BIOS/UEFI and Software
ASRock BIOS/UEFI is already well-known, and we have presented it in many previous reviews, so I don’t have to explain much. The new motherboard series has refreshed graphics, but it generally reminds the last generation. The BIOS/UEFI itself is easy to manage. Everything is clear, and some options have an additional description. Everything that could be dangerous for the hardware is also marked, so less advanced users are being warned.
The motherboard has easy and advanced modes, so if you don’t feel comfortable with various motherboard settings, just stay on the main, easy page. Those who want to play with additional settings can also notice there are OC and stable profiles. The stable profile will limit voltages to their maximum recommended values.
Let’s take a look at BIOS/UEFI windows and available options.
Main – EZ Mode / Advanced Mode
Main – Advanced Mode
OC Tweaker
Advanced
Tool
H/W Monitor
Security
Boot
Exit
In the BIOS/UEFI, we can find everything required for monitoring and overclocking. It also includes all the fan profiles and RGB illumination settings. There are additional tabs with more advanced settings that enthusiasts and overclockers can use for additional performance gain. All other users can configure additional devices or functionality like RAID modes. There is simply everything you may need, even too much for most users.
The motherboard arrived with the 3.08.AS01 BIOS version with the latest AGESA 1.2.0.2. It’s about the same as the official 3.08 version, which is fully stable and offers full motherboard functionality. We haven’t noticed any problems with the BIOS.
The motherboard supports BIOS Flashback, so we can update the BIOS without the CPU or flashing software in case of any issues.
Software
ASRock delivers similar software with all its motherboard series, as seen in the previously reviewed AMD and Intel motherboards. The most important are A-Tuning and Polychrome Sync software, but the Live Update can be handy, too. Everything is well-known and helps adjust RGB illumination and overclock PC components. There is also hardware monitoring and fan tuning.
There were no problems with RAM or other devices’ RGB synchronization, except for the Colorful RTX4080 graphics card. However, it’s a less popular brand that uses its standard, so it requires manufacturer software.
The software gives us various options and control over all RGB connectors and integrated motherboard illumination.
It’s recommended to keep the software up to date, as it often solves issues with new devices. New RAM series, especially, require updated RGB management software to work without issues. The latest version of the Polychrome Sync software is always available on the ASRock website. In case we don’t want to browse for updated ASRock software, we can use ASRock Live Update software which finds everything for us.
Now it’s time for some tests, so we move to the next page.
