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ASRock Z68 Extreme 7 Gen 3 LGA1155 ATX Motherboard Review

Eric Garay
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Sandy Bridge processors and Cougar Point motherboards are the current dual channel standards to beat. In fact, the platform is sailing along so well that it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down and should do so well into next year. About the only thing manufacturers can do is modify the motherboards with some refinements, extra features and dashing good looks.  Today, we’re taking the ASRock Z68 Extreme 7 Gen 3 motherboard for a virtual spin. It utilizes the latest Z68 features, will support PCIE 3.0 when the new CPUs and peripherals arrive, has a new enthusiast focused theme and of course the promise of a new computing experience. Let’s have a look at what else the platform offers.


Features and Specifications

Simply put, the Extreme 7 is nothing like its younger Extreme 4 sibling. This motherboard actually looks very cool. The anodized “blade” shaped heat sinks along with the gold on black theme are welcomed and makes this board stand out from the rest of the crowd. It looks so good that I can’t help but think it should be their flagship Z68 motherboard instead of the “Fatality Edition” that is currently the top dog. the Extreme 7 offers NVIDIA 3-Way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossfireX for crying out loud. It looks like it can rock!

Underneath the heat sinks near the CPU socket are ASRock’s own 8Phase + 4 Power Phase support. That’s more than enough power to push a 2600K or 2700K processor in to the 5GHz range as long as the CPU is up to the task. Of course, there are a few other circuits that help maintain stability which we’ll be looking for. Finishing off the platform is the use of a PLX PEX8608 chip which removes the PCIE bandwidth limitations that the stock Z68 platform faces. Populate as many slots and ports as you like. You’ll still have full function even with all the ports and slots plugged.

XFast LAN technology which is a new feature for ASRock is a network software tool used in conjunction with the Broadcom BMC57781 network processor offered on the board. The application simply allows you to prioritize all your programs that utilize the network. It still runs through the Windows stack but at least configured based on your needs. The program can improve some game-network communication latencies somewhat like the BigFoot Networks Killer E2100 NICs but without the hardware support.

In terms of the software bundle, ASRock includes MAGIX Multimedia Suite which includes Mufin Player, Music Maker Silver, Video Easy SE and Photo Manager 10. They aren’t the most intuitive programs but are essentially more than the average user will need. They fortunately appear to be a true free bundle though not optimized for Sandy Bridge. Media Espresso 6.5 is Sandy Bridge optimized and included on the disc as a “Free Bundle” yet it is only trial software. ASRock pulled the “trial software” fast one on us in the past and we wish they’d stop doing that.

As for availability and pricing, the ASRock Z68 Extreme 7 Gen 3 board will run you $269 – 289 US which is definitely not chump change. Tracking it down also seems a bit more difficult, but you can always find it online at NewEgg or some other online retailers that deal ASRock.

What’s In The Box?

The accessories bundle includes a total of six SATA cables, a black matching IO shield, audio male-to-male patch cable, external SATA PCI bracket, 4pin to SATA power adapter, dual USB 3.0 port hub which comes mounted to a 3.5″ case and includes a PCI adapter bracket as well. There’s also a PCB 3-way and a flexible 2-way PCIE bridge to support the board’s features. Otherwise, you’ll find board documentation manuals and software-driver disc. Don’t forget that the audio patch cable is for utilizing the board’s pass-through On/Off audio even with the system off.

Test Setup and Configuration

Let’s break down the test system and get straight to the benchmarks. We’ll be using a familiar Kingston V+100 SSD in our tests since running Intel Smart Response is what the INTEL Z68 chipset is made for. If you want to see benchmarks on how the V+100 stands up under Smart Response benchmarks, check out the article right here.

All of the scores from the Z68 boards we’ve amassed will be included. The same video and CPU IGP drivers used with our original Z68 five way round up are being used to eliminate variables. On with the show!

Overclocking an ASRock Extreme 7

ASRock’s current UEFI BIOS is actually quite simple to navigate. Finding the settings needed to turn that stock 3.4GHz Core i7-2600K into a new number crunching animal is relatively easy. Frequencies and voltages are within the same page. So are all the programed overclocked settings which go all the way up to 4.8GHz. And, in that is the real treat. The motherboard can actually maintain that stable setting without needing anything else other than to save and exit. Sweet, huh?

I tried using both offset and manual voltage at 1.5 volts. The system topped out at 4.9GHz using either. Stepping it up to 1.52 volts along with extra VTT and PLL voltage wouldn’t allow 5GHz. There was very little voltage drooping so it would appear this is as far as the PWM is willing to go.

When the system failed to post, the motherboard wasn’t always eager to recover to the BIOS. It was necessary to reset the CMOS (BIOS) to get out of the endless loop. While this isn’t uncommon, other motherboards have been more resilient to failed attempts and come back quickly asking for new settings.

Let’s continue with benchmarks to see how these overclocks translate into real world and synthetic numbers.


Benchmark Suite Notes

As per standard operating procedures, the overclocked system has to pass three iterations of Sysmark 2007 or we don’t count it as stable. That said, the suite consists of programs that test the entire platform’s features and sub-systems under real world applications. The benchmarks include: Sysmark 2007, CineBench R11.5, 3DMark11, Metro 2033, RightMarkAudio Analyzer, input/output performance, power consumption and quality control.

Power Consumption was measured using a power meter from the outlet. Quality Control was done utilizing both our senses looking for crooked or substandard components and a laser thermometer. We’re looking for EMF, noises and any unusual hot spots compared to previous P67 platforms and the current batch of Z68 boards that we’ve already looked at.

Sysmark 2007

This program benchmarks a computer’s overall performance rating the system in areas such as E-Learning, Video Creation, Office Productivity, and 3D Modeling. E-Learning uses apps like Adobe Flash and Photoshop to execute rich image, video, and audio in web based presentations. Video Creation creates a video rendering uses apps like SONY VEGAS to stress the system in professional video editing using effects and images from multiple sources, content types and formats. Office Productivity uses the real Microsoft Office to assess performance gains using these types of application. Finally, 3D Modeling professional applications to stress the system in real world modelling simulations.

Obviously, having the full speed PLX assisted PCIE bus and lets the system perform at its potential and beyond. Plus, the more aggressive Turbo Tech boost this round seems to be clocking up faster even with a big load placed on the system. This means the ASRock Z68 Extreme 7 will spring into action much faster than previous boards on the market.

3DMark11

3DMark11 needs no explanation really. It just shows us how the more feature aggressive Z68 platforms benefit the benchmark and potentially translate into gaming performance under DirectX 11. If the benchmark really tested audio and network, the GIGABYTE G1.Killer Sniper 2 (full review coming soon) which would lead the pack by far. However, the Extreme 7 likes graphical benchmarks even if synthetic.

Metro 2033

Metro 2033 continues to wreak havoc on all video cards especially when maxing out every last detail. Single and SLI tests were performed as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to see if there are any problems with these features. I also tested CrossfireX using some slower AMD cards just to make sure the function works.

There were no graphic anomalies here. The Extreme 7 was ever so slightly more aggressive than the impressive Sniper 2 but only just. If nothing else, it just shows a more efficient PCIE thanks to better implementation using the extra PLX chip.

Cinebench R11.5

The Extreme 7 and Sniper 2 fight for second place at stock configuration with the Extreme 7 showing a much more aggressive side than its Extreme 4 sibling. It’s still a bit faster than the Sniper 2. It does quite well when overclocked but not quite enough to beat ASUS and its V-Pro’s digital PWM.

IO Performance

Z68 Chipset controllers pretty much all perform the same under individual storage tests except when the PCIE expansion slots are loaded down. For a more ideal comparison, I used some of the fastest platforms and included an X58 for good measure. Keep in mind that the X58 does not offer native SATA3 (6Gbs) support but Marvell controllers which tend to be slower. I’m also using a Kingston HyperX 120GB SATA3 SSD instead of the 2TB Seagate Barracuda XT in order to push the controller further.

As you can see, the X58’s Marvell controller isn’t as agile as the Intel Z68 chipset. However, SATA2 controllers are Intel native and don’t slow down. And, the USB controllers are the same for the most part right down to drivers. Any Z68 without full speed X58 or PLX controllers are roughly 20MB/s slower on the average.


Network Comparison

Before GIGABYTE’s G1.Killer series came along, the two common integrated network processors were Intel Pro and Realtek. Now, we have the Killer E2100 and Broadcom which ASRock has chosen to use on their latest flagship boards. This comparison test only used four Z68 boards to test those network features.

Transfer rates are decent compared to the Sniper 2 (E2100) which is tuned for game traffic more than net traffic. The latency is as low as but not when it comes to the average individual game’s communications. The E2100 fully off loaded the Windows stack and uses the Killer Network Manager which helps in that respect. It’s also got hardware to help it along. ASRock’s XFast LAN doesn’t quite achieve the same offload but does let you prioritize which programs you want hogging up all the bandwidth.

RightMarkAudio Analyzer

The objective here is to compare the motherboards’ audio performance a bit more objectively than with the human ear. Breaking down audio performance requires a high quality set of head phones, good quality male-to-male analog cable, and RMAA. We actually test 24-bit 48, 96, and 192Hz frequencies.

What can I say? Realtek is a commonly used “cost effective” integrated audio processor. These codecs can do more than they let on but that requires licensing and software which means more cost to the consumer. Audio performance is right on par with many other Z68s we’ve tested. If you need higher end audio, the Sniper 2 will always take this crown since it’s more than software that makes that board special in terms of audio performance.

Power Consumption

A power socket meter was used during testing to compare power consumption. This was spread out over a couple days in order to get a good overall average.

The more feature rich Extreme 7 and Sniper 2 motherboards consume more power than the rest. The P8Z68V-Pro continues to be a testament to its digital PWM technology even with its more aggressive transient response. In other words, it’s quite efficient even when overclocked.

Final Thoughts

Enthusiasts are often gun shy to jump on ASRock’s ship mainly because their history isn’t built around the enthusiast community in the conventional way. Their goal in the past has been to offer well balanced, affordable performance which they have mostly achieved, but at the expense of some quality control issues early on. ASRock has made a push in the last two years to improve their designs, quality and performance in hopes of becoming a more attractive motherboard provider. Finding that balance has been no small feat.

The ASRock Z68 Extreme 7 really is a great board. I’m happy to see their engineers give this impressive looking platform a back bone that is worthy of its bladed facade. Stock performance and stability were quite good. The quality of board definitely lends a hand in that respect. Overclocking, while not the most important selling feature, is more aggressive and easily accepts 4.8GHz standard operations which is a good bonus that true hardcore enthusiasts should consider. Ultimately, the 3-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossfireX PCI Express expansion, aggressive performance and stability along with its overall presentation are top notch.

In terms of bang for buck value, the Extreme 7 is one of very few 3-way PCIE motherboards available on the market starting at about $269.99 US/CA, which is well below the competition. Most of the competition pricing starts off above the $300 range including the only truly comparable motherboard in our labs, the GIGABYTE G1.Killer Sniper 2 which costs about $360US. At $269.99 US/CA, the Extreme 7’s performance, expansion and quality are well worth the price. It’s definitely a great value and hard not to recommend at the price it comes in at.

Pros

  • Great 2-tone bladed heatsinks and gold on black theme
  • Aggressive stock performance
  • PLX full speed PCI Express performance and IO
  • All the onboard buttons, bells and whistles you’ll ever need
  • Good quality components overall
  • Decent overclocking
  • Represents great value at $269.99

Cons

  • Overclocking performance slightly below competitors
  • Long term durability still under scrutiny

Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10.0


 

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