To select the ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 was (also tested) and the ASRock Z87 OC Formula / AC
(Which I already since 2013 the release had in mind), because I wanted to stay with ASRock and
I need another mind. 10x SATA ports. In addition, possible WLAN (n / ac) on board.
In the comparisons I go in between times a and the old Z77er Board.
Now for the Board itself:
=====================
With E-ATX it is obviously very large and you must first check if it fits into the case.
In my case, I had already above Gigabyte board an E-ATX and my housing
is a fractal design "Define XL" (R1), thus it has naturally fit.
The design and choice of colors are beautiful - I liked super from the beginning !!!
The 12 phases for ocen are perfectly adequate and 32 stages, as in
MSI Z87 Xpower (or my og Gigabyte 32+), are actually unnecessary - although nice to look at.
On the board are bulky connectors, for everything you need.
Rear are already 8x USB3.0 + 2x USB2.0 and plug on the MB, can
you get again 4x USB3.0 and 2x USB2.0 to. In addition, a front panel
provided for an additional 2 USB3.0 ports from ASRock.
I was on the one hand the 10x SATA ports important and the possibility to try OC.
The integr. Wi-Fi is going great (reaching nearly 90Mbit with 2.4 n), but with different
Antennas. With the Mitgel. I come to just under 80Mbit, therefore the exchange.
Both receive nothing but the exchange was worth it to me. In addition, is also
Bluetooth 4.0 / 3.0 integrated.
Bottom right is a mini OLED is then display that displays various information,
on the temperature at div. points Bios Posts etc. If there is no must-have, but
a nice-to-have :)
The same is true for Quad (sch) SLI / Quad (sch) Crossfire, because I in only 1 GraKa System
and use this to me always enough (EVGA 780 Classified).
There are also OC buttons on the board, as well as with Asus ROG series or Gigabyte Sniper / OC Force series.
Also nice, but I do not think you will ever use - and the voltage measurement points.
* But it is seen as *
In addition, one must note that the 1st PCI-E16x slot is at the top,
as are, for example. Noctua`s NH-D15 and NH-U14s in the Config incompatible.
I need but below the PCI 2.0 (x1) and the 2nd does not go (because of the miniPCI-E Card & WLAN)
I stick to my very good "D14" continue. :)
-> Manual: * Mini PCI Express slot is shared with PCIE5 slot
The watercooling ports it offers, will be never used, because I do not sit on WaKü.
The MB is also "waterproof", which I will not try / want. :)
It also has an 8-way PCB layer, which makes it stable again vs. hour Boards.
Super is the fact that cooling pads were used by Gelid and a small syringe (WLP)
from Gelid included (Gelid GC Extreme) for the CPU / cooler.
In addition, this provides a DualBIOS, but this is not absolutely necessary MMN.
So far I've managed in any Board to shoot the Bios.
It can be connected directly to the MB up to 7 fans, but it is
shame that not above 2x 4-pin CPU fan has for disposal.
There is 1x 4Pin / 3Pin and 1x 2nd 4Pin is unfortunately much too low and
marked not just for the CPU fan.
To Ctrl. the fan, I can not say anything because I continue my Zalman Lüfterstrg.
for use. Therefore, it is not so disruptive that the two PWM ports far apart
lie.
The OCF has a mini-fan on it, which is quiet, but it was unusual to
my previous boards. Can also be set out, since it is actually
never got hot approaching.
All motherboard drivers I invite manually shut since supplied on CDs
tend to be older. Annoying the fact is that the server (no matter what continent you
selected) are very slow. If I compare that with MSI, so are already worlds apart.
So quiet drink some coffee to go when downloading the driver: D
Bios:
=====
I already knew from my sold Z87E-ITX (HTPC), so well known, only a few
additional selection menus.
It is relatively tidy, but personally I find the BIOS from Gigabyte,
MSI and Asus visually appealing (in the Z87ern). The ASRock Z97 Extreme 6 is something
modern designed.
Since this is yes, but nothing about the performance, in the moan at a high level.
I kan run my i7 4790K stable at 4.7GHz with this MB and my G.Skill "Trident X"
2400er RAM has also been recognized directly (my previous "Ripjaws" 1600s GBRL / GBXL there were also)
and all plates / drives.
You can create profiles and also back again, Bios therefrom flash directly with embroidery etc.
This I have done so and it worked fix, only he has few values set after back.
The BS I have installed by USB, which went smoothly.
Overall, I am satisfied with the Bios!
Conclusion:
======
I can only say, since my ASRock P67 Extreme6 I keep seeing
the ASRock continues to increase. Here, the P / L ratio was better
like ASUS, Gigabyte and Co.
Clear, for not OC`ler also this is too expensive here. Comparing but with
Gigabyte Sniper / ASUS ROG motherboards with the same number and the same SATA features,
so the ASRock MB is priced better.
I decided finally to the ASRock Z97 Extreme6 because I
the longer warranty, some more equipment, optics prefer me and SATA Express
for now does not work, and the "newer" Z97er chipset.
Of course I look over your box and find a Asus Maximus VI Formula
or MSI Z87 Xpower great, but do not see it 50-70.- spend more.
I highly recommend this mainboard all that a great OC Board,
want and long-term fun - thanks to 5-years warranty - ASRock
in this series. :)
If I come up with another, I complete it - questions I answer you!
I hope I could help some undecided when buying)
