CPU/Mobo Ongoing Review : Asus Maximus V Extreme
- Thread starter mav2000
- Start date
- Status
mav2000
Herald
So lets start with the unboxing:
The front has the usual red and black colors of the ROG collection and this box proudly screams it out. At the bottom you have the usual list of supported technologies, including Lucid and Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt was missing from the Gene, so I am happy to see it here. Other than that, the borad supports both Nvidia and AMD quadcard setups.
The rear of the box goes into some amount of detail regarding the aditional benefits of the board and gives us the specifications. There are a few new add ons on this board and they have been listed out, along with photos. Now keep in mind that this board is made for LN2 clocking, so there are some extra features aimed towards this. We will look at these features in detail once we get to it.
Like all ROG Boards, this one comes with a flap on the top of the box. The underside of the flap has some further features and also lifting the flap gives you that first look at a very powerful board and probably the best that Asus has to offer in the retail market today.
Like I said, I wont get into individual features right now, but trust me when I say I will spend some considerable time on them in the near future. The flap also mentions the VGA hotwire and Msata features as well as some of the stuff you can do with the OCKey.
Moving on, lets first take a quick look at the supplied accessories:
The accessories, along with the manual come neatly packed in a seperate box of its own. Taking them out, we have the list of usual accessories:
So you have your manual, SATA stickers, SATA cables, The Q connectors, External Esata and USB ports, 3-4 CF/SLI connectors and the rear I/O ports shield. The good thing about these Asus Shields is that the have a bit of foam on the inside and that makes it much easier to use. Most other motherboards come with plain metal shields, which tend to leave a few nicks and cuts during the installation process.
Now to some additonal accessories and the stuff which is really exclusive to this boardd.
To start with, we have this huge OC key along with the cable that connects it to the board. The OC key is plugged into your GPU outut and the monitor connects at the other end. You have the ROG white USB cable, for overclocking from another system as well as the MPCIE combo. Asus has been generous enough to actually give you the wifi odule with the Extreme. The Wifi module comes with 2 antennas as well. The small little packet at the top has the probe connectors, which again we will have a look at later in the review.
So thats it for now, keep the comments coming and please share the thread.
Cheers.
The front has the usual red and black colors of the ROG collection and this box proudly screams it out. At the bottom you have the usual list of supported technologies, including Lucid and Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt was missing from the Gene, so I am happy to see it here. Other than that, the borad supports both Nvidia and AMD quadcard setups.
The rear of the box goes into some amount of detail regarding the aditional benefits of the board and gives us the specifications. There are a few new add ons on this board and they have been listed out, along with photos. Now keep in mind that this board is made for LN2 clocking, so there are some extra features aimed towards this. We will look at these features in detail once we get to it.
Like all ROG Boards, this one comes with a flap on the top of the box. The underside of the flap has some further features and also lifting the flap gives you that first look at a very powerful board and probably the best that Asus has to offer in the retail market today.
Like I said, I wont get into individual features right now, but trust me when I say I will spend some considerable time on them in the near future. The flap also mentions the VGA hotwire and Msata features as well as some of the stuff you can do with the OCKey.
Moving on, lets first take a quick look at the supplied accessories:
The accessories, along with the manual come neatly packed in a seperate box of its own. Taking them out, we have the list of usual accessories:
So you have your manual, SATA stickers, SATA cables, The Q connectors, External Esata and USB ports, 3-4 CF/SLI connectors and the rear I/O ports shield. The good thing about these Asus Shields is that the have a bit of foam on the inside and that makes it much easier to use. Most other motherboards come with plain metal shields, which tend to leave a few nicks and cuts during the installation process.
Now to some additonal accessories and the stuff which is really exclusive to this boardd.
To start with, we have this huge OC key along with the cable that connects it to the board. The OC key is plugged into your GPU outut and the monitor connects at the other end. You have the ROG white USB cable, for overclocking from another system as well as the MPCIE combo. Asus has been generous enough to actually give you the wifi odule with the Extreme. The Wifi module comes with 2 antennas as well. The small little packet at the top has the probe connectors, which again we will have a look at later in the review.
So thats it for now, keep the comments coming and please share the thread.
Cheers.
mav2000
Herald
Quick Look at the specs first:
CPUIntel® Socket 1155 for 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
Supports Intel® 22 nm CPU
Supports Intel® 32 nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 ChipsetIntel® Z77Memory4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)ThunderboltVGA output support
Data transfer rate up to 10 Gbps
Daisy-chain up to 6 Thunderbolt devicesGraphicIntegrated Graphics Processor
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort/Thunderbolt ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
- Supports Thunderbolt with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
Supports Intel® HD Graphics, InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider™Multi-GPU SupportSupports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD CrossFireXâ„¢ Technology
Supports LucidLogix® Virtu™ MVP Technology *1Expansion Slots5 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8 or x8/x16/x8 or x8/x16/x8/x8) *2
1 x PCIe 2.0 x4
1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 *3StorageIntel® Z77 chipset : *4
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red
3 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), black
1 x mini-SATA 3Gb/s port(s) , black
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology *5
ASMedia® PCIe SATA controller : *6
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), redLANIntel®, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)Wireless Data NetworkWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHzBluetoothBluetooth V4.0
Bluetooth V3.0+HSAudioRealtek® ALC898 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Optical S/PDIF in port(s) at back panelUSB PortsIntel® Z77 chipset :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® Z77 chipset :
8 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black+white, 4 at mid-board)
ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)Overclocking FeaturesmPCIe Comboâ„¢ (mPCIe/mSATA combo card)
ROG OC Key
- OSD TweakIt
- OSD Monitor
ROG Connect :
- RC Diagram
- RC Remote
- RC Poster
- GPU TweakIt
Extreme Engine Digi+ II :
- 8 -phase CPU power design + 4 -phase iGPU power design
- 2 -phase Memory power design
ROG Extreme OC kit :
- Subzero Sense
- VGA Hotwire
- Slow Mode
- LN2 Mode
- PCIe x16 Lane Switch
- EZ Plug
ProbeIt
UEFI BIOS features :
- ROG BIOS Print
- GPU.DIMM Post
iROG
Extreme Tweaker
Loadline Calibration
USB BIOS Flashback
Overclocking Protection :
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)Special FeaturesASUS TurboV EVO :
- TurboV
ASUS EPU :
- EPU
ASUS Wi-Fi GO!
- Wi-Fi GO! Function: DLNA Media Hub, Smart Motion Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & Send
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- AI Suite II
- Ai Charger+
- USB Charger+
- USB 3.0 Boost
- Disk Unlocker
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :
- ASUS Fan Xpert 2
ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Code
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-ConnectorBack I/O Ports1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x Thunderbolt port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
4 x USB 3.0
4 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to ROG Connect)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
1 x Optical S/PDIF in
5 x Audio jack(s)
1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
1 x ROG Connect On/ Off switch(es)Internal I/O2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
3 x SATA 3Gb/s connector(s)
2 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
3 x Optional Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x 6-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector(s)
1 x 4-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector(s)
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s)
1 x OC Key header(s)
2 x Subzero Sense connector(s)
2 x VGA Hotwire(s)
1 x Slow Mode switch(es)
15 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
7 x ProbeIt cable connector(s)
3 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Power-on button(s)
1 x Reset button(s)
1 x ROG Connect switch(es)
1 x LN2 Mode switch(es)
1 x Go Button(s)
1 x BIOS Switch button(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo header(s)AccessoriesUser's manual
I/O Shield
2 x SATA 3Gb/s cable(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x 3-Way SLI bridge(s)
1 x 4-Way SLI bridge(s)
1 x SLI bridge(s)
1 x CrossFire cable(s)
1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and eSATA module(s)
1 x ROG Connect cable(s)
1 x ProbeIt cable set(s)
1 x 12 in 1 ROG Cable Label(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo card(s) with dual band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n module + Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS module
1 x 2-in-1 RF Cable(s)
2 x Wi-Fi Ring Moving Antenna(s)
1 x OC Key(s)
1 x OC Key cable(s)BIOS64Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOSManageabilityWfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, PXESupport DiscDrivers
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
ROG CPU-Z
Mem TweakIt
ASUS AI Suite II
ASUS WebStorage
ASUS UtilitiesForm FactorExtended ATX Form Factor
12.0 inch x 10.7 inch ( 30.5 cm x 27.2 cm )Note*1: LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems.
*2-1: PCIe3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd genernation Core™ Processors.
*2-2: Native x8/x8 mode is available when only PCIE_X16X/X8_1 and PCIE_X8_2B slots are in used.
*3-1: The mini-PCIe slot is on mPCIe Comboâ„¢ expansion card.
*3-2: The mini-PCIe slot is pre-installed with an Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module.
*4-1: 1 SATA 3Gb/s port at mid-board is reserved for eSATA.
*4-2: A 2-port USB 2.0 and eSATA module is bundled for 1 x eSATA port at rear.
*4-3: The mini-SATA slot is on mPCIe Comboâ„¢ expansion card.
*5: Supports on Intel® Core™ processor family with Windows® 7 operating systems.
*6: These SATA ports are for data drives only.
Long list for a big bad ass board. Getting back to the board now. Like all of you already know, this is the top of the line ROG board and it runs with the Red and Black ROG colors:
The board is one awesome monster. It comes in as an EATX form factor and the number of features on the board seem to justify the size of the board.
The board has a total of 5 PCIE 3.0 x 16 lanes as well as a single PCIE 2.0 x4 and a Mini PCIE slot to boot. The main VRM areas as well as the SB are covered by good quality aluminium heatsinks and this time Asus has done a good job with the contact between the VRM area and the base of the heatsinks. Unlike the Formula version, the Extreme does not come with built in water cooling support. I know that this is a board meant for LN2 clocking, but adding that one small feature here would not have hurt much. The heatsinks themselves are broken up into 2 pairs, with nickle plated copper heatpipes connecting each pair.
Moving on to the rear f the board, we can see the use of proper metal screws with plastic washers for the heatsinks. There is also an additional aluminium plate to disperse heat from the VRM's at the rear of the board. Overall a good and clean finish. Now lets take a quick look at individual parts of the board and what each of these parts work towars on the bigger scheme of things.
Lets start with the rear I/O port area. The Maximus Extreme comes with:
Of special interest in this list is the Thunderbolt port, the ROG connect Port as well as the ROG on/off switch and the Clear CMOS button. I have always found this setup of the Clear CMOS to be the most useful, specially when overclocking. The Rear area also holds the MPCIE combo area, which supports Wifi (supplied) and an MSATA SSD (not supplied and not easliy available in India.
Looking over the area around the MPCIE slot, we can find a 8+4 Pin EPS on the left side, and 2 fan channels, 1 audio plug, 1 OC Key plug and an 8 Pin PCIE connector, to provide extra power when you want to use more than 2 cards on the board and overclock the hell out of them.
Moving on, this photo gives you a good idea of the bottom part of the same area.
Here you get a small look at the Realtek chip, which is in charge of the sound options on this board. It is not as flashy as the ones on the lower end ROG boards, but then again, this board is for overclocking on LN2, so such things can be done away with.
he bottom of the board, as per the norm has the whole list of internal headers.
This includes your USB 2 .0 and 3.0, as well as a couple of 4 pin fan channels, sound, Esata and front panel connectors. It also has the simple little Bios switch, which helps you cnage over to a back up bios in case of a bios crash. This feature along with a bios flash back should be extremly useful during long sessions of hardcore benching. Just below the large heatsink, you can see a chip with the ROG logo on it. This chip is in charge of the majority of the ROG reporting features, a lot of which can be seen once you install the Asus AI software.
There is also the temperature sensor as well as the ASmedia chip, which controls your USB and Sata implementation, over and above what the Intel chipset will do.
CPUIntel® Socket 1155 for 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
Supports Intel® 22 nm CPU
Supports Intel® 32 nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 ChipsetIntel® Z77Memory4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)ThunderboltVGA output support
Data transfer rate up to 10 Gbps
Daisy-chain up to 6 Thunderbolt devicesGraphicIntegrated Graphics Processor
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort/Thunderbolt ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
- Supports Thunderbolt with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
Supports Intel® HD Graphics, InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider™Multi-GPU SupportSupports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD CrossFireXâ„¢ Technology
Supports LucidLogix® Virtu™ MVP Technology *1Expansion Slots5 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8 or x8/x16/x8 or x8/x16/x8/x8) *2
1 x PCIe 2.0 x4
1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 *3StorageIntel® Z77 chipset : *4
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red
3 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), black
1 x mini-SATA 3Gb/s port(s) , black
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology *5
ASMedia® PCIe SATA controller : *6
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), redLANIntel®, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)Wireless Data NetworkWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHzBluetoothBluetooth V4.0
Bluetooth V3.0+HSAudioRealtek® ALC898 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Optical S/PDIF in port(s) at back panelUSB PortsIntel® Z77 chipset :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® Z77 chipset :
8 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black+white, 4 at mid-board)
ASMedia® USB 3.0 controller :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)Overclocking FeaturesmPCIe Comboâ„¢ (mPCIe/mSATA combo card)
ROG OC Key
- OSD TweakIt
- OSD Monitor
ROG Connect :
- RC Diagram
- RC Remote
- RC Poster
- GPU TweakIt
Extreme Engine Digi+ II :
- 8 -phase CPU power design + 4 -phase iGPU power design
- 2 -phase Memory power design
ROG Extreme OC kit :
- Subzero Sense
- VGA Hotwire
- Slow Mode
- LN2 Mode
- PCIe x16 Lane Switch
- EZ Plug
ProbeIt
UEFI BIOS features :
- ROG BIOS Print
- GPU.DIMM Post
iROG
Extreme Tweaker
Loadline Calibration
USB BIOS Flashback
Overclocking Protection :
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)Special FeaturesASUS TurboV EVO :
- TurboV
ASUS EPU :
- EPU
ASUS Wi-Fi GO!
- Wi-Fi GO! Function: DLNA Media Hub, Smart Motion Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & Send
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- AI Suite II
- Ai Charger+
- USB Charger+
- USB 3.0 Boost
- Disk Unlocker
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :
- ASUS Fan Xpert 2
ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Code
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-ConnectorBack I/O Ports1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x Thunderbolt port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
4 x USB 3.0
4 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to ROG Connect)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
1 x Optical S/PDIF in
5 x Audio jack(s)
1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
1 x ROG Connect On/ Off switch(es)Internal I/O2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
3 x SATA 3Gb/s connector(s)
2 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
3 x Optional Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x 6-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector(s)
1 x 4-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector(s)
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s)
1 x OC Key header(s)
2 x Subzero Sense connector(s)
2 x VGA Hotwire(s)
1 x Slow Mode switch(es)
15 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
7 x ProbeIt cable connector(s)
3 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Power-on button(s)
1 x Reset button(s)
1 x ROG Connect switch(es)
1 x LN2 Mode switch(es)
1 x Go Button(s)
1 x BIOS Switch button(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo header(s)AccessoriesUser's manual
I/O Shield
2 x SATA 3Gb/s cable(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x 3-Way SLI bridge(s)
1 x 4-Way SLI bridge(s)
1 x SLI bridge(s)
1 x CrossFire cable(s)
1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and eSATA module(s)
1 x ROG Connect cable(s)
1 x ProbeIt cable set(s)
1 x 12 in 1 ROG Cable Label(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo card(s) with dual band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n module + Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS module
1 x 2-in-1 RF Cable(s)
2 x Wi-Fi Ring Moving Antenna(s)
1 x OC Key(s)
1 x OC Key cable(s)BIOS64Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOSManageabilityWfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, PXESupport DiscDrivers
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
ROG CPU-Z
Mem TweakIt
ASUS AI Suite II
ASUS WebStorage
ASUS UtilitiesForm FactorExtended ATX Form Factor
12.0 inch x 10.7 inch ( 30.5 cm x 27.2 cm )Note*1: LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems.
*2-1: PCIe3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd genernation Core™ Processors.
*2-2: Native x8/x8 mode is available when only PCIE_X16X/X8_1 and PCIE_X8_2B slots are in used.
*3-1: The mini-PCIe slot is on mPCIe Comboâ„¢ expansion card.
*3-2: The mini-PCIe slot is pre-installed with an Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module.
*4-1: 1 SATA 3Gb/s port at mid-board is reserved for eSATA.
*4-2: A 2-port USB 2.0 and eSATA module is bundled for 1 x eSATA port at rear.
*4-3: The mini-SATA slot is on mPCIe Comboâ„¢ expansion card.
*5: Supports on Intel® Core™ processor family with Windows® 7 operating systems.
*6: These SATA ports are for data drives only.
Long list for a big bad ass board. Getting back to the board now. Like all of you already know, this is the top of the line ROG board and it runs with the Red and Black ROG colors:
The board is one awesome monster. It comes in as an EATX form factor and the number of features on the board seem to justify the size of the board.
The board has a total of 5 PCIE 3.0 x 16 lanes as well as a single PCIE 2.0 x4 and a Mini PCIE slot to boot. The main VRM areas as well as the SB are covered by good quality aluminium heatsinks and this time Asus has done a good job with the contact between the VRM area and the base of the heatsinks. Unlike the Formula version, the Extreme does not come with built in water cooling support. I know that this is a board meant for LN2 clocking, but adding that one small feature here would not have hurt much. The heatsinks themselves are broken up into 2 pairs, with nickle plated copper heatpipes connecting each pair.
Moving on to the rear f the board, we can see the use of proper metal screws with plastic washers for the heatsinks. There is also an additional aluminium plate to disperse heat from the VRM's at the rear of the board. Overall a good and clean finish. Now lets take a quick look at individual parts of the board and what each of these parts work towars on the bigger scheme of things.
Lets start with the rear I/O port area. The Maximus Extreme comes with:
Of special interest in this list is the Thunderbolt port, the ROG connect Port as well as the ROG on/off switch and the Clear CMOS button. I have always found this setup of the Clear CMOS to be the most useful, specially when overclocking. The Rear area also holds the MPCIE combo area, which supports Wifi (supplied) and an MSATA SSD (not supplied and not easliy available in India.
Looking over the area around the MPCIE slot, we can find a 8+4 Pin EPS on the left side, and 2 fan channels, 1 audio plug, 1 OC Key plug and an 8 Pin PCIE connector, to provide extra power when you want to use more than 2 cards on the board and overclock the hell out of them.
Moving on, this photo gives you a good idea of the bottom part of the same area.
Here you get a small look at the Realtek chip, which is in charge of the sound options on this board. It is not as flashy as the ones on the lower end ROG boards, but then again, this board is for overclocking on LN2, so such things can be done away with.
he bottom of the board, as per the norm has the whole list of internal headers.
This includes your USB 2 .0 and 3.0, as well as a couple of 4 pin fan channels, sound, Esata and front panel connectors. It also has the simple little Bios switch, which helps you cnage over to a back up bios in case of a bios crash. This feature along with a bios flash back should be extremly useful during long sessions of hardcore benching. Just below the large heatsink, you can see a chip with the ROG logo on it. This chip is in charge of the majority of the ROG reporting features, a lot of which can be seen once you install the Asus AI software.
There is also the temperature sensor as well as the ASmedia chip, which controls your USB and Sata implementation, over and above what the Intel chipset will do.
- Status