Contents

1 . Introduction

5

1.1

Package Contents

5

1.2

Specifications

6

1.3

Motherboard Layout (N68-VGS3 FX / N68-VS3 FX)

11

1.4

I/O Panel (N68-VGS3 FX)

12

1.5

I/O Panel (N68-VS3 FX)

13

2. Installation

14

Pre-installation Precautions

14

2.1

CPU Installation

15

2.2

Installation of CPU Fan and Heatsink

15

2.3

Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)

16

2.4

Expansion Slots (PCI and PCI Express Slots)

17

2.5

Easy Multi Monitor Feature

18

2.6

Jumpers Setup

19

2.7

Onboard Headers and Connectors

20

2.8

SATAII Hard Disk Setup Guide

24

2.9Serial ATA (SATA) / Serial ATAII (SATAII) Hard Disks

 

Installation

25

2.10

Hot Plug and Hot Swap Functions for SATA / SATAII HDDs ....

25

2.11

SATA / SATAII HDD Hot Plug Feature and Operation Guide

26

2.12

Driver Installation Guide

28

2.13

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

 

 

XP 64-bit Without RAID Functions

28

2.14

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

 

 

With RAID Functions

28

2.15

Untied Overclocking Technology

29

3. BIOS SETUP UTILITY

30

3.1

Introduction

30

 

3.1.1 BIOS Menu Bar

30

 

3.1.2

Navigation Keys

31

3.2

Main Screen

31

3.3

OC Tweaker Screen

32

3.4

Advanced Screen

37

 

3.4.1

CPU Configuration

38

 

3.4.2

Chipset Configuration

39

 

3.4.3

ACPI Configuration

40

 

3.4.4

Storage Configuration

41

 

3.4.5

PCIPnP Configuration

43

 

3.4.6

Super IO Configuration

44

3

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ASRock N68-VS3 FX manual Contents

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.