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

[nigeleyeit]

yeh i was, but given up on anything but level 1, it works

[p4spooky]

All:

I received several PM requests to make this MOD available on 1.15 version of the Bios. Meanwhile a new Intel Option ROM was released. I have redone the mod to both 1.15 and 1.20.

Modified ASRock Extreme4 Gen3 1.15 and 1.20

Changes Made:

1. Updated Intel Option ROM 11.1.0.1413
2. Intel MEI Firmware 7.1.20.1119
3. VGA Bios Build 2120

Note:

1. Bios updates involves risk and you assume all risk by flashing this modified bios.
2. Once the Bios is updated, upon reboot, the board will power down, startup and update the MEI Firmware, shutdown and reboot normally. Be patient through this process!


Please provide feedback.

[vulture_g7]

@p4spooky

first of all, many thx for your work man! 1.15 works great and I find it a bit more stable at high overclocks than 1.20 - the main reaon I've asked you to patch it at the first place.
Now, I've found out that every firmware after 1.10 has this problem (at least on my system): If you enable usb 2 and 3 legacy support and enable power on by usb keyboard and/or mouse, at shutdown, the psu fan won't stop until the power button is pressed.
So, for now, I had to go back to 1.10 as I need the legacy support and I like to power on the pc with a press of a key at my keyboard. Is there any chance that 1.10 can be similarly patched?

Again, thx for your time and efforts man!

[Ket]

Funny. You advise not to use stationdrivers and yet you yourself post links to that very site

Only for Etron drivers, simple reason being Etron seem to never update their site for drivers so theres no other choice. Anyway, I'm back for a while people so if you are having any problems now is the time to flood me with them..

[Ket]

All:

I received several PM requests to make this MOD available on 1.15 version of the Bios. Meanwhile a new Intel Option ROM was released. I have redone the mod to both 1.15 and 1.20.

Modified ASRock Extreme4 Gen3 1.15 and 1.20

Changes Made:

1. Updated Intel Option ROM 11.1.0.1413
2. Intel MEI Firmware 7.1.20.1119
3. VGA Bios Build 2120

Note:

1. Bios updates involves risk and you assume all risk by flashing this modified bios.
2. Once the Bios is updated, upon reboot, the board will power down, startup and update the MEI Firmware, shutdown and reboot normally. Be patient through this process!


Please provide feedback.

Can you PM me links for the resources and tools you use? I think its about time I started pulling some UEFIs apart otherwise I know some users here will never forgive me

[Scoty]

ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 UEFI 2.03 is out.

[apatch]

ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 UEFI 2.03 is out.

Just tried to analyse this UEFI without flashing, so far :

Strange thing is that this one got 2 Intel raid oroms ! Backup OROM ? 1st for SATA, 2nd for RAID mode ?
8086,2826 - Intel Option ROM 10.8.0.1303
8086,282a - Intel Option ROM 11.0.0.1339 google says Mobile SATA Controller [RAID mode]
8086,162 - Intel VGA Bios Build 2126
Newest Intel MEI but I don't know which string it is.

So if I want to replace UEFI OROM with latest 11.1.0.1413, should I replace only first string 8086,2826 or 8086,282a too, I hope p4spooky will know answer for this.

[p4spooky]

Just tried to analyse this UEFI without flashing, so far :

Strange thing is that this one got 2 Intel raid oroms ! Backup OROM ? 1st for SATA, 2nd for RAID mode ?
8086,2826 - Intel Option ROM 10.8.0.1303
8086,282a - Intel Option ROM 11.0.0.1339 google says Mobile SATA Controller [RAID mode]
8086,162 - Intel VGA Bios Build 2126
Newest Intel MEI but I don't know which string it is.

So if I want to replace UEFI OROM with latest 11.1.0.1413, should I replace only first string 8086,2826 or 8086,282a too, I hope p4spooky will know answer for this.

@apatch: I looked at this as well. 8086-282A Option ROM has the same "DEVICE ID-2822" as the 8086-2822 ROM. I am confused why this ROM was added. I think it is safe to update BOTH 2822 and 282A with 11.1.0.1413 Option ROM although 282a is most likely what is invoked during runtime. IVB also requires the latest ME Firmware (latest is 8.0.3.1427 being used on Intel Z77 boards) - I have not confirmed exactly what version is in this BIOS.

[apatch]

It would be safe to firstly flash original 2.03 UEFI, if in normal working mode 11.0.0.1339 would appear then for me it is enough, if 10.8.0.1303 then there's a reason to update OROM.

This time I will not be the first one to try this beta, in 2.03 there's some info that "After flashing this version please flash newer versions only!" so getting back to L1.30 and older could not be possible due to MEI update.

Hexedited 8086,1502 string suggests that something might have changed in hardware booting procedure, my LSI card is demanding enough in that matter, if something is not broken then it's not needed to repair...

Awaiting for some beta-testers replies

[Ket]

If you need to flash to a older UEFI after the update I doubt you will have a problem doing so but flash from PURE DOS ONLY.

[p4spooky]

It would be safe to firstly flash original 2.03 UEFI, if in normal working mode 11.0.0.1339 would appear then for me it is enough, if 10.8.0.1303 then there's a reason to update OROM.

This time I will not be the first one to try this beta, in 2.03 there's some info that "After flashing this version please flash newer versions only!" so getting back to L1.30 and older could not be possible due to MEI update.

Hexedited 8086,1502 string suggests that something might have changed in hardware booting procedure, my LSI card is demanding enough in that matter, if something is not broken then it's not needed to repair...

Awaiting for some beta-testers replies

Good advice, I am very happy with my modified 1.20 and 2600K combination. I am staying with this version for now.

[apatch]

If you need to flash to a older UEFI after the update I doubt you will have a problem doing so but flash from PURE DOS ONLY.

It doesn't changes a thing, I never flashed from windows.

Users on Italian board says opposite, downgrade isn't possible until someone proves otherwise in practise, not in theory and they seems quite happy with new UEFI. I will stay with my previous UEFI untill someone successfuly downgrade UEFI, few more different UEFI versions appear, or someone with similar configuration says it works without problems. BTW. ASRock X79 Extreme11 seems to be best SATA/RAID ports solution so far it only proves that they know what RAID card users expects from them , compatibility with other external cards seems to be a lot better than other manufacturers.

[Ket]

This isn't the first time the intel MEI has been updated in the UEFI. People have been flashing back and forth UEFI versions with older and newer intel MEI versions without even realising it for some time. The only reason you are now being told not to flash to a older UEFI is for the people who plan to use a IB CPU as flashing to a UEFI with a older MEI version in systems with a IB CPU will surely result in a system that won't POST because it won't recognise the CPU.

[apatch]

This isn't the first time the intel MEI has been updated in the UEFI. People have been flashing back and forth UEFI versions with older and newer intel MEI versions without even realising it for some time. The only reason you are now being told not to flash to a older UEFI is for the people who plan to use a IB CPU as flashing to a UEFI with a older MEI version in systems with a IB CPU will surely result in a system that won't POST because it won't recognise the CPU.

I do realise that, but why they didn't said that it only applies to IB CPU users, if you're right then there's no problem for me and I will try this new UEFI, so far there's a lot good words about it : better OC !

[Ket]

Because like any manufacturer, they have a duty of responsibility to make sure people don't needlessly update the UEFI in case of a bad flash or something which naturally means RMA requests go up. I have issued the exact same warning to people and with my own modified files, the only difference is that I clarify those cautionary words so theres no confusion which is where the confusion has come in here - Asrock could of worded their cautionary words better.

[MacClipper]

btw, the new beta UEFI for the Z68 Fatal1ty mobo looks freshly updated like the Z77 model. Let me quote the user who posted in my VR Zone thread cos the effort was all his.

So....My first review of new beta L2.03 bios!
First thing I have said to my LCD screen is "Wow" , here is the new screen:




Great graphics ! Asrock has done a great job on this ! No more face here (but during the boot the face is here...) !!!
There are some news options as Intel Smart Response/Connect for example.
We can tell now if a hard drive is a SSD or not, etc..

For instance, no problem with my little Celeron G530 (as I'm waiting for the 3770k and have sold my previous 2600k since many months...).

But it seems that keyboard management is as buggy as previous bios version, for example if I try to press F11 to have the boot menu, the bios menu appears...I've found that I must press it very very shortly and only once to have this boot menu.

Previous bug of IDE controller is still there, so warning:
disabling the IEE1394 under "Advanced>SouthBridge Configuration" disables IDE controller.

It seems that the boot Bios time is a little faster too (this M/B really boot fast!!!).

Notice that the update is done in 2 steps: first is the main bios block reprogramming, then reboot then the Intel ME Firmware reprogramming (all is automatically done).
I think that's why Asrock do not recommand to downgrade Bios after this one.

I will update later after doing some more tests with new options.

HTH

[Ket]

I'm glad Asrock got rid of the face in the Fatality UEFI I mentioned how gaudy and annoying people found it Seems Asrock also sort-of did what I asked them to consider to the UEFI in regards icon changes too, looks much better. I'll jump on the new beta UEFI as soon as I can for the Z68 Extreme4 and let you all know how it is, I'll try to find time to flash the beta UEFI for the P67 E4 as well.

[apatch]

So I first flashed new beta 2.03 but it seems than OROM stays 10.8.0.1303, hard to check but probably in all modes : IDE,AHCI,RAID, maybe new 11.0.0.1339 is only active with IB CPU. Got some problems with Windows activation after that but let's say it's my fault, and this no place to continue this ...
Then made new UEFI with newest OROM for 8086,2826 string - after flashing it, still 10.8.0.1303 is showed so I made both 8086,2826 & 8086,282a strings with OROM 11.1.0.1413 and now it works properly.
Here it is, use it at your own risk. Z68E4G3 2.03 with Intel OROM 11.1.0.1413 (file is name as original cause have some trouble when name was changed)

2.03 looks like on pictures above but with a blue color instead of red, same new functions but didn't tried it already, I'm missing some handy boot codes that were displayed in right lower corner after 2nd system start cycle (In my case system cycles 2 times, second is after LSI card initialisation), but thank god that it still works on mainboard display.

Link to bios removed, Asrock f*cked up something .

[Ket]

PM me with a link to the UEFI tools you use, its time for me to pull some code apart before I move to a Z77 Extreme 6.

[p4spooky]

So I first flashed new beta 2.03 but it seems than OROM stays 10.8.0.1303, hard to check but probably in all modes : IDE,AHCI,RAID, maybe new 11.0.0.1339 is only active with IB CPU. Got some problems with Windows activation after that but let's say it's my fault, and this no place to continue this ...
Then made new UEFI with newest OROM for 8086,2826 string - after flashing it, still 10.8.0.1303 is showed so I made both 8086,2826 & 8086,282a strings with OROM 11.1.0.1413 and now it works properly.
Here it is, use it at your own risk. Z68E4G3 2.03 with Intel OROM 11.1.0.1413 (file is name as original cause have some trouble when name was changed)

2.03 looks like on pictures above but with a blue color instead of red, same new functions but didn't tried it already, I'm missing some handy boot codes that were displayed in right lower corner after 2nd system start cycle (In my case system cycles 2 times, second is after LSI card initialisation), but thank god that it still works on mainboard display.

Exactly like I thought - both ROMs need to be updated to 11.1.0.1413 for this to work properly. What version of ME firmware does this bios have?

[MacClipper]

For the Z68 Extreme3 G3, the new 22nm savvy beta L2.03 UEFI now looks real spiffy like this! Screenshots done by a happy OCN forumer I helped.







HTH

[apatch]

Tell me how to find it, cause there's no info in any intel software and device manager under MEI class, any reply for my PM ?

@Ket
Searching some info about MEI hardware version information just found this out link "ASUS try to implement latest ME8 in their BIOS's for P67/Z68 (last two weeks) series and now customers have a serious problems,since they cann't flash back.." ,Stasio is a reliable user for me so I'm little worry about it, if anyone try to downgrade UEFI we will know it for sure, until then it's still unclear for me.

edit: link to software and how to edit UEFI is somewhere few pages before, nothing more is needed - in italian z68 topic.

[Ket]

Flashing from pure DOS (NOT instant flash) fully erases the ROM chip as well as the boot block, so for Asrock there should not be any issue. You can't take what you hear about one manufacturer as gospel for all manufacturers. In fact I know Asrock aren't using the latest MEI in their beta UEFIs, its a touch older, more than probably because they already knew about the issue and circumvented it.

[zoomee]

I'm using BIOS ver 1.20, and just purchased a Yamakasi Catleap 27" 1440p display running from my 7970.
Other 7970 users have it working ok, but unfortunately mine doesn't show any BIOS screen or posts - just shows windows loading, but works fine in windows from its Dual-DVI link.

I've tried both the internal Z68 DVI link and the 7970 - and neither show the BIOS screens (only once in windows) - Anyone had any joy with either a Hazro or other 1440p screen? thanks.

[apatch]

These are monitors without ad board and they work this way, maybe users with other brand 7970 have more luck.

"It's an absolute bare bones monitor with no OSD, but a high quality LG panel. It also looks like you can get a few variations of it including additional inputs, speakers, and a glass front."

http://www.overclock.net/t/1225919/y...p-monitor-club
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1675393