Installing an expansion card – ASRock Z77M User Manual

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ASRock Z77M Motherboard

English

2.6 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 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width

graphics cards, or to install PCI Express graphics cards to support
CrossFireX

function.

PCIE2 (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-
reX

function.

1. In single VGA card mode, it is recommended to install a PCI Express

x16 graphics card on PCIE1 slot.

2. In CrossFireX

mode, please install the PCI Express x16 graphics

cards on PCIE1 and PCIE2 slots. Therefore, PCIE1 will work at x16

bandwidth, while PCIE2 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.