Smart Switches | ASRock Z87 Extreme9/ac guide

Z87 Extreme9/ac

2.7 Smart Switches

The motherboard has three smart switches: Power Switch, Reset Switch and Clear CMOS Button, allowing users to quickly turn on/off the system, reset the system or clear the CMOS values.

Power Switch	Power	Power Switch allows users
(PWRBTN)	Power	to quickly turn on/off the
(PWRBTN)		to quickly turn on/off the
(see p.11, No. 19)		system.

Reset Switch		Reset Switch allows
(RSTBTN)	Reset	users to quickly reset the
(see p.11, No. 20)		system.

BIOS Selection Switch

(BIOS_SEL1)

(see p.11 No. 17)

A B

BIOS Selection Switch allows the system to boot from either BIOS A or BIOS B.

This motherboard has two BIOS chips, a primary BIOS (BIOS_A) and a backup BIOS (BIOS_ B), which enhances the safety and stability of your system. Normally, the system will work on the primary BIOS. However, if the primary BIOS is corrupted or damaged, just flip the BIOS Selection Switch to “B”, then the backup BIOS will take over on the next system boot. After that, use “Secure Backup UEFI” in the UEFI Setup Utility to duplicate a working copy of the BIOS files to the primary BIOS to ensure normal system operation. For safety issues, users are not able to update the backup BIOS manually. Users may refer to the BIOS LEDs (BIOS_A_LED or BIOS_B_LED) to identify which BIOS is currently activated.

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Z87 Extreme9/ac specifications

The ASRock Z87 Extreme9/ac motherboard is designed to empower enthusiasts and professionals who demand high performance, flexibility, and cutting-edge features. Built on Intel's Z87 chipset, this motherboard supports the fourth generation Intel Core processors, offering exceptional performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.

One of the standout features of the Z87 Extreme9/ac is its impressive power design. The motherboard is equipped with a 12-phase power design that allows for better power delivery and stability, crucial for overclocking. The Digi Power technology enhances the efficiency of power delivery, while the premium capacitors ensure longevity and reliability, allowing for increased operational lifetimes under heavy loads.

The ASRock Z87 Extreme9/ac comes with four DIMM slots supporting a maximum of 32GB DDR3 memory up to 3100 MHz when overclocked. This ample memory capacity makes it an excellent choice for memory-intensive applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. The motherboard features an extensive array of USB ports, including USB 3.0 connectivity, enabling fast data transfer speeds for external devices.

For gaming and multimedia enthusiasts, the Z87 Extreme9/ac integrates a Realtek ALC1150 audio chip, which provides a high-definition sound quality that enhances the entire gaming experience. The motherboard also features the Purity Sound technology, providing a dedicated audio power supply, which minimizes electronic noise for superior audio fidelity.

Another key feature is the inclusion of dual Gigabit Ethernet ports powered by the Intel LAN chip, enabling load balancing and failover protection for a more reliable and faster network connection. The ASRock Z87 Extreme9/ac also supports Thunderbolt technology, providing ultra-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect multiple devices through a single port.

In terms of storage, the motherboard offers extensive support for SATA III and RAID configurations, enhancing data transfer rates and redundancy options. The Z87 Extreme9/ac provides several PCIe slots for expansion cards, ensuring users can customize their systems to meet their specific needs.

In summary, the ASRock Z87 Extreme9/ac is a feature-rich motherboard aimed at gamers and power users seeking advanced performance and stability. With its top-notch power delivery system, audio capabilities, and connectivity options, it stands as a solid foundation for building a high-performance computing environment.