OCFreaks!

Asus Maximus V formula review

Sumon Pathak

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Introduction

Well…i was kinda riding high with my last review and was kinda sad that the P8Z77 V Deluxe had to go. But the guys over at Asus had some other plans! So one fine day…I found this at my doorstep!

My latest toy..the Maximus V Formula!

Now..before we dive into the product showcase and review lets have a look into the history of ROG line of Hardware and this board in particular Rog was established way back in 2006 with the Crosshair(yes its an AMD board and back in the FX-64 days AMD literally thrashed Intel until the 45nm C2D and C2Q came out),soon they launched another Board Commando and soon other boards followed.

Here’s a short history for the guys who are interested:

  • JUL 2006 – ROG brand established, 1st gaming motherboard named Crosshair launched
  • DEC 2006- Launched Commando, broke CPU overclocking world record
  • JUL 2007 – ROG motherboard breakthroughs – Fusion Block system and CrossLinx
  • DEC 2007 – New ROG product line – gaming notebooks G1/G2
  • OCT 2009 – ROG Maximus III Formula motherboard with ROG Connect allows PC tuning on a pure hardware level in real time.
  • JUL 2008 – New ROG product line – Matrix graphics cards launched
  • OCT 2009 – The first 3D gaming notebook in the world, ROG G53J 3D
  • MAR 2010 – Rampage III Extreme motherboard attracts attention with great performance and overclockability
  • JUN 2010 – The world’s fastest graphics card launches — the dual 5870 GPU ARES
  • JUN 2010 – The world’s first active-noise cancelling pro gaming headset – Vulcan ANC
  • OCT 2011 – Launched TYTAN CG8565 desktop

In short ROG offers the best from the stable of Asus and will have everything you need in a motherboard from gaming specific features to overclocking.
Now,enough of history lessons.. Lets have a look at the board and what it offers.



A close look at Maximus V Formula: Part 1

Not much to say in the showcase.. take a look at the pictures and the descriptions.

Box Front

Standard ROG box..with the name and some features outlined..not much to look at…seriously…The back gives out the standard specifications of the board.

Here is the complete specifications list:

CPU Support and Power Phases CPU: Core i series second and third generations(Socket LGA 1155)
POWER DESIGN: CPU Power: 8+4 Phase
PCH Power: 1 Phase
Memory Power: 2 Phase
Chipset Intel Z77
Memory 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
Graphic Integrated Graphics Processor
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports
– Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
– Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
Supports Intel HD Graphics, InTru 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider
Multi-GPU Support Supports NVIDIA SLI Technology
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX Technology
Supports AMD CrossFireX Technology
Supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP Technology
Expansion Slots 3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8 or x8/x4/x4)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x4
3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1
Storage Intel Z77 chipset :
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red
2 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), black
1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port(s), red
1 x mini-SATA 3Gb/s port(s) , black
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Supports Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Start Technology, Intel Smart Connect Technology
ASMedia PCIe SATA controller :
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red
LAN Intel,1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
Wireless Data Network Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz
Bluetooth Bluetooth V4.0
Bluetooth V3.0+HS
Audio SupremeFX IV built-in 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
– Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 110 dB
– Output THD+N at 1kHz: 95 dB
– TI 6120A2 high fidelity headphone amplifier
– Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
– SupremeFX Shielding Technology
– ELNA premium audio capacitors
– 1500 uF Audio Power Capacitor
– Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
– DTS Ultra PC II
– DTS Connect
– Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
USB Ports Intel Z77 chipset :
4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel Z77 chipset :
8 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black+white, 4 at mid-board)
ASMedia USB 3.0 controller :
2 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue)
Overclocking Features mPCIe Combo (mPCIe/mSATA combo card)
ROG Connect :
– RC Diagram
– RC Remote
– RC Poster
– GPU TweakIt
Extreme Engine Digi+ II :
– 8 -phase CPU power design + 4 -phase iGPU power design
– 2 -phase Memory power design
ROG Extreme OC kit :
– Slow Mode
– LN2 Mode
– EZ Plug
ProbeIt
UEFI BIOS features :
– ROG BIOS Print
– GPU.DIMM Post
GameFirst II
iROG
Extreme Tweaker
Loadline Calibration
USB BIOS Flashback
Overclocking Protection :
– ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Special Features ASUS TurboV EVO :
– CPU Level Up
ASUS EPU :
– EPU
ASUS Wi-Fi GO!
– Wi-Fi GO! Function: DLNA Media Hub, Smart Motion Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & Send
ASUS Exclusive Features :
– AI Suite II
– Ai Charger+
– USB Charger+
– USB 3.0 Boost
– Disk Unlocker
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :
– ASUS Fan Xpert 2
ASUS EZ DIY :
– ASUS O.C. Profile
– ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
– ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Design :
– ASUS Q-Shield
– ASUS Q-Code
– ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
– ASUS Q-Slot
– ASUS Q-DIMM
– ASUS Q-Connector
Back I/O Ports 1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x eSATA 3Gb/s
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
4 x USB 3.0
4 x USB 2.0
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
1 x Optical S/PDIF in
5 x Audio jack(s)
1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
1 x ROG Connect On/ Off switch(es)
Internal I/O Ports 1 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.0 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
2 x SATA 3Gb/s connector(s)
2 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
3 x Optional Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s)
1 x Slow Mode switch(es)
8 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
3 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x LN2 Mode header(s)
1 x EZ Plug connector(s) (4-pin Molex power connector)
1 x Power-on button(s)
1 x Reset button(s)
1 x Go Button(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo header(s)
Accessories User’s manual
I/O Shield
2 x SATA 3Gb/s cable(s)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x SLI bridge(s)
1 x Q-connector(s) (2 in 1)
1 x ROG Connect cable(s)
1 x 12 in 1 ROG Cable Label(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo card(s) with dual band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n module + Bluetooth v4.0/3.0+HS module
1 x 2-in-1 RF Cable(s)
2 x Wi-Fi Ring Moving Antenna(s)
BIOS 64Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI2.0a Multi-Language BIOS
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, PXE
Support Disc Drivers
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
GameFirst II
ROG CPU-Z
Mem TweakIt
ASUS AI Suite II
ASUS WebStorage
ASUS Utilities
Form Factor Extended ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 10.1 inch ( 30.5 cm x 25.7 cm )
Note *1: LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems.
*2-1: PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel 3rd generation Ivy Bridge Core Processors.
*2-2: x8/x4/x4 mode is supported by Intel 3rd generation Ivy Bridge Core Processors.
*3-1: The mPCIe 2.0 x1 slot is located on mPCIe Combo expansion card.
*3-2: The mini-PCIe slot is pre-installed with an Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module.
*4: Supports on Intel Core processor family with Windows 7 operating systems.
*5: These SATA ports are for data hard drives only.

 

Typical ROG style board with black and red layout;the thing that strikes out most is the ceramic heatsinks on the VRM and PCH area and the Fusion Thermo heat-sinks.


A close look at Maximus V Formula: Part 2

Now lets see whats inside…

The inner flap describes some of the highlights of the board Like Supreme FX audio and Fusion Thermo heatsink. And then we see the board itself in the typical ROG fashion.

Next up the box contents.

This particular SKU comes without the ThunderFx module so everything except that is present.

The bundle includes:

Now , lets look at the board itself:

Typical ROG style board with black and red layout;the thing that strikes out most is the ceramic heatsinks on the VRM and PCH area and the Fusion Thermo heat-sinks.

The 4 Pin Connector is for supplying extra power during Sub zero benching.

The External I/O port is packed with stuff(expected with high end board)

Lets see what they have:

The sata ports consists of :

CPU socket area:

Expansions:

Expansion slots are plenty for a board at this price range:



A close look at Maximus V Formula: Part 3

A few more pics for you guys…:



Special Features

In this part I will introduce you to a few special features of this board.

Fusion Thermo Heatsink

This is one of the most innovative thing I have came across in the recent times. Basically its a Aluminum VRM Heat sink with channel for water cooling inside;so you can use it for passive air cooling or if you are one of those DIY water guys then you can actively water-cool it. It is compatible with all the major DIY water cooling sets so compatibility is not a problem,just add an extra loop and you are good to go.

More info about the compatible Blocks and kits can be found here.

Extreme Engine Digi+ II

An update to the existing DIGI + VRM’s found in the Asus motherboards.The Digi + II engine provides more control the voltages and allows you to do minute tweaking.A few screenshot would help you understand what kind of adjustments you can do:

ROG Game first

Internet traffic shaping software made exclusively for ASUS.In the most basic terms it prioritizes the outward traffic from your computer. For me it helped a bit with me ping! Saved me from getting kicked out of game because of high latency.

mPCIe Combo + Dual-band Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 4.0

Another nifty feature combining a Bluetooth+Wifi adapter with a small msata ssd,giving u the both speed and connectivity in a small package(sounds kinda cliched..but no other way to describe it)

 

SupremeFX IV

An upgrade over the Supreme FX III solution..am not an audiophile per se but i can give you an idea about the features:

So all in all I can say a pretty good package.

Turbo V Evo

Not much to say..pretty much everything you need to OC the living daylight out of your processor. My advice:overclock from the BIOS itself(check next page for screenshots) and use this tool for small adjustment to squeeze out the last MHz form your chip. And if you are one of those fire and forget types just click on “Cpu level Up” and select a frequency and let the board do the rest.

This concludes the Special features part..lets go on to BIOS and overclocking.


BIOS Under the Scanner

Asus was one of the fist manufacturer to adopt the UEFI standard and as such the bios is bug free and pretty intuitive. Pictures speak a thousand word..so…enjoy the 26000 words.


Overclocking

Overclocking on this board is easy if you know what you are doing,there are around a few hundreds setting there and all help you in getting a good benchmark score. As for overclocking your processor the automatic one clock solution gave me an option of overclocking up to 4.83Ghz(46X105MHz) But that ain’t enough for me… so i took matters into my own hand settled for 4.94Ghz(48x103Mhz)!

Then took it some more to: 5Ghz(50x100MHz)[since my 2500k is limited to 50x multiplier am kinda restricted there]

By this time I was kinda getting high with speed so I pushed some more for a suicide run(don’t try this at home and if you try don’t blame me if you blow up);and settled for : 5.2Ghz(100.1*52)! I was pleasantly surprised to see that in Z77 platform i got two extra multipliers.


Benchmarking and Results

Now comes the part we all were waiting for: The Benchmarks! First up a few info about my setups:

Setup 1

Setup 2

Setup 3

Every benchmark was run until the results were consistent to rule out margin of errors as much as possible.

A few points when analyzing the graphs:
*AIDA 64 Benchmarking suites:Higher score is better
*SuperPi and Wprime:Lower score is better
*3D Mark Vantage CPU and Cinebench and X26 Benchmark:Higher is better
*So now that’s over lets see what the board gives us.

First up the 2D benchmarks

Aida 64 CPU Suite

The results from P8Z77 V Deluxe are a bit low when run on initial bios but they have been fixed on the later bios updates.And Maximus V Formula’s perfromance is consistent through out the phases.

Aida 64 FPU suite

Frankly, the formula amazed me a bit there… we see an almost 60% jump in stock FPU scores in some benches.So i guess someone can explain what sorcery is this.

Now comes two big boys of competitive benchmarking : SuperPi 1M and SuperPi 32M

Competitive benchmarking is where the Formula Excels and we can see the formula leads the way ahead of the other two boards.

Next is WPrime32M and Wprime 1024M:

Here also we see the Formula keeping its lead.

3DMark Vantage is both CPU and GPU dependent(more than the other 3Dmark Benchmarks),lets see how the Formula fairs in this bench.

Am a bit shocked at the scores when comparing with Z68.But i guess its more due to the platform than the board. I will test out with ivybridge when I can get my hands on a sample.

Next up some real world workload tests:

Cinebench 10 and Cinebench 11.5

The formula still leading at all speeds(this is getting a bit boring now)

X264 Benchmark

Now that concludes the Benchmarking part. Maximus V formula leads all the way as expected.


Conclusion

Well..by now you should all know what I am going to say. When a product has the ROG logo it is expected to perform better than the competition and the Formula has delivered! it kept its lead in all the tests and performed well till the end..so from my side its a win. From the features department it got something for everyone:Onboard switches and voltage measuring points for serious overclockers,Excellent Cooling options,an over the par sound solution for the gamers;what more a person can need?

Pro’s:

Con’s

Overall an excellent package and since there is virtually NO competition as of now in this segment in INDIA no one can challenge its position. Anyone getting into serious competitive benchmarking and gaming should have it in their list.

So from me and Team OCFreaks I give it an 5/5 rating.

A little something from world famous overclocker Allen Golibersuch aka “Splave”

Every generation one looks for a motherboard that is feature rich but most importantly one that they know will take their CPU’s and Memory to the maximum of their potential. The z77 ASUS ROG line delivers once again and in each pricing segment with the gene, formula, and extreme.

In the end i want to thank a few people for making this review possible:

Until next time…signing out…
sumon pathak

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