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ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA
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Maximus XII Formula

ROG Maximus XII series motherboards are designed to explore the upper echelons of gaming and overclocking. The Formula is plumbed for custom liquid cooling and includes other enhancements to punctuate premium systems. The CrossChill EK III VRM block, co-developed with EK Water Blocks, help cope with higher VRM loads associated with Intel Comet Lake CPUs. Aesthetically, Maximus XII Formula has a stealthy black finish with intricate patterns cut into its reflective armor. The latest-generation Formula is all set to make your showcase rig shine.

Intelligent Motherboard

Our ROG engineers developed and extensively-tested intelligent software solutions to ensure your system stays in optimal condition.

  • AI Overclocking

    Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration for each system.

    LEARN MORE

  • AI Cooling

    AI Cooling automatically manages and controls motherboard-connected fans, ensuring the most efficient settings depending on the current system load and temperature.

    LEARN MORE

  • AI Networking

    GameFirst VI optimizes and organizes network bandwidth, effectively reducing jitter and eliminating spike lag to ensure smooth online gameplay.

    LEARN MORE

SPEC OVERVIEW

  • Performance
  • Cooling
  • Gaming Immersion
  • Connectivity
  • DIY friendly

Extreme Power & Performance

ROG Maximus XII Formula ROG Maximus XII Formula
  1. PROCOOL II ​POWER CONNECTOR​
  2. 16 POWER STAGE​
  3. MULTI-GPU SLI®/ CFX SUPPORT​

    ・ 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 Safeslots (x16, x8/x8)​

    ・ 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4)
    ・ 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

  4. INTEL® SOCKET LGA 1200

    10th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® processors​

  5. DDR4, 4 X DIMM

    ・ ASUS OptiMem III
    ・ Dual Channel

  6. 3 X M.2 SOCKET

    ・ 1 x M.2 2242-22110
    supports PCIe 3.0 x4 & SATA modes

    ・ 2 x M.2 2242-2280
    support PCIe 3.0 x4 mode
    (1 x at front / 1 x at rear)

Comprehensive Cooling

ROG Maximus XII Formula ROG Maximus XII Formula
  1. CROSSCHILL EK III​
  2. M.2 HEATSINK
  3. MULTIPLE 4-PIN PWM FAN HEADERS
  4. ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE

    ・ W_FLOW tachometer
    ・ W_IN/OUT T-sensor

Total Gaming Immersion

ROG Maximus XII Formula ROG Maximus XII Formula
  1. I/O & Armor Zone Aura Lighting
  2. SupremeFX S1220 CODEC​

    ESS® ES9023P High Definition DAC​
    120dB SNR stereo playback output​
    113dB SNR recording input​
    Gold-plated Audio Jacks​

    Sonic Studio III

    Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer​

    Sonic Radar III​
    DTS® Sound Unbound​
  3. 2 x 3-pin Addressable Gen 2 RGB headers​ 2 x 4-pin AURA RGB headers​
  4. 2” LIVEDASH OLED​
  5. PCH Zone Aura Lighting

Full Connectivity

ROG Maximus XII Formula ROG Maximus XII Formula
  1. CLEAR CMOS button
    BIOS FlashBack™ button
  2. 6 X USB3.2 Gen1
  3. 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2

    ・ 1 x USB Type-C®

  4. Marvell® AQtion AQC107 10Gb
    Intel® 2.5G Ethernet
  5. Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  6. Optical S/PDIF out
  7. 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2

    Front Panel Connector

  8. 6 x SATA 6Gb/s
  9. Thunderbolt header

DIY Friendly

ROG Maximus XII Formula ROG Maximus XII Formula
  1. ROG patented pre-mounted I/O Shield
  2. ESD GUARDS

    Greater electrostatic protection than the industry standard. ESD Guards cover the USB, audio and LAN ports

  3. TRUEVOLT USB

    USB power supplies rock-steady 5V to all USB ports, minimizing power fluctuations for minimal data loss

  4. 2 x SAFESLOT

    Provides stronger PCIe device retention and greater shearing resistance.

  5. 4 x Q-DIMM

    One sided clips for super-simple, super-secure handling of memory modules

  6. Q-Code

    The Q-Code LED design provides you with a 2-digit error code that displays the system status.

  7. FlexKey

    At its default, the FlexKey functions as a system reset button, but it can also be easily set to quickly turn Aura lighting on or off, activate Safe Boot or enter the BIOS.

  8. Q-CONNECTOR

    Sorts all front-panel cables.

    Q-CONNECTOR

PERFORMANCE

The Intel Comet Lake processor features 10 cores and a peak single-core Turbo speed that exceeds 5.3 GHz right out of the box. To cope with this increased demand on the system, Maximus XII Formula takes advantage of its intelligent VRM design and uses quality components to ensure the best gaming and daily productive computing experience.

  • Power solution
  • Memory

Teamed Power Architecture

Today's CPU architectures place incredible demands on motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power saving modes , going from lower-power mode to full load in an instant. Our latest VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilizing teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

  • A brief history
  • A shift in CPU demands
  • Bucking the trend
  • Thermal performance
  • High Quality Components

Teamed
Power Stage Design

12V EPS IN

12V EPS IN

While doublers help extend the number of effective phases, they do so at the cost of a processing delay. The teamed architecture allows two power stages to work in tandem to provide more power to the CPU. The MOSFETs within the power stages generate the most heat as they are responsible for voltage conversion and delivery to the CPU from the 12V EPS connector.

Conventional
Phase-doubled Design

12V EPS IN

12V EPS IN

  • We became the first manufacturer to implement phase-doublers when we shipped our A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard, back in 2005. The board's VRM was lauded for elegantly overcoming the power handling capabilities of components that were available at the time and also reducing voltage ripple. Those benefits led to phase-doublers becoming universally accepted in the industry, and they are still used for similar purposes today.

  • However, today's CPUs now pack more cores than their predecessors, and the latest instruction sets allow them to crunch computationally dense workloads at an incredible pace. In addition, they consume less power at idle and can transition between load states much more quickly. These improvements necessitate a re-evaluation of power-design priorities because phase-doublers add a propagation delay that hampers transient response.

  • Fortunately, the latest integrated power components can handle higher currents than the devices of yesteryear, making it possible to implement a simple circuit topology that isn't hamstrung by the processing lag of phase-doublers. That's why ROG Maximus XII Formula utilizes teamed power stages to deliver higher burst current per phase, while maintaining the thermal performance of phase-doubled designs.

  • Each VRM component serves a specific purpose. PWM controllers and phase-doublers control the circuit, and the power stages do the heavy lifting from an electrical and thermal standpoint. That's why ROG Maximus XII Formula utilizes 16 power stages. The power stage sits at the top of Infineon's lineup and features a low RDSON to reduce switching and conduction losses, helping to improve overall thermal headroom.

ASUS OptiMem III

Boasting proprietary memory trace layout tweaks that improve signal integrity and mitigate noise, ASUS OptiMem III is more compatible with 3600 MHz+ memory kits, allowing them to run at higher frequencies. You can opt to optimize memory for high frequency settings, or low latency settings. With higher capacity memory kits, OptiMem III enables you to run at maximum frequency, whereas other motherboards will trade off frequency for capacity. Stack Maximus XII Formula with your favorite modules and maximize throughput of the new 10th Generation Intel® Core™ Comet Lake-S processor for applications that demand massive bandwidth.

  • Corsair Memory 2 x 16GB CL 19 @ 4600MHz
  • OptiMem III
    CL 18
  • No OptiMem III
    CL 19
  • Lower the data is better
Test Configuration: Intel 10th Gen Processor ES Sample | ROG Maximus XII Formula
  • High Frequency
  • Max Capacity without compromise
  • ROG Maximus XII Formula
  • ROG Maximus XII Formula

COOLING

The focus on maximizing performance would be futile without similar dedication to improving the cooling that allows systems to sustain faster speeds. The CrossChill EK III VRM block enables Maximus XII Formula to cope with the high VRM loads of ten core CPUs. The hybrid cooling system sits atop of a heatpipe that's directly linked to the extended VRM heatsink, giving it cooling capabilities that surpass the requirements of this current generation.

  • CrossChill EK III
  • Heatsinks
  • Headers

CrossChill EK III

CrossChill EK III lets you cool with air and water. The redesigned copper cooling channel is wider to provide up to 37.2°C-lower MOSFET temperatures on water, while the standard G1/4" threaded fittings allow it to fit existing setups for efficient, quiet cooling with minimum effort.

  1. G1/4" threaded design
  2. Copper water channel
  3. Watertight rubber gasket
  4. Large copper surface area

Cooling Heatsinks

  1. CrossChill hybrid thermal design

    Engineered with a copper cooling channel that's incredibly effective at removing heat

  2. Large‑diameter heatpipe

    The U-shaped design provides rapid and even heat transfer from the VRM to the extended VRM heatsink.

  3. M.2 heatsink

    A dedicated heatsink keeps the two M.2 SSDs at the optimum operating temperature for consistent performance and reliability.

  4. High-conductivity thermal pad

    The high-quality thermal pad improves overall heat transfer from the system by bridging the heat generated by the power stages to the heatsink.

  5. Extended VRM heatsink

    The extended heatsink at the end of heatpipe increases thermal mass to offset the additional heat generated by high power consumption.

  6. Chipset heatsink

    A dedicated chipset heatsink draws heat away to maintain optimum operating temperatures.

  7. Solid steel backplate

    An electro-galvanized, cold-rolled coil construction backplate resists bending, and helps draw heat away from the VRM.

ROG Maximus XII Formula
  • Multiple temperature sources
  • 4-pin PWM/DC fan
  • AIO pump
  • Water pump+
  • Water in/out
  • Water flow

Cooler by design

ROG Maximus XII Formula features the most comprehensive cooling options ever.

  • Multiple temperature sources

    Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling. And all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

  • 4-pin PWM/DC fan

    Every onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

  • AIO pump

    A dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups.

ROG Water-Cooling Zone

Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into the AI Suite utility, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

  • Water pump+

    A dedicated header can supply over 3 amps to high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

  • Water in/out

    A dedicated header enables monitoring of temperatures at the input/output points of any component.

  • Water flow

    A dedicated header enables constant monitoring of flow rate throughout the entire loop.

OPTIMIZATION

Maximus XII Formula is packed with intuitive and flexible tools to allow customization across all system parameters to deliver the performance you want.

  • Differential Sensing
  • BIOS
  • 5-way optimization

Accurate Voltage Monitoring

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn't ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. Maximus XII Formula features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

ROG Maximus XII Formula

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

  • Advanced Mode
  • EZ Mode

Performance Level Up

The dashboard-style control panel of AI Suite 3 lets you fine-tune almost every aspect of your ROG Maximus XII Formula system with ease. Get the best balance between performance, cooling, stability, and efficiency via one simple and intuitive interface.

  • TPU
  • EPU
  • Fan Xpert 4
  • Digital power controls
  • Turbo Core App

CONNECTIVITY

Maximus XII Formula is well equipped to deliver supersmooth wireless connectivity and compatibility with multiple input sources and PCIe extensions, all of which are a must-have for gaming setups.

  • Storage
  • Networking
  • Audio
ROG Maximus XII Formula

Three PCIe 3.0 M.2

Three M.2 slots are wired directly to the PCH. One slot supports both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modes, while the other two supports PCIe 3.0 x4 for NVMe. Additional Intel® Optane™ memory recognizes, remembers, and speeds up access to most frequently used files, applications, and games for faster, more responsive performance.

  • WiFi 6 (AX201)

    Onboard WiFi 6 (802.11ax) supports ultrafast wireless-networking speeds, improved capacity and better performance in dense WiFi environments, providing exceptional online gaming experiences. *

    Pair your motherboard with ASUS WiFi 6 routers to fully experience the networking potential of WiFi 6. Find out more about ASUS WiFi 6 solutions: https://www.asus.com/wifi6/ WI-FI GIG+ 6 BY INTEL

  • 10 Gbps onboard Ethernet

    Designed to meet the demanding requirements of power users and content creators, 10 Gbps onboard Ethernet provides a new level of home networking. With up to 10X the bandwidth of standard gigabit Ethernet, you'll enjoy streaming uncompressed 4K UHD videos, and backups and file transfers that are faster than ever before.

  • Intel 2.5G Ethernet

    Onboard Intel 2.5G Ethernet gives your wired connection a boost, with up to a 2.5X improvement over standard Ethernet connections for faster file transfers, smoother lag-free gaming and high-res video streaming.

*Actual speed varies, depending on networking conditions. **Minimum Category 5e network cables required for 5 Gbps operation.

SupremeFX

ROG SupremeFX audio technology has levelled up, delivering an exceptional 113 dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection to provide best-ever recording quality. There's also a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220 codec, an ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter for superior front-panel output, and a Texas Instruments® RC4580 op amp for high gain with low distortion — all to deliver audio that envelops you as never before.
>Learn more about ROG audio technology

  • Audio Line Shielding
  • ESS®ES9023P
  • S1220 codec
  • Switching MOSFETS
  • Nichicon® CAPS

  • Blocks electromagnetic interference from the motherboard or add-ons to provide cleaner audio.

  • The ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of 112db DNR /-94dB THD+N for superior front-panel output.

  • 10 DAC channels provide simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs

  • Unique design allows the codec's impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs

  • Fine-quality Japanese-made components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity

Personalized for you

In addition to extraordinary performance, Maximus XII Formula provides extensive styling and customization options to let you build a system that truly stands apart.

  • Aura Sync
  • Ramcache III
  • Audio
  • Livedash OLED
  • Armoury Crate
  • Aura Sync
  • RGB Header

Grow your gaming world

Gear up with ROG components, from graphics and monitors to mice and keyboards. And up your game with complementary aesthetics, control and compatibility. The ROG ecosystem is more extensive than any competing brand, so enjoy greater choice as your system expands.

  • Static
  • Breathing
  • Strobing
  • Rainbow
  • Color cycle
  • Starry night
  • Music effect
  • Smart

  • AAddressable Gen 2 RGB Header

    header

  • BRGB Header

    header

Addressable Gen 2 RGB header

The addressable Gen 2 RGB headers now feature software that can automatically tailor lighting effects to specific devices. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB gear.

RAMCache lll software utility turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times. Fully compatible with the latest NVM Express® storage options, RAMCache lll utilizes uniquely intelligent technology to effectively cache any storage device, so favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds.

  • Smart mode
  • Real-time information
  • Health check
  • Sonic Studio III
  • DTS

Sonic Studio III

Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

Head-related transfer function

*A head-related transfer function is an audio algorithm derived from sound data recorded through a dummy head. Test tones are played from a spherical grid around the dummy head to obtain subtle changes in sounds that come from different directions. The results are combined into an algorithm that allows Sonic Studio's virtual surround to process sound true to life.

Learn more
  • Sonic Studio Link
  • App-specific profiles
  • Sonic Studio virtual mixer

DTS : Sound Unbound

ROG Maximus XII Formula includes a pre-loaded DTS Sound Unbound app that envelops you in audio as never before, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Windows Sonic spatial technology, DTS Sound Unbound delivers audio in a virtual 3D space — putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep or other sound in your virtual environment.
* DTS Sound Unbound requires in-game support. Check with developers for titles that offer support.

dts
  • Stereo Sound Stereo Sound
  • Surround Sound Surround Sound
  • Spatial Sound Spatial Sound

OLED

ROG Maximus XII Formula motherboards is equipped with LiveDash, a built-in 2” OLED panel that displays useful information and customizable graphics. During the power-on, self-test (POST) phase, OLED shows key progress stats in simple language, using traditional POST codes. Then, during normal operation, the panel shows a choice of CPU frequency, device temperatures, fan speeds or information from the Water-Cooling Zone. You're also able to customize the default OLED GIF, so it'll display your own image or animation.

  • Hardware Monitoring
  • ROG Exclusive
  • BIOS update
  • Customization Content
ROG Maximus XII Formula

Armoury Crate

Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to provide centralized control of supported ROG gaming products. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate puts command of all your Aura gear at your fingertips with the new Aura Creator suite ready. The software also provides control of settings for a growing number of ROG products, making it easier to tune the look and feel of your system. Armoury Crate even offers dedicated product registration and ROG news feeds to help you stay in touch with the ROG gaming community.
Download Link>

  • AURA SYNC
  • Device Configuration
  • Driver & Manual Download
  • Gaming Highlight
  • Account Management

Awards

High-priced, but it's worth every penny

..., but it is a motherboard full of possibilities and ultimate in its class for water cooling.

An RGB lover's dream come true

..., but it is a motherboard full of possibilities and ultimate in its class for water cooling.

High-priced, but it's worth every penny

it's a motherboard packed with features and ultimate in its class for water cooling.

An RGB lover's dream come true

it's a motherboard packed with features and ultimate in its class for water cooling.

Recommended

...this is simply a high-end board with all the feature bells and whistles you want.

8 out of 10

We have already taken a look at two other Intel Z490 boards in our earlier reviews, and one thing that we noted was that the board prices have gradually increased over the years. The ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) costs more than the ROG Maximus XI Formula did back in the day, so you can safely expect the ROG Maximus XII Formula to cost even more. If you have the moolah for it, the ROG Maximus XII Formula will give you more than you will ever need on a motherboard. Intrigued? Well, here we go.

8.1 out of 10

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA REVIEW - NOT FOR EVERYONE

Platinum

The best Asus motherboard for Intel Comet Lake.

Recommended

The best Asus motherboard for Intel Comet Lake.

Excellent

Without a doubt the Formula triumphs in design and performance, although to be able to make the most of its possibilities you will need a custom AIO

Platinum

la ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA se posiciona en la cresta de la ola de las mejores placas Z490

Recommended

A great integration with exclusive elements

HKEPC Editor's Choice 2020

rich in functions

Video Reviews

#161 selamat datang INTEL GEN 10TH Z490 ASUS MAXIMUS XII FORMULA

Motherboard SULTAN! | Unboxing ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA

Gak Kerasa Sudah Ada Intel 10th Gen Lagi - Saatnya Pake Mobo Baru Z490 ROG Strix E Gaming

Introducing a strong motherboard that meets all needs from the initial use. To advanced overclocking With full options including RGB lighting, OLED display connection port, CrossChill heat sink that supports water installation, helps to increase cooling efficiency.

The main strength of the Maximus Formula family of multiple generation boards is the use of EKWB's water blocks for the power supply cooling system. Here, users will be able to connect their own open water set to the mainboard. The other features focus on aesthetics perfectly. Whether the face is fierce Full features for both Gamer and Overclocker

The Perfect Combination of Intel 10th Gen and Z490

Media Reviews

Hardware.info

thanks to all the excellently thought out extras that come in handy when overclocking, it is a no-brainer for that target group.

Techgaming.nl

..., but it is a motherboard full of possibilities and ultimate in its class for water cooling.

Techtesters.eu

...this is simply a high-end board with all the feature bells and whistles you want.

Computer! Totaal

The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Hero (Wi-Fi) for 449 euros is the pinnacle of an over-complete and well-developed motherboard for the real enthusiast.

Lowyat.net

We have already taken a look at two other Intel Z490 boards in our earlier reviews, and one thing that we noted was that the board prices have gradually increased over the years. The ROG Maximus XII Hero (WiFi) costs more than the ROG Maximus XI Formula did back in the day, so you can safely expect the ROG Maximus XII Formula to cost even more. If you have the moolah for it, the ROG Maximus XII Formula will give you more than you will ever need on a motherboard. Intrigued? Well, here we go.

Pokde

ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA REVIEW - NOT FOR EVERYONE

NewEsc España

Without a doubt the Formula triumphs in design and performance, although to be able to make the most of its possibilities you will need a custom AIO

Profesional Review

la ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA se posiciona en la cresta de la ola de las mejores placas Z490

Geeknetic

A great integration with exclusive elements

ExpertoPc

The best Asus motherboard for Intel Comet Lake.

PC Market

Great function

HKEPC

rich in functions

www.vmodtech.com

Designed to accommodate any external water cooling connection. Provide good performance and cooling

Teknoseyir

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

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