Asus Maximus VI Extreme (Z87) Motherboard Review

There is absolutely no doubt that Asus has created one of the best Z87 motherboards on the market in the Maximus VI Extreme.

Strong CPU overclocking potential is achieved by the Extreme Engine Digi+ III system built into the Maximus VI Extreme motherboard. High-performance power delivery components such as NexFET MOSFETs, 60A BlackWing chokes, and 10K Metallic capacitors seem to be doing an excellent job in efficiently supplying current and voltage to an overclocked processor.

If it's record-breaking performance you're after, the Maximus VI Extreme helps by offering a design which factors in the use of extreme cooling setups and 4-way graphics configurations. The sheer number of customisable BIOS parameters will aid in unlocking the maximum amount of clock speed from a well-cooled processor.

The Asus Maximus VI Extreme features excellent support for ultra high-speed memory modules. We had no problems using the Maximus VI Extreme to power one of the fastest memory kits on the market – Avexir's Core Extreme Series 3000MHz. We have no doubt that the M6E can support higher DRAM frequencies – a point which is backed up by the memory QVL‘s indication of support for 3100MHz Avexir modules.

Despite its Republic Of Gamers series name, the Maximus VI Extreme motherboard's enhancements designed for hardened overclockers are evident. Probelt voltage monitoring points, onboard power buttons, and the unique OC Panel re-emphasise the point that Asus builds its flagship Z87 motherboard for the needs of extreme overclockers.

Undoubtedly, the OC Panel adds a noticeable amount to the Maximus VI Extreme's price tag, but it also offers plenty of flexibility and advantages for extreme overclockers. For a start, it can control the motherboard and provide accurate information when the OC Zone is difficult to access or frozen due to large LN2 or DICE pots being used.

The Maximus VI Extreme is a very feature-heavy motherboard. It is able to tend to the needs of users that want flexible daily usage, high-end gaming performance, and extreme overclocking capabilities. With features such as 802.11ac WiFi, a high-end audio chip, Intel gigabit LAN, built-in SSD performance restoration, and the ability to create a RAMDisk, it's clear that the Maximus VI Extreme is well-suited for general usage tasks when extreme overclocking isn't required.

While the M6E's feature set is very good, we are disappointed that Asus decided to leave out some of the useful pieces of software found on other Z87 ROG boards. Sonic Radar – gaming software which can indicate the direction of enemy gunfire, footsteps, and explosives – is omitted. GameFirst II network control is also left out. It's understandable that overclockers won't make use of those features, but what about hardcore gamers with a big wallet? Should they be forced to accept compromise when purchasing a flagship motherboard?

As far as the Z87 motherboards that I have tested go, the Maximus VI Extreme's UEFI BIOS is the best. Overclockers are provided with a large amount of adjustable settings that can be tweaked by sizeable margins. Not only is the BIOS very complete, its layout is attractive and simple to use.

Available for £329.99 from OverclockersUK, the Asus Maximus VI Extreme is priced to compete with ASRock's Z87 Extreme9/ac, MSI's Z87 XPower, as well as Gigabyte's G1.Sniper 5. While we are certain that a hardcore gamer will be happy with any one of those products, the Asus Maximus VI Extreme offers an alluring range of specific, and useful, enhancements when extreme overclocking is the board's primary use.

Pros:

• Plenty of features for extreme overclockers.
• Excellent high-speed memory support.
• OC Panel is a useful tool.
• High performance power delivery components.
• Supports 4-way SLI/CrossFire configurations.
• Excellent UEFI BIOS.
• Lots of hardware features (ten SATA ports, 802.11ac WiFi, M.2 SSD support).
• Good set of general usage software features (ROG RAMDisk, SSD Secure Erase, USB 3.0 Boost).

Cons:

• Some gaming software that is compatible with other ROG boards has been left out.
• Pre-defined overclocking profiles require a good processor to work correctly.

KitGuru says: Solid CPU and memory overclocking potential, a host of enthusiast-geared features, an extreme overclocking foundation, and an excellent UEFI BIOS are just some of the characteristics that make the Asus Maximus VI Extreme a ‘Must Have' for hardened overclockers.

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