Introduction, Package Contents | ASRock 960GM-VGS3 FX manual

1. Introduction

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing ASRock 960GM-VGS3 FX / 960GM-VS3 FX motherboard, a reliable motherboard produced under ASRock’s consistently stringent quality con- trol. It delivers excellent performance with robust design conforming to ASRock’s commitment to quality and endurance.

In this manual, chapter 1 and 2 contain introduction of the motherboard and step- by-step guide to the hardware installation. Chapter 3 and 4 contain the configuration guide to BIOS setup and information of the Support CD.

Because the motherboard specifications and the BIOS software might be updated, the content of this manual will be subject to change without notice. In case any modifications of this manual occur, the updated ver- sion will be available on ASRock website without further notice. You may find the latest VGA cards and CPU support lists on ASRock website as well. ASRock website http://www.asrock.com

If you require technical support related to this motherboard, please visit our website for specific information about the model you are using. www.asrock.com/support/index.asp

1.1 Package Contents

ASRock 960GM-VGS3 FX / 960GM-VS3 FX Motherboard (Micro ATX Form Factor) ASRock 960GM-VGS3 FX / 960GM-VS3 FX Quick Installation Guide

ASRock 960GM-VGS3 FX / 960GM-VS3 FX Support CD 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)

1 x I/O Panel Shield

ASRock Reminds You...

To get better performance in Windows® 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM

/VistaTM 64-bit, it is recommended to set the BIOS option in Storage Configuration to AHCI mode.

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ASRock 960GM-VGS3 FX manual Introduction, Package Contents, ASRock Reminds You

Contents

User Manual 960GM-VGS3 FX 960GM-VS3 FX CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY Copyright NoticeDisclaimer Introduction ContentsInstallation 4. Software Support 3. BIOS SETUP UTILITY ASRock Reminds You 1.1 Package Contents1. Introduction Platform 1.2 SpecificationsChipset Memory BIOS Feature ConnectorSupport CD HardwarePage ASRock Instant Boot 1.3 Unique FeaturesASRock OC Tuner ASRock Intelligent Energy Saver ASRock APP Charger ASRock OC DNAASRock XFast USB ASRock XFast LAN ASRock X-Boost ASRock XFast RAM ATXPWR1 1.4 Motherboard Layout 960GM-VGS3 FX / 960GM-VS3 FXSB710 SOCKET AM3b LAN Port LED Indications 1.5 I/O Panel 960GM-VGS3 FX 1.6 I/O Panel 960GM-VS3 FX Pre-installation Precautions 2. Installation 2.2 Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink 2.1 CPU Installation Installing a DIMM 2.3 Installation of Memory Modules DIMM 2.4 Expansion Slots PCI and PCI Express Slots Installing an expansion card For Windows XP / XP 64-bit OS 2.5 Multi Monitor Feature For Windows 8 / 8 64-bit / 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS Description 2.6 Jumpers Setup 2.7 Onboard Headers and Connectors RESET Reset Switch PWRBTN Power SwitchPLED System Power LED This header accommodates to the fan connector and Chassis Fan Connectormatch the black wire to the CPU Fan Connector ATX 12V Power Connector What is Hot Plug Function? 2.8 Serial ATA2 SATA2 Hard Disks InstallationWhat is Hot Swap Function? 2.9 Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for Serial ATA2 SATA2 HDDs Points of attention, before you process the Hot Plug 2.10 SATA2 HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Guide How to Hot Unplug a SATA2 HDD How to Hot Plug a SATA2 HDD 2.12.1 Installing Windows XP / XP 64-bit With RAID Functions 2.11 Driver Installation GuideSTEP 1 Set up BIOS STEP 2 Make a SATA / SATA2 Driver Diskette \ RAID Installation Guide STEP 3 Use “RAID Installation Guide” to set RAID configurationSTEP 4 Install Windows XP / XP 64-bit OS on your system STEP 2 Use “RAID Installation Guide” to set RAID configuration Using SATA / SATA2 HDDs with NCQ and Hot Plug functions AHCI mode 2.13.1 Installing Windows XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID FunctionsSTEP 2 Install Windows XP / XP 64-bit OS on your system Using SATA / SATA2 HDDs without NCQ and Hot Plug functions IDE mode 2.14 Untied Overclocking Technology 3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar 3. BIOS SETUP UTILITYBoot 3.1 Introduction To save changes and exit the BIOS SETUP UTILITY To load optimal default values for all the settings3.1.2 Navigation Keys 3.2 Main Screen 960GM-VS3 FX Boot Failure Guard CPU Configuration Overclock ModeBoot Failure Guard Count 3.3 OC Tweaker Screen North Bridge Maximum Frequency Processor Maximum FrequencyProcessor Maximum Voltage Multiplier/Voltage Change Power Down Enable Memory Configuration Memory ClockDRAM Frequency Memory Timing Chipset Settings Onboard GPU Clock Override Command RateWould you like to save current setting user defaults? TRFC Instant Flash 3.4 Advanced Screen Cool ‘n’ Quiet 3.4.1 CPU ConfigurationSecure Virtual Machine Enhance Halt State C1E Onboard HD Audio 3.4.2 Chipset ConfigurationFront Panel Onboard Lan Restore on AC/Power Loss 3.4.3 ACPI ConfigurationRing-In Power On PCI Devices Power On ACPI HPET table Onboard SATA Controller 3.4.4 Storage ConfigurationSATA Operation Mode SATA IDE Combined Mode PCI IDE BusMaster 3.4.5 PCIPnP ConfigurationPCI Latency Timer Serial Port Address 3.4.6 Super IO ConfigurationInfrared Port Infrared Port Address USB Keyboard/Remote Power On 3.4.7 USB ConfigurationUSB Mouse Power On USB Controller Chassis Fan 1 Setting CPU Fan SettingCase Open Feature 3.5 Hardware Health Event Monitoring Screen 3.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration 3.6 Boot ScreenBoot From Onboard LAN Bootup Num-Lock Change Supervisor Password 3.7 Security ScreenSecurity Settings Load Performance Setup Default Load BIOS DefaultsLoad Power Saving Setup Default 3.8 Exit Screen 4. Software Support 4.1 Install Operating System4.2 Support CD Information 4.2.1 Running The Support CD