ASRock 890GX Extreme3 Motherboard Review

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

I had a blast working with the ASRock 890GX Extreme3. If you look only at performance numbers the ASRock 890GX Extreme3 outperformed the MSI 785GM-E65 in the majority of the tests. Though there is much more to the ASRock 890GX Extreme3.

The features that the ASRock 890GX Extreme3 offers, are key points that should be taken into consideration as well. The True Blu-ray when using the integrated Radeon HD 4290 will play back your Blu-ray movies in full 1080p with 24bit/192KHz sampling in 7.1 surround sound. The True 333 capabilities of the ASRock 890GX Extreme3 almost speaks for itself. Having the ability to run your graphics, USB 3.0, and your SATA 3 at full bandwidth at the same time is a beautiful thing!

Since I am on the topic of the True 333 I do have a gripe about the way it is done on the ASRock 890GX Extreme3. My only complaint about the True 333 is the E-SATA3. Instead of the rear panel I/O having an E-SATA 3, it is limited to E-SATA 2. The front of the retail packaging boasts about having E-SATA 3. The way they achieved the E-SATA 3 is by using an expansion slot bracket that plugs into one of the 6 SATA ports on the front of the board.

Will it get the job done? Yes it will. Does the bright red SATA cable compromise the appearance of a great looking board? Yes it does. I am not one to worry about the looks though, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the E-SATA bracket if I needed to.

Aside from my complaints about the color of the SATA and E-SATA cables, I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about the ASRock 890GX Extreme3. It out performed the MSI 785GM-E65 in the majority of the tests. It is a great board for overclocking. I was able to overclock the AMD Phenom II 910 up and over the 4GHz barrier on air!

Legit Bottom Line: The ASRock 890GX Extreme3 is a great looking, more importantly great performing, and chocked full of features for only $129.99!