[nextpage title=”Introduction”]

1. For best Z77 Extreme4 Motherboard performance use the maximum amount of 32GB, fill all the slots with the max allowed memory per slot for your Motherboard. What is the warranty on these memory? What if the memory is not compatible?
2. Both 4GB sticks of Kingston Beast work swimmingly in the suspect RAM slot 3. Also, pairing up 2x4GB Beast and 2x8GB Savage (for a grand total of 24GB) also works, with Beast in RAM slots 1 & 3, and Savage in RAM slots 2 & 4). XMP-2400 profile works just fine.
3. More memory slots (also known as DIMM slots) allow you to add more RAM to your computer. It is also useful when upgrading, as you can add RAM to an empty slot instead of replacing an existing memory module.

The Intel Z77 chipset will be released in April, but we had the privilege of getting the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 for a “first look” article. It will be a mainstream socket LGA1155 motherboard targeted to the forthcoming “Ivy Bridge” processors (third-generation Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors) and also supporting the current “Sandy Bridge” models (second-generation Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors). Let’s see what the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 will have to offer.

The Intel Z77 will be an upgraded version of the Z68 chipset with the same basic features (Intel Smart Response Technology and Virtu video switching technology), plus native support to four USB 3.0 ports. It will also include the addition of two new technologies: Smart Connect (allowing the computer to receive emails and refresh webpages while it is in sleep mode) and Rapid Start (faster boot times).

The Z77 Extreme4 expansion slot area features one PCI-e X16, one PCI-e X8, two PCI-e X1, and two PCI slots. A single graphics card will operate at X16 speeds, but two cards in SLI or Crossfire will drop to X8/X8. ASRock Z77 Extreme4 PC mainboard hardware details, and breakdown of ASRock Z77 Extreme4 mobo features. Motherboard Memory 4xDDR3. 16 GB RAM @ 1600 Mhz.

In addition, the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 supports the Virtu Universal MVP, which allows you to combine the performance of the integrated graphics processor available in the CPU with the performance of any video card installed. This is similar to what occurs with the Hybrid SLI and ATI Hybrid Graphics technologies, with the notable difference of not being limited to GPUs from a specific manufacturer.

ASRock has already announced seven different motherboard models based on the Intel Z77 chipset. In the table below, we compare their main specifications.

In Figure 1, you see the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 motherboard.

Figure 1: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 motherboard

[nextpage title=”Slots”]

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 comes with two PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots, two PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, and two standard PCI slots.

The two PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots are controlled by the CPU, with the first slot working at x16 when only one video card is installed, and with both working at x8 when two video cards are installed. Since these slots are controlled by the CPU, they will offer PCI Express 2.0 bandwidth (8 GB/s at x16) when a “Sandy Bridge” CPU is installed, but PCI Express 3.0 bandwidth (16 GB/s at x16) when an “Ivy Bridge” CPU is used.

The PCI Express x16 slots support both SLI and CrossFireX technologies.

Since the Z77 chipset doesn’t support standard PCI slots, these slots are connected to PCI Express x1 lanes using an ASMedia ASM1083 bridge chip.

Figure 2: Slots

[nextpage title=”Memory Support”]

Intel socket 1155 CPUs have an embedded memory controller, meaning that it is the processor, not the chipset, which defines what memory technologies you can have and the maximum amount of memory that is possible. The motherboard, however, may have a limitation as to how much memory can be installed.

The integrated memory controller from socket LGA1155 processors supports DDR3 memories up to 1,333 MHz (“Sandy Bridge” CPUs) or up to 1,600 MHz (“Ivy Bridge” CPUs). According to ASRock, the Z77 Extreme4 supports memories up to 2,800 MHz.

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 has four memory sockets, and since DDR3 memory modules can be found in capacities up to 8 GB, you can have up to 32 GB with this motherboard if you use four 8 GB modules.

In order to enable the dual-channel mode, you must install two or four memory modules. When installing two memory modules, you will have to “skip” one memory socket. Unfortunately, ASRock used the same color for all memory sockets (black) instead of using two different colors, which would certainly help users detect which sockets to use. Installation must start from the bottom-most socket, i.e., the socket closest to the main power supply connector.

Figure 3: Memory sockets; install two or four modules for the best performance

[nextpage title=”On-Board Peripherals”]

The Intel Z77 chipset is a single-chip solution, which is also known as a PCH (Platform Controller Hub). This chip supports two SATA-600 ports and four SATA-300 ports, supporting RAID (0, 1, 10, and 5).

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 has another two SATA-600 ports, controlled by an ASMedia ASM1061 chip (no RAID support).

One drawback is that the manufacturer used only two colors to identify the SATA ports: black for the SATA-300 and gray for the SATA-600. The manufacturer should have used different colors to identify to where each port is connected. We think they should have used one color for the SATA-600 ports controlled by the chipset (which are the ones to the immediate right of the SATA-300 ports) and another color for the ports controlled by the additional chip.

All SATA ports are located at the motherboard’s edge and rotated 90°, so video cards won’t block them. See Figure 4.

Figure 4: SATA-300 (black) and SATA-600 (gray) ports

This motherboard also has one eSATA-600 port, which is shared with the “SATA3_A1” port, so they can’t be used at the same time.

The Intel Z77 chipset supports 14 USB 2.0 ports and four USB 3.0 ports. The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 offers eight USB 2.0 ports, two soldered on the rear panel and six available through three headers located on the motherboard, and six USB 3.0 ports, two located on the motherboard rear panel and two available on a header located on the motherboard, near the main power supply connector. The two additional USB 3.0 ports are controlled by an ASMedia ASM1042 chip. (The two ports controlled by this chip are located on the rear panel.)

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 doesn’t support FireWire ports.

This motherboard supports 7.1+2 audio format, i.e., eight channels plus two independent channels for audio streaming. On this motherboard, the audio is generated by the chipset using the new Realtek ALC898 codec, which is an outstanding solution, providing an impressive 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the analog outputs, 104 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the analog inputs, and up to 192 kHz sampling rate for both inputs and outputs, with 24-bit resolution. This means you are able to capture and edit analog audio (e.g., converting LPs to CDs or MP3, converting VHS to DVDs or any other digital format, etc.) with this motherboard without adding any background noise.. The motherboard has on-board optical SPDIF output. The analog audio outputs are independent only if you use a 5.1 analog speaker set. If you install a 7.1 analog speaker set, you will need to use either the “mic in” or the “line in” jacks.

Z77 Extreme4 Ram Slots

The portrayed motherboard has one Gigabit Ethernet port, controlled by a Broadcom BCM57781 chip.

In Figure 5, you can see the motherboard rear panel with a shared PS/2 keyboard/mouse connector, four USB 3.0 ports, VGA output, DVI-D output, HDMI output, clear CMOS button, two USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA-600 port, one Gigabit Ethernet port, one optical SPDIF output, and the analog audio jacks.

Figure 5: Motherboard rear panel

[nextpage title=”Other Features”]

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 allows you to install CPU coolers that were originally designed for socket LGA775 CPUs, as it has installation holes that match the retention mechanism of socket LGA775 CPU coolers. See Figure 6.

Figure 6: Motherboard supports socket LGA775 CPU coolers

This motherboard has a POST diagnostics display that shows through a two-digit code which component is preventing the computer from turning on.

Figure 7: POST diagnostics display

It has a legacy serial port, which is available through a header labeled “COM1.” You will need to buy an adapter if you want to use this port. It also has an infrared interface, making it inexpensive for you to add an infrared sensor to be able to use a remote control or to connect devices using infrared technology (IrDA).

In Figure 8, you can see all of the accessories that come with the ASRock Z77 Extreme4.

Figure 8: Accessories

[nextpage title=”Voltage Regulator”]

The CPU voltage regulator circuit of the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 has eight phases for the CPU main voltage (Vcc a.k.a. Vcore), two for the CPU VSA voltage (memory controller), and two for the CPU VTT voltage (PCI Express and DMI interfaces). Therefore, it uses a “8+2+2” configuration, which is incorrectly advertised by the manufacturer as “8+4.” The voltage regulator is controlled by an ISL6367 integrated circuit, using a hybrid design.

Figure 9: Voltage regulator circuit

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 uses solid electrolytic capacitors, manufactured in Japan. All coils on this motherboard are ferrite-core models, which can provide up to 20% improvement in efficiency.

If you want to learn more about the voltage regulator circuit, please read our tutorial on the subject.[nextpage title=”Overclocking Options”]

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 has a few overclocking options. Below, we list the most important ones (1.20 BIOS):

• Base clock: From 95 MHz to 150 MHz in 0.1 MHz increments
• CPU core voltage: From -0.300 V to +0.600 V in 0.005 V increments
• Integrated graphics processor (IGPU) voltage: From -0.300 V to +0.600 V in 0.005 V increments
• Memory controller (“System Agent,” VCCSA) voltage: From 0.925 V to 1.200 V in 0.081 V increments
• CPU VTT (“I/O”) voltage: From 0.768 V to 1.634 V in 0.009 V increments
• CPU PLL voltage: From 1.586 V to 2.349 V in 0.009 V increments
• Chipset (PCH) voltage: From 0.780 V to 1.646 V in 0.009 V increments
• Memory voltage: From 1.165 V to 1.800 V in 0.005 V increments

Figure 10: Overclocking options

Figure 11: Voltage options

[nextpage title=”Main Specifications”]

The main specifications for the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 include:

Asrock Z77 Extreme4 Ram Slots Not Working

• Socket: 1155
• Chipset: Intel Z77 Express
• Super I/O: Nuvoton NCT6776D
• Parallel ATA: None
• Serial ATA: Four SATA-300 ports, two SATA-600 ports controlled by the chipset (RAID 0, 1, 10, and 5), and two SATA-600 ports controlled by an ASMedia ASM1061 chip
• External SATA: One eSATA-600 port shared with one of the SATA-600 ports controlled by the ASMedia chip
• USB 2.0: Eight USB 2.0 ports, two soldered on the motherboard rear panel and six available through three headers on the motherboard
• USB 3.0: Six USB 3.0 ports, four soldered on the motherboard rear panel and two available through a header on the motherboard, four controlled by the chipset and two controlled by an ASMedia ASM1042 chip
• FireWire (IEEE 1394): None
• On-board video: Yes, controlled by the CPU, VGA, DVI-D, and HDMI connectors
• On-board audio: Produced by the chipset together with a Realtek ALC898 codec (7.1+2 channels. 24-bit resolution, 192 kHz sampling rate, 110 dB SNR for the outputs, and 104 dB SNR for the inputs), on-board optical SPDIF output
• On-board LAN: One Gigabit Ethernet port controlled by a Broadcom BCM57781 chip
• Buzzer: No
• Infrared interface: Yes
• Power supply required: EPS12V
• Slots: Two PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (x16/x0 or x8/x8, supporting SLI and CrossFireX), two PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots, and two standard PCI slots (ASMedia ASM1083 bridge chip)
• Memory: Four DDR3-DIMM sockets (up to DDR3-2800, 32 GB maximum)
• Fan connectors: One four-pin connector for the CPU cooler, one four-pin connector for an auxiliary fan, and two three-pin connectors for auxiliary fans
• Extra features: POST diagnostics display, legacy serial port, support for socket LGA775 CPU coolers
• Number of CDs/DVDs provided: One
• Programs included: Motherboard utilities
• More Information: http://www.asrock.com
• Average Price in the U.S.*: USD 155.00

* Researched at Newegg.com on 04/08/2012.

[nextpage title=”Conclusions”]

Z77 Extreme4 Ram Compatibility

The ASRock Z77 Extreme4 is a motherboard targeted to the average user who wants all technologies currently available and some room for future expansion (e.g., adding a second video card), but doesn’t want to spend more money on a motherboard that has even more features that he or she won’t probably use anyway. If you fit this description, the Z77 Extreme4 is a motherboard for you. Of course, if you are sure that you need more USB 3.0 ports, SATA-600 ports, and PCI Express x16 slots, you will need to pick a more expensive model. Conversely, if you are building a very basic PC and are sure you won’t need six USB 3.0 ports and four SATA-600 ports, you can save some money by buying an entry-level product. In fact, if you are not even going to use the additional technologies provided by this motherboard (e.g., Intel Smart Response Technology), you can pick a product based on the coming Z75 chipset and save some bucks.

Z77 Extreme4 Ram Slots Upgrade

• - Supports 3^rd and 2^nd Generation Intel^® Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Xeon^® / Pentium^® / Celeron^® in LGA1155 Package
  - Digi Power Design
  - 8 + 4 Power Phase Design
  - Supports Intel^® Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology
  - Supports Intel^® K-Series unlocked CPU
  - Supports Hyper-Threading Technology
• - Intel^® Z77
  - Supports Intel^® Rapid Start Technology and Smart Connect Technology
  

  *Intel^® Rapid Start Technology and Smart Connect Technology are only supported under Windows^® 7 OS or later versions.
• - Dual Channel DDR3 memory technology
  - 4 x DDR3 DIMM slots
  - Supports DDR3 2800+(OC)/2400(OC)/2133(OC)/1866(OC)/1600/1333/1066 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
  - Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB*
  - Supports Intel^® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 1.3 / 1.2
  

  *Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows^® 32-bit OS. For Windows^® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.
  **In order to maximize the system memory, please install 8GB memory module with 16 cells
• - 64Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
  - Supports 'Plug and Play'
  - ACPI 1.1 Compliance Wake Up Events
  - Supports jumperfree
  - SMBIOS 2.3.1 Support
  - CPU Core, IGPU, DRAM, 1.8V PLL, VTT, VCCSA Voltage Multi-adjustment
• - Supports Intel^® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals : Intel^® Quick Sync Video 2.0, Intel^® InTru™ 3D, Intel^® Clear Video HD Technology, Intel^® Insider™, Intel^® HD Graphics 2500/4000 with Intel^® Ivy Bridge CPU
  - Supports Intel^® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals : Intel^® Quick Sync Video, Intel^® InTru™ 3D, Intel^® Clear Video HD Technology, Intel^® HD Graphics 2000/3000, Intel^® Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX) with Intel^® Sandy Bridge CPU
  - Pixel Shader 5.0, DirectX 11 with Intel^® Ivy Bridge CPU. Pixel Shader 4.1, DirectX 10.1 with Intel^® Sandy Bridge CPU
  - Max. shared memory 1760MB with Intel^® Ivy Bridge CPU. Max. shared memory 1759MB with Intel^® Sandy Bridge CPU
  - Three graphics output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
  - Supports HDMI Technology with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
  - Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
  - Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536 @ 75Hz
  - Supports Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color (12bpc), xvYCC and HBR (High Bit Rate Audio) with HDMI (Compliant HDMI monitor is required)
  - Supports HDCP function with DVI and HDMI ports
  - Supports Full HD 1080p Blu-ray (BD) / HD-DVD playback with DVI and HDMI ports
  

  *Intel^® HD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can be supported only with processors which are GPU integrated.
  **Due to chipset limitation, the Blu-ray playback of Intel^® HD Graphics is only supported under Windows^® Vista™ and Windows^® 7.
  ***Intel^® InTru™ 3D is only supported under Windows^® 7 and Windows^® 7 x64.
• - 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC898 Audio Codec)
  - Premium Blu-ray audio support
• - PCIE x1 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mb/s
  - Broadcom BCM57781
  - Supports Wake-On-LAN
  - Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az
  - Supports PXE
• - 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (PCIE2/PCIE3: single at x16 (PCIE2) / x8 (PCIE3) or dual at x8/x8 mode)
  - 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
  - 2 x PCI slots
  - Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX™ and CrossFireX™
  - Supports NVIDIA^® Quad SLI™ and SLI™
  

  *PCIe Gen3 is supported on 3^rd Generation of Intel^® Core™ i5 and Core™ i7 CPUs.
• - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Intel^® Z77, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel^® Rapid Storage and Intel^® Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug functions
  - 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by ASMedia ASM1061, support NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug functions (SATA3_A1 connector is shared with eSATA3 port)
• - 2 x Rear USB 3.1 Gen1 ports by Intel^® Z77, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
  - 2 x Rear USB 3.1 Gen1 ports by ASMedia ASM1042, support USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
  - 1 x Front USB 3.1 Gen1 header by Intel^® Z77 (supports 2 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports), supports USB 1.0/2.0/3.0 up to 5Gb/s
• - 4 x SATA2 3.0 Gb/s connectors, support RAID (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, Intel^® Rapid Storage and Intel^® Smart Response Technology), NCQ, AHCI and Hot Plug functions
  - 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors
  - 1 x IR header
  - 1 x CIR header
  - 1 x COM port header
  - 1 x HDMI_SPDIF header
  - 1 x Power LED header
  - 2 x CPU Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
  - 3 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 2 x 3-pin)
  - 1 x Power Fan connector (3-pin)
  - 24 pin ATX power connector
  - 8 pin 12V power connector
  - Front panel audio connector
  - 3 x USB 2.0 headers (support 6 USB 2.0 ports)
  - 1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 header (supports 2 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports)
  - 1 x Dr. Debug with LED*
  - 1 x Power Switch with LED
  - 1 x Reset Switch with LED
  - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
  
• Rear Panel I/O
  I/O Panel
  - 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Port
  - 1 x D-Sub Port
  - 1 x DVI-D Port
  - 1 x HDMI Port
  - 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
  - 2 x Ready-to-Use USB 2.0 Ports
  - 1 x eSATA3 Connector
  - 4 x Ready-to-Use USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports
  - 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
  - 1 x Clear CMOS Switch with LED
  - HD Audio Jack: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone
• - ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU)
  - ASRock Instant Boot
  - ASRock Instant Flash
  - ASRock APP Charger
  - ASRock XFast USB
  - ASRock XFast LAN
  - ASRock XFast RAM
  - ASRock Crashless BIOS
  - ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard)
  - ASRock Internet Flash
  - ASRock Dehumidifier Function
  - ASRock No-K OC Technology
  - Lucid Virtu Universal MVP
  - Hybrid Booster:
  - CPU Frequency Stepless Control
  - ASRock U-COP
  - Boot Failure Guard (B.F.G.)
  - Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.)
  - Good Night LED
  

  *Lucid Virtu Universal MVP can be supported only with processors which are GPU integrated.
  **LucidLogix Virtu MVP only supports Windows^® 7 or Windows^® 8.
• - Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, ASRock MAGIX Multimedia Suite - Trial
• - 1 x ASRock SLI_Bridge_2S Card
  - Quick Installation Guide, Support CD, I/O Shield
  - 2 x SATA Data Cables
• - CPU Temperature Sensing
  - Chassis Temperature Sensing
  - CPU, Chassis, Power Fan Tachometer
  - CPU, Chassis Quiet Fan (Allow Chassis Fan Speed Auto-Adjust by CPU Temperature)
  - CPU, Chassis Fan multi-speed control
  - Voltage Monitoring: +12V, +5V, +3.3V, CPU Vcore
• - ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 8.6-in, 30.5 cm x 21.8 cm
  - Premium Gold Capacitor design (100% Japan made high quality conductive polymer capacitors)
• - Microsoft^® Windows^® 8.1 32-bit / 8.1 64-bit / 8 32-bit / 8 64-bit / 7 32-bit / 7 64-bit / Vista™ 32-bit / Vista™ 64-bit / XP 32-bit / XP 64-bit
  

  *Windows^® 8.1 is supported with Intel^® Ivy Bridge CPU for onboard VGA.
• - FCC, CE
  - ErP/EuP Ready (ErP/EuP ready power supply is required)