User Manual
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... Motherboard Layout 6 1.4 I/O Panel 9 1.5 Block Diagram 10 1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas 11 Chapter 2 Installation 13 2.1 Installing the CPU 14 2.2 Installing the CPU Fan and Heatsink 16 2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) 17 2.4 Connecting the Front Panel Header 19 2.5 Installing the Motherboard 20 2.6 Installing SATA Drives 21 2.7 Installing a Graphics Card 23 2.8 Connecting Peripheral Devices 25 2.9 Connecting the Power Connectors 26 2.10 Power On 27 2.11 Jumpers Setup 28 2.12 Onboard Headers and Connectors 29 2.13 Post...
... Motherboard Layout 6 1.4 I/O Panel 9 1.5 Block Diagram 10 1.6 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module and ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas 11 Chapter 2 Installation 13 2.1 Installing the CPU 14 2.2 Installing the CPU Fan and Heatsink 16 2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) 17 2.4 Connecting the Front Panel Header 19 2.5 Installing the Motherboard 20 2.6 Installing SATA Drives 21 2.7 Installing a Graphics Card 23 2.8 Connecting Peripheral Devices 25 2.9 Connecting the Power Connectors 26 2.10 Power On 27 2.11 Jumpers Setup 28 2.12 Onboard Headers and Connectors 29 2.13 Post...
User Manual
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..., the updated version will be available on ASRock's website as well. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support list on ASRock's website without notice. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock's commitment to change without further notice. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com. 1.1 Package Contents • ASRock Z790 Lightning WiFi Motherboard (ATX Form Factor) • ASRock Z790 Lightning WiFi User Manual • 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional) • 2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas (Optional) • 1 x Thermistor Cable...
..., the updated version will be available on ASRock's website as well. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support list on ASRock's website without notice. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock's commitment to change without further notice. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com. 1.1 Package Contents • ASRock Z790 Lightning WiFi Motherboard (ATX Form Factor) • ASRock Z790 Lightning WiFi User Manual • 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional) • 2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas (Optional) • 1 x Thermistor Cable...
User Manual
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...Memory • Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology • 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots • Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to Memory Support List on ASRock's website for more information. (http://www.asrock.com/) Expansion Slot CPU: • 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode* Chipset: • 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4), supports x4 mode* • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 Slots (PCIE2 and PCIE3)* • 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module and Intel® CNVio/CNVio2 (Integrated WiFi/ BT) * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks • Supports AMD...
...Memory • Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology • 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots • Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to Memory Support List on ASRock's website for more information. (http://www.asrock.com/) Expansion Slot CPU: • 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode* Chipset: • 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4), supports x4 mode* • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 Slots (PCIE2 and PCIE3)* • 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module and Intel® CNVio/CNVio2 (Integrated WiFi/ BT) * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks • Supports AMD...
User Manual
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... • Supports Killer LAN Software • Supports Killer DoubleShotTM Pro • 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module • Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax • Supports Dual-Band 2x2 160MHz with processors which are GPU integrated. • Intel® Xe Graphics Architecture (Gen 12) • 1 x eDP 1.4, supports max. Z790 Lightning WiFi Graphics Audio LAN Wireless LAN USB • Intel® UHD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can be supported only...
... • Supports Killer LAN Software • Supports Killer DoubleShotTM Pro • 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module • Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax • Supports Dual-Band 2x2 160MHz with processors which are GPU integrated. • Intel® Xe Graphics Architecture (Gen 12) • 1 x eDP 1.4, supports max. Z790 Lightning WiFi Graphics Audio LAN Wireless LAN USB • Intel® UHD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can be supported only...
User Manual
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... LAN Port • HD Audio Jacks: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone Storage CPU: • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* Chipset: • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* • 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors * Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD) * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks RAID • Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices •...
... LAN Port • HD Audio Jacks: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone Storage CPU: • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* Chipset: • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* • 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors * Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD) * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks RAID • Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices •...
User Manual
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..., or using third-party overclocking tools. Z790 Lightning WiFi BIOS Feature OS Certifications • 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)**** • 1 x Chassis Fan Connector (4-pin)***** • 4 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****** • 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector • 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connec- tor) • 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector • 1 x Thunderbolt AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock Thunderbolt 4 AIC Card) • 1 x USB 2.0 Header (Supports 2 USB 2.0 ports...
..., or using third-party overclocking tools. Z790 Lightning WiFi BIOS Feature OS Certifications • 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)**** • 1 x Chassis Fan Connector (4-pin)***** • 4 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****** • 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector • 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connec- tor) • 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector • 1 x Thunderbolt AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock Thunderbolt 4 AIC Card) • 1 x USB 2.0 Header (Supports 2 USB 2.0 ports...
User Manual
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...-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A2, DDR5_B2) 6 CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2/WP) 7 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3/WP) 8 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1/WP) 9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 10 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED2) 11 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_9_10) 12 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED3) 13 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_TC2) 14 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_7_8) 15 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_4)(Upper), (SATA3_5)(Lower) 16 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_2)(Upper), (SATA3_3)(Lower) 17 Post Status Checker (PSC) 18 Clear CMOS Jumper...
...-pin DDR5 DIMM Slots (DDR5_A2, DDR5_B2) 6 CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (CPU_FAN2/WP) 7 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN3/WP) 8 Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connector (CHA_FAN1/WP) 9 ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1) 10 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED2) 11 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_9_10) 12 Addressable LED Header (ADDR_LED3) 13 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_TC2) 14 USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (USB32_7_8) 15 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_4)(Upper), (SATA3_5)(Lower) 16 SATA3 Connectors (SATA3_2)(Upper), (SATA3_3)(Lower) 17 Post Status Checker (PSC) 18 Clear CMOS Jumper...
User Manual
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... the LAN port LED indications. Description 1 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port 8 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (USB32_4) 2 2.5G LAN RJ-45 Port* 9 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (USB32_3) 3 Line In (Light Blue)** 10 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port (USB32_TC1) 4 Front Speaker (Lime)** 11 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_12) 5 Microphone (Pink)** 12 HDMI Port 6 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_56) 13 Antenna Ports 7 USB 2.0 Port (USB_1) * There are two LEDs on each LAN port. 1.4 I/O Panel 1 Z790 Lightning WiFi 3 2 4 13 12 11 9 7 10 8 6 5 No. ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED LAN Port Activity / Link LED Status...
... the LAN port LED indications. Description 1 PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port 8 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (USB32_4) 2 2.5G LAN RJ-45 Port* 9 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (USB32_3) 3 Line In (Light Blue)** 10 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port (USB32_TC1) 4 Front Speaker (Lime)** 11 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_12) 5 Microphone (Pink)** 12 HDMI Port 6 USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_56) 13 Antenna Ports 7 USB 2.0 Port (USB_1) * There are two LEDs on each LAN port. 1.4 I/O Panel 1 Z790 Lightning WiFi 3 2 4 13 12 11 9 7 10 8 6 5 No. ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED LAN Port Activity / Link LED Status...
User Manual
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... Wi-Fi 6E connectivity standards and Bluetooth v5.3. Bluetooth v5.3 standard features Smart Ready technology that offers support for PCs. * The transmission speed may vary according to the environment. * Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows Update and software updates once available. * A 6GHz compatible router is an easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter to...
... Wi-Fi 6E connectivity standards and Bluetooth v5.3. Bluetooth v5.3 standard features Smart Ready technology that offers support for PCs. * The transmission speed may vary according to the environment. * Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows Update and software updates once available. * A 6GHz compatible router is an easy-to-use wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter to...
User Manual
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... not overtighten the screws! Z790 Lightning WiFi Chapter 2 Installation This is an ATX form factor motherboard. Failure to do so may damage the motherboard. 13 Also remember to ensure that comes with the components. • When placing screws to secure the motherboard to unplug the power cord before you uninstall any motherboard settings. • Make sure to the chassis, please do not touch...
... not overtighten the screws! Z790 Lightning WiFi Chapter 2 Installation This is an ATX form factor motherboard. Failure to do so may damage the motherboard. 13 Also remember to ensure that comes with the components. • When placing screws to secure the motherboard to unplug the power cord before you uninstall any motherboard settings. • Make sure to the chassis, please do not touch...
User Manual
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... B1 B2 V 2 DIMMs A1 A2 B1 B2 V V 4 DIMMs A1 A2 B1 B2 V V V V 17 Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides four 288-pin DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. 1. otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged. 4. It is unable to activate Dual Channel Memory Technology with only one correct orientation. The DIMM only fits in one or three...
... B1 B2 V 2 DIMMs A1 A2 B1 B2 V V 4 DIMMs A1 A2 B1 B2 V V V V 17 Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.3 Installing Memory Modules (DIMM) This motherboard provides four 288-pin DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) DIMM slots, and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. 1. otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be damaged. 4. It is unable to activate Dual Channel Memory Technology with only one correct orientation. The DIMM only fits in one or three...
User Manual
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2.4 Connecting the Front Panel Header 1 Z790 Lightning WiFi 323:2(5:(/5(/'(' 32:(+5'6:'/('5(6(76: 2 HDD LED RESET SW 3$1(/ System Panel Header 10 9 Front Panel Wires Power SW (-) B Power SW (+) RESET SW (+) D RESET SW (-) Power LED (-) A Power LED (+) HDD LED (-) C HDD LED (+) A B C D 21 PANEL1 19
2.4 Connecting the Front Panel Header 1 Z790 Lightning WiFi 323:2(5:(/5(/'(' 32:(+5'6:'/('5(6(76: 2 HDD LED RESET SW 3$1(/ System Panel Header 10 9 Front Panel Wires Power SW (-) B Power SW (+) RESET SW (+) D RESET SW (-) Power LED (-) A Power LED (+) HDD LED (-) C HDD LED (+) A B C D 21 PANEL1 19
User Manual
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... card and make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is used for the card before you start the installation. PCIe Slot Configurations Single Graphics Card Two Graphics Cards in CrossFireTM Mode PCIE1 Gen5x16 Gen5x16 PCIE4 N/A Gen4x4 For a better thermal environment, please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard's chassis fan connector (CHA_FAN1~4/WP and CHA_FAN5) when using multiple graphics cards. 24 Before installing an expansion card, please make necessary hardware settings for PCIe x4 lane width graphics cards...
... card and make sure that the power supply is switched off or the power cord is used for the card before you start the installation. PCIe Slot Configurations Single Graphics Card Two Graphics Cards in CrossFireTM Mode PCIE1 Gen5x16 Gen5x16 PCIE4 N/A Gen4x4 For a better thermal environment, please connect a chassis fan to the motherboard's chassis fan connector (CHA_FAN1~4/WP and CHA_FAN5) when using multiple graphics cards. 24 Before installing an expansion card, please make necessary hardware settings for PCIe x4 lane width graphics cards...
User Manual
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... panel module mainly consists of power button, reset button, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.12 Onboard Headers and Connectors Onboard headers and connectors are matched correctly. 29 Do NOT place jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage to the reset button on when the system is reading or writing data. You may differ by chassis. The front panel design may configure the way to turn off (S5). RESET (Reset Button): Connect to the motherboard...
... panel module mainly consists of power button, reset button, power LED, hard drive activity LED, speaker and etc. Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.12 Onboard Headers and Connectors Onboard headers and connectors are matched correctly. 29 Do NOT place jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage to the reset button on when the system is reading or writing data. You may differ by chassis. The front panel design may configure the way to turn off (S5). RESET (Reset Button): Connect to the motherboard...
User Manual
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Z790 Lightning WiFi Front Panel Audio Header (9-pin HD_AUDIO1) (see p.6, No. 30) This header is for connecting audio devices to function correctly. Phantom Gaming HD_AUDIO1 GND PRESENCE# MIC_RET OUT_RET Z790 1 OUT2_L RoHS J_SENSE OUT2_R MIC2_R MIC2_L High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must support HDA to the front audio panel. Please follow the instructions in our manual and chassis manual to install your system. 35
Z790 Lightning WiFi Front Panel Audio Header (9-pin HD_AUDIO1) (see p.6, No. 30) This header is for connecting audio devices to function correctly. Phantom Gaming HD_AUDIO1 GND PRESENCE# MIC_RET OUT_RET Z790 1 OUT2_L RoHS J_SENSE OUT2_R MIC2_R MIC2_L High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on the chassis must support HDA to the front audio panel. Please follow the instructions in our manual and chassis manual to install your system. 35
User Manual
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To use a 4-pin ATX power supply, please plug it along Pin 1 and Pin 5. *Connecting an ATX 12V 8-pin cable to this connector. Do not plug the PCIe power cable to ATX12V2 is optional. *Warning: Please make sure that the power cable connected is for the CPU and not the graphics card. ATX 12V Power Connectors (8-pin ATX12V1) (see p.6, No. 1) (8-pin ATX12V2) (see p.6, No. 2) This motherboard provides two 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors. Phantom Gaming ATX12V2 8 5 4 1 Z790 RoHS ATX12V1 8 5 4 1 40
To use a 4-pin ATX power supply, please plug it along Pin 1 and Pin 5. *Connecting an ATX 12V 8-pin cable to this connector. Do not plug the PCIe power cable to ATX12V2 is optional. *Warning: Please make sure that the power cable connected is for the CPU and not the graphics card. ATX 12V Power Connectors (8-pin ATX12V1) (see p.6, No. 1) (8-pin ATX12V2) (see p.6, No. 2) This motherboard provides two 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors. Phantom Gaming ATX12V2 8 5 4 1 Z790 RoHS ATX12V1 8 5 4 1 40
User Manual
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Installing the M.2 SSD Card Step 1 Prepare a M.2 SSD card and the screw. B A No. Step 2 2 1 Depending on the PCB type and length of your M.2 SSD card, find the corresponding nut location to replace mPCIe and mSATA. Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.14 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_1) The M.2 is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to be used. The Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M) supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode. Nut Location PCB Length Module Type 1 A 6cm Type2260 2 B 8cm Type 2280 49
Installing the M.2 SSD Card Step 1 Prepare a M.2 SSD card and the screw. B A No. Step 2 2 1 Depending on the PCB type and length of your M.2 SSD card, find the corresponding nut location to replace mPCIe and mSATA. Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.14 M.2 SSD Card Installation Guide (M2_1) The M.2 is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to be used. The Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M) supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode. Nut Location PCB Length Module Type 1 A 6cm Type2260 2 B 8cm Type 2280 49
User Manual
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Installing the M.2 SSD Card Step 1 Prepare a M.2 SSD card. 2 Step 2 1 Depending on the PCB type and length of your M.2 SSD card, find the corresponding nut location to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The Hyper M.2 Sockets (M2_2 and M2_3, Key M) support type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode. B A No. Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.15 M.2 SSD card Installation Guide (M2_2 and M2_3) The M.2 is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to be used. Nut Location PCB Length Module Type 1 A 6cm Type 2260 2 B 8cm Type 2280 53
Installing the M.2 SSD Card Step 1 Prepare a M.2 SSD card. 2 Step 2 1 Depending on the PCB type and length of your M.2 SSD card, find the corresponding nut location to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The Hyper M.2 Sockets (M2_2 and M2_3, Key M) support type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode. B A No. Z790 Lightning WiFi 2.15 M.2 SSD card Installation Guide (M2_2 and M2_3) The M.2 is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to be used. Nut Location PCB Length Module Type 1 A 6cm Type 2260 2 B 8cm Type 2280 53
User Manual
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... please call ASRock Tel : +886-2-28965588 ext.123 (Standard International call charges apply) You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other countries. CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic substance controlled in advance. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the...
... please call ASRock Tel : +886-2-28965588 ext.123 (Standard International call charges apply) You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other countries. CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY The Lithium battery adopted on this motherboard contains Perchlorate, a toxic substance controlled in advance. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the...
RAID Installation Guide
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... the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might be subject to [Enabled]. 1 STEP 1: Enter the UEFI Setup Utility by pressing or right after you will be updated, the content of the model you purchase. Please refer to the product specification page of this guide are using for your motherboard. The actual setup options you power on RAID support. STEP 2: Go to Advanced\Storage Configuration\VMD Configuration and set Enable VMD controller to change without notice. Configuring a RAID array Using UEFI Setup Utility The BIOS...
... the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might be subject to [Enabled]. 1 STEP 1: Enter the UEFI Setup Utility by pressing or right after you will be updated, the content of the model you purchase. Please refer to the product specification page of this guide are using for your motherboard. The actual setup options you power on RAID support. STEP 2: Go to Advanced\Storage Configuration\VMD Configuration and set Enable VMD controller to change without notice. Configuring a RAID array Using UEFI Setup Utility The BIOS...