The ASROCK Extreme 4 features a relatively normal layout with lanes divided as follows (top to bottom)
16x
4x
16x
1x
8x

If the M.2 slot is used the 8x slot will be automatically disabled. It is unlikely that anything other than SLI/CrossfireX will be used on this motherboard so the layout should not present may issues to anyone other than the most extreme.


DATA storage comes courtesy of 10 SATA3, 1 eSATA, 1 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3). This motherboard also has a neat little feature whereby you can turn the Hard drives off via a dedicated 4-pin HDD Saver Connector saving power and increasing security (you can't steal it if you don't know its there!).


Audio is provided by the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec in the form of ASROCK's Purity Sound. Purity sound is a 7.1 channel HD 115dB SNR DAC with Differential Amplifier, TI® NE5532 Premium Headset Amplifier, cap less Direct Drive technology, EMI shielding cover, PCB isolate shielding and DTS Connect. In short this setup provides low noise with high bass - perfect for those using headphones.


The I/O area provides something we haven't seen in a while and that is the old PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports - not something we expected to see on a PC in 2014!. A CMOS reset button resides next to the ports. The remainder is comprised of - 1 x eSATA Connector
- 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
- 4 x USB 2.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
- 4 x USB 3.0 Ports (Supports ESD Protection (ASRock Full Spike Protection))
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
- HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone