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Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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ASRock Z170 OC Formula Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£250CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z170Form factor:ATX

ASRock Z170 OC Formula Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASRock Z170 OC Formula
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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
Score components

90%

6.4

Technical score

10%

7.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 51% of motherboards
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 56%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
Score components

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform & Features

16%

8.4

Storage

15%

3.7

Network

13%

5.7

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

7.7

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 51%
7.7

User score

User score
7.7/ 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
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

5.5

Number of reviews

Based on 50+ ratings from across the web.
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 76%
  • asrock-z170-oc-formula
asrock-z170-oc-formula
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 Z170 OC Formula

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
Score components:

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform & Features

16%

8.4

Storage

15%

3.7

Network

13%

5.7

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

7.7

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

6.4
User score
User score
7.7/ 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
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

5.5

Number of reviews

Based on 50+ ratings from across the web.
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.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
5.5/ 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
Popularity:
ASRock Z170 OC Formula has a popularity score of 5.5 points, which is lower than that of 57.9% of products in this category.
5.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.3
Brand name
Asrock
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z170
This motherboard uses the Intel Z170 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 75.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
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
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
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
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
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 87.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.2% of motherboards and equal to 18.8% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
10
This motherboard has 10 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
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
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
4
This motherboard has 4 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.1% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
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)
15
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.4% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
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.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 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.
dual 1GbE ports
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
1
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
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Optional Key E module slot only.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.2% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
115 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 48.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
18
This motherboard has 18 VRM phases, which is more than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
1 A
This motherboard supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 19.7% of motherboards.
Show more

ASRock Z170 OC Formula vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (18 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    18 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • More BIOS update options
    This motherboard has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • More BIOS update options
    This motherboard has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear I/O Clear CMOS switch.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • Includes onboard power button
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
    Power and reset buttons.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (10 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    10 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • Better audio codec
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (18 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    18 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    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.
    dual 1GbE ports
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Optional Key E module slot only.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 56.3% more expensive
    ASRock Z170 OC Formula is more expensive than the average motherboard (£250 vs £160).
    £250 vs £160
  • 4.5% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 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 Z170 OC Formula
    the average motherboard
    ASRock Z170 OC Formula has a lower user score than the average motherboard (7.66 vs 8.000).
    7.66 vs 8
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • 6 older release date
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2015 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    August 2015
    2015 vs 2021
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    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
  • 54.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2133 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Older HDMI version
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    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.
    dual 1GbE ports
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Optional Key E module slot only.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    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 onboard RGB lighting
    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
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 61 mm wider
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    305 mm vs 244 mm
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    1 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

Based on 50+ ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about ASRock Z170 OC Formula

  • Exceptional memory and CPU overclocking performance with world-record-breaking potential
  • Highly robust 18-phase power delivery (VRM) with high-quality 60A chokes and Nichicon 12K Platinum caps
  • Extensive hardware for overclockers, including physical buttons for BCLK/multiplier adjustment, LN2 mode, and voltage probe points
  • Triple Ultra M.2 slots (32Gb/s) with RAID support for ultra-fast storage configurations
  • Comprehensive and user-friendly UEFI BIOS with a vast array of manual tuning settings and 'Nick Shih' OC profiles
  • Onboard diagnostic LED display for easy hardware error identification
  • Support for both 4-Way AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI configurations

What we don't like about ASRock Z170 OC Formula

  • Premium pricing compared to mainstream Z170 motherboards
  • Lacks integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, which are often expected at this price point
  • Using all three M.2 slots disables all Intel chipset-based SATA ports due to shared bandwidth
  • NVIDIA SLI support is limited to 2-way configurations (does not support 3-way or 4-way SLI)
  • Extra non-overclocking controllers (like additional SATA) can inflate the cost for hardcore competitive overclockers
  • The Micro-ATX version (Z170M) only features two RAM slots, limiting future memory expansion

Verdict

The ASRock Z170 OC Formula is an enthusiast-grade ATX motherboard designed for extreme overclocking on the Intel LGA 1151 socket, supporting 6th and 7th Gen Core processors. It features a robust 18-phase power design, an 8-layer PCB, and support for DDR4 memory speeds exceeding 4500MHz (OC). Key characteristics include triple Ultra M.2 slots (32Gb/s) with RAID support, four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots enabling 4-Way CrossFireX or 2-Way SLI, and dedicated onboard buttons for on-the-fly frequency and voltage adjustments. Its main pros are world-class overclocking potential, a highly detailed UEFI BIOS with Nick Shih profiles, and excellent VRM cooling efficiency. Notable cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi and limited 2-Way support for NVIDIA SLI due to PCIe lane configurations.

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