ASUS ROG Black Metallic Capacitors On New Rampage IV Motherboards

One of the key differentiating factors that set ROG motherboards apart is their strong power delivery. For the latest X79-based batch, ROG has chosen to go with Black Metallic solid state capacitors, a feature highlighted quite prominently on retail boxes. What’s the reason for this? Well, we all know that a hardworking system needs a hardworking board, and the basis for all that diligence is a stable and reliable power supply. Plus, good quality power components mean a longer-lasting product, and since ROG motherboards represent a significant investment on the part of gamers, their reinforced power circuitry helps in the peace of mind department. You can comfortably put the new Rampage IV Extreme/Formula/GENE through the heavy gaming and overclocking wringer without having to constantly worry about a capacitor blowing up.

 

This is because ROG has gone with very high grade, specially-hardened and insulated capacitors, chokes, and transistors, or MOSFETs. Even higher grade than the ones used in previous ROG motherboard generations. The capacitors, for example, are rated for a capacitance of 1000uF. That means quite a lot of power can go through them comfortably, as opposed to more common components, which are usually rated for 200-600uF. Their ripple current tolerance is a massive 5000mA rms, while your average capacitor is only OK with something like 3000mA rms before problems begin and stability suffers. Further, these capacitors resist 900uA of leakage, while cheaper varieties may only sustain good operation within 600-800uA.

Certainly, some capacitors are good for one aspect of power delivery, while suffering in other departments. What ASUS engineers sought to achieve with Black Metallic capacitors is an optimized balance. Longevity is also a prime directive, so the new capacitors are rated for 10,000 hours of operation at 105ﾟC. Of course, since your system won’t regularly reach those temperatures, expect an even longer lifespan.

 

The choice of power delivery components seems to have paid off, as the new Rampage boards sure overclock very well in more ways than one!