Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 motherboard. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting any installation or configuration to ensure proper functionality and to prevent damage to your components. This motherboard is designed to support 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core Processors with an LGA1151 socket.
Figure 1: ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 Motherboard
This image displays the ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 motherboard, highlighting its LGA1151 CPU socket, DDR4 DIMM slots, M.2 slots, and PCIe expansion slots. The board features a black PCB with red and silver accents, indicative of its Phantom Gaming series design.
Safety Information
Always observe standard electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when handling the motherboard and other components. Wear an anti-static wrist strap and work on a grounded surface. Disconnect the power supply from the wall outlet before installing or removing any components. Avoid touching the pins on the CPU socket or memory slots. Refer to the power supply and other component manuals for their specific safety guidelines.
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your motherboard package:
- ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 Motherboard
- Quick Installation Guide
- Support CD (Drivers and Utilities)
- I/O Shield
- 2 x SATA Data Cables
- 3 x Screws for M.2 Sockets
- 1 x Standoff for M.2 Socket
Figure 2: Motherboard and Included Accessories
This image shows the ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 motherboard alongside its retail box, quick installation guide, support CD, SATA cables, M.2 screws, and I/O shield, illustrating the complete package contents.
Setup
1. CPU Installation
- Locate the LGA1151 socket on the motherboard.
- Open the CPU socket lever and lift the load plate.
- Carefully align the CPU with the socket, ensuring the gold triangle on the CPU matches the triangle on the socket.
- Gently place the CPU into the socket without forcing it.
- Close the load plate and push the lever back into place until it clicks.
2. Memory (RAM) Installation
- Identify the four DDR4 DIMM slots. For dual-channel operation, install memory modules into slots A2 and B2 first.
- Open the clips at both ends of the DIMM slot.
- Align the notch on the memory module with the key in the DIMM slot.
- Press down firmly on both ends of the memory module until the clips snap into place.
3. Storage Installation (M.2 SSDs and SATA Drives)
- M.2 SSD: Locate the M.2 slots. Remove the M.2 screw and standoff. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle, then gently push it down and secure it with the standoff and screw. Note that one M.2 slot is labeled 'Ultra M.2' and may have a thermal pad.
- SATA Drives: Connect SATA data cables from your SSDs/HDDs to the SATA3 ports on the motherboard. Connect power cables from your power supply to the drives.
4. Expansion Card Installation (Graphics Card)
- Locate the PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots. For optimal performance, install your primary graphics card into the top x16 slot.
- Remove the corresponding expansion slot cover from your PC case.
- Align the graphics card with the PCIe slot and press down firmly until it is seated correctly and the retention clip locks.
- Secure the card to the case with a screw.
5. Connecting Peripherals and Power
- Connect the 24-pin ATX power connector and the 8-pin 12V CPU power connector from your power supply to the motherboard.
- Connect front panel connectors (power button, reset button, USB ports, audio jacks) to their respective headers on the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard diagram in the Quick Installation Guide for exact locations.
- Install the I/O shield into your PC case before installing the motherboard.
- Mount the motherboard into the PC case using standoffs and screws.
- Connect external peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, network cable) to the rear I/O panel.
Figure 3: Rear I/O Panel
This image provides a detailed view of the rear input/output panel of the ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 motherboard, showing various ports including USB, Ethernet, audio jacks, and video outputs.
Video 1: Product Overview
This video provides a general overview of a motherboard, demonstrating its form factor, CPU socket, and various ports. While it features a different model (MSI B760M-P DDR4), the general principles of motherboard layout and component identification are applicable to the ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4.
Operating
1. Initial Boot and BIOS/UEFI Setup
After assembling your PC, connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Power on the system. During startup, repeatedly press the Delete or F2 key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. Here you can:
- Set the correct date and time.
- Configure boot order to install your operating system from a USB drive or optical disc.
- Enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) for your DDR4 RAM to run at its advertised speeds (e.g., 2666MHz).
- Monitor system temperatures and fan speeds.
2. Driver Installation
After installing your operating system, install the necessary drivers for your motherboard components. Use the included Support CD or download the latest drivers from the ASRock official website. Key drivers include:
- Chipset Drivers
- Audio Drivers
- LAN (Ethernet) Drivers
- Graphics Drivers (for integrated graphics or discrete GPU)
Maintenance
1. System Cleaning
Regularly clean your PC to prevent dust buildup, which can lead to overheating and reduced performance. Use compressed air to clear dust from fans, heatsinks, and vents. Ensure the system is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
2. BIOS/UEFI Updates
ASRock periodically releases BIOS/UEFI updates to improve system stability, add new features, or support new hardware. Check the ASRock website for the latest BIOS version for your motherboard. Follow the update instructions carefully to avoid system damage.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power/No Boot: Double-check all power connections (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU, GPU power). Ensure the power supply switch is on. Try reseating RAM modules.
- No Display: Ensure your monitor is connected to the correct video output (either motherboard or discrete GPU). Try reseating the graphics card.
- M.2 SSD Not Detected: Verify the M.2 SSD is fully seated and secured. Check BIOS settings to ensure the M.2 slot is enabled and not conflicting with SATA ports (refer to your motherboard manual for specific configurations).
- System Instability/Crashes: This can often be related to RAM. Ensure RAM is properly seated and running at stable speeds (try disabling XMP if enabled). Check CPU and GPU temperatures.
- Operating System Issues: Ensure all drivers are installed correctly. Consider reinstalling the operating system if software corruption is suspected.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA1151, Supports 9th/8th Gen Intel Core Processors (up to 95W) |
| Chipset | Intel B365 |
| Memory | 4x DDR4 DIMM Slots, Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, Max 64GB, Supports 2666/2400/2133 MHz |
| Expansion Slots | 2x PCI-Express 3.0 x16 Slots (single at x16; dual at x16/x4), 1x PCI Express 3.0 x1 Slot (Flexible PCIe) |
| Multi-Graphics | Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX and CrossFireX Technology |
| Storage | M.2 Slots (specific configurations may vary), SATA3 ports |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit / 11 64-bit |
| Form Factor | MicroATX |
Warranty and Support
The ASRock B365M PHANTOM GAMING 4 motherboard typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official ASRock website for specific warranty terms and conditions in your region. For technical support, driver downloads, or BIOS updates, please visit the ASRock support page:
