ASRock Z77 Extreme3

[HaxXxus]

Hi everyone,

I wonder why nobody uses the ASRock Z77 Extreme3 board, since the specs are pretty good: http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77 Extreme3/?cat=Specifications

-UEFI BIOS
-Realtek ALC892 Audio
-Realtek RTL8111E Ethernet
- 2 x Z77 SATA3
- 4 x Z77 SATA2
- 2 x Rear Z77 USB 3.0 ports
- 1 x Front Z77 USB 3.0 header

So everything is pretty supported but I didn't find any builds with it. Only the Z77 Extreme4 board is used in some builds but it comes with ASMedia Sata and USB which aren't the best choice for Mountain Lion.

I know you have to use a patched bios on ASRock boards but I don't see it as a problem. It is already available at samisnake's repo: http://biosrepo.wordpress.com/asrock/z77/

I already purchased the GA-Z77-DS3H but now I tend to send it back and buy the Extreme3. It has some advantages:

-S/PDIF Out (On the DS3H there is only a header on the mainboard available which requires a bit of work to be used for external connectors)
-PCIe x1 slot above the PCIe x16 slot
-4 normal SATA2 ports (and not 3 SATA2 and mSata slot like on the DS3H)

What do you think? Should I change the GA-Z77-DS3H for the ASrock?

 

[MiniITX]

You will have no issue getting that system up and running after you patch the BIOS.

One small tweek to get the sleep function working on that board is to make DSDT file with correct edits.
If you dont use sleep then you can run the system smooth without a DSDT file.

If you need help with editing the DSDT then create a thread here > http://www.tonymacx86.com/dsdt/ and PM me.

If you can save some money buying this board then its not a bad idea.
I assume that you are getting a compatable GPU or a CPU with HD4000 with it.

 

[HaxXxus]

I assume that you are getting a compatable GPU or a CPU with HD4000 with it.

Yes I bought an i7 3770 and I will keep my 6870 also. I want to have both GPUs active and to drive 3 display with them. The HD4000 should handle a TV with HDMI sound and the 6870 two normal screens. The reason why I want to have the HD4000 active is mostly Airplay.

One small tweek to get the sleep function working on that board is to make DSDT file with correct edits.
If you dont use sleep then you can run the system smooth without a DSDT file.

I wanted to create my own DSDT with some patches Mrengles mentioned here:

http://www.tonymacx86.com/dsdt/85383-dsdt-asus-p8z77-m-pro-3.html#post529418

for USB3.0 backwards compatibility. I want also add sound and sleep. Mrengles have a working DSDT for his Fatal1ty Z77 Professional-M so I hope I can take the most patches out of his work.


EDIT:

After some more searching I found and got the MSI Z77A-G45 (really great board!!). So far everything is working great and the i7 3770 is running with turbo x41 (4.1Ghz) for all 4 cores, and 1.6Ghz in idle. sleep/wake, sound, everything is fine. Now I'll try the DSDT edits for USB3.0->USB2.0

 

[ld6824]

Hi HaxXxus,

i would perhaps buy a MSI Z77A-G45 or an Asrock Z77 Extreme 3. But i am not sure which Board of them?
Do sleep and wake up function withe the msi?
Which patched firmeware do you use?
Do you have created an dsdt file.
It would be dine if you could answer my question.
Thanks in advance. ;-)