Unboxing: ROG Maximus VIII Formula

The act of unboxing the new ROG Maximus VIII Formula makes it feel as if Christmas is not yet over; the anticipation, expectation and then comes the surprise. With everything you read with anticipation, once you open the box, the contents make you feel like there's much more on offer than you initially expected. Sorry, we're about to ruin the element of surprise by showing you everything in the box. It's okay, we'll leave you the surprise of finding out how good it looks in your new build, and how easy it is to squeeze out more power for free!

 

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It pays to build your rig on good foundations, with Maximus VIII Formula you get to have the ROG team worry about the complete building process and provide the necessary bits and pieces. So what you end up with is a great-looking build complete with ROG trimmings, done easily and painlessly throughout the process. Beginning with the installation of the CPU, included is the CPU installation tool so anyone can install it confidently without snapping off pins or finding ingenious ways to break the CPU or the socket. The Q-Connector helps you connect up all the case switches and LEDs easily without poking your face inside the case. The ROG Q-Shield (I/O backplate) is a nice finish that reflects quality and attention to detail in your masterpiece.

 

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When you're stuck somewhere where there isn't ethernet, you can whip out your powerful Wi-Fi antenna without giving up any USB ports (this is not intended for 'borrowing' your neighbor's Wi-Fi).   The extension cable allows you to put RGB lighting on your table or the outside of the case to indicate gunfire if you wish. Let it be known that you have an ROG system with ROG labelled on your cables, fans and case!

 

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No more messing about, here is what you came here for -  The Maximus VIII Formula!

This ATX board measures 30.5cm X 24.4cm (12" X 9.6") and is armed to the teeth with exclusive technologies, features and full armor including a metal fortifying backplate.

 

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Plenty of upgrading possible here; having a U.2 port, eight SATA ports (two shared with SATA Express), two SATA Express ports, up to four USB 2.0 ports, up to ten USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 3.1 ports (Type-A and Type-C). 

 

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One of the main attractions is the CrossChill EK (Hybrid air and liquid) cooling. No need to search for an after-market cooling block to match the motherboard!

With the arrival of the new Z170 motherboards, ASUS PRO Clock was introduced for overclocking enthusiasts.  ASUS PRO Clock technology is a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed to push your 6th Gen. Intel processor to the limits.   This custom solution works in tandem with the ASUS Turbo Processor Unit (TPU) to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking controls.  DIGI+ provides precise control for power delivery to the CPU for overclocking or power saving. 

 

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Now there are sleek on/off and reset buttons with illumination. Some ROG Certified DDR4 memory for more lighting would look great!

 

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Extreme overclockers can make use of the LN2 jumper to activate a special timing circuitry to aid in obtaining obscene benchmark scores while cooled by liquid nitrogen (LN2).  The new SupremeFX 2015 used in the Maximus VIII Extreme has been carried over for incredible sound, needless to say, the sound will be pretty darn good.

 

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As well as RGB lighting next to the Maximus logo, switches, the Formula logo, and the PCH, you can also connect up more RGB lighting using the header and if necessary the extension cable included, then control the lighting effects with Aura software. You can see the lighting in action here.

 

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The ROG eye (on the PCH) will be watch you.

An M.2 bay is there but safely hidden away, just use a screwdriver to get to it.

 

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The metal fortifier can most probably stop bullets if the gunfight gets to be a little too real.  When not detached from the motherboard, it serves as cooling for MOSFETs and fortifying this mother of a board.

 

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Check out the CrossChill Hybrid cooling block! 

 

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The Maximus VIII Formula unarmored.

Completely naked, without CrossChill.

 

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