The ASRock P67 Extreme6 motherboard, designed for the Intel Sandy Bridge platform, was a popular choice for enthusiasts and gamers seeking a blend of performance and features. This article delves into the BIOS version 1.70, exploring its key features, improvements, and specifications. Understanding these details is crucial for users looking to optimize their system performance and stability.
The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is the foundational software that initializes the hardware components of a computer during the boot process. It also provides a user interface for configuring hardware settings, such as boot order, CPU settings, and memory timings. Updating the BIOS can often improve system stability, compatibility, and performance. The ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS 1.70 brought several enhancements to the table, addressing user concerns and optimizing the overall user experience.
Key Features of the ASRock P67 Extreme6
Before diving into the specific updates of BIOS 1.70, it’s important to understand the underlying hardware capabilities of the ASRock P67 Extreme6 motherboard. This motherboard was designed with performance and longevity in mind, evident in its component selection and feature set.
Here are some of the core features:
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Premium Gold Caps: The ASRock P67 Extreme6 utilizes Premium Gold Caps, which boast a 2.5 times longer lifespan compared to traditional capacitors. These capacitors are 100% Japan-made, high-quality conductive polymer capacitors, ensuring stability and reliability even under demanding conditions.
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Digi Power, Advanced V16 + 2 Power Phase Design: This advanced power delivery system ensures a stable and efficient power supply to the CPU, crucial for overclocking and maintaining consistent performance under heavy workloads. The Digi Power design allows for precise voltage control, while the 16 + 2 power phase design provides ample power for even the most power-hungry processors.
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Supports Intel K-Series Unlocked CPUs: The motherboard is designed to support Intel K-Series unlocked CPUs, which are specifically designed for overclocking. This allows users to push their CPU beyond its stock clock speed for increased performance.
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Supports Dual Channel DDR3 2133(OC): The ASRock P67 Extreme6 supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with speeds up to 2133MHz when overclocked. This high-speed memory support ensures fast data transfer and improved overall system responsiveness.
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Supports ATI Quad CrossFireX, 3-Way CrossFireX and CrossFireX / NVIDIA Quad SLI and SLI: The motherboard supports multi-GPU configurations from both AMD (ATI) and NVIDIA, allowing users to combine the power of multiple graphics cards for improved gaming performance.
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Dual PCIE GLAN with Teaming function: Two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports provide high-speed network connectivity, and the teaming function allows users to combine the bandwidth of both ports for even faster network speeds.
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Comprehensive Connectivity: The motherboard features a wide array of connectivity options, including:
- 1 x Fatal1ty Mouse Port (optimized for gaming mice)
- 2 x Front USB 3.0 ports
- 4 x Rear USB 3.0 ports
- 6 x SATA3 connectors (6Gb/s)
- 1 x eSATA3 connector (6Gb/s)
- 2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports
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Dr. Debug, Smart Switch Design: The Dr. Debug LED display provides diagnostic information during the boot process, helping users troubleshoot potential issues. The Smart Switch design includes Power, Reset, and Clear CMOS switches with LED indicators for easy access and control.
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Software Features: The ASRock P67 Extreme6 supports a range of software features, including:
- Fatal1ty F-Stream (a suite of tools for system monitoring and overclocking)
- XFast USB (for faster USB transfer speeds)
- UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) – a modern BIOS interface
- Instant Boot (for faster boot times)
- Instant Flash (for easy BIOS updating)
- Good Night LED (disables LEDs for a quieter environment)
- APP Charger (for faster charging of mobile devices)
- SmartView (for streaming media to other devices)
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Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.): This feature provides flexibility in choosing a CPU cooler, allowing for compatibility with a wider range of cooling solutions.
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High-Quality Audio: The motherboard features a 7.1 CH HD Audio system with Content Protection, utilizing the Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec. It also supports THX TruStudio PRO and Premium Blu-ray audio, delivering an immersive audio experience.
What’s New in BIOS 1.70
The ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS 1.70 update focused on improving user experience and resolving compatibility issues. The key improvements included:
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Improved Mouse Function Under BIOS Setup: This update addressed issues with mouse responsiveness and accuracy within the BIOS interface. Users reported smoother and more precise mouse control, making navigating the BIOS settings much easier.
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Keep User Profile After Clear CMOS: Clearing the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) is a common troubleshooting step that resets the BIOS settings to their default values. Previously, this would also erase any custom user profiles saved in the BIOS. With BIOS 1.70, user profiles are retained even after clearing the CMOS, saving users the time and effort of reconfiguring their settings.
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Patch 15" CRT Monitor for BIOS Setup: This update specifically addressed compatibility issues with older 15-inch CRT monitors. Some users reported display problems or distorted images when accessing the BIOS setup on these monitors. BIOS 1.70 included a patch to resolve these compatibility issues.
Updating to BIOS 1.70
Updating the BIOS is a critical process that should be performed with caution. A failed BIOS update can render the motherboard unusable. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure a stable power supply throughout the update process. ASRock provides several methods for updating the BIOS, including:
- Instant Flash: This is the recommended method for most users. It allows you to update the BIOS directly from a USB drive within the BIOS interface.
- Windows-based Update Utility: ASRock provides a Windows-based utility for updating the BIOS. However, this method is generally less reliable than Instant Flash and is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Importance of the ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS 1.70
The ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS 1.70 update, while seemingly minor, addressed important user experience issues and improved compatibility with older hardware. By improving mouse functionality, preserving user profiles after CMOS clearing, and patching compatibility issues with CRT monitors, ASRock demonstrated its commitment to supporting its products and providing a positive user experience. For users of the ASRock P67 Extreme6, updating to BIOS 1.70 was a worthwhile upgrade that improved the overall stability and usability of their system.
Driver Download Links
Below are links to download the drivers related to the ASRock P67 Extreme6.
Primary Download Link:
Alternative Download Links:
Finding direct alternative download links for a specific BIOS version can be tricky, as manufacturers often only host the latest version. However, you can try searching these sites for "ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS" and filtering by date to find archives or mirrors:
- ASRock Website (Support Section): While they may only have the latest, it’s worth checking: https://www.asrock.com/
- DriverGuide: https://www.driverguide.com/ (Search for ASRock P67 Extreme6 and filter by BIOS)
- Softpedia: https://www.softpedia.com/ (Search for ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS)
- MajorGeeks: https://www.majorgeeks.com/ (Search for ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS)
- WinDrivers: https://www.windrivers.com/ (Search for ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS)
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading files from third-party websites. Ensure the source is reputable and scan the downloaded file for viruses before installation.
The ASRock P67 Extreme6 BIOS 1.70 update was a valuable improvement for owners of this motherboard. Remember to always back up your current BIOS before flashing a new version.