Screw Holes, Pre-installation Precautions

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.

2.1 Screw Holes

Place screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not over-tighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.

2.2 Pre-installation Precautions

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

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.

H61M-DP3 specifications

The ASRock H61M-DP3 is a versatile micro ATX motherboard designed for Intel's second and third generation Core processors, commonly referred to as the "Sandy Bridge" and "Ivy Bridge" architectures. This motherboard offers an excellent balance of performance, reliability, and features, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users and those looking to build a compact gaming or home PC.

One of the main features of the ASRock H61M-DP3 is its support for Intel Socket LGA 1155 processors. This allows users to choose from a range of CPUs, providing flexibility in performance according to their needs. The motherboard supports up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM across its two DIMM slots, with memory speeds up to 1600 MHz. This ensures that users can run demanding applications and multitask efficiently.

In terms of expansion, the ASRock H61M-DP3 includes one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, which is ideal for a dedicated graphics card, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots for additional expansion cards. This configuration permits users to enhance their system's graphical performance or add other functionalities as needed. The motherboard also comes with four SATA 3.0 ports for connecting hard drives and SSDs, enabling faster data transfer speeds crucial for modern storage devices.

The ASRock H61M-DP3 integrates high-definition audio capabilities powered by the Realtek ALC662 codec, providing rich audio experiences for gaming and multimedia consumption. Additionally, it features integrated graphics capabilities through the CPU, allowing users to get started without needing a dedicated GPU, which is particularly beneficial for everyday tasks and light gaming.

Connectivity options on the ASRock H61M-DP3 include four USB 2.0 ports on the rear I/O panel and two additional headers for USB connections on the motherboard itself. The included Gigabit Ethernet port ensures fast and reliable network connections, suitable for online gaming and streaming.

To ensure system stability and longevity, the motherboard employs solid capacitors and supports ASRock’s "Polychrome" technology, allowing users to customize the motherboard’s LED lighting. Overall, the ASRock H61M-DP3 is an excellent choice for users seeking a well-rounded and cost-effective motherboard solution, delivering robust features and good performance in a compact form factor.