3. BIOS SETUP UTILITY

3.1 Introduction

This section explains how to use the BIOS SETUP UTILITY to configure your system. The SPI Memory on the motherboard stores the BIOS SETUP UTILITY. You may run the BIOS SETUP UTILITY when you start up the computer. Please press <F2> or <Del> 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 reference 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

OC Tweaker

To set up overclocking features

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 960GM/U3S3 FX manual Bios Menu Bar
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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.
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