• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Hardware Secrets

Hardware Secrets

Uncomplicating the complicated

  • Case
  • Cooling
  • Memory
  • Mobile
    • Laptops
    • Smartphones
    • Tablets
  • Motherboard
  • Networking
  • Other
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Consumer Electronics
    • Desktops
    • Museum
    • Software
    • Tradeshows & Events
  • Peripherals
    • Headset
    • Keyboard
    • Mouse
    • Printers
  • Power
  • Storage
  • Video

ASRock Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 Motherboard

Let’s take a look at this high-end socket 1155 motherboard from ASRock based on the Intel Z68 chipset.

Home » ASRock Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 Motherboard

Introduction

Contents

  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Slots
  • 3. Memory Support
  • 4. On-Board Peripherals
  • 5. Other Features
  • 6. Voltage Regulator
  • 7. Overclocking Options
  • 8. Main Specifications
  • 9. Conclusions

So far, ASRock has released four motherboard models based on the Intel Z68 chipset. The Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3, which is the model we are taking a look at, is the highest-end model offered by ASRock. The manufacturer also offers a mainstream model, the Z68 Pro3, a top mid-range model, the Z68 Extreme4, and a microATX model, the Z68 Pro3-M.

The Intel Z68 chipset is basically a P67 chipset with two new features added. First, the Intel Smart Response Technology (SRT), allows you to speed up disk performance by using an SSD unit as a cache unit for your conventional (i.e., mechanical) hard disk drive. This technology works by storing in the SSD the programs and data you access the most. Click here to learn more about this technology.

The second technology that was added is a video connection between the CPU and the chipset, called FDI (Flexible Display Interface). This connection was previously available on the H67 and similar chipsets but not on the P67 chipset. Socket LGA1155 processors have an integrated video processor, but the P67 chipset won’t allow you to use it since it is targeted at consumers who will have a physical video card. With the Z68, the use of an integrated video processor is possible if the motherboard manufacturer added video connectors on the motherboard. This way, Intel won’t be releasing an “H68” chipset.

The big reason for this change was that Intel licensed a software from Lucidlogix called Virtu, which allows the computer to dynamically switch video cards, depending on what you are doing with your computer. In a typical scenario, this software will make the system use the CPU’s integrated video engine when you are not playing games instead of using your add-on video card. This allows you to save energy, since the CPU integrated video consumes less power than add-on video cards. For this feature to be available on a given Z68 motherboard, the motherboard manufacturer must have licensed the Virtu software, and the motherboard must have video connectors soldered directly on the board. All motherboards in the current line-up from ASRock support this technology.

ASRock Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 motherboardFigure 1: ASRock Fatal1ty Z68 Professional Gen3 motherboard

Continue: Slots

Motherboard First Look

Primary Sidebar

As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites.

audio connectors on a motherboard (right) and ethernet + usb connectors (left)

How On-Board Audio Works

Learn how the sound card that comes embedded on your motherboard works.

How To Connect Your PC to Your Home Stereo or Home Theater

Learn how to hook your PC to your stereo or receiver in order to enhance you audio experience while playing games, watching videos, listening to music or even editing audio.

motherboard

Which is the best motherboard for Coffee Lake CPUs?

We compared seven different motherboards for Intel eighth-gen (Coffee Lake) CPUs, to help you to choose which one is the best for you. Check it out!

RAM Install

Does more RAM make difference in gaming performance?

Does installing more RAM in your computer improves gaming performance? We tested some recent games with 4 GiB, 8 GiB, and 16 GiB to find out. Check it out!

How to Refill Epson Cartridges

Learn how to reset the Epson cartridge chip, allowing you to refill the cartridge.

Footer

For Performance

  • PCI Express 3.0 vs. 2.0: Is There a Gaming Performance Gain?
  • Does dual-channel memory make difference on integrated video performance?
  • Overclocking Pros and Cons
  • All Core i7 Models
  • Understanding RAM Timings

Everything you need to know

  • Everything You Need to Know About the Dual-, Triple-, and Quad-Channel Memory Architectures
  • Everything You Need to Know About the SPDIF Connection
  • Everything You Need to Know About the Intel Virtualization Technology
  • Everything You Need to Know About the CPU C-States Power Saving Modes

Follow Us

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · All rights reserved - Hardwaresecrets.com
About Us · Privacy Policy · Contact