This is the least-expensive of today’s competing boards. The only frills included with ASRock’s Z68 Pro3 are two USB 3.0 ports connected to a single controller. VGA is still supported for buyers who can’t afford a modern monitor, yet ASRock still manages to slip a license for Lucid’s Virtu software into this $120 package.
While most performance-oriented users will only be interested in the Quick Sync capability of Intel’s on-board graphics controller, anyone using discrete graphics and looking to add a third display should find the choice of integrated DVI and HDMI outputs satisfactory. We only question why the space above the HDMI port was left empty when only eight of the chipset’s 14 USB 2.0 ports have corresponding connectors.
A single-port network controller, dual-port USB 3.0 controller, and two-slot PCI controller consume only three of the Z68 Express’ eight single-lane PCIe links. Three more pathways are presented as PCIe x1 slots, with simplicity preventing any of the lane-sharing issues often found on more elaborate products.
Simplicity also left ASRock with less potential for layout mistakes. Our only complaint is that the rear-corner front-panel audio cable is a difficult location that results in messy (and occasionally noisy) cable routing, though the mid-placed front-panel USB 2.0 ports are only slightly better.

While we’d normally rage about any full-sized motherboard including only two SATA cables, the Z68 Pro3’s price is low enough to offset those concerns.
- Almost Affordable
- ASRock Z68 Pro3
- Z68 Pro3 Firmware
- Biostar TZ68A+
- TZ68A+ Firmware
- Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3
- Z68XP-UD3 Firmware
- Intel DZ68DB
- DZ68DB Firmware
- MSI Z68A-GD55
- Z68A-GD55 Firmware
- Test Settings
- Benchmark Results: Crysis And F1 2010
- Benchmark Results: Just Cause 2 And Metro 2033
- Benchmark Results: Audio And Video Encoding
- Benchmark Results: Productivity
- Overclocking
- Power, Heat, And Efficiency
- Value Conclusion


Do you stare into your case whilst computing, or do you look at the monitor?
Now I just wish Intel would do the same -- can't they just rip off Asus's UEFI implementation?
Do you stare into your case whilst computing, or do you look at the monitor?
I look into my case daily when I use the computer. There's a reason why there is a window, and hours of hard work for your perfect wiring job deserves much credit and to be stared at. Not to mention coloring schemes that matches your case/mobo pcb color/fan led colors/etc.
Some cheap monitors still use VGA, but these boards are not for the budget market! For VGA compatibility (for external capture devices and such) they could just use DVI-I and let the oddball user who needs VGA for that oddball purpose supply his own adapter.
Actually I like the PS/2 port for my keyboard. I have an old 1983 PS/2 IBM 101 keyboard that I still use. Still the most rock solid keyboard that is comfortable to use and its built like a tank. Best part of the keyboard, no "Windows" keys.
Ok, I guess leaving the Keyboard PS2 port might be ok. I figured everyone moved to USB by now. I think I still have an old PS2 KB laying around. I do remember the feel of the full stroke keys and mechanical contacts. mmmm maybe I should dig it out on day.
Actually "most" people (as you put it) sync using a USB cable, because then they can CHARGE the phone at the same time. You can't charge your phone using BlueT. So why charge using a USB cable plugged into a wall outlet converter plug (I haven't seen a phone that doesn't come with this in the past 2+ years), and then have to go the BlueT thing, when you can just plug that USB cable right INTO your computer and Charge and Sync at the same time.
Since you actually need to power your computer ON for it to Sync in the first place.....................................