2.12 Driver Installation Guide

To install the drivers to your system, please insert the support CD to your optical drive first. Then, the drivers compatible to your system can be auto-detected and listed on the support CD driver page. Please follow the order from up to bottom side to install those required drivers. Therefore, the drivers you install can work properly.

2.13 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM /

VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions

If you just want to install Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64- bit on your SATA / SATAII HDDs without RAID functions, you don’t have to make a SATA / SATAII driver diskette. Besides, there is no need for you to change the BIOS setting. You can start to install Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit / XP / XP 64-bit on your system directly.

2.14 Installing Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit With RAID Functions

If you want to install Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS on your SATA

/SATAII HDDs with RAID functions, please follow below procedures according to the OS you install.

STEP 1: Set Up BIOS.

A. Enter BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced screen Storage Configuration. B. Set the “SATA Operation Mode” option to [RAID].

STEP 2: Use “RAID Installation Guide” to set RAID configuration.

Before you start to configure RAID function, you need to check the RAID installation guide in the Support CD for proper configuration. Please refer to the BIOS RAID installation guide part of the document in the following path in the Support CD:

.. \ RAID Installation Guide

STEP 3: Install Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit OS on your system.

NOTE. If you install Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit / VistaTM / VistaTM 64-bit on IDE HDDs and want to manage (create, convert, delete, or rebuild) RAID functions on SATA / SATAII HDDs, you still need to set up “SATA Operation Mode” to [RAID] in BIOS first. Then, please set the RAID configuration by using the Windows RAID installation guide in the following path in the Support CD:

.. \ RAID Installation Guide

NOTE. For Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit users, you do not need to load RAID driver from ASRock support CD. Please use the native driver to install Windows® 7 / 7 64-bit OS, and then install ASRock All-in-1 driver.

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ASRock N68-VS3 FX manual Driver Installation Guide, Set Up Bios, Use RAID Installation Guide to set RAID configuration

N68-VS3 FX specifications

The ASRock N68-VS3 FX is a robust and versatile motherboard designed to support AMD processors, particularly the AM3+ series, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers and PC builders. This micro ATX motherboard brings together a plethora of features and technologies that ensure reliable performance and efficient functionality suitable for everyday use and multimedia tasks.

One of the standout features of the ASRock N68-VS3 FX is its support for a wide range of AMD CPUs, enabling users to tap into the performance capabilities of processors such as the AMD FX series. The motherboard comes equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics chipset, which allows for decent integrated graphics performance – an essential aspect for users who may not want to invest in a standalone GPU initially. The board has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot to accommodate discrete graphics cards, which adds versatility for users looking to enhance their gaming experience.

In terms of memory, the ASRock N68-VS3 FX supports up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, with speeds ranging from 1066 to 1800 MHz, allowing for efficient multitasking and smoother operation when running demanding applications. The motherboard features two DIMM slots, which offer flexibility in memory configurations, catering to various user needs.

Storage options on the ASRock N68-VS3 FX are plentiful. The motherboard includes four SATA II ports, offering ample connectivity for multiple hard drives and SSDs. This ensures fast data transfer speeds, crucial for loading applications and operating systems quickly. Additionally, the board provides support for RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations, giving users control over their data strategies.

Connectivity is another critical aspect of the ASRock N68-VS3 FX, featuring several USB 2.0 ports for peripheral devices. The rear I/O panel includes VGA and HDMI outputs, allowing users to connect displays with ease, showcasing the board's multimedia capabilities. Furthermore, the on-board Realtek ALC662 audio codec delivers decent sound quality, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Overall, the ASRock N68-VS3 FX balances affordability with essential features, making it an attractive choice for novice builders and those looking for dependable performance without breaking the bank. The motherboard's compatibility with various AMD processors and its range of expansion options make it a practical foundation for a capable desktop system.