ASRock H61ICAFE LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Pros: lots of ports, and cheap

Cons: the board was DOA, and i'm going to be returning it. might go for another brand this time.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear AsRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. AsRock mainboards are fully tested to assure that they're working before shipped. Unfortunately, due to nature of electronic product, it can happen. Please trouble shooting the mainboard for below steps with known good components; remove the mainboard from inside computer to outside. You can place the mainboard on empty mainboard box, check the CPU socket pins on the mainboard should not be bent or missing then reseat the processor to the CPU socket with heatsink fan as well, inserts 1 memory module only in A1 slot, Onboard Video, clear CMOS, power supply with connecting 24 pins + 8 pins ATX power to the mainboard, and try again. If still having same issues please contact our Tech Support at 909-590-8308. We can assist you shortly.

Thank you

AsRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: user@asrockamerica.com

Pros: Great Price, has everything I needed for my budget build! Supports LGA1155, and has 2 USB 3.0 ports on the back! =D

Cons: The UEFI could've been a little most customizable, but I'm not doing any overclocking, so I don't mind! Also, if you're looking to use 3 or 4 RAM slots, YOU MUST USE SINGLE SIDED RAM ONLY. I only have 8GB, so having two sticks of 4GB was no trouble for me. =]

Another thing that bothered me was the the HD Audio pins are all the way to the left of the mobo by the I/O tray. Trying to hook up the front panel audio was a bit of a pain. But it is doable!

Also, the ASRock website is a little confusing to navigate though, but not impossible. I was able to get the drivers I needed from there with only a little trouble. I did not use the provided CD, so I can't say anything about that.

Other Thoughts: I've had this build for a bout a month now, and it's great! I would recommend this board for anyone doing a budget build! It gets the job done at a decent price.

Pros: Since I am unable to install an OS on this one, I can't really comment on the "Pros" at this point. I will be happy to "update" the status once I get my stuff resolved.

Cons: I did NOT know that Linux install was NOT supported! I tried LiveCD, NetInstall, regular install DVD (CentOS 6.2 Final). This DVD is confirmed to be okay, and I checked to install on another system. Every time I try to install linux, it halts on "Detecting Hardware". I found "http://goo.gl/JnE6t" which has the exact problem. However, it was a different mobo, few years back. Tried the same solution, didn't work. Called tech support. First thing I was told is "We don't support Linux." WOW! Then on more pleading, I was told - "Change OC Tweak DRAM voltage to 1.65V" (since I have Corsair 1x4Gb RAM stick). Did that -- did not work. I am trying to see if I can return this and get another brand name motherboard that would give me less headache.

Other Thoughts: I guess if you are going to be installing Windows, you should not be worried. If you are a Linux guy, beware - read carefully and make sure you have enough time to return your product.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear AsRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. The mainboard does not support the drivers for Linux OS to recognizing the mainboard hardware; there will be issue with installing the Linux OS. Beside, the supported OS drivers can be found at "http://www.asrock.com/mb/download.asp?Model=H61iCafe". As always, we appreciate your purchase and constructive review are welcome.

Thank you

AsRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: user@asrockamerica.com

Pros: USB 3.0

Cons: Rear USB 2.0 ports work fine in the BIOS, but seem to disappear when the operating system loads. I've tried on two separate operating systems. After spending hours looking for a solution, I realized I shouldn't have to waste my time because I already paid for a working product.

Other Thoughts: I wish I had heeded warnings. I took a gamble and lost.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear AsRock Customer

We sincerely apologize that you having difficulty with mainboard. The driver for USB devices are needed for Windows to recognize since USB 2.0 ports working in BIOS. However, we appreciate your purchase and review. If you have any technical questions or warranty issues in the future please contact us at user@asrockamerica.com

Thank you

AsRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: user@asrockamerica.com

Pros: Price!!!...HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0....ATX...

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: CPU Model
I3-2120
Video Card:
His HD 6870
Motherboard:
ASRock H61icafe
Ram:
4GB G.SKILL DDR3 1333
Power Supply
Antec TruePower Trio 650

Pros: It looks pretty cool and is small.

Cons: Lever to lock CPU in place is nearly impossible to open, confusing to set up, minimal directions in manual from what I saw, only supports Dual Sided RAM, frustrating to put CPU fan in.

Other Thoughts: It's a cool looking motherboard, but like games, looks mean nothing when quality is garbage.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear AsRock Customer

We sincerely apologize that you having difficulty with mainboard. The CPU socket and lever is complied with Intel specification to avoid mismatch both CPU and CPU heatsink fan on the market. The mainboard manual can be acquired at http://www.asrock.com/mb/manual.asp?Model=H61iCafe under page “ 16 “with CPU installation guide. For the memory support, please visit http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory.asp?Model=H61iCafe with some supported single sided memory list. We appreciate your review and feedback. If you have any technical questions or warranty issues in the future please contact us at user@asrockamerica.com

Thank you

AsRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: user@asrockamerica.com

Pros: Very cost effective and performs well.

Cons: Only supports 2 sticks of double sided ram.

Other Thoughts: I realized only after reading the user manual that I had purchased two too many sticks of ram. A bummer, but not the fault of the manufacturer. Just take this into account when picking out parts.

Pros: Has good specs and everything I was looking for (aside from USB3.0 headers on the motherboard, but those are rare right now).

Cons: DOA. Now RMAing it back to Newegg for a replacement.

Other Thoughts: Newegg overall is good. Their RMA policy leaves a lot to be desired.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear AsRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for that you've received DOA mainboard. AsRock mainboards are fully tested to assure that they're working before shipped. Unfortunately, due to nature of electronic product, it can happen. To assure mainboard is not defective; remove the mainboard from inside computer to outside. You can place the mainboard on empty mainboard box, check the CPU socket pins are bent or missing then place the CPU to the CPU socket as well, inserts 1 memory module only with proper DRAM voltage that require with ram, clear CMOS and try again. If still having same issues please contact our Tech Support at 909-590-8308. We can assist you shortly.

Thank you

AsRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: user@asrockamerica.com

Pros: I don't know yet, cause I CAN't USE IT.

Cons: Got it, and built a computer to find out that this board was DOA.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear AsRock Customer

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. AsRock mainboards are fully tested to assure that they're working before shipped. Unfortunately, due to nature of electronic product, it can happen. However, pre-trouble shooting can be done by below steps; remove the mainboard from inside computer to outside. You can place the mainboard on empty mainboard box, check the CPU socket pins are bent or missing then place the CPU to the CPU socket as well, inserts 1 memory module only with proper DRAM voltage that require with ram, use onboard video, clear CMOS and try again. If still having same issues please contact our Tech Support at 909-590-8308. We can assist you shortly.

Thank you

AsRock SUPPORT
Tech Support Email: user@asrockamerica.com

Pros: Great motherboard. Works like a charm.

Cons: It gives a very short time to access BIOS. The onboard board graphics could be better.