ASRock Z87 Pro4 or Extreme4?

[sean_kelly]

I'm building a computer (mostly for gaming) and I'm not sure which board to get. I will probably want to overclock a small amount, but nothing drastic. I probably won't need to SLI either (I know the Pro4 doesn't support this). So my question is, is the Extreme4 worth an extra £30?

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
GPU: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Case: CM Storm Scout II Advanced

 

[rolli59]

Not really if the PRO4 has all the features you need.

 

[feelingtheblanks]

If you are not into some serious overclocking then Pro 4 is fine.

But in my opinion Extreme4 worths that price difference. Since it has twice more true power phase, mosfets and capacitance. It would help you squeeze a bit more out of your cpu with more stability. Also Extreme4's sound codec is better in terms of SNR.

And quite the contrary with ASRock's marketing; Pro4 has 3 true power phase instead of 6 and they are hybrid/analog. Not digital. Extreme4 has 6 true power phase and it's also hybrid/analog. Don't know why ASRock is doing false marketing all around...

 

[sean_kelly]

If you are not into some serious overclocking then Pro 4 is fine.

But in my opinion Extreme4 worths that price difference. Since it has twice more true power phase, mosfets and capacitance. It would help you squeeze a bit more out of your cpu with more stability. Also Extreme4's sound codec is better in terms of SNR.

And quite the contrary with ASRock's marketing; Pro4 has 3 true power phase instead of 6 and they are hybrid/analog. Not digital. Extreme4 has 6 true power phase and it's also hybrid/analog. Don't know why ASRock is doing false marketing all around...

I'm a bit of a PC noob.. what does all that mean (in terms of performance)? :/

 

[feelingtheblanks]

Well, these components are about the motherboards power delivery design and not directly effect the performance at all. But when you are into some overclocking you better check what kind of power design the motherboard has.

Pro4 is pretty much enough for a mild overclocking around 4.2 GHz. But if you can afford 30 bucks more, then Extreme4 will offer better stability and some more overclocking potential.

On the other hand; performance-wise all of the 1150 sockets boards (from 80$ to 500$) are very close with 2-3% margin which due to change with BIOS updates.

 

[rolli59]

If you are not into some serious overclocking then Pro 4 is fine.

But in my opinion Extreme4 worths that price difference. Since it has twice more true power phase, mosfets and capacitance. It would help you squeeze a bit more out of your cpu with more stability. Also Extreme4's sound codec is better in terms of SNR.

And quite the contrary with ASRock's marketing; Pro4 has 3 true power phase instead of 6 and they are hybrid/analog. Not digital. Extreme4 has 6 true power phase and it's also hybrid/analog. Don't know why ASRock is doing false marketing all around...

I'm a bit of a PC noob.. what does all that mean (in terms of performance)? :/

Basically they will have the same performance at same clocks but the Extreme4 can OC higher and therfore take performance lead.

 

[feelingtheblanks]

Yes. But on the other hand the overclocking potential also depends on your cpu chip which is pure chance. If you get a bad chip for example you can't go much further even you have a 500$ board, but with a cheaper board and a golden chip with adding just little voltage you can reach quite sweet o.c. points.
Like I said Pro4 should be enough for mild overclocking around 4.2 GHz but if you want to squeeze some more, a better audio chip, more sata ports etc... it's worth to get Extreme4 for 30bucks.

 

[sean_kelly]

I think I'll just stick with the Pro4. I don't think I'll need to overclock much (if at all) and don't think I'll SLI anytime soon. Thanks guys!

 

[rolli59]

You are welcome!

 

[feelingtheblanks]

Yeah Pro4 is the best choice for you then. You're welcome.

 

[mercuk]

Im think going to use the ASRock Z87M PRO4 also.
What is slightly worrying is few people seem to have done so. Very little information/experiences about this board around.

 

[rolli59]

Im think going to use the ASRock Z87M PRO4 also.
What is slightly worrying is few people seem to have done so. Very little information/experiences about this board around.

That simply because most people building with a Z87 board and "K" CPU opt for an ATX board over mATX.