2.8 Onboard Headers and Connectors

Onboard headers and connectors are NOT jumpers. Do NOT place jumper caps over these headers and connectors. Placing jumper caps over the headers and connectors will cause permanent damage of the motherboard!

Primary IDE connector (Blue)

(39-pin IDE1, see p.12 No. 8)

 

PIN1

IDE1

 

 

connect the blue end

 

connect the black end

to the motherboard

 

to the IDE devices

80-conductor ATA 66/100/133 cable

Note: Please refer to the instruction of your IDE device vendor for the details.

Serial ATAII Connectors

(SATAII_1 (PORT 0):

 

 

SATAII_4

 

 

(PORT 3)

see p.12, No. 15)

 

 

 

 

 

(SATAII_2 (PORT 1):

SATAII_1

 

 

see p.12, No. 14)

 

 

(PORT 0)

 

SATAII_3

(SATAII_3 (PORT 2):

 

 

 

(PORT 2)

see p.12, No. 13)

 

 

 

(SATAII_4 (PORT 3):

 

 

 

SATAII_2

 

 

see p.12, No. 9)

 

 

(PORT 1)

 

 

 

 

 

These four Serial ATAII (SATAII) connectors support SATAII

or SATA hard disk for internal storage devices. The current SATAII interface allows up to 3.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

Serial ATA3 Connectors

 

 

 

These two Serial ATA3

(SATA3_1: see

p.12, No. 11)

SATA3_1

 

SATA3_2

(SATA3) connectors support

 

(SATA3_2: see

p.12, No. 10)

 

SATA data cables for internal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

storage devices. The current

 

 

 

 

 

SATA3 interface allows up to

 

 

 

 

 

6.0 Gb/s data transfer rate.

 

 

 

 

 

Serial ATA (SATA)

 

 

 

Either end of the SATA data cable

Data Cable

 

 

 

 

can be connected to the SATAII /

(Optional)

 

 

 

 

SATA3 hard disk or the SATAII /

 

 

 

 

 

SATA3 connector on this

 

 

 

 

 

motherboard.

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ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX manual Onboard Headers and Connectors

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 ASRockā€™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.