Monday, April 25th 2011

ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Motherboard Pictured

ASRock is ready with its latest performance motherboard based on the upcoming Intel Z68 chipset, the ASRock Z68 Extreme4. The Z68 chipset combines the overclocking features of P67 with integrated graphics support of H67, and adds a few more features such as SSD boost. The Z68 Extreme4 uses a V8 power phase design for the CPU socket, the board supports dual-DDR3 memory with memory multipliers supporting DDR3-2133 MHz. The onboard display connectivity includes DVI, D-Sub, HDMI 1.4a, and DisplayPort. Expansion slots include three PCI-Express x16 (x16/NC/x4 or x8/x8/x4), two each of PCI-E x1 and PCI.

The "4" in Extreme4 denotes four each of USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s ports. There are two SATA 6 Gb/s from the PCH, and two from an additional controller; and two EtronTech USB 3.0 controllers that drive two ports on the rear panel, and two by internal headers (for front-panel or bracket). The Z68 Extreme4 features a new GUI-driven UEFI BIOS that allows booting from volumes over 3 TB in capacity. Other connectivity features include 8-channel HD audio with optical SPDIF output and THX TruStudio Pro, eSATA 3 Gb/s, Firewire, and a number of USB 2.0 ports. There are a few nice overclocker-friendly touches such as high DRAM multipliers, rear clear CMOS, and power/reset buttons on board. ASRock's new board will reach stores in mid-May.
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24 Comments on ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Motherboard Pictured

#1
Jstn7477
Looks neat. I don't have a desktop currently, but I'm sure many Intel fans have probably been waiting for Z68 to arrive.
Posted on Reply
#2
craigo
I have recently been checking reviews and previews on the existing and new intel chipset mainboards and have been quite surprised by Asrock`s offerings they seem to be offering veryh feature rich mainboards for the price of the other Taiwanese manufacturers (Asus,Gigabyte) low end to mid range boards (case in point why the hell would i buy a ud5 in the p6 range when i can have the much better specced Asrock for ud3 prices). If this trend continues i may even consider an Asrock board for my next upgrade (which will be socket 2011 and not a moment beforehand) instead of my usual Intel board...if i can bring myself to buy a non-Intel board that is.. iether way these Asrock boards are scary well specced at the best price-point in the market
Posted on Reply
#3
micropage7
unfortunately it doesnt tell us what socket it is
Posted on Reply
#4
erixx
the 3 headsinks look like not air flow friendly....
Posted on Reply
#5
heky
@micropae7

Its socket 1155, all z68 are.
Posted on Reply
#6
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
micropage7unfortunately it doesnt tell us what socket it is
LGA1155, Lotes-made.
Posted on Reply
#7
micropage7
btarunrLGA1155, Lotes-made.
thanks. btw since intel told us they gonna change the socket on the future would the 1155 last long?
Posted on Reply
#8
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
micropage7thanks. btw since intel told us they gonna change the socket on the future would the 1155 last long?
No, Intel never told us of any socket that would succeed LGA1155.
Posted on Reply
#9
micropage7
btarunrNo, Intel never told us of any socket that would succeed LGA1155.
i mean it just a while since 1156 replaced with 1155. i hope 1155 would last longer before any new socket out
Posted on Reply
#11
_JP_
The motherboard looks awesome, but I don't like that molex (like I also don't like every other board that has it, especially in that spot) and I have doubts about those heatsinks.
FYI, I what that molex is there for.
Posted on Reply
#12
pantherx12
Heatsinks should be fine, lots of phases so even distribution.

Gigabyte use the same crappy heatsinks.

And everyone loves gigabyte XD
Posted on Reply
#13
craigo
..I dont like Gigabyte mainboards!...legs it
Posted on Reply
#14
pantherx12
craigo..I dont like Gigabyte mainboards!...legs it
Nor do I ;)

They're okay, just not brilliant.
Posted on Reply
#15
_JP_
pantherx12Gigabyte use the same crappy heatsinks.
Didn't know/noticed that.
pantherx12And everyone loves gigabyte XD
I never owned a motherboard from them.
Posted on Reply
#16
Dave65
craigoI have recently been checking reviews and previews on the existing and new intel chipset mainboards and have been quite surprised by Asrock`s offerings they seem to be offering veryh feature rich mainboards for the price of the other Taiwanese manufacturers (Asus,Gigabyte) low end to mid range boards (case in point why the hell would i buy a ud5 in the p6 range when i can have the much better specced Asrock for ud3 prices). If this trend continues i may even consider an Asrock board for my next upgrade (which will be socket 2011 and not a moment beforehand) instead of my usual Intel board...if i can bring myself to buy a non-Intel board that is.. iether way these Asrock boards are scary well specced at the best price-point in the market
I had the Extreme 6 before the recall and it was a great board,overclocked as good as my Maximus 4 does now,the only reason I don't have one now it wasn't available in time and I wasn't prepared to wait:)
But ASROCK boards are great..
Posted on Reply
#17
Dave65
_JP_The motherboard looks awesome, but I don't like that molex (like I also don't like every other board that has it, especially in that spot) and I have doubts about those heatsinks.
FYI, I what that molex is there for.
Extra power for the PCI-E,it has shown on X58 that some using SLI was burning up the 24 pin socket,I don't remember the specifics but trust me I would not buy a board without one..
Posted on Reply
#18
_JP_
Dave65Extra power for the PCI-E,it has shown on X58 that some using SLI was burning up the 24 pin socket,I don't remember the specifics but trust me I would not buy a board without one..
Dude, I know what the molex is there for. Just read what I wrote.
I just wish that the manufacturers would find a better place for it or, at least, include a cable extension for it.
Posted on Reply
#19
Wastedslayer
_JP_Dude, I know what the molex is there for. Just read what I wrote.
I just wish that the manufacturers would find a better place for it or, at least, include a cable extension for it.
You could probably make one really easy out of an old fan extension cable.
Posted on Reply
#20
pantherx12
_JP_Didn't know/noticed that.
See, slightly different design but same diecast heat-sinks with silly covers. :laugh:
Posted on Reply
#21
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
Doubt this :p :
Posted on Reply
#23
Wile E
Power User
pantherx12Nor do I ;)

They're okay, just not brilliant.
They were most certainly brilliant on X58.
Posted on Reply
#24
Dave65
_JP_Dude, I know what the molex is there for. Just read what I wrote.
I just wish that the manufacturers would find a better place for it or, at least, include a cable extension for it.
Yep I read it wrong..My bad..
But I agree could be in a better spot..
Posted on Reply
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