ASRock X99 OC Formula Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. ASRock X99 OC Formula: Packaging and Bundle3. ASRock X99 OC Formula: Board Layout and Features4. ASRock X99 UEFI5. ASRock X99 Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: System-related8. Tests: Processor-related9. Tests: Gaming-related10. Tests: Motherboard-related11. Overclocking: Frequencies12. Overclocking: Performance13. Technical: Power Consumption14. Closing Thoughts15. View All Pages

We measured the power consumption with the system resting at the Windows 7 desktop, representing idle values.

The power consumption of our entire test system (at the wall) is measured while loading only the CPU using Prime95′s in-place large FFTs setting. The rest of the system’s components were operating in their idle states, hence the increased power consumption values (in comparison to the idle figures) are largely related to the load on the CPU and motherboard power delivery components.

Power efficiency is a clear strength for ASRock's X99 OC Formula. When idling, the VRM system is able to rapidly drop the CPU voltage level to minimise power consumption.

It's at overclocked load where the seemingly efficient twelve phase CPU power delivery system shows its performance – the power draw for ASRock's part is 17W lower than that of its nearest competitor. And that's with a true 1.3V being fed to the CPU, as checked by a multimeter.

While power consumption is unlikely to be a concern for enthusiast overclockers, it does help minimise the CPU and VRM's heat output. It also implies that more of the voltage is actually going towards powering the CPU, rather than being wasted as heat.

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