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Hold the press! Big news to follow!
We will be seeing a pair of new motherboard models from Asus: the TUF-class, mATX ‘Gryphon' and the ROG range's Maximus VI Hero. That's right, Asus is adding to its enthusiast-adored ROG series and uniquely-designed TUF class of motherboards.
So where do these boards fit in?
Republic of Gamers
As part of Asus' Republic of Gamers range of motherboards, the Maximus VI Hero will be targeting the more cash-strapped gaming enthusiasts who desire the specialised features that the Taiwanese company's top-of-the-range red and black boards offer.
Asus tells us that to somebody who spends around $1400 on a system, the motherboard is further down the priority list than graphics, storage and processor. Many consumers struggle to justify paying more for a board than they do for their i5 or i7 chip (going by current 3rd generation Intel Core CPU prices).
Taking this on board, Asus is releasing the cheapest ATX member of the ROG family – the Maximum VI Hero – at a price point of “sub $230”, making it an affordable component to upper-mid-range and high-end gamers and builders. The key point here is that the majority of the ROG line's exclusive features will be possessed by the Maximus VI Hero.
Perhaps the best way to describe the Maximus VI Hero is as a no frills, no gimmicks ROG motherboard, if that's even possible.
Features exclusive to the Republic of Gamers series of motherboards include; SupremeFX audio, MPCIE Combo II, Extreme Engine Digi+ III, and OC Panel.
Supported by the updated MPCIE Combo II are M.2 Type 2242 form factor SSDs. We can't say much about Extreme Engine Digi+ III, but we would expect at least an electronic component upgrade.
Additional ROG-exclusive features include Sonic Radar – a gaming overlay which can be used to indicate the direction of enemy fire, footsteps, explosions and more, in supported games, and many other features that we can't reveal until launch date.
OC Panel is designed to create a new level of ease to the way in which users go about overclocking. Connecting to an ROG motherboard via a proprietary cable, the OC Panel features an LCD screen and input buttons which can be used to tweak and view parameters such as settings, clock frequencies and fan speeds. It also has enough power to run up to four fans, when used with a USB 3.0 cable for extra current.
Users can place the OC Panel in an easy-to-access location such as their desk or in a 5.25″ bay by making use of the supplied adapter.
Three ROG motherboards will be available from launch; Maximus VI Hero, Maximus VI Gene, and Maximus VI Extreme.
The Ultimate Force (TUF) Family
With the undeniable success of the TUF series' Sabertooth motherboards, Asus is taking the next step to making a thermally-optimised and stability-orientated motherboard a possibility for everyone. Gryphon is the newest member of the TUF family, a mATX motherboard which inherits the same design features and target audience as the ATX Sabertooth.
Aided by its reduction in physical dimensions, the mATX Z87 Gryphon is able to kick-start the TUF series at a lower price point. Asus takes another step towards making TUF-class boards more affordable than ever before; the Gryphon is supplied without thermal armour, by default. Not to worry though, the Armour kit can be purchased separately for a “competitive price”.
As I'm sure you will have guessed; the decision to supply a TUF motherboard without its unique insignia is going to cause quite the discussion. Only time, and our in-depth review of the motherboard, will tell whether Asus' price-reducing decision was a wise one. One thing's for sure: the mainstream market is a TUF one to conquer!
Key features for the TUF series of motherboards include; updated thermal armour with flow valve, TUF fortifier, dust defenders, and improved TUF components.
Featuring updated thermal armour and a flow valve which aims to improve VRM cooling performance, the TUF series of motherboards continues to target cooling aficionados. TUF fortifier is a flex-preventing metal sheet which also acts as a heatsink for the rear-mounted VRM components. Dust defenders are covers for the main slots, such as the DIMM, PCI-E, SATA and IO ports, which prevent an unwanted build-up of dirt.
Two TUF motherboards will be available on launch day; Z87 Sabertooth, and Z87 Gryphon.
