970 Extreme4 B2 code
Printed From: ASRock.com
Category: Technical Support
Forum Name: AMD Motherboards
Forum Description: Question about ASRock AMD motherboards
URL: https://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=113552
Printed Date: 21 Jul 2026 at 5:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 970 Extreme4 B2 code
Posted By: usdc826
Subject: 970 Extreme4 B2 code
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2026 at 12:54pm
| "ASRock 970 Extreme4" motherboard problem: B2 code. |
Replies:
Posted By: Xaltar
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2026 at 2:27pm
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The B2 code indicates an Option ROM (OPROM) initialization error. Most commonly this is GPU related (the GPU's BIOS is failing to communicate properly with the BIOS on the motherboard). Swapping display cables/ports can sometimes resolve the issue. Also clearing CMOS can help. If the problem is persistent and has occurred since adding new hardware then that hardware is likely not compatible with the board. Here are some components that use OPROMs: GPUs Network adapters Storage adapter cards (not SSDs) Capture devices Sound cards etc Basically any device that connects to the motherboard that needs to tell the system how it is used. In essence an OPROM is a component specific BIOS that the main system BIOS needs to load in order to properly use the device. It's typically referred to as firmware although a system BIOS is also technically firmware. ------------- 
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Posted By: usdc826
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2026 at 2:37pm
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As a result of failure "ASRock 970 Extreme3 + Phenom II X6" was replaced by "ASRock 970 Extreme4 + FX 4350". Memory: 4x8GB Discs: 1x "SAMSUNG 860 EVO MZ-76E1T0BW" (1TB) , 2x "SEAGATE ST6000NM0115-1YZ110" (6TB) Video: "NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030" After connecting disk "SEAGATE ST16000NM001G" (16TB) a problem appeared: Bios 2.20A - "Windows 7" loads normally, freezes at random times Bios 2.21 - "Windows 7" loads normally, freezes at random times Bios 2.30 - "Windows 7" loads normally, freezes at random times Bios 2.40 - loading stops with message "B2", after disconnecting the disk ST16000NM001G, loading continues Bios 2.50 - loading stops with message "B2", after disconnecting the disk ST16000NM001G, loading continues Bios 2.60 - loading stops with message "B2", after disconnecting the disk ST16000NM001G, loading continues Bios 2.80 - loading stops with message "B2", after disconnecting the disk ST16000NM001G, loading continues |
Posted By: Xaltar
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2026 at 3:20pm
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Storage compatibility issue then. I would open a support ticket with ASRock and ask if they can help you: https://tw.asrock.com/events/tsd.asp?kind=MB Unfortunately your board is long past it's support window (End Of Life or EOL) so they may not be able to help you. Another option would be to connect the drive via an add in SATA controller. You will want to pick up an add in card that is new enough to support the high capacity enterprise drive. Basically your storage firmware (built into the motherboard) doesn't know what to do with the ST16000NM001G. With a newer add in SATA card this shouldn't be an issue as it will contain it's own controller and OPROM/firmware. Good luck  -------------
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Posted By: usdc826
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2026 at 11:50am
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Connecting via an external controller does not change the situation. You need to look for a controller without its own BIOS, so that the disk is detected only after loading the operating system. |
Posted By: Xaltar
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2026 at 2:50pm
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Another option would be to use an external enclosure with a USB 3.0 or newer add in card. That might also get around your firmware issues. Given we are talking about a mechanical drive you shouldn't lose out on much in the way of performance. Issues like this are all too common on old systems. It can be fun figuring out workarounds and solutions. A SATA RAID controller with it's own configuration firmware might also do what you need and can be picked up relatively cheaply these days. These tend to load their firmware after POST completes rather than early or mid POST. They tend to be more compatible and bulletproof given their enterprise market focus. Good luck -------------
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