Question 1

If this thing has a display port does that mean you don't need a graphics card at all? As long as you aren't performing graphics intensive tasks? If so, could you use any compatible CPU or would it need some kind of integrated graphics?

Accepted Answer

The Kabini CPU's that go in these all have an integrated graphics chip in them.  As far as I know there are no CPU's that fit in the AM1 socket that don't have a GPU on-die as well.

You should be fine.

I have an Athlon 5350 in mine in a Morex 557 case and it's a wonderful little machine.

Question 2

When using the DS Jack how does one power the Sata Drives? I have seen other boards that have an on board four pin sata power port, but I do not see them on this board?

Accepted Answer

There is a SATA power connector on the board next to the SATA data ports. ASRock ships a two-way split power cable with the motherboard so you can attach two HDDs out of the box.  You can also purchase additional splitters to power more than two HDDs (by daisy chaining the power adapters), but you will need to be sure to match your power supply to the load.  I use a 120w power adapter and run four HDDs off of the motherboard's SATA power port.

Question 3

With a 19V DC adapter, will the onboard SATA power connector and included cable work for powering a 3.5" HDD and a DVD drive?

Accepted Answer

With a 60 watt power adapter it shouldn't be a problem.  Running with a 45 watt supply, hooked to a 3.5" wd green and 1.8" SSD on the sata power out... And a slim line bluray hooked to a USB port.  Also have a digital 4 channel cable card in the pcix slot...

Works fine but think it needs the 60 watt supply... You should be fine as long as you aren't trying to over clock or something...

Question 4

Can i use a 20V laptop power charger (if it fits) for this motherboard? The motherboard specs say it needs 19V. I am planning to use the lenovo power adapter.

Accepted Answer

From the motherboard manual: "Please use a 19V power adapter for the DC jack. This jack accepts dual barrel plugs with an inner diameter of 2.5 mm and an outer diameter of 5.5 mm, where the inner contact is +19V (±10%) DC and the shell is GND. "

Question 5

DC AMPS - Is 19V 4.74A 90W brick compatible, or does it have to be 3.42A ?  All the 90W bricks I've seen are 4.74A.

Accepted Answer

Just so long as the voltage is 19 volts, and above 3.42 amps, it will work. A 4.74A power brick will actually be better because it won't be working as hard if the motherboard is fully loaded.

This is true with almost any appliance; just so long as the voltage is the same, it will only take as much amperage as it needs up until the specified limit (in this case 3.42).

Question 6

When powered by DC power supply can you power more than two SATA drives from the motherboard's SATA power header? It looks like the SATA power cable only has connectors for two drives so you would need SATA power splitters for more drives. I've tried asking ASRock tech support, but they keep giving me irrelevant answers.

Accepted Answer

I can confirm that you can run 4 3.5" 7200 RPM HDDs from the header with additional splitters without any problems. Just make sure your PSU can support it (I'm using an external 90W brick).

Question 7

Where can I find a 90W power supply for one of these? I've been looking but I can't find anything OEM.

Accepted Answer

Both the 65W and 90W universal laptop power adapters by Cooler Master work and include the proper tip for connecting to the DC power connector on the motherboard.

Question 8

Do most ITX cases need to be modified to use the DC port?  The rear panel cut outs do not generally extend to the edge of the motherboard where the DC input jack is located.  The DIYPC HTPC Cube looks like it would work, whereas the CM 130 might not.

Accepted Answer

If you are using the DC power option, case won't matter as the motherboard comes with a back panel for any case. You will however probably have to mod the case slightly if you want to cover up the stock power supply bay opening. I have one case that I just used a piece of hard plastic. Another case I found had an internal power supply (only the power cord was on the back panel), so that needed no mod.

Question 9

I see that this motherboard has four SATA III ports, yet the AM1 platform only supports two SATA ports. Will I be able to connect more than two drives?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The AM1supports two ports and the motherboard chipset supports another two.

Question 10

So I am wondering with that 19v 90W block how it will work if i run a system such as this? https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=35949387 When i calculate on coolermasters power calculator it says I will need a 147w Power supply.

Accepted Answer

That sounds about right since you are including the 1tb desktop drive. Make sure you provide good air flow to dissipate the heat that hard drive will generate.

Questions & Answers