**Official** Asrock Z68 Gen3 Extreme7 & Extreme4 thread

[Glow9]

Is Asrock releasing a Gen3 Micro ATX anytime soon anyone know? I saw Asus is releasing a bunch here including a MATX one but their's are crazy $$$

[Weebeast]

I will try it now, its downloading at 4.1kb/sec on a 24mbit connection!

EDIT: It works... thank you

Good that it worked! Installed my bord yesterday evening and it's working great! Had some mouse lag in UEFI but it got solved using 1.10B or Kets bios(i tried both)

Does anybody have all the links for the latest software?

[bigmac11]

How are you guys flashing your bios with this download? I've tried it in Windows and thru an external drive at start up with no luck

[bigmac11]

Just a heads up..this bios just killed my board I used the instant flash..it updated and no matter what settings I use all I see is a flashing cursor on start up. Reset cmos a few times, pulled the battery and looks like my board is done. Man this sucks as I already have it sold as I upgraded to the Extreme 7. I was hoping this update would correct the mouse problems in the bios for the new owner. Seeing as I can't access the bios any ideas how I can revert back to an older version that actually works?

[Weebeast]

Strange, i downloaded it and unpacked it, then i putted it on my usb drive and used instant flash to flash the new bios.

[Milamber]

Just a heads up..this bios just killed my board I used the instant flash..it updated and no matter what settings I use all I see is a flashing cursor on start up. Reset cmos a few times, pulled the battery and looks like my board is done. Man this sucks as I already have it sold as I upgraded to the Extreme 7. I was hoping this update would correct the mouse problems in the bios for the new owner. Seeing as I can't access the bios any ideas how I can revert back to an older version that actually works?

This is most odd, perhaps the file was corrupt. The MD5 Checksum for Z68E4G31.10B is: cc6275e3695c345778803df979818138

Check your downloaded Md5 if you are able to get to it...

I flashed mine through the BIOS using a formatted FAT16 USB stick.

[SnakePL]

Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 UEFIs

UEFI 1.21D
- Possible fixes for issues as quoted HERE

The file description says 1.21D, but the actual file is 1.10D

I tried it and now my MX518 doesn't work properly in BIOS.
In release BIOS mouse was working fine, just if anyone is interested.

Also, is it possible to save OC settings on the USB? It would make things so much easier since once you flash bios, all the settings go bye bye.

[coldkiss]

There's a new Etron USB 3.0 beta driver over at Asrock's site for the Z68 Extreme4 Gen3

http://europe.asrock.com/downloadsit...394.1)beta.zip`

I remember Ket saying he recommended the etron 0.101 as being the most stable so far. Anyone have any USB3.0 devices to test it on?

[SnakePL]

OK
I seem to be doing something wrong.
Currently I'm running the sata controller in RAID mode (no AHCI).
When I switch to AHCI, my RAID-0 array completely disappears.

Yes, I installed AHCI drivers, and I can switch between the modes and boot into Windows without BSODs.

So, how do I get RAID and AHCI working at the same time on the sata controller?
Is it possible to get hot-swapping and NCQ working in RAID mode?

[RealTelstar]

So, how do I get RAID and AHCI working at the same time on the sata controller?
Is it possible to get hot-swapping and NCQ working in RAID mode?

Raid mode includes AHCI, so you should just use it if you need to raid some disks.
Therefore, the answer is yes.

[RealTelstar]

Anyone have any USB3.0 devices to test it on?

I dont feel like doing the guinea pig this time.
The older drivers that are on asrock site works ok with my usb3 flash key (patriot) and with an old usb2 hub of my monitor, so I feel fine for now (i gave up on the docking station).

[impaelas]

Hi guys,

i noticed this forum provides most detailed info on my new motherboard so decided to check if you might help me.

i recently started a new platform
ASRock Extreme 4 Gen3
Intel i5 2500k
Samsung 470 SSD
Nvidia GTX 470
GSKill 2x4GB 10666
windows 7 g4bit professional

components mounted without GTX 470, using internal graphic with as less devices hooked on (no additional usb's). installation lags a bit but completes eventually and then crashes start with BSOD. this happens before and after INF or any other driver is installed. it is not possible to login to windows, system crashes before.

i tried all sata ports (AHCI and IDE), changed cables. cleared CMOS, checked CPU temp (which was 40C).
- then i suspected a problem with SSD and tried Intel 80gb SSD with newest firmware. didnt' help.
- i tried separating RAM kit and test them individually - no problems
- tried updating UEFI - didn't help my problem, moouse got stuck (1.10), reverted to original uefi

at this point you start thinking like me - MBO is corrupt. i return it, get a new one, exactly the same. guess what? it didn't help.

suspecting SSDs might be the problem i try a functional Baracuda SATA HDD. Same problem.

the only thing i didn't replace is CPU which i am now stressing from mini XP console (Hiren's) with Prime95. 4 self-tests 128k passed without errors. I am completely lost and need this system to work. any suggestions?

[Ket]

There's a new Etron USB 3.0 beta driver over at Asrock's site for the Z68 Extreme4 Gen3

http://europe.asrock.com/downloadsit...394.1)beta.zip`

I remember Ket saying he recommended the etron 0.101 as being the most stable so far. Anyone have any USB3.0 devices to test it on?

That beta driver would be a result of me reporting to my contacts that the etron 104 and 105 drivers broke support for a sandisk cruzerblade, belkin 11N wireless USB adapter and a SD / micro SD USB adapter Good to see Etron got into the issue quickly

The file description says 1.21D, but the actual file is 1.10D

I tried it and now my MX518 doesn't work properly in BIOS.
In release BIOS mouse was working fine, just if anyone is interested.

Also, is it possible to save OC settings on the USB? It would make things so much easier since once you flash bios, all the settings go bye bye.

Noted and reported to my contacts. You can save OC settings with OC DNA, but its strongly discouraged from using saved profiles from a older UEFI with a new UEFI.

Hi guys,

i noticed this forum provides most detailed info on my new motherboard so decided to check if you might help me.

i recently started a new platform
ASRock Extreme 4 Gen3
Intel i5 2500k
Samsung 470 SSD
Nvidia GTX 470
GSKill 2x4GB 10666
windows 7 g4bit professional

components mounted without GTX 470, using internal graphic with as less devices hooked on (no additional usb's). installation lags a bit but completes eventually and then crashes start with BSOD. this happens before and after INF or any other driver is installed. it is not possible to login to windows, system crashes before.

i tried all sata ports (AHCI and IDE), changed cables. cleared CMOS, checked CPU temp (which was 40C).
- then i suspected a problem with SSD and tried Intel 80gb SSD with newest firmware. didnt' help.
- i tried separating RAM kit and test them individually - no problems
- tried updating UEFI - didn't help my problem, moouse got stuck (1.10), reverted to original uefi

at this point you start thinking like me - MBO is corrupt. i return it, get a new one, exactly the same. guess what? it didn't help.

suspecting SSDs might be the problem i try a functional Baracuda SATA HDD. Same problem.

the only thing i didn't replace is CPU which i am now stressing from mini XP console (Hiren's) with Prime95. 4 self-tests 128k passed without errors. I am completely lost and need this system to work. any suggestions?

Have you tried a different install disc? Its possible the disk itself is iffy.

[Ket]

Finally have most of the parts for my new build using the ASRock Z68 Extreme 7 Gen 3 board with i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz and G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) F3-17000CL11Q-16GBXL. Planning on installing Win7 Ultimate 64 to a single Mushkin Enhanced Chronos Deluxe MKNSSDCR120GB-DX 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) connected to one of the native Intel SATA III ports with ACHI enabled and not the ASMedia SATA III ports.

Prior to installing the OS I plan on updating the UEFI to the latest 1.30 version and enabling in the UEFI memory settings XMP and selecting the 2133 profile to support the G.Skill sticks.
Am I missing or overlooking anything as I want to avoid any problems and hoping for a smooth initial install

Seems like the ASMedia SATA and USB drivers and Intel drivers on the ASRock site are old compared to what is at Station Drivers. Is it recommended to use the ASRock d/l or CD 1rst then update to the latest at Station Drivers?

Thanks in advance for any tips
SaphireX

Always use the latest drivers you can find when doing a fresh install, things should all run smooth right off the bat that way

[impaelas]

Have you tried a different install disc? Its possible the disk itself is iffy.

I have, it's not the disc.

[Ket]

Checked for any grounding issues? set memory timings and voltage manually? tested each mem stick individually to make sure you haven't got a bad stick?

[impaelas]

Checked for any grounding issues? set memory timings and voltage manually? tested each mem stick individually to make sure you haven't got a bad stick?

nothing was set manually, using bios defaults, no grounding issues mate. i tested all ram as explained in 1st post.
i am trying now with a discrete GPU installed in system so i go around integrated solution. i noticed on one of installs problems occur as soon as original drivers from asrock are installed. will also try newer marvell drivers which arent posted on ASRock webpage (Marvell9123-9120_V1001042_XpVistaWin7) .

[Ket]

try the driver package on the first page I uploaded, very recent drivers are in that package so it'll rule buggy drivers out. If the situation improves using the on-die IGP, I would look at there being a issue with your PSU, be it starting to die or simply unable to provide enough juice with the GTX470 installed as well. Its deffinately worth setting memory timings and voltage manually as well, just to be sure nothing is getting skewed.

[impaelas]

Hi Ket,

thx for your efforts. all the crashes that happened were without GTX470 and only one hdd/ssd so there's plenty juice in Corsair VX550w. after trying everything i resorted to one last try contrastive to my bare-skin logic. i installed gtx 570, disabled igpu and voila - everything works perfect. general conclusion of my brain-trust is that iGPU is malfunctioning and new i5 2500k is coming in tomorrow. there simply was no way to get the iGPU to start working in any combination of 2 same MBO's, 2xssd's, 1xhdd, 2 different RAM kits. 3 OS's... when iGPU is enabled general result was BSOD. without it no problems.. go figure..

also, one comment for ASRock - initial GPU set in BIOS is PCI Express. i know this is pretty standard with older configurations that relied mainly on discrete GPU but when Virtu is one of your key selling points you might want to leave iGPU as main device. this way i was forced to use discrete just to get into BIOS and continue on iGPU..

edit: on one hand a relief, it's not the MBO i have high hopes for. one the other - this is the first Intel that ever made problems for me and i installed - hundreds. i was never a fan of iGPU integration and after this you can imagine how i feel about it now. thumbs down.

[bigmac11]

I got my Extreme7 setup finally after a bumpy start. Although it doesn't oc as well as the 4 it so far seems trouble free. I updated the bios to 1.30 and I have no more issues with my 470's or my MX518 Really the only thing I can complain about is extremely slow startup and the single pci slot is totally blocked so I'm unable to use it for my soundcard. Maybe its my imagination but this board feels faster than my 4. Found a new review up on the Extreme 7 http://www.kitguru.net/components/mo...7-gen3-review/ . They seem very happy with the board overall. How do I access the for sale section as I would like to sell my Extreme 4?

[Ket]

Hi Ket,

thx for your efforts. all the crashes that happened were without GTX470 and only one hdd/ssd so there's plenty juice in Corsair VX550w. after trying everything i resorted to one last try contrastive to my bare-skin logic. i installed gtx 570, disabled igpu and voila - everything works perfect. general conclusion of my brain-trust is that iGPU is malfunctioning and new i5 2500k is coming in tomorrow. there simply was no way to get the iGPU to start working in any combination of 2 same MBO's, 2xssd's, 1xhdd, 2 different RAM kits. 3 OS's... when iGPU is enabled general result was BSOD. without it no problems.. go figure..

also, one comment for ASRock - initial GPU set in BIOS is PCI Express. i know this is pretty standard with older configurations that relied mainly on discrete GPU but when Virtu is one of your key selling points you might want to leave iGPU as main device. this way i was forced to use discrete just to get into BIOS and continue on iGPU..

edit: on one hand a relief, it's not the MBO i have high hopes for. one the other - this is the first Intel that ever made problems for me and i installed - hundreds. i was never a fan of iGPU integration and after this you can imagine how i feel about it now. thumbs down.

Good to know your issue seems to of worked itself out, better luck with the new CPU

I got my Extreme7 setup finally after a bumpy start. Although it doesn't oc as well as the 4 it so far seems trouble free. I updated the bios to 1.30 and I have no more issues with my 470's or my MX518 Really the only thing I can complain about is extremely slow startup and the single pci slot is totally blocked so I'm unable to use it for my soundcard. Maybe its my imagination but this board feels faster than my 4. Found a new review up on the Extreme 7 http://www.kitguru.net/components/mo...7-gen3-review/ . They seem very happy with the board overall. How do I access the for sale section as I would like to sell my Extreme 4?

You need 100+ posts.

[aoch88]

I like the fact that the PCI slot layouts for this board is simply great. For people like me which has a sound card, I can always plug it on the first slot followed by 2 x graphics card for a CF/SLI config with some space in between. On my Maximus 4 Gene-Z, both cards are sandwiched and the first card gets extremely hot so it crashes every time. Sometimes manufacturers are just doing things for marketing sake. I mean it's true that the board supports SLI/CF (in the case of Gene-Z) but it's totally impractical to have both slots so near to each other because the heat from the graphics card is not manageable. Unless someone is on water cooling, doing a SLI/CF on the Gene-Z is not going to work.

[Ket]

I agree. Such reasons is why I won't buy any board with a layout like that. For me unless I have a top PCI-E slot to plug my soundcard into with decent spacing for SLI/CF, the board is off my list. Its just about common sence when deciding on slot layout, something I'm glad to say hasn't left Asrock like it has other companies.

[Ket]

I have had it confirmed that Gen3 boards will support Ivy, waiting for verification on the non Gen3 boards.

@ who reported their G5 mouse wasn't working in UEFI; Your mouse hasn't been produced for a year according to my contacts who tried getting one from Logitech, however my contacts have said if you are able to send your mouse to them for 3-4 weeks for testing they are happy to look at the issue with it not working in the UEFI. Heres the full email I got;

The Logitech G5 mouse was last sold around a year ago. No way that we can still get one. If the user is willing to borrow us the mouse, then it only makes sense in case we have something else to ship back and forth to Taiwan. Otherwise transport costs are higher than the costs of the mouse.

What do you think about this: Can you please ask the user if he is willing to borrow us the mouse for 3 or 4 weeks? If so and if he is from the UK, then maybe he can send it to you, you can send it to me together with the memory modules, and I’ll send it to Sean. If needed together with the modules we’ll get from Corsair.

I also have it confirmed that UEFI "1.1D" is just a typo thats been made, it is in fact 1.21D

[SnakePL]

Raid mode includes AHCI, so you should just use it if you need to raid some disks.
Therefore, the answer is yes.

Well, when enable RAID, hot swapping is disabled for me.

Also, as far as drivers go, can you use Asrock Z68 Extreme4 drivers posted in the other sticky?