Advances in motherboard technology are often below the hood, and are not immediately obvious (unless you’re doing all kinds of benchmarks). But the recently announced USB 3.1 standard provides not only a performance boost for compatible devices, it adds visual evidence of the changes thanks to the type C port. This rounded port allows for connection of a plug more easily, because it doesn’t have an “up” or “down” idea… no more having to check that your plug is turned the right way. It just plugs in, and provides twice the speed of a USB 3.0 port. That’s pretty fast.
ASRock’s Z97 Extreme6/3.1 gains the distinction of being the first motherboard we have seen here at Gamecca that sports a USB 3.1 port. It isn’t integrated into the board, but rather comes on a separate PCIe x4 card that can be fitted if needed. This card has a type C connector (which you may not have any compatible cables for yet) as well as the more traditional type A USB connector. In addition, the board also offers ten USB 3.0 ports and five USB 2.0 ports, spread across front and back access. That’s a lot of USB connectivity.
At the Z97 Extreme6/3.1’s core is a Z97 chipset that performs exceptionally well. Although this isn’t as updated as a Z99 chipset, and the board doesn’t support the exciting new DDR4 RAM standard, it still manages to pack enough of a punch to carry you well into the future.
In addition to these, the Z97 Extreme6/3.1 makes use of top grade components to ensure longevity and performance, while reducing heat. Extra-large heat sinks, finished in a stylish metallic blue, help prevent excessive heat. This is further supported by NexFET MOSFETs, which also improve efficiency. Further stability and power consumption improvements are provided by way of premium alloy chokes and dual-stack MOSFETs, and longevity is increased through the use of Nichicon 12k capacitors. Even you harddrives will perform better and last longer, thanks to integrated HDD Saver technology.
Naturally, the Z97 Extreme6/3.1 comes with all the expected bells and whistles, like dual LAN, integrates Purity Sound 2 for audio, gold contacts in PCIe and DIMM slots and access to ASRock’s App Shop.
As a Super Alloy motherboard, the Z97 Extreme6/3.1 is very stable and extremely reliable. It performs well under pressure and can handle quite a lot of strain before breaking a sweat. The real treat here, though, is the blazing-fast USB 3.1. If you’re doing a lot of work with external devices (particularly storage) you will notice a difference right away. Even charging devices is faster, thanks to this new technology, and the technology makes the Z97 Extreme6/3.1 a speedy companion, in addition to being reliable.
Aside from being a great, stable and reliable motherboard, the Z97 Extreme6/3.1 offers blazing fast USB 3.1.
Tech Specs:
- Z97 chipset
- USB 3.1
- 10 x USB 3.0 ports
- 5 x USB 2.0 ports
- HDD Saver technology
- Super Alloy