2.11 Serial ATA2 (SATA2) Hard Disks Installation

This motherboard adopts Intel® H61 chipset that supports Serial ATA2 (SATA2) hard disks. You may install SATA2 hard disks on this motherboard for internal storage devices. This section will guide you to install the SATA2 hard disks.

STEP 1: Install the SATA2 hard disks into the drive bays of your chassis.

STEP 2: Connect the SATA power cable to the SATA2 hard disk.

STEP 3: Connect one end of the SATA data cable to the motherboard’s SATA2 con- nector.

STEP 4: Connect the other end of the SATA data cable to the SATA2 hard disk.

2.12 Hot Plug Function for Serial ATA2 (SATA2) HDDs

This motherboard supports Hot Plug function for SATA2 in AHCI mode. Intel® H61 chipset provides hardware support for Advanced Host controller Interface (AHCI), a new programming interface for SATA host controllers developed thru a joint industry effort.

NOTE

What is Hot Plug Function?

If the SATA2 HDDs are NOT set for RAID configuration, it is called “Hot Plug” for the action to insert and remove the SATA2 HDDs while the system is still power-on and in working condition.

However, please note that it cannot perform Hot Plug if the OS has been installed into the SATA2 HDD.

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ASRock H61M-DP3 manual Serial ATA2 SATA2 Hard Disks Installation, Hot Plug Function for Serial ATA2 SATA2 HDDs

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.