BIOS functionality
We have been very familiar with the
ASRock’s UEFI BIOS and so many times did we point out that their interfaces are
so convenient to work with, and the more-than-enough functions for a successful
overclocking and adjusting the system.
“Main” is the first section that we saw
when accessing into the BIOS. This section reports basic information about our
system. Moreover, there is a function which is very useful and just appears on
the Biostar before, and next comes the Intel’s mainboard. We can now choose the
BIOS section that we intend to work with by signing in to the BIOS mainboard.
It is a very helpful option.
The
“Main” section reports basic information about our system
Most of the refining options are gathered
in the “OC Tweaker” section. This big page is divided into small sub-sections
by the borders. The parameter of the “EZ OC Mode” provides us the option of
overclocking the CPU automatically. The next options bundle involves in setting
the configuration for the processor and the graphics core integrated in it.
This bundle is followed by another bundle of options that configure the
sub-system, and the last group of options is for the parameters relating to the
voltage adjustment. All of the current voltage readings are displayed next to
the corresponding parameter, which is very convenient.
The
mainboard sets everything in its way
Although there are quite many options in
the “OC Tweaker” section, they cannot be seen entirely as the mainboard sets
everything in its way. However, once the “Multiplier/Voltage Change” parameter
is set for your chosen option manually, this means that you are accessing into
the previous hidden option to adjust the clock rate core as well as the
voltage. It is possible to set the voltage to be above and below the nominal
voltage, exactly at a fixed value or simply add another part to compensate for
the nominal value. The digital voltage adjusting circuit allows you to set the
most suitable Vdroop for the processor and its integrated graphics card.
Its
operating principles description will be displayed in the “Description” area on
the right
Every time you choose an option, its
operating principles description will be displayed in the “Description” area on
the right, and it is usually very detailed in most of the cases. The screenshot
above clarifies that accompanying the load-line calibration options is a highly
clear and visual description in the form of a graph. This thoughtful care to
users’ needs makes the system configuration adjustment process become easy and
painless.
As usual, in order to unload the main page
somehow, some parameters are relocated in personal sections. To be specific, all
timings settings of the memory configuration have been separated in to a
specific page. It is highly useful when the SPD settings can be monitored and
reviewed right in this page including settings from the AMP and XMP
configurations. However, when you manually choose the configuration timings
settings, the “Auto” setting is only available for two of the timings in the
whole list, which means that you have to create a lot of manual entries.
We have the sub-section’s functions in the
“Advanced” section familiar: Their names show themselves. They enable us to
configure the peripheral device and additional controllers.
The
“Advanced” section
The basic information about the processor
and suggestions for configuring some processing technology is included in the
“CPU Configuration” sub-system.
The
“CPU configuration” sub-section
We intend to look over the “Storage
Configuration” section just to remind you of the new “Easy RAID Installer”
factor, which allows copying the RAID controlling program from the DVD that
accompanies with the flash USB disk. You will need them for the OS installation
on a RAID section.
The
“Storage Configuration” sub-section
There are many functions of the ASRock
mainboard, with which we have already gotten familiar, in the “Tool” section. You
will hear a typical soundtrack whenever you access into the BIOS mainboard.
Moreover, you will also hear sounds when navigating across the BIOS section,
switching between the factors and choose one of the available settings. If
looping the sound effects makes you tired you can disable it by the “Sound
Effect” option. The “System Browser” sub-system’s design looks just like a meticulously
beautiful schematic layout of the board. By rolling the mouse over components
of the mainboard on this layout, you will find out their information. The
ASRock OMG (Online Management Guard) function enables you to deny Internet
access at preset time and week days in BIOS. A very convenient BIOS’s tool
“Instant Flash” is also very familiar to us. The connected USB’s content will
be assessed by this utility and it also provides you a list of compatible
accesses. Choosing the right BIOS version is all that you have to do. Some
changes in another updated BIOS utility which is called “Internet Flash” are
also notable: you are able to choose the server whose location is the most
suitable for you to load the BIOS. The “Dehumidifier Function” technology is
for preventing failed boot-up caused by the excessive humidity inside the
system case. It is possible for the humidity to fall from the level of 70% down
to 40% easily: Booting the system continuously. This function helps setting the
system power-ups’ frequency, the length of the on-time and CPU’s fan speed. The
last considerable function of the “Tool” section is the ability to save three
different user profiles, each of which has its own detailed description.
The
“Tool” section contains many functions of the ASRock’s mainboard
Monitoring temperature, voltage and fan
speed are the functions of the “H/W Monitor” section. Everything seems to be
simple here: four-pin fan connections allow setting rotation speed of the
four-pin fan, whereas three-pin connection allows reducing the three-pin fans’
rotation speeds. However, here exist some unique functions that we will discuss
right now, in this review. Moreover, it is possible to monitor the “Power FAN”
speed, but impossible to adjust it in any way.
Monitoring
temperature, voltage and fan speed are the functions of the “H/W Monitor”
section.
You can choose system booting parameters
in the “Boot” section.
You
can choose system booting parameters in the “Boot” section.
Suggestions relating to the administrator
and user password are provided in the “Security” section. The “Secure Boot”
parameter shows that whether this mainboard is ready for Microsoft Windows 8.
The
“Security” section
The last section called “Exit” allows you
to apply, delete or reset any changes or setting to defaults. You can press the
F1 key anytime in any section if you need help and a list of the built-in hot
keys.
Press
F1 to see the help topics and hot keys list
