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ASRock Z170 Extreme4 (Intel LGA-1151) Motherboard Review

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The much awaited 100 series motherboard is here at goldfries' lab and it's a beautiful one from ASRock.
 
asrock_01.jpg
 
If you've watched my video coverage of ASRock's showcase of Intel 100 series motherboard in Computex 2015, you'll probably guess it correct when it comes to the board's color scheme.
 
The Extreme series has always been the "Blue Ranger" of ASRock's boards but with the 100 series the boards in Extreme series are now in black and brown which is quite similar to the Z87 Series http://www.goldfries.com/hardware-reviews/asrock-z87-extreme4tb4-lga-1150-motherboard-review/ . 
 
asrock_02.jpg 

Starting off at the upper corner, the distinct difference between this and the previous generation boards is the covering over the I/O area. 
 
That aside you see the usual combo of 2 large heatsinks covering the 10 Power Phases. 
 
The ATX12V connector is at the upper corner as always and with sufficient clearance between it and the heatsinks so it's all good in that asepct. 
 
asrock_03.jpg
 
Next up is the RAM - the Z170 Extreme4 comes with 4x DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 3500+ speed with maximum capacity of 64GB. It's of a 2-phase power design. The USB 3.0 port is next to the ATX power connector and speaking of which, the Z170 Extreme4 comes with USB 3.1 support. 
 
asrock_04.jpg
 
And here's what I love about ASRock boards, I have both the Z87 and Z97 Extreme4 models and now I have the Z170 Extreme4 in the lab and all of them come with this awesome POWER / RESET button with debug LED. 
 
That aside, you'll see that the board comes with many SATA ports, supporting up to 3x SATA Express devices. Not only that, it comes with Dual-BIOS as well - just in case you love meddling with weird BIOS configuration to bring the best out of the board.
 
asrock_05.jpg
 
Moving to the other corner of the board we see 3x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots. The PCI-E slots run at x8 / x8 for Dual-card setup while x8 / x8 / x4 for Tri-card setup. The board supports both AMD CrossfireX and Nvidia SLI. 
 
Right under the first PCI-E 3.0 x16 slot is the Ultra M.2 mounting point that supports M.2 SATA 3 6GB module and M.2 PCI-E Express module up to Gen3 x4 (32Gb/s)
 
What I don't like about this design is that the Ultra M.2 is right under the slot - meaning it will be running VERY HOT should one put the graphic card under intensive use AND it's difficult to access should one design to swap the storage device.
 
asrock_06.jpg
 
The Z170 Extreme4 comes with Purity Sound 3 - 7.1 Channel audio system with Realteck ALC1150 Codec. 
 
Notice also that there is a cover on the audio processor area (refer to previous photo as well) and what this means is that there's very little room to do cable routing under the PCI-E components. :(
 
asrock_07.jpg
 
As as for the I/O panel - it comes with a host of USB 3.0 ports, including even the USB 3.1 Type A and USB 3.1 Type C ports. they're the USB ports located next to the audio I/O ports.
 
Note also that the Z170 Extreme4 comes with a CMOS reset button and even a PS/2 port to support legacy input device.
 
asrock_08.jpg
 
Unfortunately Intel's latest range of processors are still not available at the time of this review, therefore there will be not images for the UEFI interface.
 
I will update this article in the near future once those processors reach the lab. 
 
The Verdict
The ASRock Z170 Extreme4 is a feature-rich board, retailing at around RM 835. It's certainly not a budget board but you get quite some neat features on it, like USB 3.1, Ultra M.2 and multiple SATA Express device support. 
 
Recommend badge? Yes or No, that will be decided once I test the board with Intel's 6th generation processor but one thing's for sure, things definitely look positive here based on my experience with my Z87 Extreme4 and Z97 Extreme4 boards. 
 
ASRock's range of 100 series motherboard is expected to hit Malaysian shores next week. Availability in other countries vary, please check with your local contact.

SOURCE : http://www.goldfries.com/hardware-reviews/asrock-z170-extreme4-intel-lga-1151-motherboard-review/

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Speaking of Asrock, I'll ptobably be picking up a Z170 OC formula. Nice review!

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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Really nice MoBo. I like it a lot. I have no reason to upgrade to Skylake however but from all Z170 boards I have seen so far I liked Asrock boards the most.

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Did you break the NDA by a couple minutes, or was it actually an hour ago? Well, I guess nobody cares.

 

Er, was told by ASRock it's fine to publish.

TPU had their MSI Review out much earlier. :D NDA's till 5th August I believe, I just don't know the time. :P 

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Really nice MoBo. I like it a lot. I have no reason to upgrade to Skylake however but from all Z170 boards I have seen so far I liked Asrock boards the most.

 

I like ASRock's board as well. Didn't like their previous generation Extreme series and colors but I love the generation before. Z87 Extreme4 - I've modded mine.

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Speaking of Asrock, I'll ptobably be picking up a Z170 OC formula. Nice review!

 

Thank you. I just wish I have the processor, it's coming in a week or 2 from now so I'm just missing out

 

1. UEFI screenshots

2. OCing experience

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Speaking of Asrock, I'll ptobably be picking up a Z170 OC formula. Nice review!

oh man , I'm waiting for reviews on that board ... The amount of power phases it appears to have is insane. I might snag one too if they get good reviews and don't cost too much

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

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may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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oh man , I'm waiting for reviews on that board ... The amount of power phases it appears to have is insane. I might snag one too if they get good reviews and don't cost too much

It will be the same price as usual oc formula, 150-250

The oc formula for the last 3 gens has been god tier in the benching realm so thats probably wat ill get

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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This motherboard needs to be used in an "LTT Edition" Computer build guide, also perfect for the LTT Edition fans :D

• NCASE M1 • i5-9600k • GTX 1080 FE • Z370N-WIFI • SF600 • NH-U9S • LPX 32GB • 960EVO •

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Needs a more vibrant orange . 

 

It's sexy though ! 

... Life is a game and the checkpoints are your birthday , you will face challenges where you may not get rewarded afterwords but those are the challenges that help you improve yourself . Always live for tomorrow because you may never know when your game will be over ... I'm totally not going insane in anyway , shape or form ... I just have broken English and an open mind ... 

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This motherboard needs to be used in an "LTT Edition" Computer build guide, also perfect for the LTT Edition fans :D

This one also has a LTT-ish look, though I don't like the PCIe slots

Z170X-SOC%20Force-REV10.jpg

This is a signature.

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oh man , I'm waiting for reviews on that board ... The amount of power phases it appears to have is insane. I might snag one too if they get good reviews and don't cost too much

How many does it have?

 

This one also has a LTT-ish look, though I don't like the PCIe slots

Z170X-SOC%20Force-REV10.jpg

Remove all the white (basically make it the same as Z97) and I'll take 666464768573678 just to look at.

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Speaking of Asrock, I'll ptobably be picking up a Z170 OC formula. Nice review!

The jump from Haswell/Devils Canyon to Skylake is less than 10%

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How many does it have?

 

Remove all the white (basically make it the same as Z97) and I'll take 666464768573678 just to look at.

not quite sure .-.

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

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the current list of dead cards is as follows 2 evga gtx 980ti acx 2.0 , 1 evga gtx 980 acx 2.0 1600mhz core 2100mhz ram golden chip card ... failed hardcore , 1 290x that caught fire , 1 hd 7950 .

may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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How many does it have?

 

Remove all the white (basically make it the same as Z97) and I'll take 666464768573678 just to look at.

 

not quite sure .-.

 

 

OC Formula has 17 I believe, and soc force has ~24.

 

Oc formula will probably be a better board still, the last gens of it have been god tier for benching.

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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OC Formula has 17 I believe, and soc force has ~24.

 

Oc formula will probably be a better board still, the last gens of it have been god tier for benching.

damn gigabyte O.o 24phase wow ... too bad the board is hideous ... actually almost all 170 series boards so far are imo 

 

speaking of power phases , see this http://www.galax.net/US/980tihofLN2.html ? i want one but cant find any fr sale ;-; 

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

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 Achyls: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/TheGingerKid/saved/D4z9cf

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the current list of dead cards is as follows 2 evga gtx 980ti acx 2.0 , 1 evga gtx 980 acx 2.0 1600mhz core 2100mhz ram golden chip card ... failed hardcore , 1 290x that caught fire , 1 hd 7950 .

may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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damn gigabyte O.o 24phase wow ... too bad the board is hideous ... actually almost all 170 series boards so far are imo 

 

speaking of power phases , see this http://www.galax.net/US/980tihofLN2.html ? i want one but cant find any fr sale ;-; 

 

 

sold out already and I dont think they are making any more, AFAIK it was limited edition get it while it's hot off the presses.

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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sold out already and I dont think they are making any more, AFAIK it was limited edition get it while it's hot off the presses.

god dmanit , i miss out on all the good stuff ;-; #needsponsorships lol 

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

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 Achyls: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/TheGingerKid/saved/D4z9cf

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the current list of dead cards is as follows 2 evga gtx 980ti acx 2.0 , 1 evga gtx 980 acx 2.0 1600mhz core 2100mhz ram golden chip card ... failed hardcore , 1 290x that caught fire , 1 hd 7950 .

may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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god dmanit , i miss out on all the good stuff ;-; #needsponsorships lol 

 

980 ti kingpin is better anyways :P

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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980 ti kingpin is better anyways :P

ehhhhh overpriced imo 

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

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 Achyls: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/TheGingerKid/saved/D4z9cf

Spoiler
the current list of dead cards is as follows 2 evga gtx 980ti acx 2.0 , 1 evga gtx 980 acx 2.0 1600mhz core 2100mhz ram golden chip card ... failed hardcore , 1 290x that caught fire , 1 hd 7950 .

may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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ehhhhh overpriced imo 

 

 

have you seen the amount of features it has?

 

you can adjust vdroop for memory, GPU, voltage offsets for gpu/mem, a BIOS that makes it compete clock for clock with the titan X basically, and it's the ONLY 980 ti with samsung vram

Stuff:  i7 7700k @ (dat nibba succ) | ASRock Z170M OC Formula | G.Skill TridentZ 3600 c16 | EKWB 1080 @ 2100 mhz  |  Acer X34 Predator | R4 | EVGA 1000 P2 | 1080mm Radiator Custom Loop | HD800 + Audio-GD NFB-11 | 850 Evo 1TB | 840 Pro 256GB | 3TB WD Blue | 2TB Barracuda

Hwbot: http://hwbot.org/user/lays/ 

FireStrike 980 ti @ 1800 Mhz http://hwbot.org/submission/3183338 http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/11574089

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have you seen the amount of features it has?

 

you can adjust vdroop for memory, GPU, voltage offsets for gpu/mem, a BIOS that makes it compete clock for clock with the titan X basically, and it's the ONLY 980 ti with samsung vram

i don't like the way they're binning them ... asic doesn't mean it should cost 300$ more then one thats 10% lower 

true but the classified is better value  , but my reference card has hynix that ocs like a bat outa hell :P 2100mhz ram for hynix is intense man 

Please quote me or tag me if your trying to talk to me , I might see it through all my other notifications ^_^

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 Achyls: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/TheGingerKid/saved/D4z9cf

Spoiler
the current list of dead cards is as follows 2 evga gtx 980ti acx 2.0 , 1 evga gtx 980 acx 2.0 1600mhz core 2100mhz ram golden chip card ... failed hardcore , 1 290x that caught fire , 1 hd 7950 .

may you all rest in peaces in the giant pc in the sky

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damn gigabyte O.o 24phase wow ... too bad the board is hideous ... actually almost all 170 series boards so far are imo 

 

speaking of power phases , see this http://www.galax.net/US/980tihofLN2.html ? i want one but cant find any fr sale ;-; 

Oh. My. GOD.

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Intel Core i5 11400 w/ Shadow Rock LP, 2x16GB SP GAMING 3200MHz CL16, ASUS PRIME Z590-A, 2x LSI 9211-8i, Fractal Define 7, 256GB Team MP33, 3x 6TB WD Red Pro (general storage), 3x 1TB Seagate Barracuda (dumping ground), 3x 8TB WD White-Label (Plex) (all 3 arrays in their respective Windows Parity storage spaces), Corsair RM750x, Windows 11 Education

Sleeper HP Pavilion A6137C

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Intel Core i7 6700K @ 4.4GHz, 4x8GB G.SKILL Ares 1800MHz CL10, ASUS Z170M-E D3, 128GB Team MP33, 1TB Seagate Barracuda, 320GB Samsung Spinpoint (for video capture), MSI GTX 970 100ME, EVGA 650G1, Windows 10 Pro

Mac Mini (Late 2020)

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Consoles: Softmodded 1.4 Xbox w/ 500GB HDD, Xbox 360 Elite 120GB Falcon, XB1X w/2TB MX500, Xbox Series X, PS1 1001, PS2 Slim 70000 w/ FreeMcBoot, PS4 Pro 7015B 1TB (retired), PS5 Digital, Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Wii RVL-001 (black)

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