ASUS MAXIMUS VII GENE – Performance Test
Introduction
Intel has officially launched two mainstream 9-series chipsets, with Z97 and H97 motherboards based on the new silicon, supporting the LGA1150 socket. Compared to the predecessor 8-series, the new 9-series chipsets feature more storage options, including the M.2 storage and SATA Express. Both chipsets will support the current Haswell processors, Haswell Refresh codenamed Devil’s Canyon processors, and the upcoming Broadwell processors. Other features are including Intel's Smart Response Technology (SRT) support for Solid State Hard Drives (SSHD) and Intel’s Device Protection with Boot Guard.
Today, I will be taking a look at the ASUS MAXIMUS VII GENE, a motherboard that has all of the exclusive ROG features in a micro-ATX form factor. The MAXIMUS VII GENE comes equipped with all the latest features, including ASUS' exclusive Supreme FX Impact II audio solution paired with Sonic Radar II, Extreme Engine Digi+ III with 60A ferrite choke and 10K black metallic capacitors, Game First III used in conjunction with Intel Ethernet protected by LANGuard, Dual Intelligent Processors 5, KeyBot + TrueVolt USB technology, quad-GPU CrossfireX and SLI support, and so much more out of the ROG feature set. Let’s see what’s so special about this board.
Product Link: Motherboards - MAXIMUS VII GENE
Suggested Retail Price: RM 859
Specifications:
Full specifications can be obtained HERE
Overview
Unboxing
The ASUS MAXIMUS VII GENE ships in a red box featuring ROG design. The front side across the bottom shows some of the motherboard features such as support for Intel’s Core processor, Intel Z97 chipset, supports both NVIDIA's SLI and AMD's CrossfireX technologies, native support for resolutions up to 4K as well as Windows 8.1 ready.
The back of the retail packaging illustrates the specifications and highlights the main components of the feature set, such as the Supreme FX Impact II audio solution, Gamer First III, KeyBot, as well as Extreme Engine Digi+ III. A diagram of the rear I/O panel is shown to demonstrate the I/O connectivity offered by the motherboard.
Flipping open the lid of the box you will find even more details out about the key features of the MAXIMUS VII GENE. Here ASUS gives you in-depth explanations on the Supreme FX Impact II sound, networking technology such as LANGuard and Game First III, KeyBot technology which allows you to upgrade your conventional keyboard to macro-able, and protection features including the DRAM Over-current Protection and ESD Guards.
The MAXIMUS VII GENE sports the black and red color scheme that you would expect from the ROG series. The first thing that you would noticed is the dual-colour PCB with a matte black and red finish which is the world’s first PCB to have such feature. Aesthetically, the motherboard looks appealing and well built with a bunch of high quality components stuffed everywhere across the board. The VRM heat sinks have a black matte finish and the chipset heat sink with the ROG logo will glow red when the motherboard is running.
Moving closer to the power phase design, the MAXIMUS VII GENE is powered by ASUS’s renowned Extreme Engine Digi+ III with 8+2 phase power design. It comes equipped with premium components such as 60A Ferrite Choke, 10K Black Metallic Capacitors, and NexFET Power Block MOSFET that are put through numerous tests to ensure their reliability and stability even under the extreme conditions. These high grade components are claimed to have five times longer lifespans than regular components.
Top left portion of the MAXIMUS VII GENE features a mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 connector which supports half-sized mPCIe modules such as the Wi-Fi GO! module. This connector shares bandwidth with the M.2 connector and PCIe 2.0 x4 slot. Also sighted is the 8-pin 12V CPU power connector which supplies power to the CPU socket.
Across the top right of the MAXIMUS VII GENE’s PCB is the Q-Code LED, ProbeIt voltage measurement points for all of the voltages including vCore, vPCH and vDIMM, a pair of CPU fan headers, and the 8-pin auxiliary CPU power connection. Also spotted is the LN2 jumper and the MemOK! Button. If memory problems are preventing your system from booting, MemOK! can help by automatically loading fail-safe settings to enable basic functionality with the simple push of a button on the motherboard.
The four DIMM slots feature a second generation T-Topology design for minimal noise and signal reflection for enhanced overclocking. These memory slots are specified to run at dual channel configuration with support for Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and 32GB capacities. The single-sided clips mean handling memory modules is easier and super secure. To the right of the memory slots we have the 24-pin power connector to power the motherboard.
As it is a gaming motherboard, the MAXIMUS VII GENE has two PCI-Express x16 expansion slots that support quad-GPU SLI and CrossFireX setups. However, both slots run at x8 when both are occupied. Another expansion slot is a PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot, but this slot will be covered if you install a graphics card in the bottom PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. Users can access the PCIe-based slot without having to remove their graphics card. Sitting between the PCIe 3.0 X16 slots is the 10Gbps M.2 (socket 3) connector. Formerly known as next-generation form factor (NGFF), M.2 is the replacement for the mSATA interface found on some motherboards. There is also a SupremeFX Impact II connector above the top PCIe 3.0 X16 slot to install the included sound card. Moving to the bottom edge of the motherboard you can see some ROG labeled ICs, TPM connector, Start and Reset buttons, Keybot and SoundStage buttons, a T_Sensor connector, a ROG Extension for the use of ROG OC Panel, a single USB 2.0 connector supporting two ports, a fan connector, and the front panel connections.
The MAXIMUS VII GENE comes equipped with the best audio, the SupremeFX Impact II with 8-channel HD audio CODEC featuring SupremeFX Shielding Technology, ELNA premium audio capacitors, Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection, DTS Connect, Sonic SoundStage, Sonic SenseAmp, Sonic Studio as well as the Sonic Radar II technology. Sonic Radar II will allow you to see your enemy behind walls or distances very clearly and precisely.
For storage needs, ASUS provides eight 6Gbps SATA 3 ports in which six ports are natively supported by the Z97 chipset (support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10) and the other two ports are controlled by the ASMedia ASM1061 controller. There is no 3Gbps SATA 2 port provided but that’s not a problem because SATA 3 port is backward compatible.
The rear I/O panel consists of, from left to right, a mini-PCIe connector for use with Bluetooth and WiFi modules. Next up are the ROG Connect and Clear CMOS buttons, a PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port, and a pair of Z97-controlled USB 2.0 ports. The upper port is for the dedicated KeyBot port whereas the lower port supports the USB Flashback feature and serves as the ROG Connect port. The next block of connectivity contains an Optical S/PDIF output and a single HDMI 1.4 port supporting max resolutions of 4096x2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560x1600 @ 60 Hz. Next, we have the single Intel I218V controlled Gigabit LAN port supporting GameFirst III technology, two ASMedia ASM1061-based controlled USB 3.0 ports, a pair of Z97-controlled USB 3.0 ports that support the use of ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology, two ASMedia ASM1061-based controlled USB 2.0 ports and the outputs for the Realtek 1150-based SupremeFX Impact II 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC.
The back side of the PCB has a pair of retaining heat sinks for the Extreme Engine Digi+ III power phase. Also seen on the back of the PCB is a ROG chip that sits between the two PCIe 3.0 X16 slots.
As for the accessory bundle, you will get a detailed user guide manual, driver and software disc, a 12-in-1 ROG cable labels, a ROG door hanger, an ROG case badge, a total of six SATA 6Gbps data cables, a set of ASUS Q-Connector for the front panel connectivity, an I/O Shield, a ROG SLI bridge, and the SupremeFX Impact II sound card.
Introduction
Intel has officially launched two mainstream 9-series chipsets, with Z97 and H97 motherboards based on the new silicon, supporting the LGA1150 socket. Compared to the predecessor 8-series, the new 9-series chipsets feature more storage options, including the M.2 storage and SATA Express. Both chipsets will support the current Haswell processors, Haswell Refresh codenamed Devil’s Canyon processors, and the upcoming Broadwell processors. Other features are including Intel's Smart Response Technology (SRT) support for Solid State Hard Drives (SSHD) and Intel’s Device Protection with Boot Guard.
Today, I will be taking a look at the ASUS MAXIMUS VII GENE, a motherboard that has all of the exclusive ROG features in a micro-ATX form factor. The MAXIMUS VII GENE comes equipped with all the latest features, including ASUS' exclusive Supreme FX Impact II audio solution paired with Sonic Radar II, Extreme Engine Digi+ III with 60A ferrite choke and 10K black metallic capacitors, Game First III used in conjunction with Intel Ethernet protected by LANGuard, Dual Intelligent Processors 5, KeyBot + TrueVolt USB technology, quad-GPU CrossfireX and SLI support, and so much more out of the ROG feature set. Let’s see what’s so special about this board.
Product Link: Motherboards - MAXIMUS VII GENE
Suggested Retail Price: RM 859
Specifications:
Full specifications can be obtained HERE
Overview
Unboxing
The ASUS MAXIMUS VII GENE ships in a red box featuring ROG design. The front side across the bottom shows some of the motherboard features such as support for Intel’s Core processor, Intel Z97 chipset, supports both NVIDIA's SLI and AMD's CrossfireX technologies, native support for resolutions up to 4K as well as Windows 8.1 ready.
The back of the retail packaging illustrates the specifications and highlights the main components of the feature set, such as the Supreme FX Impact II audio solution, Gamer First III, KeyBot, as well as Extreme Engine Digi+ III. A diagram of the rear I/O panel is shown to demonstrate the I/O connectivity offered by the motherboard.
Flipping open the lid of the box you will find even more details out about the key features of the MAXIMUS VII GENE. Here ASUS gives you in-depth explanations on the Supreme FX Impact II sound, networking technology such as LANGuard and Game First III, KeyBot technology which allows you to upgrade your conventional keyboard to macro-able, and protection features including the DRAM Over-current Protection and ESD Guards.
The MAXIMUS VII GENE sports the black and red color scheme that you would expect from the ROG series. The first thing that you would noticed is the dual-colour PCB with a matte black and red finish which is the world’s first PCB to have such feature. Aesthetically, the motherboard looks appealing and well built with a bunch of high quality components stuffed everywhere across the board. The VRM heat sinks have a black matte finish and the chipset heat sink with the ROG logo will glow red when the motherboard is running.
Moving closer to the power phase design, the MAXIMUS VII GENE is powered by ASUS’s renowned Extreme Engine Digi+ III with 8+2 phase power design. It comes equipped with premium components such as 60A Ferrite Choke, 10K Black Metallic Capacitors, and NexFET Power Block MOSFET that are put through numerous tests to ensure their reliability and stability even under the extreme conditions. These high grade components are claimed to have five times longer lifespans than regular components.
Top left portion of the MAXIMUS VII GENE features a mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 connector which supports half-sized mPCIe modules such as the Wi-Fi GO! module. This connector shares bandwidth with the M.2 connector and PCIe 2.0 x4 slot. Also sighted is the 8-pin 12V CPU power connector which supplies power to the CPU socket.
Across the top right of the MAXIMUS VII GENE’s PCB is the Q-Code LED, ProbeIt voltage measurement points for all of the voltages including vCore, vPCH and vDIMM, a pair of CPU fan headers, and the 8-pin auxiliary CPU power connection. Also spotted is the LN2 jumper and the MemOK! Button. If memory problems are preventing your system from booting, MemOK! can help by automatically loading fail-safe settings to enable basic functionality with the simple push of a button on the motherboard.
The four DIMM slots feature a second generation T-Topology design for minimal noise and signal reflection for enhanced overclocking. These memory slots are specified to run at dual channel configuration with support for Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and 32GB capacities. The single-sided clips mean handling memory modules is easier and super secure. To the right of the memory slots we have the 24-pin power connector to power the motherboard.
As it is a gaming motherboard, the MAXIMUS VII GENE has two PCI-Express x16 expansion slots that support quad-GPU SLI and CrossFireX setups. However, both slots run at x8 when both are occupied. Another expansion slot is a PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot, but this slot will be covered if you install a graphics card in the bottom PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. Users can access the PCIe-based slot without having to remove their graphics card. Sitting between the PCIe 3.0 X16 slots is the 10Gbps M.2 (socket 3) connector. Formerly known as next-generation form factor (NGFF), M.2 is the replacement for the mSATA interface found on some motherboards. There is also a SupremeFX Impact II connector above the top PCIe 3.0 X16 slot to install the included sound card. Moving to the bottom edge of the motherboard you can see some ROG labeled ICs, TPM connector, Start and Reset buttons, Keybot and SoundStage buttons, a T_Sensor connector, a ROG Extension for the use of ROG OC Panel, a single USB 2.0 connector supporting two ports, a fan connector, and the front panel connections.
The MAXIMUS VII GENE comes equipped with the best audio, the SupremeFX Impact II with 8-channel HD audio CODEC featuring SupremeFX Shielding Technology, ELNA premium audio capacitors, Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection, DTS Connect, Sonic SoundStage, Sonic SenseAmp, Sonic Studio as well as the Sonic Radar II technology. Sonic Radar II will allow you to see your enemy behind walls or distances very clearly and precisely.
For storage needs, ASUS provides eight 6Gbps SATA 3 ports in which six ports are natively supported by the Z97 chipset (support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10) and the other two ports are controlled by the ASMedia ASM1061 controller. There is no 3Gbps SATA 2 port provided but that’s not a problem because SATA 3 port is backward compatible.
The rear I/O panel consists of, from left to right, a mini-PCIe connector for use with Bluetooth and WiFi modules. Next up are the ROG Connect and Clear CMOS buttons, a PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port, and a pair of Z97-controlled USB 2.0 ports. The upper port is for the dedicated KeyBot port whereas the lower port supports the USB Flashback feature and serves as the ROG Connect port. The next block of connectivity contains an Optical S/PDIF output and a single HDMI 1.4 port supporting max resolutions of 4096x2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560x1600 @ 60 Hz. Next, we have the single Intel I218V controlled Gigabit LAN port supporting GameFirst III technology, two ASMedia ASM1061-based controlled USB 3.0 ports, a pair of Z97-controlled USB 3.0 ports that support the use of ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology, two ASMedia ASM1061-based controlled USB 2.0 ports and the outputs for the Realtek 1150-based SupremeFX Impact II 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC.
The back side of the PCB has a pair of retaining heat sinks for the Extreme Engine Digi+ III power phase. Also seen on the back of the PCB is a ROG chip that sits between the two PCIe 3.0 X16 slots.
As for the accessory bundle, you will get a detailed user guide manual, driver and software disc, a 12-in-1 ROG cable labels, a ROG door hanger, an ROG case badge, a total of six SATA 6Gbps data cables, a set of ASUS Q-Connector for the front panel connectivity, an I/O Shield, a ROG SLI bridge, and the SupremeFX Impact II sound card.
via Hardware Forums http://ift.tt/1piTT86
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