Installation
Test Rig:
Intel Core i7 920 LGA 1366 quad core processor
OCZ DDR3-1600 XMP Edition 6GB Triple Channel Memory Kit
Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 Video card
OCZ EliteXStream 850 Watt Power Supply
Zalman CNPS 10X Performa CPU Cooler
Ikonik Ra X10 Liquid Aluminum Full Tower (liquid cooling system not used)
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
WARNING – Use extreme caution when installing LGA 1366 CPUs. The pins in the CPU socket are very fragile and easily damaged. DO NOT TOUCH THE PINS WITH YOUR FINGERS!
CAREFULLY remove the protective cover from the CPU socket, using the ribs on the top of the cover and lift straight upwards. Observe the “keys” on the CPU and CPU socket to determine the proper orientation of the CPU. CAREFULLY place the CPU onto the socket. Close the retainer and gently lower and lock the locking lever.
Prep the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth. Prep the CPU cooler base with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.
Apply thermal compound per the manufacturer’s instructions. Be aware if you are using a CPU cooler with heatpipes that directly touch the CPU surface you will need to manually spread the compound with a credit card or other thin flat item, the cooler base will not properly spread the compound itself.
Install the CPU cooler. Install the system memory. Unlike LGA 775 systems, do not install a memory module in the slot nearest the CPU socket, use the three slots starting with the second slot from the CPU and ending with the slot nearest the front edge of the motherboard. ASRock designates the proper slots with white hardware. Use the other three only if using six memory modules, and I highly recommend using only three when booting the system for the first time. Add the other three after the system is set up and running.
Install the motherboard’s I/O shield in the proper opening. Install the motherboard offsets, then install the motherboard into the case. Connect the power and drive cables to the motherboard.
Install the video card, double check your work, and you’re done.
