Q: Does the ASROCK X99 Extreme4/3.1 motherboard support Secure Boot?

The official manual for the ASROCK X99 Extreme4/3.1 does not explicitly mention Secure Boot. However, this motherboard has the necessary hardware foundations to support Secure Boot: Dual BIOS UEFI - The board features a multilingual graphical interface with 1 main BIOS and 1 backup BIOS, compliant with the UEFI standard (a prerequisite for Secure Boot) 17-pin TPM connector - Allows for the installation of a Trusted Platform Module to store keys and digital certificates, essential for a complete implementation of Secure Boot ASRock Full Spike Protection - Protection against electrostatic discharge, enhancing overall security To check if Secure Boot is enabled, restart your computer and access the BIOS settings (Dual BIOS UEFI). Navigate to the Security or Boot section and look for the Secure Boot option. Although this feature is not highlighted in the manual, it is generally available on X99 motherboards of this generation (Haswell/Broadwell) via UEFI firmware.

Q: How many screws are provided in the box of the B360M-HDV motherboard and how to identify the correct screw?

The ASRock B360M-HDV motherboard comes with 1 single screw to secure the M.2 module to the M2_1 socket. This screw is included in the box and is essential to keep your SSD in place. To correctly identify your M.2 screw: it is a small finely threaded metal screw (usually less than 1 cm in length), much smaller than the screws used to secure a standard ATX case. It is visible in step 1 of the installation guide in the ASRock documentation. Before securing the M.2 module, you must first adjust the position of the standoff according to the length of your SSD. The standoff must be positioned at the correct nut according to the type of module: position A for a Type 2230 SSD (3 cm), position B for Type 2242 (4.2 cm), position C for Type 2260 (6 cm), or position D for Type 2280 (8 cm). By default, the standoff is positioned at D for the most common 2280 modules. To install your M.2 module: first gently insert the SSD at the intended angle into the M2_1 slot (there is only one possible orientation), then gently push it all the way in. Next, use the provided screw to secure the module to the standoff. Tighten moderately without forcing : overtightening may damage the M.2 module. If the screw is missing or damaged, it is a standard M2 x 3 mm flat head screw. You can replace it with an equivalent hardware screw, but we recommend contacting ASRock support to obtain a compatible original replacement screw for your B360M-HDV.

Q: Do I need to add a fan or a heatsink for a PCIe 3.0 SSD on the B360M-HDV?

No, no dedicated fan or heatsink is required for your PCIe 3.0 SSD on the ASROCK B360M-HDV motherboard. The B360M-HDV motherboard features an Ultra M.2 socket (M2_1) compatible with PCIe Gen3 x4 modules up to 32 Gb/s. The manufacturer's manual does not impose any specific cooling requirements for the SSD. Modern PCIe 3.0 SSDs operate without issues without active cooling, as their power consumption remains limited compared to that of the CPU or GPU. If you want to optimize the longevity of your SSD during intensive use (repeated massive transfers, server), you can add a passive self-adhesive heatsink (heatspreader). These optional accessories allow for better heat dissipation without active ventilation. They are inexpensive and easy to install: just stick them on the memory component of the SSD. However, they are not necessary for regular use. Key points to remember: Install the M.2 SSD directly into the M2_1 slot, secure it with the provided screw, and ensure good overall airflow in your case. The best prevention against overheating involves regular cleaning of your tower (dusting) and case fans suitable for your setup. No dedicated cooling for the SSD is required by the B360M-HDV.

Q: Does the ASROCK B360MHDV motherboard have a built-in fan?

No, this motherboard does not have a built-in fan. The B360MHDV is an entry-level micro ATX motherboard that requires the installation of an external CPU fan. What fan should be used? The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan connector compatible with 3-pin fans. To properly connect your fan, connect it to: Pin 1: ground (black) Pin 2: +12V (red) Pin 3: tachometer (yellow) Note that the fan speed operates in voltage mode rather than PWM (pulse width modulation) on this board. Thermal protection The B360MHDV includes protections against overvoltage and electrostatic discharge. Be sure to perform regular dusting with compressed air to maintain good airflow.

Q: Where is the RGB connector on the ASROCK 970 Pro3?

The ASROCK 970 Pro3 does not have an RGB connector. It is an older motherboard based on the AM3+ socket for AMD processors, and it does not include RGB lighting functionality. The available management connectors on this motherboard are: CPU_FAN1 (4 pins) - Main CPU fan CPU_FAN2 (3 pins) - Secondary CPU fan CHA_FAN1 (4 pins) - Main chassis fan CHA_FAN2 (3 pins) - Secondary chassis fan PWR_FAN1 (3 pins) - Power supply fan If you want to add RGB lighting to your system, you will need to use external solutions with independent power supply, not directly integrated into the motherboard.

Question 1

Does the ASROCK X99 Extreme4/3.1 motherboard support Secure Boot?

Accepted Answer

The official manual for the ASROCK X99 Extreme4/3.1 does not explicitly mention Secure Boot. However, this motherboard has the necessary hardware foundations to support Secure Boot:

Dual BIOS UEFI - The board features a multilingual graphical interface with 1 main BIOS and 1 backup BIOS, compliant with the UEFI standard (a prerequisite for Secure Boot)
17-pin TPM connector - Allows for the installation of a Trusted Platform Module to store keys and digital certificates, essential for a complete implementation of Secure Boot
ASRock Full Spike Protection - Protection against electrostatic discharge, enhancing overall security

To check if Secure Boot is enabled, restart your computer and access the BIOS settings (Dual BIOS UEFI). Navigate to the Security or Boot section and look for the Secure Boot option. Although this feature is not highlighted in the manual, it is generally available on X99 motherboards of this generation (Haswell/Broadwell) via UEFI firmware.

Question 2

How to flash the BIOS on the ASROCK A88M-G/3.1 motherboard?

Accepted Answer

To flash the BIOS of your ASROCK A88M-G/3.1 motherboard, follow these steps:

Download the latest version of the BIOS from the official ASROCK website by specifying the model A88M-G/3.1
Copy the downloaded BIOS file to a USB drive formatted in FAT32
Restart your computer and access the BIOS during boot (usually by pressing Delete or F2)
Locate the BIOS update tool (often named Q-Flash or BIOS Updater in the BIOS menu)
Select the BIOS file from your USB drive and confirm the update
The motherboard will automatically restart once the update is complete

Important: Do not turn off or restart your computer during the BIOS flashing to avoid damaging the motherboard.

Question 3

How many screws are provided in the box of the B360M-HDV motherboard and how to identify the correct screw?

Accepted Answer

The ASRock B360M-HDV motherboard comes with 1 single screw to secure the M.2 module to the M2_1 socket. This screw is included in the box and is essential to keep your SSD in place.

To correctly identify your M.2 screw: it is a small finely threaded metal screw (usually less than 1 cm in length), much smaller than the screws used to secure a standard ATX case. It is visible in step 1 of the installation guide in the ASRock documentation.

Before securing the M.2 module, you must first adjust the position of the standoff according to the length of your SSD. The standoff must be positioned at the correct nut according to the type of module: position A for a Type 2230 SSD (3 cm), position B for Type 2242 (4.2 cm), position C for Type 2260 (6 cm), or position D for Type 2280 (8 cm). By default, the standoff is positioned at D for the most common 2280 modules.

To install your M.2 module: first gently insert the SSD at the intended angle into the M2_1 slot (there is only one possible orientation), then gently push it all the way in. Next, use the provided screw to secure the module to the standoff. Tighten moderately without forcing: overtightening may damage the M.2 module.

If the screw is missing or damaged, it is a standard M2 x 3 mm flat head screw. You can replace it with an equivalent hardware screw, but we recommend contacting ASRock support to obtain a compatible original replacement screw for your B360M-HDV.

Question 4

Do I need to add a fan or a heatsink for a PCIe 3.0 SSD on the B360M-HDV?

Accepted Answer

No, no dedicated fan or heatsink is required for your PCIe 3.0 SSD on the ASROCK B360M-HDV motherboard.

The B360M-HDV motherboard features an Ultra M.2 socket (M2_1) compatible with PCIe Gen3 x4 modules up to 32 Gb/s. The manufacturer's manual does not impose any specific cooling requirements for the SSD. Modern PCIe 3.0 SSDs operate without issues without active cooling, as their power consumption remains limited compared to that of the CPU or GPU.

If you want to optimize the longevity of your SSD during intensive use (repeated massive transfers, server), you can add a passive self-adhesive heatsink (heatspreader). These optional accessories allow for better heat dissipation without active ventilation. They are inexpensive and easy to install: just stick them on the memory component of the SSD. However, they are not necessary for regular use.

Key points to remember: Install the M.2 SSD directly into the M2_1 slot, secure it with the provided screw, and ensure good overall airflow in your case. The best prevention against overheating involves regular cleaning of your tower (dusting) and case fans suitable for your setup. No dedicated cooling for the SSD is required by the B360M-HDV.

Question 5

Does the ASROCK B360MHDV motherboard have a built-in fan?

Accepted Answer

No, this motherboard does not have a built-in fan. The B360MHDV is an entry-level micro ATX motherboard that requires the installation of an external CPU fan.

What fan should be used?

The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan connector compatible with 3-pin fans. To properly connect your fan, connect it to:

Pin 1: ground (black)
Pin 2: +12V (red)
Pin 3: tachometer (yellow)

Note that the fan speed operates in voltage mode rather than PWM (pulse width modulation) on this board.

Thermal protection

The B360MHDV includes protections against overvoltage and electrostatic discharge. Be sure to perform regular dusting with compressed air to maintain good airflow.

Question 6

Where to connect an M.2 PCIe SSD on my motherboard?

Accepted Answer

On your ASROCK B360MHDV motherboard, the M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD slot is located at the M2_1 slot. This Ultra M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen3 x4 modules with NVMe protocol, exactly what you need for a PCIe 3.0 SSD.

Installation:

Insert your M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD into the M2_1 slot
Secure it with the provided screw
The SSD is now operational

Note: If you use a SATA M.2 module instead, the SATA3_3 port on the motherboard will be automatically disabled. For a standard PCIe 3.0 SSD (NVMe), this deactivation has no impact.

Question 7

Where is the RGB connector on the ASROCK 970 Pro3?

Accepted Answer

The ASROCK 970 Pro3 does not have an RGB connector. It is an older motherboard based on the AM3+ socket for AMD processors, and it does not include RGB lighting functionality.

The available management connectors on this motherboard are:

CPU_FAN1 (4 pins) - Main CPU fan
CPU_FAN2 (3 pins) - Secondary CPU fan
CHA_FAN1 (4 pins) - Main chassis fan
CHA_FAN2 (3 pins) - Secondary chassis fan
PWR_FAN1 (3 pins) - Power supply fan

If you want to add RGB lighting to your system, you will need to use external solutions with independent power supply, not directly integrated into the motherboard.

Question 8

What are the error codes and POST codes for the AB350M Pro4 motherboard?

Accepted Answer

The manual for the AB350M Pro4 does not detail the POST codes or LED codes. These diagnostic codes come from the BIOS and vary by manufacturer. For this ASROCK motherboard, here are the most common POST codes:

00 or 01 - Processor detection
02 - CPU parameter configuration
09 - Memory (RAM) test
0A to 0B - RAM test and initialization
FFh - Final error code before operating system startup

If your board displays a specific error code, consult the detailed BIOS manual or contact ASROCK support with the code in question. You can also check the complete BIOS manual for LED codes (power LED, RAM, CPU) that light up at startup.

Question 9

Does the ASROCK J3455-ITX motherboard include a TPM module?

Accepted Answer

No, the motherboard does not include an integrated TPM module, but it has a TPM header (TPMS1 with 17 pins) to connect an external TPM module.

The TPM connector allows for the later addition of a trusted platform module, which offers:

Secure backup of keys and digital certificates
Protection of digital identities
Enhanced network security
Preservation of platform integrity

If you need TPM 2.0 for specific applications (such as Windows 11), you will need to purchase and install a compatible TPM module on this header.

Question 10

After a BIOS reset to factory settings, the BIOS still asks for a password. How to unlock it?

Accepted Answer

This behavior occurs when only the CLRCMOS1 jumper has been used to reset the BIOS. On the FM2A78M-HD+ R2.0, the CLRCMOS1 jumper clears most BIOS settings, but the password is only cleared if you also remove the CMOS battery.

Method 1: Remove the CMOS battery (recommended)

Completely turn off the computer and unplug it from the outlet
Wait at least 15 seconds
Open the case and locate the CMOS battery (round coin-shaped battery on the motherboard)
Remove the battery for 5 to 10 minutes
Reinstall the battery and reconnect the system
Upon startup, the BIOS password will be removed

Important notes

Chassis intrusion detection: After the reset, you may see a

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