BIOS:

ASRock BIOS settings are pretty simple as always, there are not many options and selections. (F2 to access BIOS)

1) FSB adjustment from 100 to 500MHz in 1Mhz increment or Auto
2) CPU, PCIe in Auto, Sync and Async
2) Memory setting with 4 adjustments for manual instead of auto mode.
3) 2T is set to default (disable)
3) VCCM, VDDQ, ICH8, VTT voltages are limited to toggle switch of low, lowest, medium and high.
4) SATA HDD – Enhance and Compatible

We will go through some of the critical ones for initial setup and or overclocking for some of us. The BIOS version MO.11C dated July 4, 07 came with the sample board was found to be raising the FSB automatically by 2 Mhz in Windows with some features that were mysterious to say the least. It showed signs of instability at times. I checked ASRock website and found Version P-1.1 dated June 24, 07. I flashed the BIOS to this version and everything works. The MO.11 must be a marketing press sample that I received with the board.





Two ways to set up HDD

Set SATAII configuration to "Compatible" (screen shot 7 above). Restart to ensure the correct HDD is detected.

Select "Enhanced" - under "Config SATA as", there are three options, IDE, RAID and AHCI. Select IDE for single HDD.

Memory Options:

At the bottom of screen shot 4, "DIMM IN" "disable" is 2T and "enable" is 1T. Set to "disable" on first time bootup until you are sure IT can be run.

Memory latency:

3, 4 and Auto Ram CAS# Latency when memory speed is above or at 400MHz.

4, 5 and Auto Ram CAS# Latency when memory speed is below 400MHz.

More relax timings for the remaining 3 settings will display as ram speed is above or at 400MHz



Crossfire:



The jumpers setting above is for non-AGI application connecting pin 1&2. Jumpers will have to be moved down connecting pin2&3 for Crossfire application. Once connected, IDE will no longer be available. In another word, if you plan on using Crossfire, get all SATA devices such as HDD and Optical Drive.



Express Card:






Wiring connection is pretty straight forward; just make sure the two SATA cables match acording to the color code.



You could find more about ExpressCard here.