H61M-VG3 / H61M-VS3: User Manual
H61M-VG3 / H61M-VS3: User Manual
H61M-VG3 / H61M-VS3: User Manual
H61M-VS3
User Manual
Version 1.0
Published October 2012
Copyright©2012 ASRock INC. All rights reserved.
1
Copyright Notice:
No part of this manual may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or translated in
any language, in any form or by any means, except duplication of documentation by
the purchaser for backup purpose, without written consent of ASRock Inc.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be regis-
tered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for
identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
Disclaimer:
Specifications and information contained in this manual are furnished for informa-
tional use only and subject to change without notice, and should not be constructed
as a commitment by ASRock. ASRock assumes no responsibility for any errors or
omissions that may appear in this manual.
With respect to the contents of this manual, ASRock does not provide warranty of
any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warran-
ties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
In no event shall ASRock, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for
any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for
loss of profits, loss of business, loss of data, interruption of business and the like),
even if ASRock has been advised of the possibility of such damages arising from
any defect or error in the manual or product.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
2
Contents
1 Introduction......................................................... 5
1.1 Package Contents.......................................................... 5
1.2 Specifications.................................................................. 6
1.3 Unique Features............................................................. 9
1.4 Motherboard Layout (H61M-VG3 / H61M-VS3).............. 13
1.5 I/O Panel (H61M-VG3) ................................................. 14
1.6 I/O Panel (H61M-VS3) . ................................................ 15
2 Installation........................................................... 16
2.1 Screw Holes.................................................................... 16
2.2 Pre-installation Precautions .......................................... 16
2.3 CPU Installation.............................................................. 17
2.4 Installation of Heatsink and CPU fan.............................. 19
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)......................... 20
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)................................. 21
2.7 Multi Monitor Feature...................................................... 22
2.8 Jumpers Setup .......................................................... 24
2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors . ........................... 25
2.10 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATA2 (SATA2) Hard Disks
Installation .................................................................. 29
2.11 Hot Plug Function for SATA / SATA2 HDDs .................. 29
2.12 SATA / SATA2 HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation
Guide .......................................................................... 30
2.13 Driver Installation Guide ............................................. 32
2.14 Installing Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions . 32
2.14.1 Installing Windows® XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID
Functions............................................................ 32
2.14.2 Installing Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit /
VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit Without RAID Functions.. 33
2.15 ASRock XFast 555 ..................................................... 34
2.15.1 ASRock XFast RAM............................................ 35
2.15.2 ASRock XFast LAN............................................. 38
2.15.3 ASRock XFast USB............................................ 42
3
3 UEFI SETUP UTILITY........................................... 44
3.1 Introduction..................................................................... 44
3.1.1 UEFI Menu Bar..................................................... 44
3.1.2 Navigation Keys.................................................... 45
3.2 Main Screen.................................................................... 45
3.3 OC Tweaker Screen....................................................... 47
3.4 Advanced Screen............................................................ 51
3.4.1 CPU Configuration................................................ 52
3.4.2 North Bridge Configuration................................... 54
3.4.3 South Bridge Configuration................................... 55
3.4.4 Storage Configuration........................................... 56
3.4.5 Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology............................ 57
3.4.6 Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology...................... 58
3.4.7 ACPI Configuration............................................... 59
3.4.8 USB Configuration................................................ 60
3.5 Tool................................................................................. 61
3.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen.................... 63
3.7 Boot Screen.................................................................... 64
3.8 Security Screen.............................................................. 66
3.9 Exit Screen..................................................................... 67
4 Software Support................................................ 68
4.1 Install Operating System................................................. 68
4.2 Support CD Information.................................................. 68
4.2.1 Running Support CD............................................. 68
4.2.2 Drivers Menu......................................................... 68
4.2.3 Utilities Menu........................................................ 68
4.2.4 Contact Information............................................... 68
4
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing ASRock H61M-VG3 / H61M-VS3 motherboard, a reli-
able motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality control. It
delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commit-
ment to quality and endurance.
In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step-
by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the configuration
guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.
5
1.2 Specifications
6
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536 @
75Hz
Audio - 5.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC662 Audio Codec)
LAN - H61M-VG3
Realtek PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN RTL8111E,
speed 10/100/1000 Mb/s
- H61M-VS3
Realtek PCIE x1 LAN RTL8105E, speed 10/100 Mb/s
- Supports PXE
Rear Panel I/O I/O Panel
- 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
- 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
- 1 x VGA Port
- 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED
LED)
- HD Audio Jack: Line in/Front Speaker/Microphone
Connector - 4 x SATA2 3.0 Gb/s connectors, support NCQ, AHCI and
Hot Plug functions
- 1 x Power LED header
- 1 x Chassis Intrusion header
- 1 x CPU Fan connectors (4-pin)
- 1 x Chassis Fan connector (3-pin)
- 24 pin ATX power connector
- 4 pin 12V power connector
- Front panel audio connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
BIOS Feature - 32Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
- Supports “Plug and Play”
- ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
- Supports jumperfree
- SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
Support CD - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version),
CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, ASRock MAGIX
Multimedia Suite - OEM, Google Chrome Browser and
Toolbar
Hardware - CPU Temperature Sensing
Monitor - Chassis Temperature Sensing
- CPU Fan Tachometer
- Chassis Fan Tachometer
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- CPU Quiet Fan (Allow Chassis Fan Speed Auto-Adjust by
CPU Temperature)
- CPU Fan Multi-Speed Control
- CASE OPEN detection
- Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
OS - Microsoft® Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /
VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit compliant
Certifications - FCC, CE, WHQL
* For detailed product information, please visit our website: http://www.asrock.com
WARNING
Please realize that there is a certain risk involved with overclocking,
including adjusting the setting in the BIOS, applying Untied Overclocking
Technology, or using third-party overclocking tools. Overclocking may
affect your system’s stability, or even cause damage to the components
and devices of your system. It should be done at your own risk and
expense. We are not responsible for possible damage caused by
overclocking.
CAUTION!
1. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size
may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage
under Windows® 8 / 7 / VistaTM / XP. For Windows® OS with 64-
bit CPU, there is no such limitation. You can use ASRock XFast
RAM to utilize the memory that Windows® cannot use.
8
1.3 Unique Features
9
ASRock APP Charger
If you desire a faster, less restricted way of charging your
Apple devices, such as iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, ASRock has
prepared a wonderful solution for you - ASRock APP Charger.
Simply install the APP Charger driver, it makes your iPhone
charge much quickly from your computer and up to 40% faster
than before. ASRock APP Charger allows you to quickly charge
many Apple devices simultaneously and even supports continu-
ous charging when your PC enters into Standby mode (S1),
Suspend to RAM (S3), hibernation mode (S4) or power off (S5).
With APP Charger driver installed, you can easily enjoy the mar-
velous charging experience.
10
ASRock Crashless BIOS
ASRock Crashless BIOS allows users to update their BIOS
without fear of failing. If power loss occurs during the BIOS up-
date process, ASRock Crashless BIOS will automatically finish
the BIOS update procedure after regaining power. Please note
that BIOS files need to be placed in the root directory of your
USB disk. Only USB2.0 ports support this feature.
11
ASRock Restart to UEFI
Windows® 8 brings the ultimate boot up experience. The light-
ning boot up speed makes it hard to access the UEFI setup. AS-
Rock Restart to UEFI technology is designed for those requiring
frequent UEFI access. It allows users to easily enter the UEFI
automatically when turning on the PC next time. Just simply
enable this function; the PC will be assured to access the UEFI
directly in the very beginning.
12
1.3 Motherboard Layout (H61M-VG3 / H61M-VS3)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
ATXPWR1
Keyboard
Mouse
PS2
PS2
BIOS
USB4_5
1
21
USB6_7
1
X Fast RAM
Intel
VGA1
H61
DDR3
RoHS X Fast USB
USB 2.0
T: USB0
B: USB1
ATX12V1
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USB 2.0
T: USB2 Top:
B: USB3 RJ-45
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LAN
X Fast LAN
MIC IN
Bottom:
LINE IN
Top:
FRONT
Center:
HD_AUDIO1
17 1
CI1
1 1 10
16 PCIE1
CLRCMOS1 PLED1
CMOS 1
PLED PWRBTN
11
BATTERY
1
CHA_FAN1 HDLED RESET
PANEL1
AUDIO
CODEC
PCIE2
15 14 13 12
13
1.4 I/O Panel (H61M-VG3)
1 2
9 8 7 6
* There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
LAN Port LED Indications
ACT/LINK SPEED
Activity/Link LED SPEED LED
LED LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity Orange 100Mbps connection
On Link Green 1Gbps connection
LAN Port
** To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. Please refer to below steps for the software setting of Multi-Streaming.
For Windows® XP:
After restarting your computer, you will find “Mixer” tool on your system. Please select “Mixer
ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click “ok”. Choose “2CH” or
“4CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker
and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio. Then
reboot your system.
For Windows® 8 / 7 / VistaTM:
After restarting your computer, please double-click “Realtek HD Audio Manager” on the
system tray. Set “Speaker Configuration” to “Quadraphonic” or “Stereo”. Click “Device
advanced settings”, choose “Make front and rear output devices playbacks two different audio
streams simultaneously”, and click “ok”. Then reboot your system.
14
1.5 I/O Panel (H61M-VS3)
1 2
9 8 7 6
* There are two LED next to the LAN port. Please refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
LAN Port LED Indications
ACT/LINK SPEED
Activity/Link LED SPEED LED
LED LED
Status Description Status Description
Off No Link Off 10Mbps connection
Blinking Data Activity On 100Mbps connection
On Link
LAN Port
** To enable Multi-Streaming function, you need to connect a front panel audio cable to the front
panel audio header. Please refer to below steps for the software setting of Multi-Streaming.
For Windows® XP:
After restarting your computer, you will find “Mixer” tool on your system. Please select “Mixer
ToolBox” , click “Enable playback multi-streaming”, and click “ok”. Choose “2CH” or
“4CH” and then you are allowed to select “Realtek HDA Primary output” to use Rear Speaker
and Front Speaker, or select “Realtek HDA Audio 2nd output” to use front panel audio. Then
reboot your system.
For Windows® 8 / 7 / VistaTM:
After restarting your computer, please double-click “Realtek HD Audio Manager” on the
system tray. Set “Speaker Configuration” to “Quadraphonic” or “Stereo”. Click “Device
advanced settings”, choose “Make front and rear output devices playbacks two different audio
streams simultaneously”, and click “ok”. Then reboot your system.
15
Chapter 2: Installation
This is a Micro ATX form factor motherboard. Before you install the motherboard,
study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so may cause physical injuries to you and
damages to motherboard components.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
2. To avoid damaging the motherboard components due to static electricity,
NEVER place your motherboard directly on the carpet or the like. Also
remember to use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safety grounded object
before you handle components.
3. Hold components by the edges and do not touch the ICs.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or
in the bag that comes with the component.
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply.
Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals,
and/or components.
16
2.3 CPU Installation
For the installation of Intel 1155-Pin CPU,
please follow the steps below. Load Plate
Load Lever
Socket Body
Contact Array
Before you insert the 1155-Pin CPU into the socket, please check if the
CPU surface is unclean or if there is any bent pin on the socket. Do not
force to insert the CPU into the socket if above situation is found. Other-
wise, the CPU will be seriously damaged.
17
Step 3. Insert the 1155-Pin CPU:
Step 3-1. Hold the CPU by the edge where is
marked with black line.
black line
Step 3-2. Orient the CPU with IHS (Integrated
Heat Sink) up. Locate Pin1 and the
two orientation key notches.
orientation key notch alignment key
Pin1
Pin1
alignment key
1155-Pin CPU
For proper inserting, please ensure to match the two orientation key
notches of the CPU with the two alignment keys of the socket.
18
2.4 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink
This motherboard is equipped with 1155-Pin socket that supports Intel 1155-Pin
CPU. Please adopt the type of heatsink and cooling fan compliant with Intel 1155-
Pin CPU to dissipate heat. Before you installed the heatsink, you need to spray
thermal interface material between the CPU and the heatsink to improve heat dis-
sipation. Ensure that the CPU and the heatsink are securely fastened and in good
contact with each other. Then connect the CPU fan to the CPU_FAN connector
(CPU_FAN1, see page 13, No. 19).
For proper installation, please kindly refer to the instruction manuals of your
CPU fan and heatsink.
Below is an example to illustrate the installation of the heatsink for 1155-Pin CPU.
Step 1. Apply thermal interface material onto center of
IHS on the socket surface.
Apply Thermal
Interface Material
If you press down the fasteners without rotating them clockwise, the
heatsink cannot be secured on the motherboard.
Step 5. Connect fan header with the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.
Step 6. Secure excess cable with tie-wrap to ensure cable does not interfere with
fan operation or contact other components.
19
2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides two 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots,
and supports Dual Channel Memory Technology. For dual channel configuration,
you always need to install two identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-
type) memory modules in the DDR3 DIMM slots to activate Dual Channel Memory
Technology. Otherwise, it will operate at single channel mode.
Installing a DIMM
The DIMM only fits in one correct orientation. It will cause permanent
damage to the motherboard and the DIMM if you force the DIMM into
the slot at incorrect orientation.
Step 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the slot until the retaining clips at both ends
fully snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
20
2.6 Expansion Slots (PCI Express Slots)
There are 2 PCI Express slots on this motherboard.
PCIE slots:
PCIE1 (PCIE 2.0 x1 slot) is used for PCI Express cards with x1 lane
width cards, such as Gigabit LAN card, SATA2 card, etc.
PCIE2 (PCIE 3.0 x16 slot) is used for PCI Express x16 lane width
graphics cards.
Only PCIE2 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.
21
2.7 Multi Monitor Feature
This motherboard supports multi monitor upgrade. With the internal VGA output sup-
port and external add-on PCI Express VGA cards, you can easily enjoy the benefits
of multi monitor feature.
Please refer to the following steps to set up a multi monitor environment:
1. Install the PCI Express VGA card on PCIE2 slot. Please refer to page 21 for
proper expansion card installation procedures for details.
2. Connect D-Sub monitor cable to D-Sub port on the I/O panel. Then connect
other monitor cables to the corresponding connectors of the add-on PCI Express
VGA card on PCIE2 slot.
VGA port
3. Boot your system. Press <F2> or <Del> to enter UEFI setup. Enter “Onboard
VGA Share Memory” option to adjust the memory capability to [32MB], [64MB],
[128MB], [256MB] or [512MB] to enable the function of D-sub. Please make sure
that the value you select is less than the total capability of the system memory.
If you do not adjust the UEFI setup, the default value of “Onboard VGA Share
Memory”, [Auto], will disable D-Sub function when the add-on VGA card is
inserted to this motherboard.
4. Install the onboard VGA driver and the add-on PCI Express VGA card driver to
your system. If you have installed the drivers already, there is no need to install
them again.
5. Set up a multi-monitor display.
22
C. Select the display icon identified by the number 2.
D. Click “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor”.
E. Right-click the display icon and select “Attached”, if necessary.
F. Set the “Screen Resolution” and “Color Quality” as appropriate for the
second monitor. Click “Apply” or “OK” to apply these new values.
G. Repeat steps C through E for the diaplay icon identified by the number
one, two and three.
For Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:
Right click the desktop, choose “Personalize”, and select the “Display
Settings” tab so that you can adjust the parameters of the multi-monitor
according to the steps below.
A. Click the number ”2” icon.
B. Click the items “This is my main monitor” and “Extend the desktop onto
this monitor”.
C. Click “OK” to save your change.
D. Repeat steps A through C for the display icon identified by the number
three.
6. Use multi monitor. Click and drag the display icons to positions representing the
physical setup of your monitors that you would like to use. The placement
of display icons determines how you move items from one monitor to another.
23
2.8 Jumpers Setup
The illustration shows how jumpers are
setup. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “Short”. If no jumper cap
is placed on pins, the jumper is “Open”. The
illustration shows a 3-pin jumper whose
pin1 and pin2 are “Short” when jumper cap
is placed on these 2 pins.
If you clear the CMOS, the case open may be detected. Please adjust
the BIOS option “Clear Status” to clear the record of previous chassis
intrusion status.
24
2.9 Onboard Headers and Connectors
25
Front Panel Audio Header GND This is an interface for front
PRESENCE#
(9-pin HD_AUDIO1) MIC_RET
panel audio cable that allows
OUT_RET
(see p.13 No. 17) convenient connection and
1 control of audio devices.
OUT2_L
J_SENSE
OUT2_R
MIC2_R
MIC2_L
1. High Definition Audio supports Jack Sensing, but the panel wire on
the chassis must support HDA to function correctly. Please follow the
instruction in our manual and chassis manual to install your system.
2. If you use AC’97 audio panel, please install it to the front panel audio
header as below:
A. Connect Mic_IN (MIC) to MIC2_L.
B. Connect Audio_R (RIN) to OUT2_R and Audio_L (LIN) to OUT2_L.
C. Connect Ground (GND) to Ground (GND).
D. MIC_RET and OUT_RET are for HD audio panel only. You don’t
need to connect them for AC’97 audio panel.
E. To activate the front mic.
For Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS:
Select “Mixer”. Select “Recorder”. Then click “FrontMic”.
For Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS:
Go to the "FrontMic" Tab in the Realtek Control panel. Adjust
“Recording Volume”.
Connect the power switch, reset switch and system status indicator on the
chassis to this header according to the pin assignments below. Note the
positive and negative pins before connecting the cables.
26
is on when the system is operating. The LED keeps blinking when the sys-
tem is in S1 sleep state. The LED is off when the system is in S3/S4 sleep
state or powered off (S5).
HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED):
Connect to the hard drive activity LED on the chassis front panel. The LED
is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.
The front panel design may differ by chassis. A front panel module mainly
consists of power switch, reset switch, power LED, hard drive activity LED,
speaker and etc. When connecting your chassis front panel module to this
header, make sure the wire assignments and the pin assign-ments are
matched correctly.
Though this motherboard provides 4-Pin CPU fan (Quiet Fan) support, the 3-Pin
CPU fan still can work successfully even without the fan speed control function.
If you plan to connect the 3-Pin CPU fan to the CPU fan connector on this
motherboard, please connect it to Pin 1-3.
Pin 1-3 Connected
27
ATX Power Connector 24 13 Please connect an ATX power
(24-pin ATXPWR1) supply to this connector.
(see p.13 No. 8) 12 1
Though this motherboard provides 24-pin ATX power connector, it can still work if
you adopt a traditional 20-pin ATX power supply. To use the 20-pin ATX power
supply, please plug your power supply along with Pin 1 and Pin 13.
24 13
28
2.10 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATA2 (SATA2) Hard Disks
Installation
This motherboard adopts Intel® H61 chipset that supports Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial
ATA2 (SATA2) hard disks. You may install SATA / SATA2 hard disks on this mother-
board for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA /
SATA2 hard disks.
STEP 1: Install the SATA / SATA2 hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis.
STEP 2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA / SATA2 hard disk.
STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard’s SATA2 con-
nector.
STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA / SATA2 hard
disk.
NOTE
What is Hot Plug Function?
If the SATA / SATA2 HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot
Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATA2 HDDs while the
system is still power-on and in working condition.
However, please note that it cannot perform Hot Plug if the OS has been
installed into the SATA / SATA2 HDD.
29
2.12 SATA / SATA2 HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation
Guide
This motherboard supports Hot Plug feature for SATA / SATA2 HDD in AHCI mode.
Please read below operation guide of Hot Plug feature carefully. Before you process
the SATA / SATA2 HDD Hot Plug, please check below cable accessories from the
motherboard gift box pack.
A. 7-pin SATA data cable
B. SATA power cable with SATA 15-pin power connector interface
Caution
1. Without SATA 15-pin power connector interface, the SATA / SATA2 Hot Plug
cannot be processed.
2. Even some SATA / SATA2 HDDs provide both SATA 15-pin power connector and
IDE 1x4-pin conventional power connector interfaces, the IDE 1x4-pin
conventional power connector interface is definitely not able to support Hot Plug
and will cause the HDD damage and data loss.
30
How to Hot Plug a SATA / SATA2 HDD:
Points of attention, before you process the Hot Plug:
Please do follow below instruction sequence to process the Hot Plug, improper
procedure will cause the SATA / SATA2 HDD damage and data loss.
Step 1 Please connect SATA power cable 1x4-pin end Step 2 Connect SATA data cable to
(White) to the power supply 1x4-pin cable. the motherboard’s SATA2 connector.
Step 4
Step 3 Connect SATA 15-pin power cable connector Connect SATA data cable to
(Black) end to SATA / SATA2 HDD. the SATA / SATA2 HDD.
Step 1 Unplug SATA data cable from SATA / SATA2 HDD side.
Step 2 Unplug SATA 15-pin power cable connector (Black) from SATA / SATA2 HDD side.
31
2.13 Driver Installation Guide
To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD to your optical
drive first. Then, the drivers compatible to your system can be auto-detected and
listed on the support CD driver page. Please follow the order from up to bottom side
to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work properly.
32
STEP 3: Install Windows® XP / XP 64-bit OS on your system.
After making a SATA / SATA2 driver diskette, you can start to install Windows® XP
/ XP 64-bit on your system. At the beginning of Windows® setup, press F6 to install
a third-party AHCI driver. When prompted, insert the SATA / SATA2 driver diskette
containing the Intel® AHCI driver. After reading the floppy disk, the driver will be pre-
sented. Select the driver to install according to the mode you choose and the OS
you install.
33
2.15 ASRock XFast 555
ASRock’s unique XFast 555 Technology includes three tools that allow users to
experience huge performance boosts. There is XFast RAM for 5 times better system
speed, XFast LAN for 5 times faster LAN speed and XFast USB for 5 times faster
USB speed.
34
2.15.1 ASRock XFast RAM
ASRock XFast RAM is a new function that is included in ASRock Extreme Tuning
Utility (AXTU). It fully utilizes the memory space that cannot be used under Win-
dows® 32-bit OS. ASRock XFast RAM shortens the loading time of previously visited
websites, making web surfing faster than ever. And it also boosts the speed of
Adobe Photoshop 5 times faster. Another advantage of ASRock XFast RAM is that
it reduces the frequency of accessing your SSDs or HDDs in order to extend their
lifespan.
35
XFast RAM Settings
You may find the XFast RAM setup page in the left panel of ASRock Extreme Tun-
ing utility.
First select the desired drive and disk size to create a virtual drive.
To access more than 4GB of RAM in Windows® 32-bit OS, please leave PAE mode
set to ON.
In the options section, users may enable and assign the size of a partition for Ready
Boost if they’re using a 32-bit OS. We suggest setting the size of Ready Boost one
to three times larger than your RAM for optimized performance.
Normally, when the memory being used by all the existing processes exceeds the
available RAM, the operating system moves pages (4-KB pieces) of one or more
virtual address spaces to the computer’s hard disk. By enabling Memory Pagefile,
the system puts the pages into the virtual drive instead of the hard disk drive to ac-
celerate performance speed.
36
Lastly, select the files that are supposed to go in the virtual drive to speed up the
system’s performance. Such as temporary files created by computer programs when
they cannot allocate enough memory for its tasks. Or internet cache files including
html, images, Cascading Style Sheets and
JavaScript scripts from IE, Firefox and Google Chrome.
Click Backup XFast RAM if you wish to make a backup. Then click on the APPLY
button to activate XFast RAM. Click on STOP if you wish to deactivate XFastRAM.
The virtual disk will appear once you restart the system.
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2.15.2 ASRock XFast LAN
ASRock XFast LAN provides several special features for faster internet access. For
example, LAN Application Prioritization allows you to configure your application’s pri-
ority ideally or add new programs to the priority list. Traffic Shaping helps you watch
Youtube HD videos and download files simultaneously without hiccups. And in the
status window there’s Real-Time Analysis of Your Data so you can easily recognize
the data streams you are transferring currently.
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ASRock XFast LAN UI Overview
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Close Windows
Hides the status window. Can also be done by double clicking on the status
window. Reopen by right clicking on the XFast LAN icon on the
bottom right and selecting Open windows.
Window settings
Users may configure the skin and effects of the user interface. Make the
keyboard LEDs display Traffic Shaping information. Or display the XFast
LAN status window on a Logitech gamer keyboard instead of Windows
desktop.
Traffic Shaping
Traffic Shaping is used to optimize or guarantee performance, improve
latency, and/or increase usable bandwidth for some kinds of packets by
delaying other kinds of packets that meet certain criteria. In other words, it
increases the speed while keeping the overall ping time low.
Speed Guide
This guide can either help you get the maximum out of your connection or
solve problems with speed, ping time or connections.
Current Connection
Shows the details of current internet connections.
Usage Graph
Displays the Usage Graph.
Options
Configure settings such as program prioritization, language and update the
program.
Documentation
Opens detailed help for XFast LAN in a browser.
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Adding a new application and changing its priority
Click search and choose a new program you wish to add. You can also type in a
short description for the program.
Set the priority for the program and TX Limit then click Add to confirm.
Hit the switch button to change configurations or Delete to remove the application
from the priority list.
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2.15.3 ASRock XFast USB
Not only does ASRock XFast USB boost up the performance of USB 2.0 storage
devices, but also USB 3.0 devices. Users may experience up to five times faster
USB data transfer speed!
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ASRock XFast USB UI Overview
Plug in your USB storage device and XFast USB automatically sets it to Turbo
mode!
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Chapter 3: UEFI SETUP UTILITY
3.1 Introduction
This section explains how to use the UEFI SETUP UTILITY to configure your
system. The UEFI chip on the motherboard stores the UEFI SETUP UTILITY. You
may run the UEFI SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer. Please press
<F2> or <Del> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the UEFI SETUP
UTILITY, otherwise, POST will continue with its test routines.
If you wish to enter the UEFI SETUP UTILITY after POST, restart the system by
pressing <Ctl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system
chassis. You may also restart by turning the system off and then back on.
Because the UEFI software is constantly being updated, the
following UEFI setup screens and descriptions are for reference
purpose only, and they may not exactly match what you see on
your screen.
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3.1.2 Navigation Keys
Please check the following table for the function description of each navigation
key.
Navigation Key(s) Function Description
/ Moves cursor left or right to select Screens
/ Moves cursor up or down to select items
+ / - To change option for the selected items
<Tab> Switch to next function
<Enter> To bring up the selected screen
<PGUP> Go to the previous page
<PGDN> Go to the next page
<HOME> Go to the top of the screen
<END> Go to the bottom of the screen
<F1> To display the General Help Screen
<F7> Discard changes and exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY
<F9> Load optimal default values for all the settings
<F10> Save changes and exit the UEFI SETUP UTILITY
<F12> Print screen
<ESC> Jump to the Exit Screen or exit the current screen
H61M-VG3
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H61M-VS3
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3.3 OC Tweaker Screen
In the OC Tweaker screen, you can set up overclocking features.
CPU Configuration
CPU Ratio
Use this item to change the ratio value of this motherboard.
Intel SpeedStep Technology
Intel SpeedStep technology is Intel’s new power saving technology. Pro-
cessors can switch between multiple frequencies and voltage points to en-
able power saving. The default value is [Enabled]. Configuration options:
[Enabled] and [Disabled]. If you install Windows® VistaTM / 7 / 8 and want
to enable this function, please set this item to [Enabled]. This item will be
hidden if the current CPU does not support Intel SpeedStep technology.
Please note that enabling this function may reduce CPU voltage and lead to system
stability or compatibility issues with some power supplies. Please set this item to
[Disabled] if above issues occur.
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Short Duration Power Limit
Use this item to configure short duration power limit in watts. The default
value is [Auto].
Primary Plane Current Limit
Use this item to configure the maximum instantaneous current allowed for
the primary plane. The default value is [Auto].
Secondary Plane Current Limit
Use this item to configure the maximum instantaneous current allowed for
the secondary plane. The default value is [Auto].
GT OverClocking Support
Use this item to enable or disable GT OverClocking Support. The default
value is [Disabled].
DRAM Configuration
DRAM tCL
Use this item to change CAS# Latency (tCL) Auto/Manual setting. The
default is [Auto].
DRAM tRCD
Use this item to change RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
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DRAM tRP
Use this item to change Row Precharge Time (tRP) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
DRAM tRAS
Use this item to change RAS# Active Time (tRAS) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
Command Rate (CR)
Use this item to change Command Rate (CR) Auto/Manual setting. The
default is [Auto].
DRAM tWR
Use this item to change Write Recovery Time (tWR) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
DRAM tRFC
Use this item to change Refresh Cyle Time (tRFC) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
DRAM tRRD
Use this item to change RAS to RAS Delay (tRRD) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
DRAM tWTR
Use this item to change Write to Read Delay (tWTR) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
DRAM tRTP
Use this item to change Read to Precharge (tRTP) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
DRAM tFAW
Use this item to change Four Activate Window (tFAW) Auto/Manual set-
ting. The default is [Auto].
DRAM tCWL
Use this item to change CAS# Write Latency (tCWL) Auto/Manual setting.
The default is [Auto].
ODT WR (CHA)
Use this item to change ODT WR (CHA) setting. The default is [Auto].
ODT WR (CHB)
Use this item to change ODT WR (CHB) setting. The default is [Auto].
ODT NOM (CHA)
Use this item to change ODT NOM (CHA) setting. The default is [Auto].
ODT NOM (CHB)
Use this item to change ODT NOM (CHB) setting. The default is [Auto].
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MRC Fast Boot
Use this item to enable or disable MRC Fast Boot. The default is [Enabled].
Voltage Configuration
DRAM Voltage
Use this to select DRAM Voltage. The default value is [Auto].
50
3.4 Advanced Screen
In this section, you may set the configurations for the following items: CPU Configu-
ration, North Bridge Configuration, South Bridge Configuration, Storage Configura-
tion, Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology, Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology, ACPI
Configuration and USB Configuration.
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3.4.1 CPU Configuration
52
to the IA-32 Intel Architecture. An IA-32 processor with “No Execute (NX)
Memory Protection” can prevent data pages from being used by malicious
software to execute codes. This option will be hidden if the current CPU
does not support No-Excute Memory Protection.
Intel Virtualization Technology
When this option is set to [Enabled], a VMM (Virtual Machine Architecture)
can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Vanderpool
Technology. This option will be hidden if the installed CPU does not
support Intel Virtualization Technology.
Hardware Prefetcher
Use this item to turn on/off the MLC streamer prefetcher.
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch
Use this item to turn on/off prefetching of adjacent cache lines.
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3.4.2 North Bridge Configuration
54
3.4.3 South Bridge Configuration
Onboard HD Audio
Select [Auto], [Enabled] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio feature. If
you select [Auto], the onboard HD Audio will be disabled when PCI Sound
Card is plugged.
Front Panel
Select [Auto] or [Disabled] for the onboard HD Audio Front Panel.
Onboard LAN
This allows you to enable or disable the Onboard LAN feature.
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3.4.4 Storage Configuration
SATA Controller(s)
Use this item to enable or disable the SATA Controller feature.
SATA Mode Selection
Use this to select SATA mode. Configuration options: [IDE Mode], [AHCI
Mode] and [Disabled]. The default value is [AHCI Mode].
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3.4.5 Intel(R) Rapid Start Technology
Entry After
Select a time to enable RTC wake timer at S3 entry. The default is [10
minutes].
Active Page Threshold Support
This allows you to enable or disable Active Page Threshold Support. The
default is [Disabled].
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3.4.6 Intel(R) Smart Connect Technology
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3.4.7 ACPI Configuration
59
CSM
Please disable CSM when you enable Fast Boot option. The default value
is [Enabled].
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3.5 Tool
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Network Configuration
Internet Setting
Use this item to set up the internet connection mode. Configuration
options: [DHCP (Auto IP)] and [PPPOE].
UEFI Download Server
Use this item to select UEFI firmware download server for Internet Flash.
Configuration options: [Asia], [Europe], [USA] and [China].
Dehumidifier Function
Users may prevent motherboard damages due to dampness by enabling
“Dehumidifier Function”. When enabling Dehumidifier Function, the com-
puter will power on automatically to dehumidify the system after entering
S4/S5 state.
Dehumidifier Period
This allows users to configure the period of time until the computer powers
on and enables “Dehumidifier” after entering S4/S5 state.
Dehumidifier Duration
This allows users to configure the duration of the dehumidifying process
before it returns to S4/S5 state.
Dehumidifier CPU Fan Setting
Use this setting to configure CPU fan speed while “Dehumidifier” is en-
abled.
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3.6 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen
In this section, it allows you to monitor the status of the hardware on your system,
including the parameters of the CPU temperature, motherboard temperature, CPU
fan speed, chassis fan speed, and the critical voltage.
63
3.7 Boot Screen
In this section, it will display the available devices on your system for you to config-
ure the boot settings and the boot priority.
Fast Boot
Fast Boot minimizes your computer’s boot time. There are three con-
figuration options: [Disabled], [Fast] and [Ultra Fast]. The default value is
[Disabled]. Please refer to below descriptions for the details of these three
options:
[Disabled] - Disable Fast Boot.
[Fast] - The only restriction is you may not boot by using an USB flash
drive.
[Ultra Fast] - There are a few restrictions.
1. Only supports Windows® 8 UEFI operating system.
2. You will not be able to enter BIOS Setup (Clear CMOS or run utility
in Widows® to enter BIOS Setup).
3. If you are using an external graphics card, the VBIOS must support
UEFI GOP in order to boot.
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Full Screen Logo
Use this item to enable or disable OEM Logo. The default value is [En-
abled].
AddOn ROM Display
Use this option to adjust AddOn ROM Display. If you enable the option “Full
Screen Logo” but you want to see the AddOn ROM information when the
system boots, please select [Enabled]. Configuration options: [Enabled]
and [Disabled]. The default value is [Enabled].
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3.8 Security Screen
In this section, you may set or change the supervisor/user password for the system.
For the user password, you may also clear it.
Secure Boot
Use this to enable or disable Secure Boot. The default value is [Disabled].
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3.9 Exit Screen
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Chapter 4: Software Support
4.1 Install Operating System
This motherboard supports various Microsoft® Windows® operating systems: 8 / 8
64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit. Because motherboard
settings and hardware options vary, use the setup procedures in this chapter for
general reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for more information.
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Installing OS on a HDD Larger Than 2TB
This motherboard is adopting UEFI BIOS that allows Windows® OS to be installed
on a large size HDD (>2TB). Please follow below procedure to install the operating
system.
1. Please make sure to use Windows® VistaTM 64-bit (with SP1 or above),
Windows® 7 64-bit or Windows® 8 64-bit.
2. Press <F2> or <Delete> at system POST. Set AHCI Mode in UEFI Setup Utility >
Advanced > Storage Configuration > SATA Mode.
3. Choose the item “UEFI:xxx“ to boot in UEFI Setup Utility > Boot > Boot Option #1.
(“xxx” is the device which contains your Windows® installation files. Normally it is
an optical drive.) You can also press <F11> to launch boot menu at system POST
and choose the item “UEFI:xxx“ to boot.
4. Start Windows® installation.
5. If you install Windows® 7 64-bit OS, OS will be formatted by GPT (GUID Partition
Table). Please install the hotfix file from Microsoft®:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/979903
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