Hot Plug Function for SATA3 HDDs | ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX guide

2.12 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs

This motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for SATA / SATAII Devices in RAID / AHCI mode. AMD SB710 south bridge chipset provides hardware support for Advanced Host controller Interface (AHCI), a new programming interface for SATA host controllers developed thru a joint industry effort.AHCI also provides usability enhancements such as Hot Plug.

NOTE

What is Hot Plug Function?

If the SATA / SATAII HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATAII 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 / SATAII HDD.

What is Hot Swap Function?

If SATA / SATAII HDDs are built as RAID 1 then it is called “Hot Swap” for the action to insert and remove the SATA / SATAII HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.

2.13 Hot Plug Function for SATA3 HDDs

This motherboard supports Hot Plug functions for SATA3Devices in AHCI mode. ASMedia ASM1061 chipset provides hardware support forAdvanced Host controller Interface (AHCI), a new programming interface for SATA host controllers developed thru a joint industry effort. AHCI also provides usability enhancements such as Hot Plug.

NOTE

What is Hot Plug Function?

If the SATA3 HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA3 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 SATA3 HDD.

960GM/U3S3 FX specifications

The ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX is a micro ATX motherboard designed for users seeking a solid balance between performance and affordability, particularly for AMD processors. This motherboard is equipped with the AM3+ socket, which supports AMD FX, Phenom II, and Athlon II processors, making it a versatile choice for budget gamers and system builders.

One of the standout features of the ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX is its support for DDR3 memory, allowing for speeds of up to 2400 MHz (OC). This capability enables users to fully leverage the potential of modern RAM, enhancing performance in both gaming and multitasking scenarios. The board supports up to 32GB of system memory across two DIMM slots, providing adequate capacity for demanding applications and reducing latency.

This motherboard boasts a compact design, which is ideal for builds that prioritize space without compromising on features. Its four SATA3 ports allow for rapid data transfer rates, essential for SSDs and high-speed hard drives. Additionally, the ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX includes two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed peripheral connectivity, along with several USB 2.0 ports, ensuring comprehensive compatibility with a range of devices.

From a graphical standpoint, the motherboard incorporates integrated graphics support with AMD processors through its VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs. This capability is particularly beneficial for users who want to build a budget-friendly system without the immediate expense of a dedicated GPU.

Moreover, the board supports ASRock’s XFast technology, which optimizes the performance of USB and internet speeds to enhance overall system responsiveness. The onboard audio powered by Realtek ALC662 codec delivers high-definition audio, catering to gamers and multimedia enthusiasts alike.

In terms of durability and reliability, the ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX features high-quality capacitors and a solid build that ensures long-term performance. The motherboard's easy-to-use BIOS setup makes overclocking accessible, allowing users to tweak settings to maximize their system's capabilities.

Overall, the ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX stands out as an efficient motherboard choice, offering essential features like support for high-speed memory, multiple connectivity options, and an attractive price point, making it a popular option in the AMD motherboard market. Whether building a home office setup or a budget gaming rig, this motherboard delivers performance and versatility.