ASRock H61M-HVGS Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 11.6.0 for Windows 8

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ASRock H61M-HVGS Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 11.6.0 for Windows 8

This article provides information about the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver version 11.6.0.1030, specifically designed for use with the ASRock H61M-HVGS motherboard on Windows 8 operating systems (both 32-bit and 64-bit). Understanding the purpose and proper installation of this driver is crucial for optimal storage performance and stability.

What is Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST)?

Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) is a software application that provides enhanced performance and features for Serial ATA (SATA) disk drives connected to systems with supported Intel chipsets. It offers a variety of benefits, including:

  • RAID Support: RST enables the creation and management of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. RAID allows you to combine multiple physical hard drives into a single logical unit, offering improved performance (RAID 0), data redundancy (RAID 1, 5, 10), or a combination of both.
  • AHCI Support: RST includes support for AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface), which unlocks advanced SATA features such as Native Command Queuing (NCQ) and Hot Plug. NCQ optimizes the order in which data requests are processed, leading to faster data access times. Hot Plug allows you to connect and disconnect SATA drives while the system is running (provided your hardware supports it).
  • Improved Performance: By optimizing storage operations, RST can improve overall system performance, especially in tasks involving frequent disk access. This includes faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers.
  • Power Management: RST can help optimize power consumption by allowing the system to put SATA drives into a low-power state when they are not actively being used.
  • Data Protection: RAID configurations, managed through RST, provide data protection against drive failures.

ASRock H61M-HVGS and the Importance of RST

The ASRock H61M-HVGS is a motherboard based on the Intel H61 chipset. This chipset supports RST, making the installation of the appropriate RST driver essential for unlocking its full storage capabilities. Without the correct driver, the system might not be able to properly utilize AHCI features, and RAID functionality will be unavailable.

Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 11.6.0.1030

Version 11.6.0.1030 of the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver is specifically tailored for Windows 8 operating systems and is compatible with the ASRock H61M-HVGS motherboard. Installing this driver ensures that your system can effectively communicate with and manage SATA storage devices connected to the motherboard’s chipset.

Compatibility

This driver is intended for:

  • Operating System: Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Motherboard: ASRock H61M-HVGS
  • Chipset: Intel H61 Express Chipset (or other compatible Intel chipsets)

It’s important to verify that your system meets these requirements before attempting to install the driver. Installing an incompatible driver can lead to system instability or malfunction.

Installation Instructions

Before installing the driver, it is highly recommended to back up your important data. Although driver installations are generally safe, unforeseen issues can occur.

  1. Download the Driver: Download the "RapidStorage_Win8-64_Win8_Win7-64_Win7(v11.6.0.1030).zip" file.

  2. Extract the Files: Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file to a folder on your hard drive.

  3. Locate the Driver Installation File: Within the extracted folder, locate the driver installation file. This file typically has a ".exe" extension (e.g., "Setup.exe" or "Install.exe").

  4. Run the Installation: Double-click the installation file to begin the driver installation process.

  5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installation wizard. This will typically involve accepting a license agreement, choosing an installation location, and confirming the installation.

  6. Restart Your Computer: Once the installation is complete, restart your computer. This is essential for the driver to be properly loaded and for the changes to take effect.

Verifying the Installation

After restarting your computer, you can verify that the driver has been installed correctly by following these steps:

  1. Open Device Manager: Press the Windows key + X and select "Device Manager" from the menu.

  2. Expand "Storage Controllers": In Device Manager, expand the "Storage controllers" category.

  3. Look for "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology": You should see an entry labeled "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" or a similar description. If you see this entry without any warning icons (e.g., a yellow exclamation mark), the driver is likely installed correctly.

  4. Check Driver Version: Right-click on the "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" entry and select "Properties." Go to the "Driver" tab. The driver version should be 11.6.0.1030.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during or after the installation process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Download the Driver Again: The downloaded file might be corrupted. Try downloading the driver again from the official ASRock website or a trusted source.
  • Run the Installation as Administrator: Right-click on the installation file and select "Run as administrator." This can resolve permission issues that might prevent the driver from installing correctly.
  • Disable Antivirus Software: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with driver installations. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and try installing the driver again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after the installation is complete.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 8 operating system is up to date with the latest updates. Outdated system files can sometimes cause compatibility issues with drivers.
  • Consult the ASRock Website: The ASRock website provides support resources, including FAQs and troubleshooting guides, for the H61M-HVGS motherboard. Check the website for information specific to RST driver installation issues.
  • Roll Back the Driver: If you experience problems after installing the new driver, you can roll back to the previous driver version. In Device Manager, right-click on the "Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology" entry, select "Properties," go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver."

Conclusion

The ASRock H61M-HVGS Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 11.6.0 for Windows 8 is a vital component for maximizing the storage performance and functionality of systems using the ASRock H61M-HVGS motherboard. By following the installation instructions and troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, users can ensure that their systems are properly configured for optimal storage performance, including AHCI and RAID capabilities. The correct installation of the ASRock H61M-HVGS Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 11.6.0 for Windows 8 is critical for stability.

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