Asrock pro4 vs extreme4?

[rjm90]

I am trying to decide which to buy for my new/first build. I've been reading trying to understand the differences and possibly the pros of buying an extreme4 but it just goes over my head.

If it matters I will be buying an i5 processor and either a 660ti or radeon 7950hd. I will be using this computer mainly for gaming and video editing. My question is which is better for what I need? or does it really even matter. thanks

 

[Tifosi248F1]

The main difference is in the slot configurations. The Extreme4 supports x8/x8 CrossFire/SLI while the Pro4 appears to have an x4 slot for a 2nd card and only supports CrossFire. The Pro4 has 3 PCI and 1 PCIx while the Extreme4 has 2 and 2. The also use different audio and ethernet chipsets, though I don't know how much of a difference that makes.

It pretty much comes down to the Extreme4 offering more options for multiple graphics cards should you ever want to go that route.

 

[pauldun170]

Pro4 = 4 + 2 Power Phase Design
Extreme4 = 8 + 4 Power Phase Design

Pro4 = Realtec LAN
Extreme4 = Broadcom

Pro4 = No esata connector
Extreme4 = eSATA3 Connector

Pro4 = 3 x USB 3.0
Extreme4 = 5 x usb 3.0

Pro4 = Normal SATA ports
Extreme4 = ANNOYING SATA ports

Those are the big ones off the top of my head

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

If you'll be overclocking a Sandybridge (ie. 2500K/2600K/2700K), do yourself a favor and get the Extreme4. The VRM section of the Pro4 is too puny to handle the power requirements of a heavily overclocked Sandybridge - your CPU will be throttled back down to its base multiplier periodically to allow the VRM to cool down unless you actively cool it (ask me how I know )

If you'll be overclocking an Ivybridge, a Pro4 is alright.

Personally, I needed a Realtek NIC (no Broadcoms or Atheros'), so I picked up a Biostar TZ77XE4 instead.

 

[pauldun170]

If you'll be overclocking a Sandybridge (ie. 2500K/2600K/2700K), do yourself a favor and get the Extreme4. The VRM section of the Pro4 is too puny to handle the power requirements of a heavily overclocked Sandybridge - your CPU will be throttled back down to its base multiplier periodically to allow the VRM to cool down (ask me how I know )

If you'll be overclocking an Ivybridge, a Pro4 is alright.

Personally, I needed a Realtek NIC (no Broadcoms or Atheros'), so I picked up a Biostar TZ77XE4 instead.

Good point on Z77's being designed for ivy bridge power draw vs sandy power draw.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Good point on Z77's being designed for ivy bridge power draw vs sandy power draw.

I feel a little gypped coming from a Gigabyte EX58-UD3R - a low-end S1366 mobo. Damn thing is a tank and has been running my i7 920 @ 4.1GHz 24/7/365 for the past couple of years, constantly Folding in the background.

Oh well, at least the TZ77XE4 and Extreme4 (which seem to have comparable VRMs) aren't too pricey.

 

[lowboyee]

Pro4 = Normal SATA ports
Extreme4 = ANNOYING SATA ports

The horizontal SATA ports are the reason I'm excited to get a new mobo - got a new GPU and I had to remove a hard drive because the longer card blocks one of the ports.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Pro4 = Normal SATA ports
Extreme4 = ANNOYING SATA ports

What is annoying about the SATA ports on the Extreme4? I have this board and don't remember the SATA ports being particularly frustrating.

Edit: WTF you like sata ports that come straight out the board? I cannot fathom why anyone thinks this is superior.

 

[rjm90]

If you'll be overclocking a Sandybridge (ie. 2500K/2600K/2700K), do yourself a favor and get the Extreme4. The VRM section of the Pro4 is too puny to handle the power requirements of a heavily overclocked Sandybridge - your CPU will be throttled back down to its base multiplier periodically to allow the VRM to cool down unless you actively cool it (ask me how I know )

If you'll be overclocking an Ivybridge, a Pro4 is alright.

Personally, I needed a Realtek NIC (no Broadcoms or Atheros'), so I picked up a Biostar TZ77XE4 instead.

First off, thanks everyone for all the help!

Secondly, I've read elsewhere that it might be best for me to get a Sandybridge rather than an ivybridge due to them being able to be overclocked more and possibly because of that be able to handle games better? I'm open to any suggestions

 

[pauldun170]

The horizontal SATA ports are the reason I'm excited to get a new mobo - got a new GPU and I had to remove a hard drive because the longer card blocks one of the ports.

What is annoying about the SATA ports on the Extreme4? I have this board and don't remember the SATA ports being particularly frustrating.

Edit: WTF you like sata ports that come straight out the board? I cannot fathom why anyone thinks this is superior.

I have the board in a Rosewill Challenger case. Using the Sata cables supplied the board its a PIA to get everything lined up and plugged in.

I would much rather have normal ports placed in a location not blocked by video cards than Asrocks solution on the Extreme4

 

[nataku00]

The Extreme4 width is short about an inch compared to a normal ATX mobo so they cannot have the sata ports coming straight out or it will be blocked by most high end gfx cards. Also, being shorter than ATX means the entire right side of screw mounts will not be used, and the edge is left unsupported, so be careful pushing on the mobo when connecting things like sata or the 24 pin power or it will flex too much and damage it.

 

[rjm90]

Ai ai ai... decisions decisions. =\

 

[pauldun170]

If you get Ivy bridge and don't need the extra USB ports or eSata = Pro 4
If you get Ivy bridge and need either the extra USB ports or eSata = extreme 4
If you get Ivy bridge, will over clock and don't need the extra USB ports or eSata = Pro 4
If you get Ivy bridge, will over clock and do need the extra USB ports or eSata = extreme 4
If you get Sandy Bridge, will not over clock and need either the extra USB ports or eSata = extreme 4
If you get Sandy Bridge, will over clock and need either the extra USB ports or eSata = extreme 4
If you get Sandy Bridge, will not over clock and don't need the extra USB ports or eSata = Pro4

 

[silveryhat]

I'd like to add another factor that differs Pro4 to Extreme4 : Solid Capacitors and Premium Gold Capacitors. It is the most essential change between these two boards.

 

[ktfzone]

I have an Asrock Pro3 and a 2600k . I am unable to get a stable 4200 Mhz clock with a Noctua D14 fan, even though the temp is not going over 67 degrees in full load in Prime. It downclocks to 3400 after less than a minute. All power management features are disabled, bla bla, tried everything. This is just poor design. Is the Extreme 4 better with OC and Sandy ? If not, I will stick to an older P67 who will work for sure.

 

[john3850]

I have a Asrock Pro3 @4600 with 1.375 for a year.
There is no way I would buy Pro4 for oc due to the cheaper Power Phase Design.
Once my 2500 cpu hits over 75c it will throttled back.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Once my 2500 cpu hits over 75c it will throttled back.

It might not be your CPU that throttles. Put a fan on your VRM - that was what was wrong with my Pro4 (VRM overheat protection kicking in).

 

[ktfzone]

Is the VRM the radiator next to the CPU, near the CPU fan connector ? How did you put a ventilator there ? I have a Fractal Design R3 and I could put a vent on top , pushing air into the case, but it looks stupid to do all this, I would rather change the board.

My CPU's temp should not trigger the throttle, so I am guessing it's the mainboard.

 

[SolMiester]

I have an Asrock Pro3 and a 2600k . I am unable to get a stable 4200 Mhz clock with a Noctua D14 fan, even though the temp is not going over 67 degrees in full load in Prime. It downclocks to 3400 after less than a minute. All power management features are disabled, bla bla, tried everything. This is just poor design. Is the Extreme 4 better with OC and Sandy ? If not, I will stick to an older P67 who will work for sure.

I have pro3 and 2500k, clock to 4.5 on air no worrys, not that I run 24/7 at that

 

[john3850]

Had 2 60mm fans on my VRM s since the first day.
Had chip up to 4900 but as soon as the cpu starts going above 75c it throttled back to 46x.
The problem may be a high pressure block with low pressure eheim pump.
My 2500k is just for the web and backup.
Got new haf932 complete with water setup I just need a extreme4 and ib.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Ah, mine was throttling back to the base multi (33x) as soon as the VRM started getting toasty (~85C according to an IR thermometer). Chip core temp didn't seem to factor into it (I had a hairdryer blowing at it while under IBT load - yes I'm into kinky torture of CPUs).

Is the VRM the radiator next to the CPU, near the CPU fan connector ? How did you put a ventilator there ? I have a Fractal Design R3 and I could put a vent on top , pushing air into the case, but it looks stupid to do all this, I would rather change the board.
My CPU's temp should not trigger the throttle, so I am guessing it's the mainboard.

Yup, that's the one. I put a small 50mm fan on it (and also tried a small-ish squirrel cage blower), but gave up in the end and just upgraded to a mobo with a more robust power delivery section (I tried the Extreme4 before finally swapping it for a Biostar TZ77XE4).

 

[ktfzone]

I gave up and returned the board and got a MSI Z77 MPower. So far, it's looking good, I haven't had time to stress it in Prim95.