Test System

Initial Setup

The ASRock Z77 Extreme9 booted up with our 3770K and G.Skill 2400 MHz memory without any problems at all, using the default Intel Turbo Boost profile, and running the 8 GB G.SKILL kit at 1333 MHz with 9-9-9-24-1T timings as we've seen on nearly every other Intel Z77 Express product. The ASRock Z77 Extreme9 is yet another product that I found to have slightly elevated CPU voltage at stock, but nothing too high that would cause any concern.

PWM Power Consumption

Since one of our first tasks was to truly verify system stability, while doing so we measure CPU power consumption. We isolate the power coming through the 8-pin ATX connector using an in-line meter that provides voltage and current readings, as well as total wattage passed through it. While this may not prove to isolate the CPU power draw in all instances, it does serve as a good indicator of board efficiency and effective VRM design.


When it comes to power consumption, the ASRock Z77 Extreme9 managed fairly average power consumption, at 7 Watts, but at load it drew just 53 Watts, a single Watt above our best result, and matching the ASUS P8Z77-V!