N68-GS / N68-S

User Manual

Version 1.3 Published August 2009 Copyright2009 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 Package Contents... Specifications... Motherboard Layout.. I/O Panel... 39

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 and PCI Express 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. SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Guide. Driver Installation Guide... 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... Smart Screen... Advanced Screen... 3.4.1 CPU Configuration... 3.4.2 Chipset Configuration... 3.4.3 ACPI Configuration..

2.15 3.1

SETUP 3. BIOS S ETUP UTILITY.. 29

3.2 3.3 3.4

3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 4.1 4.2
3.4.4 IDE Configuration.. 3.4.5 PCIPnP Configuration.. 3.4.6 Floppy Configuration.. 3.4.7 Super IO Configuration... 3.4.8 USB Configuration... Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen.. Boot Screen... 3.6.1 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...

Platform CPU

Chipset Memory

Expansion Slot

Graphics

Audio LAN

Rear Panel I/O

Connector

BIOS Feature
Support CD Unique Feature

Hardware Monitor

OS Certifications
- 4 x Serial ATAII 3.0Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, 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 Print port header - CPU/Chassis FAN connector - 24 pin ATX power connector - 4 pin 12V power connector - Front panel audio header - 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 - Supports Smart BIOS - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version) - ASRock OC Tuner (see CAUTION 9) - Intelligent Energy Saver (see CAUTION 10) - Instant Boot - ASRock Instant Flash (see CAUTION 11) - Hybrid Booster: - CPU Frequency Stepless Control (see CAUTION 12) - ASRock U-COP (see CAUTION 13) - Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.) - ASRock AM2 Boost: ASRock Patented Technology to boost memory performance up to 12.5% (see CAUTION 14) - 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 - FCC, CE
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
WARNING Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking, including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking Technology, or using the 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. 2. 3. This motherboard supports CPU up to 95W. Please refer to our website for CPU support list. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com This motherboard supports Untied Overclocking Technology. Please read Untied Overclocking Technology on page 28 for details. This motherboard supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. Before you implement Dual Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read the installation guide of memory modules on page 14 for proper installation. 4. Whether 1066MHz memory speed is supported depends on the AM2+ CPU you adopt. If you want to adopt DDRmemory module on this motherboard, please refer to the memory support list on our website for the compatible memory modules. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com 5. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows XP and Windows VistaTM. For Windows XP 64-bit and Windows VistaTM 64bit with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation. 6. The maximum shared memory size is defined by the chipset vendor and is subject to change. Please check NVIDIA website for the latest information. 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. It is a user-friendly ASRock overclocking tool which allows you to surveil your system by hardware monitor function and overclock your hardware devices to get the best system performance under Windows environment. Please visit our website for the operation procedures of ASRock OC Tuner. ASRock website: http://www.asrock.com

1.3 Motherboard Layout

17.8cm (7.0-in)

ATXPWR1

USB 2.0 T: USB2 B: USB3

24.4cm (9.6-in)

USB 2.0 T: USB0 B: USB1

ATX12V1

Super I/O

LAN PHY

NVIDIA GeForce 7025 / nForce 630a
SATAII_3 (PORT 2.0) SATAII_1 (PORT 1.0) SATAII_4 (PORT 2.1) SATAII_2 (PORT 1.1)

PS2 Keyboard

PS2 Mouse

PS2_USB_PW1

DDRII_2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

FSB800

Dual Channel
DDRII_1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 1066

CPU_FAN1

AM2+/AM3

SOCKET AM2

Top: RJ-45

Phenom II

Bottom: MIC IN

Top: LINE IN

Center: FRONT

4Mb BIOS

CMOS BATTERY

CHA_FAN1

AUDIO CODEC

CLRCMOS1

USB4_5

HD_AUDIO1

PANEL 1

PLED PWRBTN

SPEAKER1

HDLED RESET

USB6_7

FLOPPY1
PS2_USB_PW1 Jumper CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Slots (Dual Channel: DDRII_1, DDRII_2; Yellow) ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) SATAII Connector (SATAII_2 (PORT 1.1)) Primary IDE Connector (IDE1, Blue) SATAII Connector (SATAII_4 (PORT 2.1)) SATAII Connector (SATAII_3 (PORT 2.0)) SATAII Connector (SATAII_1 (PORT 1.0)) SPI Flash Memory (4Mb) NVIDIA GeForce 7025 / nForce 630a Chassis Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1) Clear CMOS Jumper (CLRCMOS1) USB 2.0 Header (USB4_5, Blue)
Chassis Speaker Header (SPEAKER 1, Purple) USB 2.0 Header (USB6_7, Blue) System Panel Header (PANEL1, Orange) Print Port Header (LPT1, Purple) Floppy Connector (FLOPPY1) Front Panel Audio Header (HD_AUDIO1, Lime) PCI Slots (PCI1- 2) PCI Express x16 Slot (PCIE2) PCI Express x1 Slot (PCIE1) ATX 12V Power Connector (ATX12V1) CPU Heatsink Retention Module AM2 940-Pin CPU Socket

Panel I/O Panel

PS/2 Mouse Port (Green) RJ-45 Port Line In (Light Blue) Front Speaker (Lime) Microphone (Pink)
USB 2.0 Ports (USB01) USB 2.0 Ports (USB23) VGA Port COM Port PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple)
* For N68-GS motherboard, please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN Port LED Indications

Activity/Link LED Status Description Status SPEED LED Description

ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED

Off No Activity Blinking Data Activity

Off Orange Green

10Mbps connection 100Mbps connection 1Gbps connection

LAN Port

To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front panel audio header. After restarting your computer, you will find VIA HD Audio Deck tool on your system. Please follow below instructions according to the OS you install. For Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit OS: Please click VIA HD Audio Deck icon , and click Speaker. Then you are allowed to
select 2 Channel or 4 Channel. Click Power to save your change. For Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS: Please click VIA HD Audio Deck icon , and click Advanced Options on the left side
on the bottom. In Advanced Options screen, select Independent Headphone, and click OK to save your change. If you enable Multi-Streaming function, Side Speaker function will be disabled. You can only choose to enable either Multi-Streaming function or Side Speaker function.

2. Installation

This is a Micro ATX form factor (9.6-in x 7.0-in, 24.4 cm x 17.8 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.

2.4 Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)
There are 2 PCI slots and 2 PCI Express slots on this motherboard. PCI slots: PCI slots are used to install expansion cards that have the 32-bit PCI interface. PCIE slots: PCIE1 (PCIE x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc. PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x16 lane width graphics cards.
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 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.

Step 2. Step 3. Step 4.

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. Please refer to the following steps to set up a multi monitor environment: 1. Install the NVIDIA PCI Express VGA card to PCIE2 (PCIE x16 slot). Please refer to page 15 for proper expansion card installation procedures for details. 2. Connect the D-Sub monitor cable to the VGA/D-Sub port on the I/O panel of this motherboard. Connect another D-Sub monitor cable to the VGA/D-Sub connector of the add-on PCI Express VGA card. Connect the DVI-D 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. For Windows 2000 / XP / XP 64-bit OS: Right click the desktop, choose Properties, and select the Settings tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to the steps below. 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. For Windows VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS: Right click the desktop, choose Personalize, and select the Display Settings tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor according to the steps below. A. Click the number 2 icon.

SATAII_1 (PORT 1.0)

see p.10, No. 9) (SATAII_2 (PORT 1.1): see p.10, No. 5) (SATAII_3 (PORT 2.0): see p.10, No. 8) (SATAII_4 (PORT 2.1): see p.10, No. 7)

SATAII_3 (PORT 2.0)

Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cable

(Optional)

SATAII_4 (PORT 2.1)

SATAII_2 (PORT 1.1)

(SATAII_1 (PORT 1.0):
These four 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) Power Cable
connect to the SATA HDD power connector connect to the power supply

USB 2.0 Headers

(9-pin USB6_7) (see p.10 No. 16)
USB_PWR P-7 P+7 GND DUMMY

GND P+6 P-6 USB_PWR

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.10 No. 14)
USB_PWR P-5 P+5 GND DUMMY 1 GND P+4 P-4 USB_PWR

Print Port Header

(25-pin LPT1) (see p.10 No. 18)

AFD# ERROR# PINIT# SLIN#

SPD7 SPD6 ACK# SPD5 BUSY SPD4 PE SPD3 SLCT SPD2 SPD1 SPD0 STB#
This is an interface for print port cable that allows convenient connection of printer devices.

Front Panel Audio Header

(9-pin HD_AUDIO1) (see p.10, No. 20)
GND PRESENCE# MIC_RET OUT_RET
This is an interface for the front panel audio cable that allows convenient connection and control of audio devices.
OUT2_L J_SENSE OUT2_R MIC2_R MIC2_L
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].

System Panel Header

(9-pin PANEL1) (see p.10 No. 17)

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. 15)

SPEAKER DUMMY DUMMY +5V

Please connect the chassis speaker to this header.

Chassis Fan Connector

(3-pin CHA_FAN1) (see p.10 No. 12)

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)
GND +12V CPU_FAN_SPEED FAN_SPEED_CONTROL
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
(24-pin ATXPWR1) (see p.10 No. 4)
Please connect an ATX power supply to this connector.
Though this motherboard provides 24-pin ATX power connector, it can still work if you adopt a traditional 20-pin ATX power supply. To use the 20-pin ATX power supply, please plug your power supply along with Pin 1 and Pin 13.
20-Pin ATX Power Supply Installation

ATX 12V Power Connector

(4-pin ATX12V1) (see p.10 No. 24)
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.
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 7025 / nForce 630a 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. 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 or RAID 5 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.
SAT SAT Feature 2.11 SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug F eature and Operation Guide
This motherboard supports Hot Plug feature for SATA / SATAII HDD in RAID mode. Please read below operation guide of SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug feature carefully. Before you process the SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug, please check below cable accessories from the motherboard gift box pack. A. 7-pin SATA data cable B. SATA power cable with SATA 15-pin power connector interface A. SATA data cable (Red) B. SATA power cable

SATA 7-pin connector

The SATA 15-pin power connector (Black) connect to SATA / SATAII HDD
1x4-pin conventional power connector (White) connect to power supply

Caution

1. Without SATA 15-pin power connector interface, the SATA / SATAII Hot Plug cannot be processed. 2. Even some SATA / SATAII HDDs provide both SATA 15-pin power connector and IDE 1x4-pin conventional power connector interfaces, the IDE 1x4-pin conventional power connector interface is definitely not able to support Hot Plug and will cause the HDD damage and data loss.
Points of attention, before you process the Hot Plug:
1. Below operation procedure is designed only for our motherboard, which supports SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug. * The SATA / SATAII Hot Plug feature might not be supported by the chipset because of its limitation, the SATA / SATAII Hot Plug support information of our motherboard is indicated in the product spec on our website: www.asrock.com 2. Make sure your SATA / SATAII HDD can support Hot Plug function from your dealer or HDD user manual. The SATA / SATAII HDD, which cannot support Hot Plug function, will be damaged under the Hot Plug operation. 3. Please make sure the SATA / SATAII driver is installed into system properly. The latest SATA / SATAII driver is available on our support website: www.asrock.com 4. Make sure to use the SATA power cable & data cable, which are from our motherboard package. 5. Please follow below instructions step by step to reduce the risk of HDD crash or data loss.
How to Hot Plug a SATA / SATAII HDD:
Points of attention, before you process the Hot Plug: Please do follow below instruction sequence to process the Hot Plug, improper procedure will cause the SATA / SATAII HDD damage and data loss.
Step 1 Please connect SATA power cable 1x4-pin end (White) to the power supply 1x4-pin cable. Step 2 Connect SATA data cable to the motherboards SATAII connector.
SATA power cable 1x4-pin power connector (White)
Step 3 Connect SATA 15-pin power cable connector (Black) end to SATA / SATAII HDD.
Step 4 Connect SATA data cable to the SATA / SATAII HDD.
How to Hot Unplug a SATA / SATAII HDD:
Points of attention, before you process the Hot Unplug: Please do follow below instruction sequence to process the Hot Unplug, improper procedure will cause the SATA / SATAII HDD damage and data loss.
Step 1 Unplug SATA data cable from SATA / SATAII HDD side.
Step 2 Unplug SATA 15-pin power cable connector (Black) from SATA / SATAII HDD side.
2. 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.

Technology 2. 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 8 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 SPI 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 screen has a menu bar with the following selections: Main To set up the system time/date information Smart To load the BIOS according to your requirements Advanced To set up the advanced BIOS features H/W Monitor To display current hardware status Boot 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. N68-GS
Smart BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced H/W Monitor Boot Security Exit

System Overview

System Time System Date [14:00:09] [Mon 02/16/2009] : N68-GS P1.00 : AMD Phenom (tm) II XProcessor (64bit) Processor Speed : 3000MHz Microcode Update : 100F42/1000086 L1 Cache Size : 512KB L2 Cache Size : 2048KB L3 Cache Size : 6144KB BIOS Version Processor Type Total Memory DDRII1 DDRII2 : 2048MB with 256MB shared memory Single-Channel Memory Mode : 2048MB/266MHz (DDRII533) : None
Use [Enter], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.

+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 1985-2005, 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.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced H/W Monitor Boot

Security

System Time System Date [14:00:09] [Mon 02/16/2009] : N68-S P1.00 : AMD Phenom (tm) II XProcessor (64bit) Processor Speed : 3000MHz Microcode Update : 100F42/1000086 L1 Cache Size : 512KB L2 Cache Size : 2048KB L3 Cache Size : 6144KB BIOS Version Processor Type Total Memory DDRII1 DDRII2 : 2048MB with 256MB shared memory Single-Channel Memory Mode : 2048MB/266MHz (DDRII533) : None

3. 3 Smart Screen

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

Smart Settings

Save Changes and Exit Load Load Load Load BIOS Defaults Performance Setup Default (IDE/SATA) Performance Setup RAID Mode Power Saving Setup Default
Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation.
BIOS Update Utility ASRock Instant Flash Enter F1 F9 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Go to Sub Screen General Help Load Defaults Save and Exit Exit
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. Load BIOS Defaults Load BIOS default values for all the setup questions. F9 key can be used for this operation. Load Performance Setup Default (IDE/SATA) This performance setup default may not be compatible with all system configurations. If system boot failure occurs after loading, please resume optimal default settings. F5 key can be used for this operation. Load Performance Setup RAID Mode This performance setup RAID mode may not be compatible with all system configurations. If system boot failure occurs after loading, please resume optimal default settings. F4 key can be used for this operation. Load Power Saving Setup Default Load power saving setup default. F6 key can be used for this operation. ASRock Instant Flash ASRock Instant Flash is a BIOS flash utility embeded in Flash ROM. This convenient BIOS update tool allows you to update system BIOS without entering operating systems first like MS-DOS or Windows. Just launch this tool and save the new BIOS file to your USB flash drive, floppy disk or hard drive, then you can update your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette or other complicated flash utility. Please be noted that the USB flash drive or hard drive must use FAT32/16/12 file system. If you execute ASRock Instant Flash utility, the utility will show the BIOS files and their respective information. Select the proper BIOS file to update your BIOS, and reboot your system after BIOS update process completes.

Processor Maximum Voltage It will display Processor Maximum Voltage for reference. Multiplier/Voltage Change This item is set to [Auto] by default. If it is set to [Manual], you may adjust the value of Processor Frequency and Processor Voltage. However, it is recommended to keep the default value for system stability.
AM2 Boost Overclock Mode CPU Frequency (MHz) PCIE Frequency (MHz) CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum PCIE Spread Spectrum SATA Spread Spectrum Boot Failure Guard Cool' n' Quiet Secure Virtual Machine Enhanced Halt State L3 Cache Allocation Processor Maximum Frequency Processor Maximum Voltage Multiplier/Voltage Change Processor Frequency [Disabled] [Auto] [200] [100] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] [BSP Only] x11.MHz 1.300 V [Manual] [x9.MHz] 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 Frequency This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. This item will show when Multiplier/Voltage Change is set to [Manual]; otherwise, it will be hidden. The range of the value depends on the CPU you adopt on this motherboard. However, for system stability, it is not recommended to adjust the value of this item. Processor Voltage This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. This item will show when Multiplier/Voltage Change is set to [Manual]; otherwise, it will be hidden. The range of the value depends on the CPU you adopt on this motherboard. However, for safety and system stability, it is not recommended to adjust the value of this item. CPU Frequency Multiplier This option appears only when you adopt Phenom CPU. However, for safety and system stability, it is not recommended to adjust the value of this item. NB Frequency Multiplier This option appears only when you adopt Phenom CPU. 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: [200MHz (DDRII400)], [266MHz (DDRII533)], [333MHz (DDRII667)] and [400MHz (DDRII800)]. If you adopt Phenom CPU, there is one more option: [533MHz (DDRII1066)].
Flexibility Option The default value of this option is [Disabled]. It will allow better tolerance for memory compatibility when it is set to [Enabled]. CAS Latency (CL) Use this item to adjust the means of memory accessing. Configuration options: [Auto], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK] and [6CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRCD Use this to adjust TRCD values. Configuration options: [Auto], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK] and [6CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRP Use this to adjust TRP values. Configuration options: [Auto], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK] and [6CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRTP Use this to adjust TRTP values. Configuration options: [Auto], [2-4CLK] and [3-5CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRAS Use this to adjust TRAS values. Configuration options: [Auto], [5CLK] to [18CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRRD Use this to adjust TRRD values. Configuration options: [Auto], [2CLK], [3CLK], [4CLK] and [5CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRC Use this to adjust TRC values. Configuration options: [11CLK] to [26CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TWR Use this to adjust TWR values. Configuration options: [Auto], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK] and [6CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TWTR Use this to adjust TWTR values. Configuration options: [Auto], [1CLK], [2CLK] and [3CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TRWTTO This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. Use this to adjust TRWTTD values. Configuration options: [Auto], [2CLK], [3CLK], [4CLK], [5CLK], [6CLK], [7CLK], [8CLK] and [9CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TWRRD This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. Use this to adjust TWRRD values. Configuration options: [Auto], [0CLK], [1CLK], [2CLK] and [3CLK]. The default value is [Auto]. TWRWR This option appears only when you adopt AM2 CPU. Use this to adjust TWRWR values. Configuration options: [Auto], [1CLK], [2CLK] and [3CLK]. The default value is [Auto].

USB Controller USB 2.0 Support Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] [BIOS Setup Only] To enable or disable the onboard USB controllers.
USB Controller Use this item to enable or disable the use of USB controller. USB 2.0 Support Use this item to enable or disable the USB 2.0 support. Legacy USB Support Use this option to select legacy support for USB devices. There are four configuration options: [Enabled], [Auto], [Disabled] and [BIOS Setup Only]. The default value is [BIOS Setup Only]. Please refer to below descriptions for the details of these four options: [Enabled] - Enables support for legacy USB. [Auto] - Enables legacy support if USB devices are connected. [Disabled] - USB devices are not allowed to use under legacy OS and BIOS setup when [Disabled] is selected. If you have USB compatibility issue, it is recommended to select [Disabled] to enter OS. [BIOS Setup Only] - USB devices are allowed to use only under BIOS setup.
Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen
In this section, it allows you to monitor the status of the hardware on your system, including the parameters of the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU fan speed, chassis fan speed, and the critical voltage.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced H/W Monitor Boot Security Exit
Hardware Health Event Monitoring
CPU Temperature M / B Temperature CPU Fan Speed Chassis Fan Speed Vcore + 3.30V + 5.00V + 12.00V CPU Quiet Fan : 37 C / 98 F : 31 C / 87 F : 3400 RPM : N/A : : : : 1.629V 3.306V 5.067V 11.890V [Disabled]
Enable/Disable CPU Quiet Fan Function.

F1 F9 F10 ESC

Select Screen Select Item General Help Load Defaults Save and Exit Exit
CPU Quiet Fan This item allows you to control the CPU fan speed and fan noise. If you set this option as [Disabled], the CPU fan will operate in full speed. If you set this option as [Enabled], you will find the items Target CPU Temperature and Target Fan Speed appear to allow you adjusting them. The default value is [Disabled]. You are allowed to enable this function only when you install 4-pin CPU fan. Target CPU Temperature The target temperature will be between 45 C/113 F and 65 C/149 F. The default value is [50 C/122 F]. Target Fan Speed Use this option to set the target fan speed. You can freely adjust the target fan speed according to the target CPU temperature that you choose. The default value is [Fast]. Configuration options: [Fast], [Middle] and [Slow].