OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

ASRock 990FX Extreme3 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90CPU socket:AM3+Chipset:AMD 990FXForm factor:ATX

ASRock 990FX Extreme3 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

Score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

90%

4.1

Technical score

10%

7.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of motherboards
4.1

Technical score

Technical score
4.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

5.3

Platform & Features

16%

3.5

Storage

15%

3.1

Network

13%

3.1

Ports & USB

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

4.7

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

â–¼Worse than 95% of motherboards
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 330 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 77% of motherboards
  • asrock-990fx-extreme3
asrock-990fx-extreme3

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock 990FX Extreme3

Technical score
Technical score
4.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

5.3

Platform & Features

16%

3.5

Storage

15%

3.1

Network

13%

3.1

Ports & USB

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

4.7

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

4.1
User score
User score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

7.6

Number of reviews

Based on 330 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Popularity:
ASRock 990FX Extreme3 has a popularity score of 7.6 points, which is higher than that of 67.2% of products in this category.
7.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

60%

4.5

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.1
Brand name
Asrock
CPU socket
AM3+
CPU socket
AM3+
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
This motherboard uses the AM3+ CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 96.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.7% of motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
CPU platform
AMD
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard is built for the AMD CPU platform, which is less common than that of 68.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 31.5% of motherboards.
Chipset
AMD 990FX
Chipset
AMD 990FX
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the AMD 990FX chipset, which is less advanced than that of 90.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.5% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
DDR memory version
DDR3
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This motherboard uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
1,866 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
1,866 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 1,866 MT/s, which is lower than that of 91.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
N. of M.2 sockets
0
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
5
N. of SATA 3 connectors
5
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 5 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 51.9% of motherboards and equal to 0.6% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
NVMe RAID support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x16/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x16/x4
★ Better than 94% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x16/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 93.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Broadcom BCM57781
LAN controller
Broadcom BCM57781
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
This motherboard uses the Broadcom BCM57781 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 99.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 79.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
95 dB
Audio SNR
95 dB
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
4+1
VRM phases
4+1
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
This motherboard has 4+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
N. of CPU power connectors
1
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
N. of fan headers
6
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
Pump header
no
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 78.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Pump header max current
0 A
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

ASRock 990FX Extreme3 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x16/x4
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    6
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    6 vs 2
  • 77.8% cheaper
    ASRock 990FX Extreme3 is cheaper than the average motherboard (£90 vs £160).
    £90 vs £160
  • 26 mm narrower
    Width
    218 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (218 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    218 mm vs 244 mm
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    Coaxial S/PDIF out (RCA)
    yes
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This motherboard has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • 1 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    5
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (5 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    5 vs 4
  • 77.8% cheaper
    ASRock 990FX Extreme3 is cheaper than the average motherboard (£90 vs £160).
    £90 vs £160
  • 1 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    5
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (5 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    5 vs 4
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x16/x4
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    6
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    6 vs 2
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    Coaxial S/PDIF out (RCA)
    yes
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This motherboard has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • 26 mm narrower
    Width
    218 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (218 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    218 mm vs 244 mm
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD 990FX
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 990FX vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD 990FX vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    4+1
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4+1 vs 10
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 21.2% worse value for money
    ASRock 990FX Extreme3 has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.12 vs 7.4).
    6.12 vs 7.41
  • 5.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ASRock 990FX Extreme3
    the average motherboard
    ASRock 990FX Extreme3 has a lower user score than the average motherboard (7.59 vs 8.000).
    7.59 vs 8
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD 990FX
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 990FX vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD 990FX vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • No integrated graphics support
    Integrated graphics support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not suitable for gaming
    Suitable for gaming
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard is not suitable for gaming, while the average motherboard is. 85.2% of motherboards are suitable for gaming.
  • Older CPU socket
    CPU socket
    AM3+
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM3+ vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    AM3+ vs LGA 1,151
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    Windows 11 ready
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    Debug LED indicators
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables, I/O shield
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables, I/O shield vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    2x SATA cables, I/O shield vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 10 older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2011 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    September 2011
    2011 vs 2021
  • Older CPU platform
    CPU platform
    AMD
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard uses the AMD CPU platform compared to Intel on the average motherboard. The average motherboard uses Intel CPU platform.
    AMD vs Intel
  • No TPM connector
    TPM connector
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 88% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 60.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    1,866 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1866 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    1,866 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 57.4% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    2100 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2100 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    top speed depends on CPU and memory setup
    2,100 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer PCI slots
    N. of PCI slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • More basic LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Broadcom BCM57781
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This motherboard has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Broadcom BCM57781 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Broadcom BCM57781 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    95 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • More basic audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC892
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    4+1
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4+1 vs 10
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    Pump header
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 78.1% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    0 A
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

Based on 330 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about ASRock 990FX Extreme3

  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a 990FX chipset board.
  • Broad compatibility with AM3+ 8-core CPUs at stock settings.
  • Supports multi-GPU configurations including 3-way CrossfireX and SLI.
  • User-friendly Graphical UEFI BIOS that is easy for beginners to navigate.
  • High-quality Japanese-made conductive polymer capacitors (DuraCap).
  • Good connectivity options including eSATA and multiple USB 2.0/3.0 ports.
  • Aesthetically pleasing design with a distinct black and gold color scheme.

What we don't like about ASRock 990FX Extreme3

  • Inadequate 4+1 power phase design for high-wattage CPUs (e.g., FX-9590).
  • Frequent VRM overheating and CPU throttling under heavy overclocking or high loads.
  • Lack of an internal USB 3.0 header for front-panel chassis ports.
  • Reports of reliability issues such as random shutdowns or components failing after 12 months.
  • Mouse navigation in the UEFI BIOS can be laggy or difficult for some users.
  • Only 5 SATA ports available compared to the 6 often found on competing boards.
  • Extremely slow initial boot process reported by some users.

Verdict

The ASRock 990FX Extreme3 is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD 990FX and SB950 chipset, supporting AM3+ processors up to 140W and 8-core CPUs. Key specifications include four DDR3 slots supporting up to 64GB at 2100MHz (OC), three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots with support for AMD Quad CrossFireX and NVIDIA Quad SLI, and five SATA3 ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 functionality. Its main advantages are the inclusion of gold-plated solid capacitors for durability, a user-friendly graphical UEFI BIOS, and support for high-end multi-GPU configurations at a competitive price point. However, notable drawbacks include a relatively modest 4+1 power phase design which limits extreme overclocking potential and potential VRM overheating issues when used with high-TDP processors like the FX-9000 series.

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