What is Hot Plug Function?

2 . 9 Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks Installation

This motherboard adopts NVIDIA® GeForce 7025 / nForce 630a chipset that supports Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) hard disks and RAID functions. You may install SATA / SATAII hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA / SATAII hard disks.

STEP 1: Install the SATA / SATAII hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis.

STEP 2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA / SATAII hard disk.

STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard’s SATAII connector.

STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA / SATAII hard disk.

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

This motherboard supports Hot Plug and Hot Swap functions for SATA / SATAII Devices.

NOTE

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 RAID1 or RAID 5 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.

N68-VS3 FX specifications

The ASRock N68-VS3 FX is a robust and versatile motherboard designed to support AMD processors, particularly the AM3+ series, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers and PC builders. This micro ATX motherboard brings together a plethora of features and technologies that ensure reliable performance and efficient functionality suitable for everyday use and multimedia tasks.

One of the standout features of the ASRock N68-VS3 FX is its support for a wide range of AMD CPUs, enabling users to tap into the performance capabilities of processors such as the AMD FX series. The motherboard comes equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics chipset, which allows for decent integrated graphics performance – an essential aspect for users who may not want to invest in a standalone GPU initially. The board has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot to accommodate discrete graphics cards, which adds versatility for users looking to enhance their gaming experience.

In terms of memory, the ASRock N68-VS3 FX supports up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, with speeds ranging from 1066 to 1800 MHz, allowing for efficient multitasking and smoother operation when running demanding applications. The motherboard features two DIMM slots, which offer flexibility in memory configurations, catering to various user needs.

Storage options on the ASRock N68-VS3 FX are plentiful. The motherboard includes four SATA II ports, offering ample connectivity for multiple hard drives and SSDs. This ensures fast data transfer speeds, crucial for loading applications and operating systems quickly. Additionally, the board provides support for RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations, giving users control over their data strategies.

Connectivity is another critical aspect of the ASRock N68-VS3 FX, featuring several USB 2.0 ports for peripheral devices. The rear I/O panel includes VGA and HDMI outputs, allowing users to connect displays with ease, showcasing the board's multimedia capabilities. Furthermore, the on-board Realtek ALC662 audio codec delivers decent sound quality, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Overall, the ASRock N68-VS3 FX balances affordability with essential features, making it an attractive choice for novice builders and those looking for dependable performance without breaking the bank. The motherboard's compatibility with various AMD processors and its range of expansion options make it a practical foundation for a capable desktop system.