In its fifth successive generation, ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) has launched its Maximus V Series motherboards with the Maximus V GENE. This micro ATX powerhouse is built using the latest Intel Z77 chipset, which supports Intel 3rd and 2nd Generation LGA1155 processors and PCI-Express Gen-3 for single or multi-GPU. The Republic of Gamers team has endeared the black and red-styled Maximus V GENE with exclusive features, such as the Extreme Engine DIGI+ II, SupremeFX III gaming audio, Intel Ethernet with ROG GameFirst and the newly added mPCIe Combo card. The board is priced at Rs.15,350, excluding taxes.
The mPCIe Combo card is a new innovation by the ROG team, combining the twin functions of mPCIe with mSATA into a single, extensible add-in card that still allows full use of the PCI-Express slots for multi-GPU graphics. With the addition of an mSATA SSD for use with Intel Smart Response Technology or simply installing the entire OS, this frees up standard SATA ports for other uses. The combination of a standard mPCIe socket on the other side allows unique upgrades such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G, GPS and other connectivity. The Maximus V GENE is true to the Republic of Gamers core, as a motherboard built for overclocking. Featuring the upgraded Extreme Engine DIGI+ II that includes 8+4+2 phase (CPU, iGPU, DRAM) and precise digital power control from two DIGI+ controllers combined with ROG UEFI BIOS functions, such as the new pre-configured memory IC profiles, yield a fantastic overclocking experience for enthusiasts. Its 10k Black Metallic capacitors offer a 5x longer lifespan with 10k hours at 105C, and 20 percent better low temperature endurance – specifically selected for extreme cooling scenarios.
The connectors
The DRAM trace layout has also been further optimized over the previous Maximus IV generation to allow even higher frequencies as well. Designed to bring gamers the best possible integrated audio, the SupremeFX III sound is a wholly separate sound PCB, identified by its ‘redline’ adjoining the main GENE motherboard. SupremeFX Shielding technology maximizes the audio quality by further isolating the audio processing from EMI, encasing the chipset under an aluminum cap. Combined with a large 1500uF buffer capacitor to provide sufficient energy to even the loudest sounds, SupremeFX III attains a lossless audio of up to 110dB SNR.