ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Extreme Motherboard Announced At $499
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Maximus VIII Extreme
Flagship E-ATX motherboard packed with best overclocking tools, gaming innovations and latest connectivity
Fremont, California (October 15th, 2015) ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Maximus VIII Extreme, a new flagship Z170 gaming motherboard loaded with exclusive overclocking and gaming features.
Based on the new Inte Z170 Express chipset and LGA 1151 socket for the latest 6th-generation Intel processors, the Maximus VIII Extreme is the culmination of months of exhaustive R&D thousands of hours spent examining all aspects of Skylake and enhancing exclusive ROG features to get the best from the platform.
Performance oriented engineeringOverclocking headroom starts at the hardware layer the Maximus VIII Extreme is engineered from the ground up to provide exceptional performance in every area. Starting with voltage regulation, processor power is provided by the Extreme Engine DIGI+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) which provides clean, stable power that reacts quickly to transients, ensuring there are no bottlenecks for high current power delivery when its needed.Memory overclocking and stability is taken care of by ASUS second-generation T-Topology trace layout. Painstaking work has gone into isolating and matching electrical characteristics of signal lines, allowing users to take DDR4 memory overclocking on the Maximus VIII Extreme to new heights – over DDR4-3866MHz is possible with all memory slots populated. This headroom is perfectly aligned with a desktop 4 DIMM platform providing flexibility for users to upgrade to high density memory kits without sacrificing performance.ASUS Pro Clock technology is a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 6th-generation Intel processors that allows overclocked base-clock frequencies in excess of 400MHz. This custom solution works in tandem with ROGs TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) allowing full control of CPU clock speeds and frequency of processor subsystems allowing performance enthusiasts to tune their systems for maximum performance.Every aspect of overclocking coveredWhile hardware engineering is the foundation for overclocking headroom, the user interface to access that hardware is all important. For newcomers to overclocking, the bundled Ai Suite software includes an automated overclocking and system tuning utility called 5-Way Optimization. This technology dynamically optimizes essential system aspects based on real-time use overclocking of the processor, energy savings, and fans speeds are all tuned automatically, providing a result tailored for the system rather than a static profile like other manufacturer motherboards.
For on-the-fly performance tweaking and monitoring, the Maximus VIII Extreme is bundled with OC Panel II, which features a bright 2.6-inch display. Used in Normal mode, OC Panel II slots into a 5.25-inch drive bay to provide real-time monitoring of multiple vital parameters, including CPU temperature, ratios, base clock and fan speeds. The OC button provides instant control over overclocking, while CPU fan speeds can be adjusted to Turbo, Standard and Silent modes.
Extreme mode makes advanced overclocking easy, with OC Panel II serving as an external overclocking console to provide quick access to multiple ROG features including Subzero Sense, VGA Hotwire, Slow Mode and the Pause switch. It also offers direct access to two PWM and two full-speed fan headers, as well as remote power and reset buttons. Extreme mode also offers easy access to the all-new Safe Boot and ReTry buttons for instant configuration testing and diagnosis.
Last but certainly not least is the renowned ASUS UEFI. Manual tuning of all overclocking parameters is presented in an intuitive format, allowing novices and advanced users to tweak system settings easily.
Gaming audio redefined
Our expertise in trace layout provides tangible benefits to all aspects of the Maximus VIII Extreme even onboard audio. Starting with components, SupremeFX 2015 features an ESS ES9023P digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with Hyperstream technology, ultra-low-jitter clock, Nichicon capacitors, 2VRMS headphone amp, and Sonic SenseAmp that automatically detects and optimizes any headset (32-600ohms) for optimal volume range. Placing these components on the motherboard is just a small portion of the story, getting the most from them requires judicious amounts of R&D. SupremeFX2015 trace and component layout is tuned to ensure a consistent high-fidelity audio experience in all usage environments.
One the software side of the equation, SupremeFX 2015 also features Sonic Studio II to apply different audio effects, plus Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology for all communications to give team conversations clarity. This audio-tuning suite includes a one-click virtual-surround function that emulates 7.1 channels through stereo (2.0-channel) headsets. It offers five more audio controls, including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equalizer, Voice Clarity and Smart EQ so users can tune sound to suit requirements.
Sonic Studio II incorporates Casting Enhancer to improve both streaming and recording audio quality, reducing noise artifacts, and stabilization of voice volume. It also enhances subtle details and boosts bass effects of in-game sounds and music to deliver an audio experience with real feeling.
Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard and GameFirst the total network solution
When it comes to wired network connectivity, nothing beats Intels Ethernet controllers for performance, reliability, and driver support. The Maximus VIII Extreme latest utilizes Intel Gigabit (I219-V) Ethernet, which reduces CPU overhead and offers exceptional TCP and UDP throughput, freeing up more computing power for gameplay.
At ROG we believe in eliminating all sources of unreliability. The Ethernet port used on the Maximus VIII Extreme uses LANGuard signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounted components to ensure reliable connections and better throughput. There are also electrostatic discharge and surge-protected components (ESD Guards) for greater tolerance to static electricity and protection (up to 15KV) against surges.
For users that game online while downloading/uploading files or use chat clients, GameFirst software can be used to optimize network traffic for faster, lag-free online gaming. A new addition for the latest generation is Multi-Gate Teaming, enabling Maximus VIII Extreme users to team all their networks for maximum bandwidth.
Thunderbolt 3, U.2, M.2, SATA Express, and USB 3.1
A major facet of system performance relates to the transfer speed of onboard ports. For the Maximus VIII Extreme, weve utilized all latest transfer interfaces onboard: Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-A and Type-C), SATA Express, M.2 (X4), and U.2. This ensures the Maximus VIII Extreme delivers leading performance, and is compatible with all the latest and upcoming storage devices and peripherals.
Maximum durability and easy DIY
Long term reliability and stability requires intelligent engineering, and components that are rated to cope with worst case scenario environments. The Maximus VIII Extreme delivers the stability and durability demanded by hardcore overclockers and gamers, with long-lasting components and smart features for a pleasurable DIY experience.
Over the years, the ROG team has pioneered a number of hardware features to help make PC building easier. Smart DIY features include the CPU Installation Tool to prevent socket-pin damage, TrueVolt USB for clean, stable 5V power to USB ports, Q-connector front-panel connector, Q-Slot graphics card installation and Q-DIMM memory slots with one-sided clips for simple insertion and removal of memory modules.
Attention to detail separates acceptable from the best. The latest ROG gaming motherboards have built-in DRAM overcurrent protection with a resettable fuse to protect DRAM sockets and DRAM against overcurrent and short-circuit damage. MOSFET backplates are also installed at the rear of the board to provide cooling, protection and reinforcement.
Best gaming extras: Lighting controls, RAMCache, Keybot II and Overwolf
The Maximus VIII Extreme features customizable LED lighting and controls to cast a multi-color glow, change shades to indicate CPU temperature, or pulsate in time to the beat of favorite tunes.
RAMCache technology effectively caches an entire storage device so that favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds, getting to work the moment its activated. RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times, and minimizes risk of data loss.
ROGs much-loved free keyboard upgrade has also been upgraded to KeyBot II, an exclusive microprocessor controlled by a simple user interface that lets gamers record macros directly from the keyboard, switch profiles in moments, enable special functions with hotkeys from F1-F10, start and even boost the PC from shutdown (S5 mode).
Maximus VIII Extreme gamers also get free access to Overwolf, an unobtrusive overlay that enables browsing, emailing, instant messaging, streaming or recording without interrupting gameplay. This application is dressed in color-matched ROG skins to illustrate membership of an elite pack and is available to download now from Overwolfs app store.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
The ASUS Maximus VIII Extreme is priced at $499 and is available now at ASUS authorized resellers and distributors.
ASUS Maximus VIII Extreme Motherboard Specifications Processor/CPU socket LGA1151 socket for 6th-generation Intel Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron processors Chipset Intel Z170 Express Memory 4 x DIMMs, up to a maximum of 64GB, DDR4 3866 (OC) Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) supported
Expansion slots 3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 modes) 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (maximum at x4 mode)
2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
Graphics (VGA) Integrated Intel HD Graphics processor DisplayPort 1.2 with maximum resolution of 4096×2304@60Hz
HDMI with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz /
Intel InTru 3D / Quick Sync Video / Clear Video HD Technology / Insider
Multi-GPU Quad-GPU NVIDIA SLI and 4-way/quad-GPU AMD CrossFireX technology Storage 2 x SATA Express 8 x SATA 6.0 Gbit/s (4 shared with SATA Express)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices supported (PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes)
1 x U.2
Networking/LAN Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN with ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies USB/Thunderbolt 4 x USB 3.1 ports (3 x Type-A and 1 x Type-C ports)[2] 8 x USB 3.0 ports (4 on back panel, 4 mid-board)
6 x USB 2.0 ports (6 mid-board)
1 x Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C on back panel)
Audio ROG SupremeFX 2015 8-channel high-definition audio – SupremeFX shielding technology
– ESS ES9023P high-definition DAC
– 2VRMS headphone amp (32-600 ohms)
– Jack-detection, multi-streaming, front-panel mic jack-retasking
– Optical S/PDIF-out port on back panel
Dimensions / form factor E-ATX, 12 x 10.7in (30.5 x 27.2cm) About ASUS
ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the worlds best-selling, most award-winning motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of todays digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets, smartphones and wearables. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,326 awards in 2014 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC. ASUS has more than 16,000 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 5,200 engineers. Company revenue for 2014 was approximately US$14.5 billion.
[1] Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors.
[2] One USB 3.1 Type-A port and the Type-C port are powered by the Intel USB 3.1 Controller
