ASRock H77 Pro4-M manual Expansion Slots PCI Express Slots, Installing an expansion card

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2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)

There are 4 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.

PCIE slots:PCIE1 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width graphics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFireXTM function.

PCIE2 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for a PCI Express x1 lane width card, such as a Gigabit LAN card or SATA2 card, etc.

PCIE3 (PCIE 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x1 lane width graph- ics cards.

PCIE4 (PCIE 2.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x4 lane width graph- ics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support CrossFi- reXTM function. And for installing ASRock Game Blaster.

1.In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express x16 graphics card on PCIE1 slot.

2.In CrossFireXTM mode, please install the PCI Express x16 graphics cards on PCIE1 and PCIE4 slots. Therefore, PCIE1 will work at x16 bandwidth, while PCIE4 works at x4 bandwidth.

3.Please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard’s chassis fan connector (CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2) when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.

4.Only PCIE1 slot supports Gen 3 speed. To run the PCI Express in Gen 3 speed, please install an Ivy Bridge CPU. If you install a Sandy Bridge CPU, the PCI Express will run only at PCI Express Gen 2 speed.

Installing an expansion card

Step 1. Before installing an 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.

Step 2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

Step 3. Remove the bracket facing the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screws for later use.

Step 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

Step 5. Fasten the card to the chassis with screws.

Step 6. Replace the system cover.

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Contents H77 Pro4-M Copyright Notice DisclaimerContents Uefi Setup Utility Package Contents IntroductionSpecifications Audio Rear Panel I/OUnique Feature ConnectorBios Feature USB3.0Monitor HardwareCertifications Page Page Page Motherboard Layout 24.4cmLAN Port LED Indications I/O PanelTable for Audio Output Connection Page Pre-installation Precautions Screw HolesCPU Installation Page Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink Installation of Memory Modules Dimm Dual Channel Memory ConfigurationInstalling a Dimm Notch break BreakInstalling an expansion card Expansion Slots PCI Express SlotsInstalling Two CrossFireXTM-Ready Graphics Cards CrossFireXTM and Quad CrossFireXTM Operation GuideCrossFire Bridge For Windows XP OS Driver Installation and SetupFor Windows 7 / VistaTM OS Page Dual Monitor and Surround Display Features Dual Monitor FeatureSurround Display Feature For Windows XP / XP 64-bit OSFor Windows 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS What is HDCP?Hdcp Function ASRock Smart Remote Installation Guide CIR sensors in different anglesJumpers Setup DescriptionOnboard Headers and Connectors USB 2.0 Headers Besides four default USB Front Panel Audio Header Chassis Speaker Header Please connect the chassis Supply to this connector ATX Power ConnectorATX 12V Power Connector Serial port Header Serial ATA Sata / Serial ATA2 SATA2 Hard Disks Installation Serial ATA3 SATA3 Hard Disks InstallationHot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for Sata / SATA2 HDDs What is Hot Plug Function?What is Hot Swap Function? Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA3 HDDsPoints of attention, before you process the Hot Plug How to Hot Plug a Sata / SATA2 / SATA3 HDD Set up Uefi Driver Installation GuideUse RAID Installation Guide to set RAID configuration Installing Windows XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions Install Windows XP / XP 64-bit OS on your systemPage Introduction Uefi Menu BarNavigation Keys + / Tab Enter Pgup Pgdn Home Navigation KeysMain Screen F10 F12OC Tweaker Screen Primary Plane Current Limit Short Duration Power LimitDram Timing Configuration Load XMP Setting Secondary Plane Current LimitDram tRAS Command Rate CRDram tRP Dram tWRUser Defaults MRC Fast BootVoltage Configuration CPU Core Voltage CPU Load-Line CalibrationAdvanced Screen Instant FlashCPU Configuration Hardware Prefetcher Intel Virtualization TechnologyAdjacent Cache Line Prefetch North Bridge Configuration South Bridge Configuration IntelR Rapid Start Technology IntelR Rapid Start TechnologyIntelR Smart Connect Technology IntelR Smart Connect TechnologyStorage Configuration Super IO Configuration Acpi Configuration USB 3.0 Controller USB ConfigurationUSB 2.0 Controller Legacy USB SupportChassis Fan 2 Setting CPU Fan 1 & 2 SettingChassis Fan 1 Setting Over Temperature ProtectionBoot Screen Security Screen Exit Screen Software Support Installing OS on a HDD Larger Than 2TB in Ahci Mode Installing OS on a HDD Larger Than 2TB in RAID Mode Windows VistaTM 64-bit Page Windows 7 64-bit

H77 Pro4-M specifications

The ASRock H77 Pro4-M is an ATX motherboard designed to cater to the needs of budget-conscious gamers and professionals looking for reliable performance. This motherboard is built on the Intel H77 chipset, making it compatible with Intel's 3rd and 2nd generation Core processors, offering excellent performance for varied computing tasks.

One of the standout features of the ASRock H77 Pro4-M is its support for dual-channel DDR3 memory, accommodating up to 32GB with speeds ranging from 1066MHz to 2400MHz. This flexibility allows users to enhance their systems for multitasking or gaming, ensuring smooth operation even under load. Additionally, the motherboard is equipped with four DIMM slots, providing ample room for memory expansion.

Storage options are robust, with the H77 Pro4-M supporting SATA III, which allows for data transfer speeds of up to 6Gbps. It includes six SATA III ports, ensuring ample connectivity for SSDs and HDDs, perfect for setting up a high-speed storage solution. Additionally, the motherboard supports Intel Smart Response Technology, combining the advantages of both SSDs and HDDs for improved performance.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the ASRock H77 Pro4-M. It features USB 3.0 ports, which provide faster data transfer rates than their predecessors, while still maintaining compatibility with USB 2.0 devices. The motherboard comes with a total of four USB 3.0 ports, allowing users to connect multiple high-speed peripherals simultaneously. Furthermore, the inclusion of HDMI and DVI-D ports enables users to experience high-definition video output, essential for media playback and gaming.

In terms of audio, the ASRock H77 Pro4-M is equipped with the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, delivering 7.1 channel high-definition audio that enhances the overall multimedia experience. Additionally, the motherboard includes a wide array of connectivity options, such as Gigabit Ethernet, which provides reliable and fast networking capabilities for both online gaming and data transfer.

The ASRock H77 Pro4-M also supports advanced technologies such as Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect Technology, which enhance boot times and allow for seamless updates while the system is in sleep mode. These features add to the convenience and efficiency of the platform.

In summary, the ASRock H77 Pro4-M provides a solid foundation for modern computing needs. With its robust memory support, ample connectivity options, and advanced features, it is a reliable choice for users looking to build a performance-oriented PC without breaking the bank.