BIOS
The BIOS has the usual advanced and simple view below, starting with the “EZ Mode”. Ours reported high CPU temperatures though there were no physical signs of this.We immediately spotted this and wrote this off as a BIOS glitch.
The Advanced mode gives the usual number of configuration options and features. It is a little unrefined, looking a little gimmicky, but works without a hitch.
In the tool section there is several flash options including an internet BIOS flash feature. You can update your BIOS before your install and without the operating system installed or using a flash disk. There are also a number of RAID, Boot and management utilities.
The Advanced tab in the “Advanced” BIOS view gives a lot more to play around with. This is where you need to pay special attention to the storage set up.
If you are using M.2 and a combination of other drives then you need to ensure you are using the correct ports. M2_1, SATA3_0, SATA3_1 and SATA_EXP_0 share lanes , if either one of them is in use, the others will be disabled.
ASRock Z170 Extreme4 Motherboard Review
Package - 7.5
Performance - 6.5
Price - 8
Consumer Experience - 8
7.5
We are a little disappointed with the ASRock Z170 Extreme4 motherboard in the performance stakes. The rest of the motherboard is very good for looks, features, presentation and connectivity. We just cannot get past the odd graphics and storage performance.