ASUS Maximus Extreme R.O.G Intel X38/ICH9R Mainboard Review Intro 1
Bluetooth 24 Oct 2007

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Introduction

In the Maxiimum Extreme R.O.G board, ASUS introduces the CrossLinx technology, basically a IDT PCIe switch, which allows the North Bridge's PCIe x16 to be equally split into a Dual PCIe x8. This improves CrossFire graphics performance as the bottleneck of a 4x+16x is removed.

On top of that, it utilizes the Fusion Block System - an effective 0dB fanless design cooling system with a chipset waterblock that adds onto a power user´s existing watercooling circuit to help keep operations cool. The package also includes various sizes of tubings to ensure the best compatibility with water cooling systems available in the market.

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processors in LGA775 package. It also can support Intel® next generation 45nm Multi-Core CPU. With new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB, Intel® Core™2 processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world.

In terms of connectivity, the south bridge incorporate six Serial ATA connectors with high performance RAID functions in RAID 0, 1, 5, 0+1, and JBOD. The Silicon Image 3132 controller provides another two external Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD functions. There is also  a Dual Gigabit LAN allows a PC to serve as a network gateway for managing traffic between two separate networks. This capability ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or latency. There is a IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices. The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing a multi-channel network games. All of these are done on one computer.

The board is based on the Intel X38/ICH9R and supports DDR3 1333 for better performance.The board also uses a 2-Phase DDR3. With the embedded 2-Phase DDR3, this motherboard allows users to reach higher memory frequencies and enjoy better performance. Compared with only one phase solutions, this motherboard ensures longer power component lifespans and higher overclockability due to cooler temperatures and better efficiency.

If you remember the previous board we reviewed, there is this volt led which shows if you are over voltaged, ASUS introduces Frequency LED. Now you can show the world that  you´ve overclocked your system to the max as it will show by lighting up the LEDs when you go beyond certain frequencies.

The board also bundles in SupremeFX II which delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to the gamers of ROG. The SupremeFX II features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX II also provides gamers a special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer and more audible.

The bundle also comes with Ful version of the game STALKER, 3Dmark06 and Kaspersky® Anti-Virus.

Other interesting features of this board includes :

COP EX
OC in confidence
The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.


Voltiminder LED
Friendly reminder on the intentional madness
In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky. Acting as the "red zone" of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage status for CPU, NB, SB, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers.


Loadline Calibration
Stable and optimal power for sustainable CPU overclock
Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The Loadline Calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard´s ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores.


CPU Level Up
Earn money with ROG motherboard. Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG´s CPU Level Up! Simply pick the processor you wanted to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest to have you enjoy that performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy as this.
 

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