ASRock Z97M OC Formula Review | 107 Data compared
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ASRock Z97M OC Formula Review | 107 Data compared

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  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: microATX

ASRock Z97M 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.

5.1

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%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

7.7

User score

Good
4.8

Technical Score

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 components:

19.0%

4.1

Memory

16.0%

7.2

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.7

Storage

15.0%

3.2

Network

13.0%

3.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.3

Expansion

8.0%

4.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.7

Audio

Poor
7.7

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%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

6.0

Popularity

User score:
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4.2
(24)
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4.1
(24)
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4.3
(23)
amazon
4.3
(22)
Very good
  • 3.1
    Gaming

    What it is:

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.2

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    1.0

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    3.4

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices

Best rankings

The first number in the "Best rankings" table above indicates the product's rank among all products in our database, while the second number (in brackets) represents its rank among available products only. | The "average product" rating mentioned below reflects the median values calculated across all attributes for products within this category.

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock Z97M OC Formula

Technical Score

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 components:

19.0%

4.1

Memory

16.0%

7.2

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.7

Storage

15.0%

3.2

Network

13.0%

3.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.3

Expansion

8.0%

4.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.7

Audio

4.8
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a technical score of 4.76 points, which is lower than that of 83.4% 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%

8.5

User reviews

30.0%

6.0

Popularity

7.7
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a user score of 7.74 points, which is lower than that of 72.7% 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.
6.0
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a popularity of 6 points, which is lower than 52.6% 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%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.5
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 79.3% 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: LOW

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 Z97M OC Formula uses the LGA 1,150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform
What it is: The processor platform supported by the motherboard, indicating compatibility with Intel or AMD processors.
When it matters: When choosing a motherboard to match your chosen processor brand (Intel or AMD).

Importance: LOW

Good value: Intel

Intel
ASRock Z97M OC Formula 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
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 Z97M OC Formula uses the Intel Z97 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 77.9% 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: LOW

microATX
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
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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
ASRock Z97M OC Formula uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=4

4
ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% 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: LOW

2
ASRock Z97M OC Formula supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% 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: LOW

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

3300 MT/s
ASRock Z97M OC Formula supports memory speeds up to 3,300 MT/s, which is lower than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.5% of motherboards.
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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 Z97M OC Formula has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.3% 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: MEDIUM

1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA
ASRock Z97M OC Formula offers 1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 85.7% 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: LOW

Good value: >=6

6
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% 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: LOW

0/1/5/10
ASRock Z97M OC Formula supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
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: MEDIUM

no
ASRock Z97M OC Formula does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
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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: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 0 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and 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: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 0 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% 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: LOW

2
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 2 PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% 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: LOW

x16/x0, x8/x8
ASRock Z97M OC Formula uses x16/x0, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 76.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
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: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
ASRock Z97M OC Formula supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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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: HIGH

Good value: >=8

8
ASRock Z97M OC Formula 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)
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 Z97M OC Formula 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)
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 Z97M 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: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
ASRock Z97M OC Formula 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)
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: LOW

Good value: >=1

0
ASRock Z97M OC Formula 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
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 Z97M OC Formula supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% 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 Z97M OC Formula uses the Killer E2,200 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 97.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% 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: MEDIUM

1
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and 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: LOW

Good value: yes

no
ASRock Z97M OC Formula does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% 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: HIGH

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 Z97M OC Formula uses the Realtek ALC1,150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.2% 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 Z97M 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: LOW

Good value: >=120 dB

115 dB
ASRock Z97M OC Formula 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
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

Good value: yes

yes
ASRock Z97M OC Formula supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
TI NE5532 amplifier.
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 Z97M OC Formula has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% 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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=12

8
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 69.9% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% 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: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
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: LOW

Good value: >=6

5
ASRock Z97M OC Formula has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% 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: LOW

Good value: yes

no
ASRock Z97M OC Formula does not have a pump header. 78.1% 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 Z97M OC Formula 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.
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ASRock Z97M OC Formula vs the average motherboard

  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z97M 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

    Good value: yes

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% 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

    Good value: yes

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • better audio codec
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,150 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 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

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,150 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • more BIOS update options
    ASRock Z97M 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.
    What it is: The available ways to update the motherboard BIOS.
    When it matters: When you want easier BIOS maintenance and recovery.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97M 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.UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASRock Z97M 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.
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97M 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.1 vs 0
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: The number of DVI video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use older compatible monitors.

    Importance: LOW

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 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: LOW

    Good value: >=6

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.6 vs 4
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O includes an analog VGA display output.
    When it matters: When you need compatibility with older displays or projectors.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • more BIOS update options
    ASRock Z97M 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 reset button
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASRock Z97M 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.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
  • Includes VGA connector
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    ASRock Z97M 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.
  • better audio codec
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,150 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
  • 61 mm shorter
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • more basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • older CPU socket
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • narrower Windows support
    ASRock Z97M 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.
  • less versatile form factor
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • 7 older release date
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula is older than the average motherboard (2014 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    May 2014
  • fewer useful accessories
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit, GPU bridge 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.
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 30.3% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,733 MT/s.
  • 33.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 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 Z97M OC Formula has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASRock Z97M 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 connectivity
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula 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
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,200 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M OC Formula does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 78.1% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • fewer VRM phases
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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.
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
  • more basic motherboard chipset
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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
  • slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 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: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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 Z97M 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: MEDIUM

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • older DDR memory generation
    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    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

    ASRock Z97M OC Formula has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASRock Z97M 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 Z97M 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
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASRock Z97M 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.
    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

    ASRock Z97M 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.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of ASRock Z97M OC Formula and other products in the Motherboards category

Attribute category
Attribute

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.

Pros

  • Many memory slots (4)
  • Many rear USB ports (8)
  • Built-in POST code display
  • Quality audio codec (Realtek ALC1,150)
  • Broad RAID support (0)
  • Flexible BIOS update options (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS, internet flash)
  • PCIe bifurcation support
  • Many USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (4)
  • High audio SNR (115 dB)
  • Integrated graphics support

Cons

  • Low maximum memory capacity (32 GB)
  • Old DDR memory generation (DDR3)
  • Few M.2 sockets (1)
  • Limited M.2 slot interfaces (1)
  • Low LAN speed (1 Gbps)
  • Few USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (0)
  • Basic LAN controller (Killer E2,200)
  • Old CPU socket (LGA 1,150)
  • Entry-level motherboard chipset (Intel Z97)
  • Few rear USB-C ports (0)

Third-party reviews

4.2
24 Reviews
4.1
24 Reviews
4.3
23 Reviews
4.3
22 Reviews

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