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ROG MAXIMUS XII APEX
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PERFORMANCE
PUSHED TO THE APEX

ROG Maximus XII Apex is the premiere overclocking platform for extreme OC enthusiasts looking to unlock the full potential of the latest generation Intel Core processors. Its optimized layout, enhanced power delivery and control, and striking design with a myriad of customization options will appeal to overclockers, gamers, and PC builders alike.

Elite Performance for Gamers and Enthusiasts

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

SPEC OVERVIEW

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

Extreme Power & Performance

ROG Maximus XII Apex ROG Maximus XII Apex
  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 x4 slot
    ・ 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

  4. INTEL® SOCKET LGA 1200

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

  5. DDR4, 2 X DIMM

    ・ ASUS OptiMem III
    ・ Dual Channel

  6. 3 X M.2 SOCKET

    ・ 1 x 2242-2280
    supports PCIe 3.0 x4 mode

    ・ 2 x 2230-22110 on ROG DIMM.2
    support SATA & PCIe 3.0 x4 modes
    (from DIMM.2)

Comprehensive Cooling

ROG Maximus XII Apex ROG Maximus XII Apex
  1. INTERGRATED I/O COVER & VRM HEATSINK
  2. CROSSOVER M.2 HEATSINK
  3. ROG DIMM.2 WITH M.2 HEATSINKS
  4. MULTIPLE 4-PIN PWM FAN HEADERS
  5. ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE

    ・ W_FLOW tachometer
    ・ W_IN/OUT T-sensor

Total Gaming Immersion

ROG Maximus XII Apex ROG Maximus XII Apex
  1. I/O ZONE AURA LIGHTING
  2. SUPREMEFX S1220A CODEC

    120dB SNR stereo playback output​
    113dB SNR recording input​
    Impedance sense
    SupremeFX shielding

  3. 2 x 3-pin Addressable Gen 2 RGB headers​ 1 x 4-pin AURA RGB headers​
  4. X-SHAPED PCB
  5. PCH ZONE AURA LIGHTING

Full Connectivity

ROG Maximus XII Apex ROG Maximus XII Apex
  1. CLEAR CMOS button
    BIOS FlashBack™ button
  2. PS/2 keyboard & mouse port
  3. 5 X USB 3.2 Gen2

    ・ 1 x USB Type-C®

  4. 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
  5. Intel® 2.5G Ethernet
  6. Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  7. OPTICAL S/PDIF out
  8. 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2

    Front Panel Connector

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

DIY Friendly

ROG Maximus XII Apex ROG Maximus XII Apex
  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. 2 x SAFESLOT

    Provides stronger PCIe device retention and greater shearing resistance.

  4. Q-Code

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

  5. 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.

  6. 2 x Q-DIMM

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

  7. Q-CONNECTOR

    Sorts all front-panel cables.

    Q-CONNECTOR

OVERCLOCKING

Push the performance envelope with hardware-level overclocking controls, intelligent power solution and enhanced memory support.

  • Overclocker's toolkit
  • Condensation detection
  • Power solution
  • Memory

Overclocker's Toolkit

An Overclocker's Tookit with hardware-level controls will aid your overclocking experience. They're quick and easy time-savers designed to help you break more records.

  1. QLED

    Four LEDs to show the current boot status.

  2. LN2 Mode

    Jumper to enable special options and functions for liquid-nitrogen (LN2) over-clocking.

  3. Slow Mode Switch

    Instantly reduces the CPU ratio to 8X to bypass finicky benchmark passages.

  4. Pause Switch

    Activate to pause the system and fin-tune OC parameters mid-benchmark.

  5. ReTry Button

    One press instantly initiates a hard reset.

  6. Safe Boot Button

    Instantly reset the PC and boot directly into a safe mode.

  7. Probelt

    Check the voltage via nine integrated measurement points.

  8. Full Speed Mode Switch

    Switch to push all the fans to maximum RPM.

  9. BIOS Switch

    Easily switch between BIOS 1 and 2

ROG Maximus XII Apex

Condensation Detection

Specialized circuitry allows Maximus XII Apex to detect when condensation occurs on the back of the board. Divided into three distinct sections — CPU, DRAM and PCIe — the feature provides a useful warning when an area may be at risk of short-circuiting.

ROG Maximus XII Apex
  • CPU LED
  • DRAM LED
  • PCIe LED
  • CPU LED

    Flashes when condensation is detected near the CPU

  • DRAM LED

    Flashes when condensation is detected near the DRAM

  • PCIe LED

    Flashes when condensation is detected near the PCIe

ROG Maximus XII Apex
  • CPU LED
  • DRAM LED
  • PCIe LED

High Quality Components

Maximus XII Apex utilizes an intelligent VRM design fed by dual eight-pin auxiliary power connectors. Sixteen teamed power stages help eke out the last few MHz at the limits of the silicon.

ROG Maximus XII Apex
  • Dual 8-pin ProCool II power connectors
  • 70 A power stage
  • MicroFine alloy chokes
  • 10K Japanese-made black metallic capacitors
  • Dual 8-pin ProCool II power connectors

    Two ProCool connectors ensure a snug and reliable connection to the EPS 12V power lines.

  • 70 A power stage

    The VRM has 16 power stages, each rated to handle 70 amps.

  • MicroFine alloy chokes

    Each Power stage is accompanied by a high-permeability alloy-core choke rated to handle 45 amps.

  • 10K Japanese-made black metallic capacitors

    Input and output filtering is provided by solid-polymer capacitors rated to last thousands of hours at high operating temperatures.

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. Stack Maximus XII Apex 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
  • ROG Maximus XII Apex

COOLING

A comprehensive cooling solution features carefully-designed heatsinks with the perfect balance of surface mass and air flow. With the addition of fan headers, the onboard cooling of Maximus XII Apex has more than enough capacity for specialization, maintaining system stability under any condition.

  • Heatsink
  • Headers

Cooling Heatsinks

  1. VRM and I/O heatsink

    A high mass, finned heatsink is connected to the I/O cover via a heat pipe, providing an expansive surface area for efficient heat dissipation.

  2. Large‑diameter heatpipe

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

  3. Aluminum heatsink cover

    The heatsink cover is crafted from pure aluminum to efficiently cool the onboard M.2 drive.

  4. DIMM.2 heatsinks

    The ROG DIMM.2 module now passively cools M.2 drives with metal heatsinks that also keep your build looking clean.

  5. 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.

  6. Extended VRM heatsink

    The extended heatsink increases thermal mass to deal with the additional heat generated by high power consumption.

  7. Chipset heatsink

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

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

Cooler by design

Maximus XII Apex 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.

  • Full speed fan

    Three full speed fan headers allow for targeted airflow during extreme overclocking.

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 Apex 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 Apex features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

ROG Maximus XII Apex

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 Maximus XII Apex 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 Apex 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 any setups.

  • Storage
  • Networking
  • Audio
ROG Maximus XII Apex

Storage

Three PCIe 3.0 M.2

ROG Maximus XII Apex features three M.2 slots wired directly to the Z490 PCH. Two slots support both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modes, and the other slot 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.

ROG DIMM.2

The ROG DIMM.2 module is an innovative expansion card that allows two M.2 drives to be connected via a DDR4 interface. Add a metal heatsink to handle the heat generated at maximum performance, while at the same time giving your build a bit of style.
*DIMM.2 accommodates M.2 drives up to 22110 (110mm) in length

DIMM.2
  • ROG DIMM.2 heatsink
  • ROG DIMM.2 dual M.2 expansion card

  • 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

  • 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

Immerse yourself in sound with SupremeFX audio technology. This integrated audio solution utilizes the S1220A codec to provide a flat frequency response for a neutral, detailed sound signature.
>Learn more about ROG audio technology

  • S1220A codec
  • Audio line shielding
  • Switching MOSFETS
  • Nichicon® CAPS

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

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

  • 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

The unique X-shaped PCB gives you extensive styling and customization options to let you build a system that stands apart from the rest.

  • Aura Sync
  • Ramcache III
  • 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

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

10th GEN INTEL® COREtm PROCESSORS

Elite real-world performance

NEW KEY DESKTOP FEATURES

  • Up to 5.3 GHz clock speed with Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost

  • Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0

  • Memory Support with DDR4-2933

  • Up to 10 cores and 20 threads

  • Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology from the Intel® Core™ i9 to the Intel® Core™ i3 desktop processor

  • New 2.5 G Ethernet

  • New Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+)

Awards

Platinum Award

This Asus Maximus XII APEX gets it all right and provides the best of the best for Z490 chipset, perfect for enthusiasts who want to tweak and have fun with their CPU and memory.

Editor's Choice

This makes this the overclocking motherboard of the Z490 series for anyone who does not have to pay attention to the money.

Ultimate

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

TECH CRITTER GOLD

Apart from the ROG Maximus XII Apex and Z490 AORUS Master we have here, we’ve also seen plenty of the Intel Z490 chipset motherboards from all of Intel’s board partners a few weeks ago but unboxing and preview is the only thing we can see as performance review are still under NDA at that point of time. With the NDA finally being lifted, we can finally see more information on Intel’s latest CPU and chipset, and what are they capable of.

TECH CRITTER GOLD

ROG Maximus XII Apex Unboxing and Hands-On

Platinum

A motherboard created for lovers of overclocking and liquid nitrogen.

Good Performance

Overclocking capability that is superior to all competitors, both CPU and DRAM, easily tuned, Full support for OC equipment

Editor's choice

Overclocking capability that is superior to all competitors, both CPU and DRAM, easily tuned, Full support for OC equipment

Overclocker's Heaven

It is a very specific board. It is ready for maximum overclocking of the CPU and RAM, especially under liquid nitrogen, so all overclockers eager to clock on the LGA1200 platform are certainly happy. The board is also equipped to be usable for ordinary users, so here we find an audio codec, WiFi and so on.

Video Reviews

第 10 代 Intel Core i9-10900K 上至 10 核心 20 執行緒，最高 5.3GHz Turbo 時脈，並以極低延遲穩坐最強遊戲處理器之寶座。 而在 DIY 裝機時，空冷夠用嗎？還是一定要上至 AIO 水冷散熱器呢？一般玩家又該如何超頻CPU呢？ IPM、XTU 與 BIOS 等超頻工具怎麼玩，還有極限液態氮超頻，這集就全部跟大家分享 i9-10900K 的超頻心得與散熱器挑選分享！ 最後，XF還去華碩總部出了外景，請 ROG @林大餅Bing 餅哥一起挑戰用液態氮極限超頻 7.1GHz 超高時脈！

ROG 率先在主機導入「AI 超頻」功能，通過 ROG 獨家的晶片及RD們大量測試的數據，在電腦開機時預測 CPU 體質、散熱器效能，並給予評分以及 AI 自動超頻的建議設定！

KAMI BERMAIN EXTREME OVERCLOCKING INTEL CORE i5 10600KF TEMBUS 6GHz Feat. ASUS ROG Maximus XII APEX

Media Reviews

Overclocking.com

This Asus Maximus XII APEX gets it all right and provides the best of the best for Z490 chipset, perfect for enthusiasts who want to tweak and have fun with their CPU and memory.

Techtesters.eu

This makes this the overclocking motherboard of the Z490 series for anyone who does not have to pay attention to the money.

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.

pcmweb.nl

...the pinnacle of an over-complete and well-developed motherboard for the real enthusiast.

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.

Lowyat.net

Apart from the ROG Maximus XII Apex and Z490 AORUS Master we have here, we’ve also seen plenty of the Intel Z490 chipset motherboards from all of Intel’s board partners a few weeks ago but unboxing and preview is the only thing we can see as performance review are still under NDA at that point of time. With the NDA finally being lifted, we can finally see more information on Intel’s latest CPU and chipset, and what are they capable of.

Tech Critter

ROG Maximus XII Apex Unboxing and Hands-On

ExpertoPc

A motherboard created for lovers of overclocking and liquid nitrogen.

Clock'EM UP

Overclocking capability that is superior to all competitors, both CPU and DRAM, easily tuned, Full support for OC equipment

Donanimhaber.com

Technopat

www.diit.cz

It is a very specific board. It is ready for maximum overclocking of the CPU and RAM, especially under liquid nitrogen, so all overclockers eager to clock on the LGA1200 platform are certainly happy. The board is also equipped to be usable for ordinary users, so here we find an audio codec, WiFi and so on.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

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