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ASRock Z97 OC Formula Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£230
  • Avg. price in US: ~$220
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: ATX

ASRock Z97 OC Formula review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

5.3

Technical Score

10.0%

7.6

User score

Good
5.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

4.5

Memory

16.0%

7.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

4.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.1

Expansion

8.0%

6.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

Good
7.6

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(134)
amazon
4.2
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(131)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(11)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 3.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • asrock-z97-oc-formula
asrock-z97-oc-formula

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASRock Z97 OC Formula is a high-performance ATX motherboard built for the Intel LGA1150 socket, featuring a robust 12-phase CPU Digi Power design, Dual-Stack MOSFETs, and premium alloy chokes for extreme stability. It supports 4th and 5th Gen Intel Core processors and offers four DDR3 slots with overclocking speeds up to 3400+ MHz and a maximum capacity of 32GB. Connectivity is highlighted by three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots supporting 4-way CrossFireX and Quad SLI, along with a PCIe Gen2 x2 M.2 socket and eight SATA3 ports. Main pros include its specialized 'OC Formula' kit with conformal coating for LN2 cooling protection, Purity Sound 2 audio, and Killer E2200 networking for reduced latency. However, some users have reported potential issues with fragile rear I/O USB fuses, and the board lacks newer modern standards like USB Type-C or PCIe 4.0/5.0 due to its platform age.

Technical Specifications of ASRock Z97 OC Formula

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

4.5

Memory

16.0%

7.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

4.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.1

Expansion

8.0%

6.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

5.3
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a technical score of 5.32 points, which is lower than that of 72.6% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(134)
amazon
4.2
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(131)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(11)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.6
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a user score of 7.6 points, which is lower than that of 61.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
6.2
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a popularity of 6.2 points, which is higher than 64.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.3

Price

6.7
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 72.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asrock
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1150
ASRock Z97 OC Formula uses the LGA 1150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z97
ASRock Z97 OC Formula uses the Intel Z97 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 78% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR3/DDR3L
ASRock Z97 OC Formula uses DDR3/DDR3L memory, which is older than that of 86.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

1,600 MT/s
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports memory speeds up to 1600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

1
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.2% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA
ASRock Z97 OC Formula offers 1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 85.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.7% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

3
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

14
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 12.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Killer E2200
ASRock Z97 OC Formula uses the Killer E2200 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 96.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1150
ASRock Z97 OC Formula uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASRock Z97 OC Formula offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

115 dB
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 46.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

12
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 12 VRM phases, which is more than 53.6% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

7
ASRock Z97 OC Formula has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.7% of motherboards and equal to 9.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not have a pump header. 77% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

0 A
ASRock Z97 OC Formula supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
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ASRock Z97 OC Formula vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Dr. Debug display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • Includes dual BIOS
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes two BIOS chips for redundancy or recovery.
    When it matters: When BIOS safety and recovery matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 2.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare older full-length expansion options.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.1 vs 0
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.8 vs 4
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    What it is: A rear I/O button used to clear BIOS or CMOS settings quickly.
    When it matters: When you overclock or troubleshoot and want an easier reset method.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
    When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.7 vs 5
  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More BIOS update options
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Older CPU socket
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,150 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 7 years older release date
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    April 2014
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3/DDR3L vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 65.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 31.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,400 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • More basic LAN controller
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,200 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z97 vs Intel B860
  • More basic LAN controller
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,200 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,200 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Killer E2200 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula 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
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.32 GB vs 128 GB
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.1 vs 2
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z97 OC Formula does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
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Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
134 Reviews
amazon
4.2
10 Reviews
United States
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4.2
131 Reviews
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4.0
11 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASRock Z97 OC Formula?

  • Exceptional overclocking potential with granular BIOS settings and pre-defined Nick Shih OC profiles
  • High-quality build with a heavy, 8-layer PCB and waterproof 'Conformal Coating' to protect against condensation
  • Robust power delivery system featuring a 12-phase CPU power design and 12K platinum capacitors
  • User-friendly UEFI BIOS with intuitive navigation and helpful visual board overview
  • Dedicated hardware features for enthusiasts, including on-board power/reset buttons, PCIe ON/OFF switches, and V-Probe voltage check points
  • Generous connectivity options with 8 SATA3 ports and M.2 SSD support
  • Excellent value for a high-end board, often outperforming more expensive competitors at a lower price point

What customers dislike about ASRock Z97 OC Formula?

  • Known hardware reliability issue where rear IO USB fuses can fail, particularly under extreme cooling conditions
  • Poor placement of RAM slot clips which can interfere with large graphics card backplates or custom water blocks
  • M.2 slot location is difficult to access, often requiring the removal of the primary graphics card to swap drives
  • Shared PCIe bandwidth limits multi-GPU configurations to x8/x8 or x8/x8/x4 instead of full x16 speeds
  • Software utilities like 'Formula Drive' can feel fragmented or have confusingly 'buried' settings
  • Lack of an onboard DVI or VGA port may be an inconvenience for those not using a discrete graphics card

Video reviews

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