN_SPEED

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

CPU Fan Connector

(4-pin CPU_FAN1) (see p.10 No. 2)
FAN_SPEED_CONTROL CPU_FAN_SPEED +12V GND
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.10 No. 25)
Please connect an ATX power supply to this connector.

ATX 12V Power Connector

(4-pin ATX12V1) (see p.10 No. 8)
Please note that it is necessary to connect a power supply with ATX 12V plug to this connector. Failing to do so will cause power up failure.

Game Port Header

(15-pin GAME1) (see p.10 No. 17)
+5V JBB1 JBX MIDI_OUT JBY JBB2 MIDI_IN
Connect a Game cable to this header if the Game port bracket is installed.
+5V JAB2 JAY GND GND JAX JAB1 +5V

Serial port Header

(9-pin COM1) (see p.10 No.26)
RRXD1 DDTR#1 DDSR#1 CCTS#1
This COM1 header supports a serial port module.

RRI#1 RRTS#1 GND TTXD1 DDCD#1
SAT SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide
Before installing SATAII hard disk to your computer, please carefully read below SATAII hard disk setup guide. Some default setting of SATAII hard disks may not be at SATAII mode, which operate with the best performance. In order to enable SATAII function, please follow the below instruction with different vendors to correctly adjust your SATAII hard disk to SATAII mode in advance; otherwise, your SATAII hard disk may fail to run at SATAII mode. Western Digital
If pin 5 and pin 6 are shorted, SATA 1.5Gb/s will be enabled. On the other hand, if you want to enable SATAII 3.0Gb/s, please remove the jumpers from pin 5 and pin 6. SAMSUNG
If pin 3 and pin 4 are shorted, SATA 1.5Gb/s will be enabled. On the other hand, if you want to enable SATAII 3.0Gb/s, please remove the jumpers from pin 3 and pin 4. HITACHI Please use the Feature Tool, a DOS-bootable tool, for changing various ATA features. Please visit HITACHIs website for details: http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm
The above examples are just for your reference. For different SATAII hard disk products of different vendors, the jumper pin setting methods may not be the same. Please visit the vendors website for the updates.
AT (SAT AT (SAT Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks Installation
This motherboard adopts NVIDIA GeForce 6100 / nForce 405 chipset that supports Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) hard disks and RAID functions. You may install SATA / SATAII hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA / SATAII hard disks. STEP 1: Install the SATA / SATAII hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis. STEP 2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA / SATAII hard disk. STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboards SATAII connector. STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA / SATAII hard disk.

Functions SAT SAT 2.10 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs
This motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for SATA / SATAII Devices.
What is Hot Plug Function?
If the SATA / SATAII HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called Hot Plug for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATAII 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 / SATAII HDD.
What is Hot Swap Function?
If SATA / SATAII HDDs are built as RAID1 then it is called Hot Swap for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATAII HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.
2.11 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.
2.12 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.
2.13 Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista TM / Vista TM 64-bit Without RAID Functions
The installation procedures for Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit are subject to change. Please visit our website for the updates of Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information in the future.
If you just want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit on your SATA / SATAII HDDs without RAID functions, you dont have to make a SATA / SATAII driver diskette. Besides, there is no need for you to change the BIOS setting. You can start to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit on your system directly.
2.14 Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista TM / Vista TM 64-bit With RAID Functions
If you want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit OS on your SATA / SATAII HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below procedures according to the OS you install.
1. The installation procedures for Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit are subject to change. Please visit our website for the updates of Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information in the future. 2. Before installing Windows 2000 to your system, your Windows 2000 optical disk is supposed to include SP4. If there is no SP4 included in your disk, please visit the below website for proper procedures of making a SP4 disk: http://www.microsoft.com/Windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp4/spdeploy. htm#the_integrated_installation_fmay

NOTE. If you install Windows VistaTM / Windows VistaTM 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:. \ RAID Installation Guide
Technology 2.15 Untied Overclocking Technology
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 option of BIOS setup to set the selection from [Auto] to [CPU, PCIE, Async.]. Therefore, CPU FSB is untied during overclocking, but PCI / PCIE buses are in the fixed mode so that FSB can operate under a more stable overclocking environment.
Please refer to the warning on page 7 for the possible overclocking risk before you apply Untied Overclocking Technology.

3. BIOS SETUP UTILITY

3.1 Introduction
This section explains how to use the BIOS SETUP UTILITY to configure your system. The Flash Memory on the motherboard stores the BIOS SETUP UTILITY. You may run the BIOS SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer. Please press <F2> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS SETUP UTILITY, otherwise, POST will continue with its test routines. If you wish to enter the BIOS SETUP UTILITY after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You may also restart by turning the system off and then back on.
Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purpose only, and they may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar

The top of the Main Advanced H/W Monitor Boot screen has a menu bar with the following selections: To set up the system time/date information To set up the advanced BIOS features To display current hardware status To set up the default system device to locate and load the Operating System Security To set up the security features Exit To exit the current screen or the BIOS SETUP UTILITY Use < > key or < > key to choose among the selections on the menu bar, and then press <Enter> to get into the sub screen.

3.1.2 Navigation Keys

Please check the following table for the function description of each navigation key. Navigation Key(s) / / + / <Enter> <F1> <F9> <F10> <ESC> 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 To bring up the selected screen To display the General Help Screen To load optimal default values for all the settings To save changes and exit the BIOS SETUP UTILITY To jump to the Exit Screen or exit the current screen

Main Screen

When you enter the BIOS SETUP UTILITY, the Main screen will appear and display the system overview.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY H/W Monitor Boot

Advanced

Security

System Overview

System Time System Date BIOS Version Processor Type [17:00:09] [Wed 07/12/2006]
Use [Enter], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
: K8NF6G-VSTA BIOS P1.0 : AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3400+ (64bit supported) Processor Speed : 2200 MHz Microcode Update : F7A/3A : 128KB L1 Cache Size : 512KB L2 Cache Size Total Memory DDR 1 DDR 2 : 256MB with 64MB shared memory : 256MB/166MHz (DDR333) : None

+Tab F1 F9 F10 ESC

Select Screen Select Item Change Field Select Field General Help Load Defaults Save and Exit Exit
v02.54 (C) Copyright 1985-2003, American Megatrends, Inc.
System Time [Hour:Minute:Second] Use this item to specify the system time. System Date [Day Month/Date/Year] Use this item to specify the system date.

Advanced Screen

In this section, you may set the configurations for the following items: CPU Configuration, Chipset Configuration, ACPI Configuration, IDE Configuration, PCIPnP Configuration, Floppy Configuration, SuperIO Configuration, and USB Configuration.

Advanced Settings

WARNING : Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction. CPU Configuration Chipset Configuration ACPI Configuration IDE Configuration PCIPnP Configuration Floppy Configuration SuperIO Configuration USB Configuration

Options for CPU

Enter F1 F9 F10 ESC
Select Screen Select Item Go to Sub Screen General Help Load Defaults Save and Exit Exit
Setting wrong values in this section may cause the system to malfunction.

3.3.1 CPU Configuration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced CPU Configuration
Overclock Mode CPU Frequency (MHz) PCIE Frequency (MHz) Boot Failure Guard CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum PCIE Spread Spectrum SATA Spread Spectrum Cool' n' Quiet Processor Maximum Multiplier Processor Maximum Voltage Multiplier/Voltage Change Memory Clock Flexibility Option CAS Latency TRAS TRP TRCD TRRD [Auto] [200] [100] [Enabled] [0.75% Hershey] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Auto] x11 1.550 V [Auto] [Auto] [Disabled] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] If AUTO, multiplier and voltage will be left at the rated frequency/voltage. If Manual, multiplier and voltage will be set based on User Selection in Setup.

3.3.4 IDE Configuration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced IDE Configuration
OnBoard IDE Controller OnBoard SATA Controller SATA Operation Mode IDE Master IDE Slave SATAII 1 SATAII 2 [Enabled] [Enabled] [non-RAID] [Hard Disk] [Not Detected] [Not Detected] [Not Detected] Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Load Defaults Save and Exit Exit ENABLED: enables the integrated IDE Controller. DISABLED: disables the integrated IDE Controller.
OnBoard IDE Controller Use this item to enable or disable the OnBoard IDE Controller feature. OnBoard SATA Controller Use this item to enable or disable the OnBoard SATA Controller feature. SATA Operation Mode Use this item to adjust SATA Operation Mode. The default value of this option is [non-RAID]. If you want to operate RAID function on SATA / SATAII HDDs, please select [RAID].
* If you select [RAID] mode, SATA / SATAII HDDs can not be accessed until you finish configuring RAID functions in NVIDIA BIOS / Windows RAID Utility.
IDE Device Configuration You may set the IDE configuration for the device that you specify. We will use the IDE Master as the example in the following instruction, which can be applied to the configurations of IDE Slave as well.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced IDE Master
Device Vendor Size LBA Mode Block Mode PIO Mode Async DMA Ultra DMA S.M.A.R.T. :Hard Disk :MAXTOR 6L080J4 :80.0 GB :Supported :16Sectors :4 :MultiWord DMA-2 :Ultra DMA-6 :Supported [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Disabled] [Disabled]
Select the type of device connected to the system.
Type LBA/Large Mode Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) PIO Mode DMA Mode S.M.A.R.T. 32Bit Data Transfer
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. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.

F10 key can be used for this operation.
Save Changes and Exit When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, Save configuration changes and exit setup? Select [OK] to save the changes and exit the BIOS SETUP UTILITY. Discard Changes and Exit When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, Discard changes and exit setup? Select [OK] to exit the BIOS SETUP UTILITY without saving any changes. Discard Changes When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, Discard changes? Select [OK] to discard all changes. Load Optimal Defaults When you select this option, it will pop-out the following message, Load optimal defaults? Select [OK] to load the default values for all the setup configurations.
Support 4. Software Suppor t
4.1 Install Operating System
This motherboard supports various Microsoft Windows operating systems: 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit. Because motherboard settings and hardware options vary, use the setup procedures in this chapter for general reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for more information.
4.2 Support CD Information
The Support CD that came with the motherboard contains necessary drivers and useful utilities that enhance the motherboard features.
4.2.1 Running The Support CD
To begin using the support CD, insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD automatically displays the Main Menu if AUTORUN is enabled in your computer. If the Main Menu did not appear automatically, locate and double click on the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder in the Support CD to display the menus.

4.2.2 Drivers Menu

The Drivers Menu shows the available devices drivers if the system detects the installed devices. Please install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

4.2.3 Utilities Menu

The Utilities Menu shows the applications software that the motherboard supports. Click on a specific item then follow the installation wizard to install it.
4.2.4 Contact Information
If you need to contact ASRock or want to know more about ASRock, welcome to visit ASRocks website at http://www.asrock.com; or you may contact your dealer for further information.
APPENDIX: Technology AMDs Cool n Quiet TM Technology
For power-saving sake, it is strongly recommended to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology under Windows system. When using this feature, please make sure to install AMD Processor Driver from the Support CD first. If you are using Windows 2000/XP operating system, please follow the instruction below to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. From the Windows 2000/XP operating system, click the Start button. Select Settings, then Control Panel. Switch to Classic View. (for Windows XP only) Double-click the Display icon in the Control Panel then select the Screen Saver tab. Click the Power button. The following dialog box appears. From the Power schemes combo list box, select Minimal Power Management. Click OK to implement settings.

Copyright Notice:

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 December 2006 Copyright2006 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Motherboard

English

Layout Motherboard Layout
PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 184-pin DDR DIMM Slots (DDR1- 2) Primary SATAII Connector (SATAII_1, Red) Secondary SATAII Connector (SATAII_2, Red) Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) NVIDIA Single Chip ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Blue) Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) System Panel Header (PANEL1) Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1) Infrared Module Header (IR1)
Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1) Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) Game Port Header (GAME1) Flash Memory HDMR Slot (HDMR1) Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1) PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE2) PCI Slots (PCI1- 2) PCI Express Graphics Slot (PCIE1) Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) Serial Port Connector (COM1) 754-Pin CPU Socket CPU Heatsink Retention Module

HD 8CH I/O

Parallel Port RJ-45 Port Side Speaker (Gray) Rear Speaker (Black) Central / Bass (Orange) Line In (Light Blue) Front Speaker (Lime)
Microphone (Pink) USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) VGA Port PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple) PS/2 Mouse Port (Green)
* If you use 2-channel speaker, please connect the speakers 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 Rear Speaker (No. 7) (No. 4) 2 V -4 V V 6 V V 8 V V Central / Bass (No. 5) --V V Side Speaker (No. 3) ---V

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA motherboard, a reliable motherboard produced under ASRocks consistently stringent quality control. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRocks commitment to quality and endurance. This Quick Installation Guide contains introduction of the motherboard and step-bystep 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

Package Contents

1 x ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm) 1 x ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Quick Installation Guide 1 x ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Support CD 1 x Ultra ATA 66/100/133 IDE Ribbon Cable (80-conductor) 1 x 3.5-in Floppy Drive Ribbon Cable 1 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable (Optional) 1 x Serial ATA (SATA) HDD Power Cable (Optional) 1 x HD 8CH I/O Shield 1 x COM Port Bracket 1 x HDMR Card (Optional)

Specifications

- Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.2-in, 24.4 cm x 20.8 cm - Socket 754 for AMD AthlonTM 64 and Sempron Processors - Supports AMDs Cool n QuietTM Technology (see CAUTION 1) - Chipset capable to FSB 1000 MHz (2.0 GT/s) - Supports Untied Overclocking Technology (see CAUTION 2) - Supports Hyper-Transport Technology - NVIDIA GeForce 6100 / nForce 405 - 2 x DDR DIMM slots - Support DDR400/333/266 - Max. capacity: 2GB - CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 3) - ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 4) - Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.) - 2 x PCI slots - 1 x PCI Express Graphics slot (see CAUTION 5) - 1 x PCI Express x1 slot - 1 x HDMR slot - Integrated NVIDIA GeForce6-class graphics DX9.0 VGA - Pixel Shader 3.0 - Max. shared memory 256MB - Realtek ALC861VD/ALC883 7.1 channel audio CODEC with High Definition audio - Realtek PHY RTL8201CL - Speed: 10/100 Ethernet - Supports Wake-On-LAN HD 8CH I/O - 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port - 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port - 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 6)

Platform CPU

Chipset Memory

Hybrid Booster

Expansion Slot

Graphics

Audio LAN

Rear Panel I/O

Connector

BIOS Feature

Support CD Hardware Monitor

OS Certifications

- 2 x Serial ATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD), NCQ, and Hot Plug functions (see CAUTION 7) - 1 x ATA133 IDE connector (supports 2 x IDE devices) - 1 x Floppy connector - 1 x IR header - 1 x Game header - 1 x COM port 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) (see CAUTION 8) - 4Mb AMI BIOS - AMI Legal BIOS - Supports Plug and Play - ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events - Supports jumperfree - SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version) - CPU Temperature Sensing - Chassis Temperature Sensing - CPU Fan Tachometer - Chassis Fan Tachometer - CPU Quiet Fan - Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore - Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/XP 64-bit/VistaTM/ VistaTM 64-bit compliant (see CAUTION 9) - FCC, CE, Microsoft WHQL Certificated

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 thirdparty 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. For power-savings sake, it is strongly recommended to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology under Windows system. See APPENDIX on page 44 of User Manual in the Support CD to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read Untied Overclocking Technology on page 22 for details. 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. 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. PCI Express Graphics slot (PCIE1) supports most of the ATiTM and NVIDIA graphics cards except some old version ATiTM graphics cards, such as ATiTM X300, X550, X700, and X800 series graphics cards. 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. Before installing SATAII hard disk to SATAII connector, please read the SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide on page 18 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to SATAII mode. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector directly. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft Windows VistaTM 64-bit / VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4. Microsoft Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 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 VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com
Requirement Table Windows Minimum Hardware R equirement Table for W indows TM Vista Basic Logo

For system integrators and users who purchase our motherboard and plan to submit Windows VistaTM Basic logo, please follow the below table for minimum hardware requirement.
CPU Memory VGA Sempron 2500+ 512MB Single Channel* DX9.0 with WDDM Driver
* If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size 512MB and plan to submit Windows VistaTM 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 VistaTM 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. 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. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antstatic pad or in the bag that comes with the component. 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.

Step 1. Step 2. Step 3.

CPU Installation
Unlock the socket by lifting the lever up to a 90 angle. Position the CPU directly above the socket such that the CPU corner with the golden triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to avoid bending of the pins.

Step 4.

Step 5.
When the CPU is in place, press it firmly 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. Install CPU fan and heatsink. For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of your CPU fan and heatsink vendors.
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. Step 2.

Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. 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.

Expansion Slots

(PCI Express Slots, PCI Slots and HDMR Slot)
There are 2 PCI Express slots, 2 PCI slots and 1 HDMR slot on K8NF6G-VSTA motherboard. PCIE Slots: PCIE1 (PCI Express Graphics slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane width graphics cards. PCIE2 (PCIE x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc.
PCIE1 (PCI Express Graphics slot) supports most of the ATiTM and NVIDIA graphics cards except some old version ATiTM graphics cards, such as ATiTM X300, X550, X700, and X800 series graphics cards.
PCI Slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI interface. HDMR slot: The HDMR slot is used to insert an ASRock HDMR card with v.92 Modem functionality. The HDMR slot is shared with PCIE2 slot; you can only choose either PCIE2 slot or HDMR slot to use.
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. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis). Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws for later use. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws. Replace the system cover.
Step 2. Step 3. Step 4. Step 5. Step 6.
2.4 Easy Multi Monitor Feature
This motherboard supports Multi Monitor upgrade. With the internal onboard VGA and the external add-on PCI Express VGA card, you can easily enjoy the benefits of Multi Monitor feature. Please refer to the following steps to set up a multi monitor environment: 1. Install the NVIDIA PCI Express VGA card to PCIE1 (PCI Express Graphics slot). Please refer to page 11 for proper expansion card installation procedures for details. 2. Connect the D-Sub input monitor cable to the VGA/D-Sub port on the I/O panel of this motherboard. Connect another D-Sub input monitor cable to the VGA/D-Sub connector of the add-on PCI Express VGA card. Connect the DVI-D input monitor cable to the VGA/DVI-D connector of the add-on PCI Express VGA card. 3. Boot your system. Press <F2> to enter BIOS setup. Enter Share Memory option to adjust the memory capability to [16MB], [32MB], [64MB], [128MB], or [256MB] to enable the function of onboard VGA/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 BIOS setup, the default value of Share Memory, [Auto], will disable onboard VGA/D-Sub function when the add-on VGA card is inserted to this motherboard. 4. Install the onboard VGA driver to your system. If you have installed the onboard VGA driver already, there is no need to install it again. 5. Set up a multi-monitor display. Right click the desktop, choose Properties, and select the Settings tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multimonitor according to the steps below. (The item names and operation procedures described in this step are under Windows XP environment. If you install other Windows OS, the item names and operation procedures may be similar.) 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 identified 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 second monitor. Click Apply or OK to apply these new values. G. Repeat steps C through E for the diaplay icon identified by the number one, two, and three.

English English English English
6. Use Multi Monitor feature. 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.

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 PS2_USB_PW1

(see p.2, No. 1)

Setting
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 Jumper
(CLRCMOS1) (see p.2, No. 16)

Default

Clear CMOS
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 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 finish updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system first, and then shut it down before you do the clear-CMOS action.
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!

Floppy Connector

(33-pin FLOPPY1) (see p.2 No. 15) the red-striped side to Pin1
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. 6)
connect the blue end to the motherboard
connect the black end to the IDE devices

80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable
Note: Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details. Serial ATAII Connectors
(SATAII_1: see p.2, No. 4) (SATAII_2: see p.2, No. 5)

SA AII_2 SA AII_1 T T

These Serial ATAII (SATAII) connectors support SATAII or SATA hard disk for internal storage devices. The current SATAII interface allows up to 3.0 Gb/s data transfer rate. Either end of the SATA data cable can be connected to the SATA / SATAII hard disk or the SATAII connector on the motherboard. Please connect the black end of SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. Then connect the white end of SATA power cable to the power connector of the power supply.
Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable

(Optional)

Serial ATA (SATA) Power Cable
connect to the SATA HDD power connector
connect to the power supply

USB 2.0 Headers

(9-pin USB6_7) (see p.2 No. 9)
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. 14)
This header supports an optional wireless transmitting and receiving infrared module. 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.
Internal Audio Connectors
(4-pin CD1) (CD1: see p.2 No. 24)

Front Panel Audio Header

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1) (see p.2, No. 20)
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 AC97 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 dont need to connect them for AC97 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. 12)
This header accommodates several system front panel functions.

Chassis Speaker Header

(4-pin SPEAKER 1) (see p.2 No. 13)
Please connect the chassis speaker to this header.

Chassis Fan Connector

(3-pin CHA_FAN1) (see p.2 No. 11)
Please connect a chassis fan cable to this connector and match the black wire to the ground pin. Please connect the CPU 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. 2)
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. 25)
Please connect an ATX power supply to this connector.
English English English English English

ATX 12V Power Connector

(4-pin ATX12V1) (see p.2 No. 8)
Please note that it is necessary to connect a power supply with ATX 12V plug to this connector. Failing to do so will cause power up failure.

Game Port Header

(15-pin GAME1) (see p.2 No. 17)
Connect a Game cable to this header if the Game port bracket is installed.

Serial port Header

(9-pin COM1) (see p.2 No.26)
This COM1 header supports a serial port module.
SAT SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide
Before installing SATAII hard disk to your computer, please carefully read below SATAII hard disk setup guide. Some default setting of SATAII hard disks may not be at SATAII mode, which operate with the best performance. In order to enable SATAII function, please follow the below instruction with different vendors to correctly adjust your SATAII hard disk to SATAII mode in advance; otherwise, your SATAII hard disk may fail to run at SATAII mode. Western Digital
If pin 5 and pin 6 are shorted, SATA 1.5Gb/s will be enabled. On the other hand, if you want to enable SATAII 3.0Gb/s, please remove the jumpers from pin 5 and pin 6. SAMSUNG
If pin 3 and pin 4 are shorted, SATA 1.5Gb/s will be enabled. On the other hand, if you want to enable SATAII 3.0Gb/s, please remove the jumpers from pin 3 and pin 4. HITACHI Please use the Feature Tool, a DOS-bootable tool, for changing various ATA features. Please visit HITACHIs website for details: http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

The above examples are just for your reference. For different SATAII hard disk products of different vendors, the jumper pin setting methods may not be the same. Please visit the vendors website for the updates.
AT (SAT AT (SAT Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks Installation
This motherboard adopts NVIDIA GeForce 6100 / nForce 405 chipset that supports Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) hard disks and RAID functions. You may install SATA / SATAII hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA / SATAII hard disks. STEP 1: Install the SATA / SATAII hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis. STEP 2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA / SATAII hard disk. STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboards SATAII connector. STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA / SATAII hard disk.
Functions SAT SAT Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs
This motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for SATA / SATAII Devices.
What is Hot Plug Function?
If the SATA / SATAII HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called Hot Plug for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATAII 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 / SATAII HDD.
What is Hot Swap Function?
If SATA / SATAII HDDs are built as RAID1 then it is called Hot Swap for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATAII HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.
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 up to bottom side to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work properly.
2.11 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.

2.12 Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista TM / Vista TM 64-bit Without RAID Functions
The installation procedures for Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit are subject to change. Please visit our website for the updates of Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information in the future.
If you just want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit on your SATA / SATAII HDDs without RAID functions, you dont have to make a SATA / SATAII driver diskette. Besides, there is no need for you to change the BIOS setting. You can start to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit on your system directly.
2.13 Installing Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / Vista TM / Vista TM 64-bit With RAID Functions
If you want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit OS on your SATA / SATAII HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below procedures according to the OS you install.
1. The installation procedures for Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit are subject to change. Please visit our website for the updates of Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit driver and related information in the future. 2. Before installing Windows 2000 to your system, your Windows 2000 optical disk is supposed to include SP4. If there is no SP4 included in your disk, please visit the below website for proper procedures of making a SP4 disk: http://www.microsoft.com/Windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp4/spdeploy. htm#the_integrated_installation_fmay

2.13.1

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 / SATAII HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below steps. STEP 1: Make a SATA / SATAII 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 <F11> key, and then a window for boot devices selection appears. Please select CDROM as the boot device. C. When you see the message on the screen, Generate Serial ATA driver diskette [YN]?, press <Y>. 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 / SATAII drivers into the floppy diskette. STEP 2: Set Up BIOS. A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen IDE Configuration. B. Set the SATA Operation Mode option to [RAID]. 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 in the following path in the Support CD:. \ RAID Installation Guide STEP 4: Install Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP-64bit OS on your system. After step1, 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 / SATAII driver diskette containing the NVIDIA RAID driver. After reading the floppy disk, the driver will be presented. Select the driver to install according to the mode you choose and the OS you install.

NOTE. 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 / 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:. \ RAID Installation Guide

2.13.2

Installing Windows Vista TM / Vista TM 64-bit With RAID Functions
If you want to install Windows VistaTM or Windows VistaTM 64-bit on your SATA / SATAII 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 part of the document in the following path in the Support CD:. \ RAID Installation Guide STEP 3: Install Windows VistaTM / Windows VistaTM 64-bit OS on your system. Insert the Windows VistaTM / Windows VistaTM 64-bit optical disk into the optical drive to boot your system, and follow the instruction to install Windows VistaTM / Windows VistaTM 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 NVIDIA RAID drivers. NVIDIA RAID drivers are in the following path in our Support CD:. \ I386 \ Vista (For Windows VistaTM OS). \ AMD64 \ Vista64 (For Windows VistaTM 64-bit OS) After that, please insert Windows VistaTM / Windows VistaTM 64-bit optical disk into the optical drive again to continue the installation.
NOTE. If you install Windows VistaTM / Windows VistaTM 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:. \ RAID Installation Guide

Technology 2.14 Untied Overclocking Technology
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 option of BIOS setup to set the selection from [Auto] to [CPU, PCIE, Async.]. Therefore, CPU FSB is untied during overclocking, but PCI / PCIE buses are 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 <F2> 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 <Ctl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, 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.
Support 4. Software Suppor t CD information
This motherboard supports various Microsoft Windows operating systems: 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 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.

TM TM TM

1. Einfhrung
Wir danken Ihnen fr den Kauf des ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA Motherboard, ein zuverlssiges Produkt, welches unter den stndigen, strengen Qualittskontrollen von ASRock gefertigt wurde. Es bietet Ihnen exzellente Leistung und robustes Design, gem der Verpflichtung von ASRock zu Qualitt und Halbarkeit. Diese Schnellinstallationsanleitung fhrt in das Motherboard und die schrittweise Installation ein. Details ber das Motherboard finden Sie in der Bedienungsanleitung auf der Support-CD.