ASRock B360M-ITX/AC Motherboard User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, configuration, and operation of your ASRock B360M-ITX/AC Mini-ITX motherboard. This motherboard supports 8th Generation Intel Core Processors and features a compact design suitable for small form factor builds. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation to ensure proper setup and functionality.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• ASRock B360M-ITX/AC Motherboard
• (Other accessories such as SATA cables, I/O shield, Wi-Fi antennas, and screws may be included depending on your region and retailer.)

3. Board Layout and Components

Familiarize yourself with the layout of the ASRock B360M-ITX/AC motherboard to identify key components and connectors before installation.

Figure 3.1: Top view of the ASRock B360M-ITX/AC motherboard, illustrating its Mini-ITX form factor (6.7 x 6.7 inches) and general component placement.

Figure 3.2: Detailed diagram of the ASRock B360M-ITX/AC motherboard, highlighting the various internal and external connectors, including the CPU socket, DIMM slots, PCI-E slot, SATA ports, M.2 slot, and rear I/O panel.

4. Setup and Installation

Before installing any components, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet. Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

4.1 CPU Installation

1. Locate the LGA1151 CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Open the CPU socket lever and lift the load plate.
3. Carefully align your 8th Generation Intel Core Processor with the socket, ensuring the gold triangle on the CPU matches the triangle on the socket.
4. Gently place the CPU into the socket without forcing it.
5. Close the load plate and secure it with the lever.
6. Install a compatible CPU cooler according to its manufacturer's instructions.

Figure 4.1: CPU Support List for the ASRock B360M-ITX/AC motherboard, detailing compatible Intel processors, their core count, frequency, cache, power, and validated BIOS versions.

4.2 Memory (RAM) Installation

1. Locate the two DDR4 DIMM slots.
2. Open the clips at both ends of the DIMM slot.
3. Align your DDR4 memory module with the slot, ensuring the notch on the module matches the key in the slot.
4. Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.
5. This motherboard supports dual-channel DDR4-2666/2400/2133 Non-ECC, Unbuffered memory, with a maximum capacity of 32GB.

4.3 Storage Device Installation

• SATA Devices: Connect SATA data cables from your storage drives (HDDs/SSDs) to the four SATA3 ports on the motherboard. Connect power cables from your power supply to the drives.
• M.2 SSD: The motherboard features one Ultra M.2 Port, supporting M Key type 2280 M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s modules and M.2 PCI Express modules up to Gen3 x4 (32 Gb/s). Install your M.2 SSD into the designated slot and secure it with the provided screw.

4.4 Expansion Cards

• PCI-Express: Install your graphics card or other PCI-Express expansion cards into the PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. Ensure it is seated firmly and secured with a screw to your chassis.
• Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E): This socket is typically used for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules.

4.5 Power Connections

• Connect the 24-pin ATX power connector from your power supply to the main power socket on the motherboard.
• Connect the 8-pin 12V power connector (EPS12V) from your power supply to the CPU power socket.

4.6 Front Panel and I/O Connections

• Connect your chassis' front panel cables (power button, reset button, HDD LED, power LED) to the System Panel Header. Refer to the motherboard diagram (Figure 3.2) for pin assignments.
• Connect front panel USB 3.1 Gen1 and USB 2.0 cables to their respective headers.
• Connect the front panel audio cable to the HD Audio Jacks header.
• Install the I/O shield into your chassis before mounting the motherboard.
• Connect external devices to the rear I/O ports: PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard, DVI-I, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.1 Gen2 (Type-A), USB 3.1 Gen1, RJ45 LAN, and Audio I/O Jacks. Attach the Wi-Fi antennas to the designated ports.

5. Operating System and Drivers

After assembling your hardware, you can proceed with installing your preferred operating system, such as Windows 10. Once the operating system is installed, install the necessary drivers for your motherboard components (chipset, audio, LAN, Wi-Fi, etc.). These drivers can typically be found on the ASRock official website under the support section for the B360M-ITX/AC model.

6. Specifications

Below are the detailed technical specifications for the ASRock B360M-ITX/AC motherboard:

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during or after installation, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Power: Ensure all power cables (24-pin ATX, 8-pin 12V CPU) are securely connected to the motherboard and power supply. Verify the power supply switch is on.
• No Display: Check that your monitor is connected to the correct video output on your graphics card or motherboard. Reseat your graphics card and RAM modules.
• System Instability: Ensure RAM modules are correctly seated. Check CPU and cooler installation. Verify power supply wattage is sufficient for all components.
• Component Not Detected: Reseat the component (e.g., M.2 SSD, SATA drive, expansion card). Check cable connections. Ensure drivers are installed.
• BIOS/UEFI Issues: If the system fails to boot or behaves unexpectedly, try clearing the CMOS. This can usually be done by briefly shorting the "Clear CMOS" jumper on the motherboard (refer to Figure 3.2 for location) or by removing the CMOS battery for a few minutes.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ASRock website. For technical support, driver downloads, and BIOS updates, please visit the ASRock support page for the B360M-ITX/AC model. You can typically find detailed FAQs and contact information for customer service there.

ASRock Official Website: www.asrock.com