Specifications

- Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.0-in, 24.4 cm x 20.3 cm - 754-Pin Socket Supporting advanced 64-bit AMD AthlonTM 64 and 32-bit/64-bit 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 - Northbridge: nVidia GeForce 6100 - Southbridge: nVidia nForce 410 MCP - 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 x 16 slot - 1 x PCI Express x 1 slot - 1 x HDMR slot - Integrated NV44 graphics DX9.0 VGA - Pixel Shader 3.0 - Max. shared memory 128MB - Realtek ALC883 7.1 channel 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 - 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 - Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central Bass/Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 5)

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 0, 1, JBOD (No support for Hot Plug function) (see CAUTION 6) - 2 x ATA133 IDE connectors (support 4 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 7) - 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 - Motherboard Temperature Sensing - CPU Overheat Shutdown to Protect CPU Life - CPU Fan Tachometer - Chassis Fan Tachometer - CPU Quiet Fan - Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore - Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM compliant (see CAUTION 8) - FCC, CE, WHQL

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 or less than 64MB. If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size above 512MB and plan to submit Windows VistaTM Basic logo, the shared memory size of onboard VGA can be adjusted up to 128MB.

1.4 Motherboard Layout

20.3cm (8.0-in)

ATX12V1

PS2 Keyboard

DDR400

PS2 Mouse

PS2_USB_PW1

PARALLEL PORT

Socket 754

DDR1 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
DDR2 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)

FSB800

Bottom: MIC IN Top: LINE IN Center: FRONT

USB 2.0 T: USB2 B: USB3

ATA133
nVidia GeForce 6100 Chipset

24.4cm (9.6-in)

CHA_FAN1

ATXPWR1

Bottom: CTR BASS

CPU_FAN1

USB 2.0 T: USB0 B: USB1

Top: RJ-45

Top: REAR SPK

LAN PHY

Center: SIDE SPK

SATAII_2

EXPRESS

Super I/O

USB2.0

4Mb BIOS

nVidia nForce 410 MCP Chipset

AUDIO CODEC

HD_AUDIO1

CMOS BATTERY

SATAII

SPEAKER1

SATAII_1

7.1CH HD

FLOPPY1

CLRCMOS2

PLED PWRBTN

PANEL 1

PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 16 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 17 754-Pin CPU Socket 18 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 19 184-pin DDR DIMM Slots (DDR1- 2) 20 Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2, Black) 21 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 22 North Bridge Controller 23 PCI Express Slot (PCIE1) 24 South Bridge Controller 25 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS2) 26 Secondary Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_2, red) 27 Primary Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_1, red) 28 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 29 System Panel Header (PANEL1) 30
Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1) USB 2.0 Header (USB67, Blue) Infrared Module Header (IR1) USB 2.0 Header (USB45, Blue) Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1) Flash Memory Game Port Header (GAME1) PCI Express Slot (PCIE2) HDMR Slot (HDMR1) Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1) 2 x PCI Slots (PCI1- 2) Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) Serial Port Connector (COM1) CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)

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. 30). For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of the CPU fan and the heatsink.
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.

notch break

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 K8NF4G-VSTA motherboard. PCIE Slots: PCIE1 (PCIE x 16 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane width graphics cards. PCIE2 (PCIE x 1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc. 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.
2.5 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. If you plan to enable the function of onboard VGA, please enter the option Share Memory of BIOS to adjust the memory capability to [16MB], [32MB], [64MB], or [128MB]. Please note that the value you select should be less than the total capability of the system memory. The default value of Share Memory is [Auto], which will disable onboard VGA function when installing VGA card. After setting up BIOS, you can install VGA cards and VGA card drivers to enjoy multi-monitors.

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.9, No. 1)

Setting

1_2 2_3

Short pin2, pin3 to enable +5VSB (standby) for PS/2 or +5V +5VSB USB wake up events. Note: To select +5VSB, it requires 2 Amp and higher standby current provided by power supply. Clear CMOS Jumper
(CLRCMOS2) (see p.9, No. 11)

Default

Clear CMOS
Note: CLRCMOS2 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 CLRCMOS2 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.9 No. 20)

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.9 No. 7)
Secondary IDE Connector (Black)
(39-pin IDE2, see p.9 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: If you use only one IDE device on this motherboard, please set the IDE device as Master. Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details. Besides, to optimize compatibility and performance, please connect your hard disk drive to the primary IDE connector (IDE1, blue) and CD-ROM to the secondary IDE connector (IDE2, black). Serial ATA II Connectors
(SATA II_1: see p.9, No. 13) (SATA II_2: see p.9, No. 12)

SA AII_2 T SA AII_1 T

These Serial ATA II (SATA II) connectors support SATA II or SATA hard disk for internal storage devices. The current SATA II 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. HD 8CH I/O accommodates 4 default USB 2.0 ports. If those USB 2.0 ports on the I/O panel are not sufficient, this USB 2.0 header is available to support 2 additional USB 2.0 ports.
Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable
Serial ATA (SATA) Power Cable

(Optional)

connect to the SATA HDD power connector connect to the power supply

USB 2.0 Header

(9-pin USB67) (see p.9 No. 17)

AT (SAT AT (SAT 2.9 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks Installation
This motherboard adopts nVidia nForce 410 MCP southbridge 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.
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 Driver Installation
When you install the drivers to your system, please make sure to install Realtek Audio driver before installing HDMR card driver; for other drivers installation, please follow the driver order in our support CD. It is suggested to install Windows OS, Realtek Audio and HDMR drivers with the HDMR card inserted to this motherboard; in this way, there is no problem on the Audio CODEC function. However, if you install Windows XP 64-bit OS without HDMR card inserted and plan to insert the HDMR card to this motherboard, please install the Realtek Audio driver again; otherwise, the Audio CODEC will not work. If you install Windows 2000 / XP OS without HDMR card inserted and plan to insert the HDMR card to this motherboard, you just have to restart your computer, then the Audio CODEC can work successfully.
2.12 Installing Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit / Windows Vista TM Without RAID Functions
The installation procedures for Windows VistaTM are subject to change.
If you just want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows XP 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 or Windows XP 64-bit on your system directly.

2.13 Installing Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit / Windows Vista TM 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 the below steps.
Before installing Windows 2000 to your system, your 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
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 SATAII Operation Mode option from [non-RAID] to [RAID]. STEP 3: Use RAID Installation Guide to set RAID configuration.
Before you start to configure the RAID function, you need to check the installation guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the document in the Support CD, Guide to SATA Hard Disks Installation and RAID Configuration, which is located in the folder at the following path:. \Information\Manual\RAID Installation Guide
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 SCSI or RAID driver. When prompted, insert a floppy disk 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 SATAII Operation Mode to [RAID] first. Then, please set the RAID configuration by using RAID Utility for Windows Guide in Windows environment. Please refer to the document in the Support CD, Guide to nVidia RAID Utility for Windows, which is located in the folder at the following path:. \Information\Manual\RAID Utility for Windows Guide

2.14 Untied Overclocking Technology 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 and PCIE buses are in the fixed mode so that FSB can operate under a more stable overclocking environment.

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] [Thu 03/16/2006]
Use [Enter], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
: K8NF4G-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 Spread Spectrum PCIE Spread Spectrum SATA Spread Spectrum HT Spread Spectrum Cool' n' Quiet Processor Maximum Multiplier Processor Maximum Voltage Multiplier/Voltage Change Memory Clock Flexibility Option Bank Interleaving Burst Length CAS Latency (CL) TRCD TRAS [Auto] [200] [100] [Enabled] [Center Spread] [Enabled] [ Enabled ] [Center Spread] [ Enabled ] x11 1.550 V [Auto] [Auto] [Disabled] [Auto] [4 Beats] [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.

Processor Multiplier This item will show when Multiplier/Voltage Change is set to [Manual]; otherwise, it will be hidden. You may set the value from [x8] up to [x25] but no higher than the value of Processor Maximum Multiplier. For example, if the value of Processor Maximum Multiplier is [x11], the actual value of multiplier will be [x11] even if you set this item to a value higher than [x11]. However, for system stability, it is not recommended to adjust the value of this item. Processor Voltage This item will show when Multiplier/Voltage Change is set to [Manual]; otherwise, it will be hidden. You may set the value from [1.550V] down to [0.800V]. However, for safety and system stability, it is not recommended to adjust the value of this item. Memory Clock This item can be set by the code using [Auto]. You can set one of the standard values as listed: [133 MHz (DDR266)], [166 MHz (DDR333)], [200 MHz (DDR400)]. Flexibility Option The default value of this option is [Disabled]. It will allow better tolerance for memory compatibility when it is set to [Enabled]. Bank Interleaving Interleaving allows memory accesses to be spread out over banks on the same node, or accross nodes, decreasing access contention. Burst Length Burst length can be set to 8, 4 or 2 beats. 64 Bit Dq must use the 4 beats. CAS Latency (CL) Use this item to adjust the means of memory accessing. Configuration options: [Auto], [2.0], [3.0], and [2.5]. The default value is [Auto]. TRCD Use this to adjust TRCD values. Configuration options: [Auto], [2CLK], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK], and [6CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRAS Use this to adjust TRAS values. Configuration options: [Auto], [5CLK], [6CLK], [7CLK], [8CLK], [9CLK], [10CLK], [11CLK], [12CLK], [13CLK], [14CLK], and [15CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRP Use this to adjust TRP values. Configuration options: [Auto], [2CLK], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK], and [6CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. MA Timing Use this to adjust values for MA timing. Configuration options: [Auto], [2T], [1T]. The default value is [Auto].

Boot Settings

Boot Settings Configuration 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device 3rd Boot Device Hard Disk Drives Removable Drives CD/DVD Drives [1st Floppy Device] [HDD: PM-MAXTOR 6L08] [CD/DVD: SM-CD-ROM]
Configure Settings during System Boot.
3.5.1 Boot Settings Configuration
BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Settings Configuration
Boot From Network Bootup Num-Lock [Disabled] [On] To enable or disable the boot from network feature.
Boot From Network Use this item to enable or disable the Boot From Network feature. Boot Up Num-Lock If this item is set to [On], it will automatically activate the Numeric Lock function after boot-up.

Security Screen

In this section, you may set or change the supervisor/user password for the system. For the user password, you may also clear it.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed
Install or Change the password.
Change Supervisor Password Change User Password
Select Screen Select Item Change General Help Load Defaults Save and Exit Exit

Exit Screen

Main Exit Options
Save Changes and Exit Discard Changes and Exit Discard Changes Load Optimal Defaults
BIOS SETUP UTILITY H/W Monitro Boot
Exit system setup after saving the changes.
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. 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 including ASRock Express GbL PCI Express LAN card driver 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. ASRock Website: http://www.asrock.com
Published March 2006 Copyright2006 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
ASRock K8NF4G-VSTA Motherboard

English

Layout Motherboard Layout
PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper 16 ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) 17 754-Pin CPU Socket 18 CPU Heatsink Retention Module 19 184-pin DDR DIMM Slots (DDR1- 2) 20 Secondary IDE Connector (IDE2, Black) 21 Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) 22 North Bridge Controller 23 PCI Express Slot (PCIE1) 24 South Bridge Controller 25 Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS2) 26 Secondary Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_2, red) 27 Primary Serial ATAII Connector (SATAII_1, red) 28 Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) 29 System Panel Header (PANEL1) 30
Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1) USB 2.0 Header (USB67, Blue) Infrared Module Header (IR1) USB 2.0 Header (USB45, Blue) Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1) Flash Memory Game Port Header (GAME1) PCI Express Slot (PCIE2) HDMR Slot (HDMR1) Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1) 2 x PCI Slots (PCI1- 2) Internal Audio Connector: CD1 (Black) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) Serial Port Connector (COM1) CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1)

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
panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will find Mixer tool on your system. Please select Mixer ToolBox , click Enable playback multi-streaming, and click ok. Choose 2CH, 4CH, 6CH, or 8CH and then you are allowed to select Realtek HDA Primary output to use Rear Speaker, Central/Bass, and Front Speaker, or select Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output to use front panel audio.
* To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock K8NF4G-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 K8NF4G-VSTA Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor: 9.6-in x 8.0-in, 24.4 cm x 20.3 cm) 1 x ASRock K8NF4G-VSTA Quick Installation Guide 1 x ASRock K8NF4G-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 8.0-in, 24.4 cm x 20.3 cm - 754-Pin Socket Supporting advanced 64-bit AMD AthlonTM 64 and 32-bit/64-bit 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 - Northbridge: nVidia GeForce 6100 - Southbridge: nVidia nForce 410 MCP - 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 x 16 slot - 1 x PCI Express x 1 slot - 1 x HDMR slot - Integrated NV44 graphics DX9.0 VGA - Pixel Shader 3.0 - Max. shared memory 128MB - Realtek ALC883 7.1 channel 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 - 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 - Audio Jack: Side Speaker/Rear Speaker/Central Bass/Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone (see CAUTION 5)

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 0, 1, JBOD (No support for Hot Plug function) (see CAUTION 6) - 2 x ATA133 IDE connectors (support 4 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 7) - 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 - Motherboard Temperature Sensing - CPU Overheat Shutdown to Protect CPU Life - CPU Fan Tachometer - Chassis Fan Tachometer - CPU Quiet Fan - Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, Vcore - Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit / VistaTM compliant (see CAUTION 8) - FCC, CE, WHQL

English English

CAUTION!
1. For power-savings sake, it is strongly recommended to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology under Windows system. See APPENDIX on page 41 of User Manual in the Support CD to enable AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology. Since not all K8 754-pin CPU can support AMDs Cool n QuietTM technology, please check AMDs website for details. This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read Untied Overclocking Technology on page 19 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. 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 16 to adjust your SATAII hard disk drive to SATAII mode. Besides, you are allowed to downgrade the SATAII hard disk to SATA hard disk (from SATAII 3Gb/s down to SATA 1.5Gb/s), and connect it to the SATAII connector. You can also connect SATA hard disk to SATAII connector directly. Power Management for USB 2.0 works fine under Microsoft Windows VistaTM / XP 64-bit / XP SP1 or SP2 / 2000 SP4. Microsoft Windows VistaTM driver is not ready yet. We will update it to our website in the future. Please visit our website for Microsoft Windows VistaTM 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. Please adopt the CPU, memory, and VGA that we suggest.
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 or less than 64MB. If you use onboard VGA with total system memory size above 512MB and plan to submit Windows VistaTM Basic logo, the shared memory size of onboard VGA can be adjusted up to 128MB.

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)
K8NF4G-VSTA motherboard provides 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 K8NF4G-VSTA motherboard. PCIE Slots: PCIE1 (PCIE x 16 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane width graphics cards. PCIE2 (PCIE x 1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc. 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. If you plan to enable the function of onboard VGA, please enter the option Share Memory of BIOS to adjust the memory capability to [16MB], [32MB], [64MB], or [128MB]. Please note that the value you select should be less than the total capability of the system memory. The default value of Share Memory is [Auto], which will disable onboard VGA function when installing VGA card. After setting up BIOS, you can install VGA cards and VGA card drivers to enjoy multi-monitors.

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
(CLRCMOS2) (see p.8, No. 11)

Default

Clear CMOS
Note: CLRCMOS2 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 CLRCMOS2 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!
(33-pin FLOPPY1) (see p.2 No. 20)

Floppy Connector

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. 7)
Secondary IDE Connector (Black)
(39-pin IDE2, 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: If you use only one IDE device on this motherboard, please set the IDE device as Master. Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details. Besides, to optimize compatibility and performance, please connect your hard disk drive to the primary IDE connector (IDE1, blue) and CD-ROM to the secondary IDE connector (IDE2, black). Serial ATA II Connectors
(SATA II_1: see p.2, No. 13) (SATA II_2: see p.2, No. 12)

SA AII_2 T SA AII_1 T

These Serial ATA II (SATA II) connectors support SATA II or SATA hard disk for internal storage devices. The current SATA II 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. HD 8CH I/O accommodates 4 default USB 2.0 ports. If those USB 2.0 ports on the I/O panel are not sufficient, this USB 2.0 header is available to support 2 additional USB 2.0 ports.

Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable
Serial ATA (SATA) Power Cable

(Optional)

connect to the SATA HDD power connector
connect to the power supply

USB 2.0 Header

(9-pin USB67) (see p.2 No. 17)
(9-pin USB45) (see p.2 No. 19)
HD 8CH I/O accommodates 4 default USB 2.0 ports. If those USB 2.0 ports on the I/O panel are not sufficient, this USB 2.0 header is available to support 2 additional USB 2.0 ports. 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.

Infrared Module Header

(5-pin IR1) (see p.2 No. 18)
Internal Audio Connectors
(4-pin CD1) (CD1: see p.2 No. 27)

Front Panel Audio Header

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1) (see p.9, No. 25)
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. MIC_RET and OUT_RET are for HD audio panel only. You dont need to connect them for AC97 audio panel. D. Enter BIOS Setup Utility. Enter Advanced Settings, and then select Chipset Configuration. Set the Front Panel Control option from [Auto] to [Enabled]. E. 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. 15)
This header accommodates several system front panel functions.

Chassis Speaker Header

(4-pin SPEAKER 1) (see p.2 No. 16)
Please connect the chassis speaker to this header.

Chassis Fan Connector

(3-pin CHA_FAN1) (see p.2 No. 14)

CPU Fan Connector

(4-pin CPU_FAN1) (see p.2 No. 30)

ATX Power Connector

(20-pin ATXPWR1) (see p.2 No. 28)
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. Please connect an ATX power supply to this connector.

ATX 12V Power Connector

(4-pin ATX12V1) (see p.2 No. 2)
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. Connect a Game cable to this header if the Game port bracket is installed.

Game Port Header

(15-pin GAME1) (see p.2 No. 22)

Serial port Header

(9-pin COM1) (see p.2 item 29)
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 nForce 410 MCP southbridge 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.
HDMR Card Driver Installation
When you install the drivers to your system, please make sure to install Realtek Audio driver before installing HDMR card driver; for other drivers installation, please follow the driver order in our support CD. It is suggested to install Windows OS, Realtek Audio and HDMR drivers with the HDMR card inserted to this motherboard; in this way, there is no problem on the Audio CODEC function. However, if you install Windows XP 64-bit OS without HDMR card inserted and plan to insert the HDMR card to this motherboard, please install the Realtek Audio driver again; otherwise, the Audio CODEC will not work. If you install Windows 2000 / XP OS without HDMR card inserted and plan to insert the HDMR card to this motherboard, you just have to restart your computer, then the Audio CODEC can work successfully.

2.10 Installing Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit / Windows Vista TM Without RAID Functions
If you just want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit or Windows VistaTM 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 or Windows VistaTM on your system directly.
2.11 Installing Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit / Windows Vista TM With RAID Functions
If you want to install Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP 64-bit or Windows VistaTM on your SATA / SATAII HDDs with RAID functions, please follow the below steps.
Before installing Windows 2000 to your system, your 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
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, Do you want to generate Serial ATA driver diskette [YN]?, press <Y>. D. Then you will see these messages, Please insert a diskette into the floppy drive. WARNING! Formatting the floppy diskette will lose ALL data in it! Start to format and copy files [YN]? Please insert a floppy diskette into the floppy drive, and press <Y>. 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 SATAII Operation Mode option from [non-RAID] to [RAID]. STEP 3: Use RAID Installation Guide to set RAID configuration.
English English English English
Before you start to configure the RAID function, you need to check the installation guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the document in the Support CD, Guide to SATA Hard Disks Installation and RAID Configuration, which is located in the folder at the following path:. \Information\Manual\RAID Installation Guide
After step1, 2, 3, you can start to install Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit / Windows VistaTM.
NOTE. If you install Windows 2000 / Windows XP / Windows XP 64-bit / Windows VistaTM on IDE HDDs and want to manage (create, convert, delete, or rebuild) RAID functions on SATA / SATAII HDDs, you still need to set up SATAII Operation Mode to [RAID] first. Then, please set the RAID configuration by using RAID Utility for Windows Guide in Windows environment. Please refer to the document in the Support CD, Guide to nVidia RAID Utility for Windows, which is located in the folder at the following path:. \Information\Manual\RAID Utility for Windows Guide

2.12 Untied Overclocking Technology 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 and PCIE buses are in the fixed mode so that FSB can operate under a more stable overclocking environment.

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. 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.
. \ Information\Manual\RAID Installation Guide
.\Information\Manual\RAID Utility for Windows Guide

1. Einfhrung

Wir danken Ihnen fr den Kauf des ASRock K8NF4G-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.