Unboxing: ROG Maximus VIII Extreme

Look at what's inside the box for the new ROG Maximus VIII Extreme.  In addition to the most extreme motherboard, expected the most comprehensive package for gamers and overclockers, there's so much stuff you need a handle on the box to help you carry it all.

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery"]

Here's the full list of extras in the box:

• User's manual
• ASUS Q-Shield 
• 8 x SATA 6Gb/s cables
• M.2 screw
• CPU installation tool
• Installation DVD
• ASUS 3T3R dual-band Wi-Fi antenna (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
• Fan Extension Card (3 x 4-pin fan out)
• Fan Extension Card screw pack
• SLI bridge
• CrossFire cables
• Q-connector
• 3 x thermal sensor cables
• ROG metal badge
• 12 ROG cable labels
• 3 x ROG fan labels
• 5-pin to 5-pin cable
• ROG Door Hanger
• OC Panel II
• OC Panel II 5.25-inch bay metal bracket
• OC Panel II cable 
• OC Panel II screw pack

Not only your motherboard will get the ROG treatment, your whole system will.  With ROG labels for your cables, fans and case, a premium ASUS Q-Shield back IO plate and WiFi antenna, you can build your own ROG-themed system.   The Q-connector can help you connect up all the buttons and LED indicators from your case easily without putting your head into the case.

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery"]

No one understands the joy of building more than ROG, that's why tremendous effort has been put into making that experience easier and more satisfying.  The thermal solution is well taken care of by the inclusion of a Fan Extension Card for you to add even more fans in your case (that's if you manage to use up all six fan headers on the motherboard), while having the power to control each intelligently via software.  You don't need to be a seasoned pro to install one of the most sophisticated pieces of PC hardware, there's a CPU installation tool so anyone can install CPUs with confidence.  Whether you are running CrossFire or SLI, both types of bridges are included.

 

• 
•  

 

If you are an overclocking enthusiast, here my friend is the ultimate tool for overclocking - the new OC Panel II.  It acts as a display allowing you to monitor system information and check the POST debug code when docked in the case bracket.  You can take it out for precise control over voltages, frequencies and more without utilizing system resources, so that you can achieve better overclocking margins.   

 

• 
•  

 

Having complete control in your hand means you don't have to open up your case in order to tweak your system.

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Hidden beneath all the other components, your motherboard is craving to get noticed.  Now it is getting all the attention it deserves with new lighting effects.  You can control the effects through the included software Lighting Control, modes such as Static, Pulsating, Strobe and Rainbow are available.  You can also customize the colors according to your preference or themed build.

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

Maximus VIII Extreme uses the E-ATX form factor, with the Intel Z170 chipset for Intel LGA 1151 Core i3, i5 and i7 processors.  Up to 64GB of 3866MHz (OC) DDR4 memory is supported across the four DIMMs (dual-channel) available.

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

The OC Zone provides large, easy-to-press buttons and switches when overclocking.  The ReTry Button for example, lets you restart the computer regardless of what state it's in instead of holding down the power button.  The Safe Boot Button (unlike clearing CMOS) allows you to boot up using safe parameters without clearing any of your previous tweaks.  LN2 Mode increases overclocking margins when using liquid nitrogen for cooling.  The Slow Mode Switch lets you slow down the CPU when the system is about to crash, allowing you more time to adjust the temperature before shutting down and trying again.  Probelt allows you to track the key voltages of your graphics card(s) with the use of voltmeters.  The PCIe X16 Lane Switch helps you test for faulty graphics cards without physically removing them.  DRAM Channel Jumper on the other hand, enables and disables DRAM channels so you can troubleshoot without removing your memory.  The PCH gets a large heatsink and new lighting effects!

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

For connectivity, there is an M.2 Socket 3, a U.2 connector, two SATA Express ports (can be used as four SATA ports instead), eight SATA 6Gb/s ports (four can be used for SATA Express), four USB 3.1 ports (three Type-A, one Type-C), up to eight USB 3.0 ports, up to six USB 2.0 ports, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, and an exclusive Bluetooth 4.0/Wi-Fi module supporting 3X3 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with up to 1300Mbps transfer speed.

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery"]

There are three PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (x16 or dual x8 or x8/x4/x4, gray), a PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot (x4 mode, gray) and two PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slots (black).  This allows for up to quad-GPU SLI or 4-way CrossFireX for multi-GPU setups.

The new SupremeFX 2015 audio solution is back with illuminated red line shielding and gold-plated audio jacks, but also fitted with many significant upgrades.  New additions and upgrades include the 24-bit ESS Hi-Fi Sabre DAC with their patented Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, Dedicated Clock for noise and jitter reduction, premium Nichicon Capacitors for warm, natural sound with incredible fidelity, NEC De-pop Relay to eliminate the popping noises which could damage your earphones/headset, TI Audio Headphone AMP & Impedance Sense IC make sure whatever headset/earphones you use sound perfect, and several technologies such as Stainless Steel EMI Protection Cover and SupremeFX Shielding to prevent interference & crosstalk.  It's safe to say that SupremeFX 2015 is going to get the best out of your speakers, home theater or headphones!

 

• 
•  

 

Heavy-duty heatsinks cover the highly-efficient MicroFine Alloy Chokes with 30% lower operating temperatures, OptiMOS MOSFETs for high current delivery and power efficiency, and 10K Black Metallic Capacitors for five times the lifespan and 20% greater temperature endurance. 

[gallery include="" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery"]

Thermal backplates provide cooling and reinforces the motherboard, preventing it from bending.

 

• 
•  

 

There are many more features and software enhancements, and you can keep up-to-date with the latest ROG technologies and how-to guides here on the ROG website.