Chapter 3: BIOS SETUP UTILITY

3 . 1 Introduction

This section explains how to use the BIOS SETUP UTILITY to configure your system. The BIOS FWH chip on the motherboard stores the BIOS SETUP UTILITY. You may run the BIOS SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer. Please press <F2> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS SETUP UTILITY, otherwise, POST will continue with its test routines.

If you wish to enter the BIOS 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 BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for refer- ence purpose only, and they may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar

The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:

Main

To set up the system time/date information

Advanced

To set up the advanced BIOS features

H/W Monitor

To display current hardware status

Boot

To set up the default system device to locate and load the

 

Operating System

Security

To set up the security features

Exit

To exit the current screen or the BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use <> key or < > key to choose among the selections on the menu bar, and then press <Enter> to get into the sub screen.

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ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D manual Bios Menu Bar

4CORE1600TWINS-P35D specifications

The ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D motherboard is a powerful and versatile option designed for enthusiasts looking to build a robust Intel-based system. Aimed primarily at gamers and power users, the motherboard features the Intel P35 chipset, which supports a variety of Intel processors, including the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad series. This compatibility allows users to achieve high performance, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday computing tasks.

One of the standout features of the ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D is its support for dual-channel DDR2 memory. It can accommodate up to 8GB of RAM, providing ample memory capacity for multitasking and demanding applications. The motherboard supports memory speeds of up to 800 MHz, enabling quick data processing and smoother performance during memory-intensive tasks. Moreover, the board is equipped with four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configuration and future upgrades.

The ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D also boasts an impressive set of expansion slots, including PCI Express x16 slots, which are crucial for modern graphics cards. This feature enables users to take advantage of cutting-edge graphics technology, essential for gaming and graphic design applications. Additionally, the motherboard includes several PCI slots for older hardware, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.

For storage, the motherboard provides multiple SATA ports with support for RAID configurations, facilitating enhanced data redundancy and performance. The ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D supports both SATA II and SATA I devices, catering to various storage needs. Its integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller also ensures fast and reliable network connectivity for online gaming and data transfers.

Furthermore, the motherboard includes a comprehensive list of connectivity options, including USB 2.0 ports, a parallel port, and audio jacks, making it easy to connect peripherals and external devices. Its onboard audio provides decent sound quality, enhancing the overall user experience.

In terms of design, the ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D features a user-friendly BIOS interface that allows users to tweak performance settings, monitor system health, and configure hardware options easily. The layout of the motherboard is designed to maximize airflow and keep components cool, promoting reliability during high-performance tasks.

In summary, the ASRock 4CORE1600TWINS-P35D is a feature-rich motherboard that caters to various user needs, from gaming to productivity. With its robust chipset, memory support, and numerous expansion options, it remains a solid choice for those looking to build a reliable and powerful Intel-based system.