ASRock X79 Extreme4 Pictured

[btarunr]

ASRock is ready with what it will be offering the very top tier of consumers of the Sandy Bridge-E platform, the third largest selling motherboard vendor is ready with the X79 Extreme4. This standard-size ATX motherboard uses essentially the same component layout as most socket LGA2011 boards we've seen so far. The LGA2011 socket is powered by an 8-phase VRM. The socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots on its either sides, to support quad-channel DDR3-2133 MHz memory. The processor also holds a massive 40-lane PCI-Express 3.0 hub, giving out two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 links, distributed between three slots (as x16/x16/NC or x16/x8/x8), with two each of PCI-E x1 and PCI in between.

ASRock did not finalize its chipset/VRM heatsinks design, yet. While we can't see the right portion of the board in the picture, we can assume that all 10 SATA 6 Gb/s and 2 SATA 3 Gb/s ports will be internal ports, with the possibility of one or two eSATA. Other connectivity includes 8-channel HD audio, dual gigabit Ethernet, and four USB 3.0 ports (two by header). The board supports 3-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[jalex3]

better picture

 

[theJesus]

Very interesting layout with the RAM slots . . . not sure I like it. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would hate dealing with the slots on the left once the board is installed in a case with the cpu cooler and everything.

 

[jalex3]

not sure about it either, but noctuas new coolers and revised d14 are made to suit this, so other may to

 

[theJesus]

The problem isn't necessarily that the heatsink will hang over the slots, it's more that in order to access them you have to squeeze your hand between the back of the case and whatever is on your CPU. If you've got one of those all-in-one liquid coolers with a 120mm rad where the exhaust fan normally goes, well then you'll really have a tough time squeezing your hand in there. that's what she said

 

[xenocide]

I understand the logic behind putting the RAM slots like that, but once everything is hooked up, there's almost no way you are getting those 2 near the I/O Panel out. What they really need to do is re-organize Motherboards, and situate the RAM slots as close to where the 24-pin connector on this board is. The further from the CPU the better so people can fit aftermarket heatsinks on there. As it stands, almost all boards require you to have the first 2 slots empty or limit yourself in terms of RAM capacity. It's just too hard to fit it all in there...that's what she said...

 

[theJesus]

Well at least this board makes up for it by actually having the full 7 expansion slots. I hate how many boards only have 6 nowadays.

 

[D4S4]

The further from the CPU the better so people can fit aftermarket heatsinks on there.[/SIZE]

no can do - it would cause latency/signaling issues

 

[yogurt_21]

whats with the molex?

 

[freaksavior]

wow is all I can say to this. Board/specs look nice but I am not liking the location of those ram slots.

 

[Cpt.Derrek]

whats with the molex?

Its to provide additional power to the PCIe slots.

 

[LAN_deRf_HA]

Sure, it looks all nice and professional now. Just wait till the horrible themed heatsinks. V16 engine most likely. What jackasses design that shit.

 

[jalex3]

Sure, it looks all nice and professional now. Just wait till the horrible themed heatsinks. V16 engine most likely. What jackasses design that shit.

I agree, most of the boards look great, and its only because the heat sinks are not on.

it should be covered up by my cooler though so its not bad. im this and the sapphire board look best interest of looks and layout.

 

[xBruce88x]

has anyone else noticed that there are now 2 levers for the cpu socket instead of one... i hope accidentally closing the wrong one first won't ruin the board... I'm sure someone will forget.

 

[theJesus]

Well it clearly says which way to do it lol