When it comes to Asus, it’s easy to distinguish its high end from the rest of the pack through its Republic of Gamers division who caters to not only gamers but enthusiasts and overclockers. The Maximus line is the design that started it all and its predecessors pretty much defined what high-end and performance meant. Today, we will be looking into the third installment of the Maximus line of ROG motherboards on a chipset designed to be mainstream and we’ll find out if it really deserves the ROG branding or the somewhat extreme price.
Packaging and Accessories
As usually, we have the cover flip with a plastic window to showcase the motherboard which is unique to the ROG motherboards. However, the one thing I can’t stand with the packaging is the overall thickness of the foam used. Once the motherboard is taken out of its box, you’ll curse your way to putting it back in due to the cardboard frame versus the foam. It’s not really awful just annoying if you have to put the motherboard back into its case for RMA or if you need to resell it for some reason.Like the other ROG motherboard reviewed before this, the package contains two more cardboard boxes which separate the motherboard and the accessories. The accessories are compartmentalized so they don’t mix together during shipping. Sadly, of all the things to forget, I forgot to take the photo of the accessories included but you’ll get the following;
- DVD for drivers and software
- A comprehensive user’s manual
- Asus Q-connector kit which makes connecting the front panel headers like a breeze
- 6 SATA connectors with locks; 3 of which are angled
- An Nvidia SLI cable for multiple graphics card configuration.
- Several plastic cable ties
- The padded I/O shield which prevents grounding
- Stickers for labeling your optical and hard drives
- Asus ROG Connect Cable (USB)
- A PCI bracket for additional USB and 1 non-powered E-SATA port
- SupremeFX X-Fi sound card
If you think you’re missing something, you’re probably right. The Maximus Formula III no longer includes the LCD Poster for viewing critical system information. The ROG Connect cable changes that, this feature allows you to connect your portable computer to gain full access not only to system information but overclocking and BIOS flashing as well.
Features and Specifications
ROG Connect. Plug and Overclock - Tweak it the hardcore way! Monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters in real-time via a notebook—just like a race car engineer—with ROG Connect. ROG Connect links your main system to a notebook through a USB cable, allowing you to view real-time POST code and hardware status readouts on your notebook, as well as make on-the-fly parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level.
GameFirst. The speed you need to pwn. Low Internet latency allows you to frag more, and get fragged less. That´s why ROG has introduced GameFirst, a feature that manages the flow of traffic according to your needs so that you can still listen to online music, download and upload files, and engage in Internet chats without sacrificing the low ping times you need to pwn your opponents.
MemPerfect. Optimize your memory without lifting a finger! Why risk crippling your system with poorly tuned memory? Now, with ROG´s exclusive MemPerfect optimizing your memory performance is a simple matter of selecting the frequency you desire, and letting MemPerfect do the rest! MemPerfect quickly checks your memory settings for errors and automatically fixes them—ensuring system stability and maximum efficiency.
Speeding HDD. Wait less. Play more! Double your hard disk drive performance easily and affordably with Speeding HDD, a remarkable ROG feature that utilizes a dual channel design to enhance HDD transfer rates. Wait less, play more!
iROG. Intelligent multiple control at hand. The iROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlitghted functions that gives users full disposal of the motherboard at any stage! This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed purely at a hardware level. iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it offers system maintainence and management with more control and efficiency.
CPU Level Up. A Simple click for instant upgrade. Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG´s CPU Level Up! Simply pick the processor you wanted to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest! See the new CPU speed and enjoy that performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy as this.
MemOK! Any memory is A-OK! Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades. Worry no more, MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve system booting success.
Extreme Tweaker. One stop performance tuning shop. Extreme Tweakers is the one stop shop to fine-tune your system to optimal performance. No matter if you´re looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they´re all here!
ProbeIt. Get all hands-on with hardware-based overclocking. ProbeIt takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard´s measurement points, identifying them clearly in the form of 5 sets of detection points so you´ll know exactly where to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester.
Voltiminder LED. Friendly reminder on Voltage Settings. In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky. Acting as the "red zone" of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage status for CPU, PCH, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers.
COP EX. Maximum OC with confidence with burn proof protection to chipsets and GPU! The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.
Loadline Calibration. Optimal power boost for extreme CPU overclocking! Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The Loadline Calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard´s ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores.
SupremeFX X-Fi. Listen with Absolute HD. Play in extreme fidelity! SupremeFX X-Fi delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to the gamers of ROG. The SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi also provides gamers a special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer and more audible.
Noise Filter. Eliminate background noise while recording. This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.
What isn’t mentioned here are the standard Asus ROG offerings; onboard switch to power/reset up the computer. Q-Fan Plus for noise to performance ratio with your fans, the Q-Connector kit which makes it easier to plug in the motherboard headers to your chassis and the EPU-Engine for power management.
The TurboV Evo has been redesigned that it contains more information and a much cleaner interface. Another addition to the robust software that the Maximus III offers is the ROG Game First utility which provides improved internet speeds via shaping. You can either optimize a program to make use of bandwidth or latency but the configuration takes days to complete so I left it alone and just snapped a screenshot. For the complete list of features, please see this.
Motherboard and BIOS
Once again, Asus designed an awesomely good looking motherboard. The colors are well coordinated with the Ferrari red accents and the black PCB. The motherboard size follows the ATX standard which is 12 inches in height and 9.6 inch in length. Like Gigabyte’s Ultra Durable Series, this motherboard also has 2 ounce copper layer which Asus calls “stack cool” which essentially, using the additional thickness as passive cooling for the components.
Attention to detail is impeccable, an example is the small sticker just below the Socket LGA1156 lever that protects the motherboard traces in case the lever is pushed way down which may scratch the surface. All connectors are strategically placed on edges for easier cable management. The board also uses solid ferrite chokes and solid capacitors which are pretty much the standard to today’s high-end and some mid-end motherboards, as always, this is a welcome change from those electrolytic capacitors.
The processor is powered by 16+3 phase VRM, 16 for the cores and 3 for the uncore or the memory controller. The rest of the socket area is fairly clean except for the group of capacitors to the right which may cause problems when insulating the motherboard for extreme benching (think LN2). These capacitors are low-standing which shouldn’t really cause problems with aftermarket coolers available. One of the heatsinks for the transistors is removable if you intend to watercool this as well as such that this is held only by screws for easy removal.
Just to the left of the heatsink for the transistors, you’ll find 2 chips that provide power management to the processor and the voltage regulator. The EPU which dynamically adjusts voltages of the major components (processor, memory, graphics card, etc.) and the PEM which monitors and controls the VRM power phase to evenly distribute load depending on temperature and power consumption. This feature can be disabled in the BIOS in case you’d prefer having all 16 phase for the processor running constantly.
Below the processor socket you’ll find the eye-catching Republic of Gamers logo/heatsink which blinks in and out on standby and fully lit when the system is operational. This heatsink doesn’t serve a purpose but purely aesthetics as the P55 chipset isn’t located here but the clock generator. However, this is designed to be low profile so it won’t cause problems with clearance on your cpu cooler. I have to admit that without this piece, the motherboard would look bare and awkward like the P7P55D Deluxe which is something I’m not used to seeing, yet.
From this angle you’ll find that the 1-sided memory clip makes another appearance, this is designed so removal of the memory would no longer require you to remove the graphics card. Four slots for dual-channel and the MemOK button on the right side (small red button) which also acts as the Go Button for pre-defined overclock presets when pressed if the user is already in Windows. Beside the ATX power connector, you’ll have the Probe It read points which allows you to take voltage readings real-time using a DMM, and beside that the diagnostic LEDs. Each light will turn red during the post sequence and if a problem is found on a certain component, the light stays on giving you an idea which part is causing the problem.
Unfortunately, I find this an odd location for such a useful feature. The cables from the ATX power connector will most likely block the read points making it a pain to take readings or check the diagnostic LEDs when the motherboard is mounted inside the case. Still, these are wonderful additions to the plethora of features for the Maximus that it has almost become a standard for this line.
Moving forward on the bottom left is where the P55 chipset is covered by once again with a low-profile heatsink. I personally liked the fin-type heatsink even if it us low profile, the surface is somewhat greater which makes up for it. 6 right angled SATA ports that are connected directly to the chipset are located here. Just below the memory are the 2 dedicated SATA ports for the optical drive, although some review sites are criticizing the use of JMicron chipset on this area, this should be suitable enough for your optical drive needs but my only regret is that there are unused spaces on the 6 SATA ports and because of the location of these 2, it might pose interference with the graphics card installed on the first PCIE slot. Below the chipset, you’ll find the front panel headers which are conveniently located as this I believe is the optimal location for connecting the headers.
Unfortunately, for a high-end motherboard like this, I wonder why Asus only managed to equip the unit with 1 BIOS if the target markets are enthusiasts who fiddle a lot with the BIOS. Although the likelihood of corrupting the BIOS is slim, providing 2 chips would give users the sense of security. Beside the headers, you’ll find 2 SATA ports which provides instant hardware RAID configuration via another JMicron chipset. This is added for people who do not want to go through the hassles of understanding RAID, it’s simply connecting 2 hard drives in there and a simple activation via the software provided. The rest are basically more fan, USB and firewire headers in line with the reset and power button. The partially hidden x16 PCIE ports provide two x8 speed configuration when multiple graphics cards are used for SLI or Crossfire which isn’t really Asus’ fault. The last x16 PCI slot only offers x4 speed and is connected via the P55 chipset.
Major BIOS Options Screens
The Extreme Tweaker menu is where all the magic happens. With access to almost all voltages to the component in your system, this is where every enthusiast is most likely going to spend his time. As usual, the values are arranged so that it’s easier to navigate the options without the clutter. Knowing that this is a first-class motherboard, Asus provided its users, the most number of options but still maintaining user-friendly GUI. Enough said.
Another major addition to the BIOS is the presence of pre-configured overclocking profiles via the Go button. Take note that the Go button only functions when the system is booted to Windows, pre-post and it serves as MemOK. Then there’s the MemPerfect option which I had the chance to test. This is the utility I used as a starting point to find out if the Patriot Viper II Sector 5 was capable of running 1333 MHz. I then had to manually find out if the RAM would be able to support low timings. Last but not least is the OC profile where there are 8 slots for your different system configuration, you’ll see from my screenshot the different memory frequency and latency I used.
Test Setup and Benchmarks
This review’s benchmarks is going to by-far, the most comprehensive I’ve ever done. Although I’m limited to stock settings because the bracket for my Corsair Hydro Series H50 failed to arrive in time, I’ve included synthetic and real-world applications that will simulate the test on a day-to-day usage scenario. Furthermore, there are 2 memory profiles used; DDR3-1333 5-5-5-15 and DDR3-1800 8-8-8-24 courtesy of Patriot Viper II Sector 5 memory modules that are designed exclusively for LGA1156 processors. Before we dig in, the following are the components used:
Memory Performance
Everest Ultimate Edition - Industry leading system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for enthusiasts PC users, based on the award-winning EVEREST Technology. Exhaustive details of system information on 100 pages including CPU, FPU, disk and memory benchmarks, advanced hardware monitoring and diagnostics capabilities. SiSoftware Sandra (the System ANalyser, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant) is an information & diagnostic utility. It should provide most of the information (including undocumented) you need to know about your hardware, software and other devices whether hardware or software.
There’s simply no reason not to make use of the XMP profile included in the memory. The fact that it offers much more bandwidth at a much lower latency is a no-brainer. However, if you’re up to standard settings, then the memory is capable of running DDR3-1333 MHz at CAS5 which is not too bad. In fact, standard latency for this frequency is 7-7-7, 8-8-8 or 9-9-9 but at a much higher frequency, the DDR3-1800’s memory throughput wins, unfortunately.
Synthetic and Real-World Performance
CustomPC Benchmarks Suite 2007 uses open source real-world applications that measure the performance of a computer. The first test is image manipulation through GIMP where the images are resized, colors improved and then collated for a panoramic view. The GIMP version used is single-thread so higher clock benefit faster performance. The second part of the test is video encoding to h.264 via Handbrake and the utility scales very well with the number of cores. The final test is a combination of 7-zip compressing the multiple images that was created out of GIMP while playing HD video that was encoded earlier. All tests are measured in seconds except for the overall score which is by points.
PCMark Vantage is a PC benchmark suite designed for Windows Vista offering one-click simplicity for casual users and detailed, professional grade testing for industry, press and enthusiasts. A PCMark score is a measure of your computer’s performance across a variety of common tasks such as viewing and editing photos, video, music and other media, gaming, communications, productivity and security.
3D Benchmarking Utilities
3DMark06 is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX9 performance of your graphics card. 3DMark Vantage is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX10 performance of your graphics card. A 3DMark score is an overall measure of your system’s 3D gaming capabilities, based on comprehensive real-time 3D graphics and processor tests.
Games
Both are tested with the same graphics card so there’s no surprise the difference is minimal. However, I should mention that the XMP profile slightly overclocks the system so DDR3-1800 leads by a pretty small margin that its negligible. FarCry 2 was tested using the built-in benchmarking utility using the long ranch demo looped 3 times. The same goes for Street Fighter IV Benchmark which by the way; can be downloaded online for free.
Conclusion
The number of features and the software bundled with the Maximus Formula III is impressive. During the course of the review, I was able to test MemOK and MemPerfect which worked perfectly fine albeit aimed towards stability rather than performance. The TurboV Evo is also the most pleasant software utility I’ve encountered. Aesthetics-wise, there are no major issues when it comes to the layout except for the placements of some ports and the questionable use of underperforming chipsets.
If you think I’d give it a perfect score, let me lay down the quirks I’ve encountered; video would just disappear randomly. I usually play WarCraft III single player as past time but the system would just lose video although the sound can still be heard. The system can’t recover and the only way to get the video to work is to reboot the system. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with the board, even inquired Asus support forums but their representatives gave me scripted answer (video driver, power supply, etc.). Hopefully, these issues will be sorted out via BIOS update in the near future. Another thing worth nothing is like I said earlier, the questionable use of underperforming chipsets like the JMicron controller – for some reason; I just don’t know why Asus went JMicron when there are other better performing chipsets available. Also unknown to many, is that the Ethernet port is routed via the aging PCI bus which pretty much limits the bandwidth. This is probably the reason why Asus ships the Maximus Formula III with a bandwidth manager to compensate for this, I don’t really know but I’m just saying. For a top-tiered motherboard like this, single BIOS is just despicable.
Despite these issues, the Maximus Formula III is a fantastic motherboard but if compared to the previous ROG releases, this one I believe is a little bit hastily made and if you’re someone who has cash to burn, by no means get the board but if you’re looking for something that offers more bang for your back perhaps, you should wait for the Extreme version.
Features and Specifications
ROG Connect. Plug and Overclock - Tweak it the hardcore way! Monitor the status of your desktop PC and tweak its parameters in real-time via a notebook—just like a race car engineer—with ROG Connect. ROG Connect links your main system to a notebook through a USB cable, allowing you to view real-time POST code and hardware status readouts on your notebook, as well as make on-the-fly parameter adjustments at a purely hardware level.GameFirst. The speed you need to pwn. Low Internet latency allows you to frag more, and get fragged less. That´s why ROG has introduced GameFirst, a feature that manages the flow of traffic according to your needs so that you can still listen to online music, download and upload files, and engage in Internet chats without sacrificing the low ping times you need to pwn your opponents.MemPerfect. Optimize your memory without lifting a finger! Why risk crippling your system with poorly tuned memory? Now, with ROG´s exclusive MemPerfect optimizing your memory performance is a simple matter of selecting the frequency you desire, and letting MemPerfect do the rest! MemPerfect quickly checks your memory settings for errors and automatically fixes them—ensuring system stability and maximum efficiency.Speeding HDD. Wait less. Play more! Double your hard disk drive performance easily and affordably with Speeding HDD, a remarkable ROG feature that utilizes a dual channel design to enhance HDD transfer rates. Wait less, play more!iROG. Intelligent multiple control at hand. The iROG is a special IC which enables several ROG highlitghted functions that gives users full disposal of the motherboard at any stage! This design allows advanced user control and management to be processed purely at a hardware level. iROG greatly increases fun during overclocking for PC enthusiasts and it offers system maintainence and management with more control and efficiency.CPU Level Up. A Simple click for instant upgrade. Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG´s CPU Level Up! Simply pick the processor you wanted to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest! See the new CPU speed and enjoy that performance instantly. Overclocking is never as easy as this.MemOK! Any memory is A-OK! Memory compatibility is among the top concerns when it comes to computer upgrades. Worry no more, MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve system booting success.Extreme Tweaker. One stop performance tuning shop. Extreme Tweakers is the one stop shop to fine-tune your system to optimal performance. No matter if you´re looking for frequency adjustment, over-voltage options, or memory timing settings, they´re all here!ProbeIt. Get all hands-on with hardware-based overclocking. ProbeIt takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard´s measurement points, identifying them clearly in the form of 5 sets of detection points so you´ll know exactly where to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester.Voltiminder LED. Friendly reminder on Voltage Settings. In the pursuit of extreme performance, overvoltage adjustment is critical but risky. Acting as the "red zone" of a tachometer, the Voltiminder LED displays the voltage status for CPU, PCH, and Memory in a intuitive color-coded fashion. The voltiminder LED allows quick voltage monitoring for overclockers.COP EX. Maximum OC with confidence with burn proof protection to chipsets and GPU! The COP EX allows overclockers to increase chipset voltages without the worries of overheating. It can also be used to monitor and save an overheating GPU. The COP EX allows more freedom and less constraint for maximum performance achievement.Loadline Calibration. Optimal power boost for extreme CPU overclocking! Maintaining ample voltage support for the CPU is critical during overclocking. The Loadline Calibration ensures stable and optimal CPU voltage under heavy loading. It helps overclockers enjoy the motherboard´s ultimate OC capabilities and benchmark scores.SupremeFX X-Fi. Listen with Absolute HD. Play in extreme fidelity! SupremeFX X-Fi delivers an excellent high definition audio experience to the gamers of ROG. The SupremeFX X-Fi features unique audio innovations for gamers to spot enemies in 3D environment during game play. SupremeFX X-Fi also provides gamers a special tool to emphasize human voices in games to help make dialogues clearer and more audible.Noise Filter. Eliminate background noise while recording. This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.What isn’t mentioned here are the standard Asus ROG offerings; onboard switch to power/reset up the computer. Q-Fan Plus for noise to performance ratio with your fans, the Q-Connector kit which makes it easier to plug in the motherboard headers to your chassis and the EPU-Engine for power management.
The TurboV Evo has been redesigned that it contains more information and a much cleaner interface. Another addition to the robust software that the Maximus III offers is the ROG Game First utility which provides improved internet speeds via shaping. You can either optimize a program to make use of bandwidth or latency but the configuration takes days to complete so I left it alone and just snapped a screenshot. For the complete list of features, please see this.
Motherboard and BIOS
Once again, Asus designed an awesomely good looking motherboard. The colors are well coordinated with the Ferrari red accents and the black PCB. The motherboard size follows the ATX standard which is 12 inches in height and 9.6 inch in length. Like Gigabyte’s Ultra Durable Series, this motherboard also has 2 ounce copper layer which Asus calls “stack cool” which essentially, using the additional thickness as passive cooling for the components.
Attention to detail is impeccable, an example is the small sticker just below the Socket LGA1156 lever that protects the motherboard traces in case the lever is pushed way down which may scratch the surface. All connectors are strategically placed on edges for easier cable management. The board also uses solid ferrite chokes and solid capacitors which are pretty much the standard to today’s high-end and some mid-end motherboards, as always, this is a welcome change from those electrolytic capacitors.
The processor is powered by 16+3 phase VRM, 16 for the cores and 3 for the uncore or the memory controller. The rest of the socket area is fairly clean except for the group of capacitors to the right which may cause problems when insulating the motherboard for extreme benching (think LN2). These capacitors are low-standing which shouldn’t really cause problems with aftermarket coolers available. One of the heatsinks for the transistors is removable if you intend to watercool this as well as such that this is held only by screws for easy removal.
Just to the left of the heatsink for the transistors, you’ll find 2 chips that provide power management to the processor and the voltage regulator. The EPU which dynamically adjusts voltages of the major components (processor, memory, graphics card, etc.) and the PEM which monitors and controls the VRM power phase to evenly distribute load depending on temperature and power consumption. This feature can be disabled in the BIOS in case you’d prefer having all 16 phase for the processor running constantly.
Below the processor socket you’ll find the eye-catching Republic of Gamers logo/heatsink which blinks in and out on standby and fully lit when the system is operational. This heatsink doesn’t serve a purpose but purely aesthetics as the P55 chipset isn’t located here but the clock generator. However, this is designed to be low profile so it won’t cause problems with clearance on your cpu cooler. I have to admit that without this piece, the motherboard would look bare and awkward like the P7P55D Deluxe which is something I’m not used to seeing, yet.
From this angle you’ll find that the 1-sided memory clip makes another appearance, this is designed so removal of the memory would no longer require you to remove the graphics card. Four slots for dual-channel and the MemOK button on the right side (small red button) which also acts as the Go Button for pre-defined overclock presets when pressed if the user is already in Windows. Beside the ATX power connector, you’ll have the Probe It read points which allows you to take voltage readings real-time using a DMM, and beside that the diagnostic LEDs. Each light will turn red during the post sequence and if a problem is found on a certain component, the light stays on giving you an idea which part is causing the problem.
Unfortunately, I find this an odd location for such a useful feature. The cables from the ATX power connector will most likely block the read points making it a pain to take readings or check the diagnostic LEDs when the motherboard is mounted inside the case. Still, these are wonderful additions to the plethora of features for the Maximus that it has almost become a standard for this line.
Moving forward on the bottom left is where the P55 chipset is covered by once again with a low-profile heatsink. I personally liked the fin-type heatsink even if it us low profile, the surface is somewhat greater which makes up for it. 6 right angled SATA ports that are connected directly to the chipset are located here. Just below the memory are the 2 dedicated SATA ports for the optical drive, although some review sites are criticizing the use of JMicron chipset on this area, this should be suitable enough for your optical drive needs but my only regret is that there are unused spaces on the 6 SATA ports and because of the location of these 2, it might pose interference with the graphics card installed on the first PCIE slot. Below the chipset, you’ll find the front panel headers which are conveniently located as this I believe is the optimal location for connecting the headers.
Unfortunately, for a high-end motherboard like this, I wonder why Asus only managed to equip the unit with 1 BIOS if the target markets are enthusiasts who fiddle a lot with the BIOS. Although the likelihood of corrupting the BIOS is slim, providing 2 chips would give users the sense of security. Beside the headers, you’ll find 2 SATA ports which provides instant hardware RAID configuration via another JMicron chipset. This is added for people who do not want to go through the hassles of understanding RAID, it’s simply connecting 2 hard drives in there and a simple activation via the software provided. The rest are basically more fan, USB and firewire headers in line with the reset and power button. The partially hidden x16 PCIE ports provide two x8 speed configuration when multiple graphics cards are used for SLI or Crossfire which isn’t really Asus’ fault. The last x16 PCI slot only offers x4 speed and is connected via the P55 chipset.
Major BIOS Options Screens
The Extreme Tweaker menu is where all the magic happens. With access to almost all voltages to the component in your system, this is where every enthusiast is most likely going to spend his time. As usual, the values are arranged so that it’s easier to navigate the options without the clutter. Knowing that this is a first-class motherboard, Asus provided its users, the most number of options but still maintaining user-friendly GUI. Enough said.
Another major addition to the BIOS is the presence of pre-configured overclocking profiles via the Go button. Take note that the Go button only functions when the system is booted to Windows, pre-post and it serves as MemOK. Then there’s the MemPerfect option which I had the chance to test. This is the utility I used as a starting point to find out if the Patriot Viper II Sector 5 was capable of running 1333 MHz. I then had to manually find out if the RAM would be able to support low timings. Last but not least is the OC profile where there are 8 slots for your different system configuration, you’ll see from my screenshot the different memory frequency and latency I used.
Test Setup and Benchmarks
This review’s benchmarks is going to by-far, the most comprehensive I’ve ever done. Although I’m limited to stock settings because the bracket for my Corsair Hydro Series H50 failed to arrive in time, I’ve included synthetic and real-world applications that will simulate the test on a day-to-day usage scenario. Furthermore, there are 2 memory profiles used; DDR3-1333 5-5-5-15 and DDR3-1800 8-8-8-24 courtesy of Patriot Viper II Sector 5 memory modules that are designed exclusively for LGA1156 processors. Before we dig in, the following are the components used:
Memory Performance
Memory Bandwidth (MB/s, higher = better)
Memory Latency (nanoseconds, lower = better)
Everest Ultimate Edition - Industry leading system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for enthusiasts PC users, based on the award-winning EVEREST Technology. Exhaustive details of system information on 100 pages including CPU, FPU, disk and memory benchmarks, advanced hardware monitoring and diagnostics capabilities. SiSoftware Sandra (the System ANalyser, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant) is an information & diagnostic utility. It should provide most of the information (including undocumented) you need to know about your hardware, software and other devices whether hardware or software.
There’s simply no reason not to make use of the XMP profile included in the memory. The fact that it offers much more bandwidth at a much lower latency is a no-brainer. However, if you’re up to standard settings, then the memory is capable of running DDR3-1333 MHz at CAS5 which is not too bad. In fact, standard latency for this frequency is 7-7-7, 8-8-8 or 9-9-9 but at a much higher frequency, the DDR3-1800’s memory throughput wins, unfortunately.
Synthetic and Real-World Performance
CustomPC Benchmarks Suite 2007 (seconds, lower = better) / PCMark Vantage x64 (points, higher = better)
CustomPC Benchmarks Suite 2007 uses open source real-world applications that measure the performance of a computer. The first test is image manipulation through GIMP where the images are resized, colors improved and then collated for a panoramic view. The GIMP version used is single-thread so higher clock benefit faster performance. The second part of the test is video encoding to h.264 via Handbrake and the utility scales very well with the number of cores. The final test is a combination of 7-zip compressing the multiple images that was created out of GIMP while playing HD video that was encoded earlier. All tests are measured in seconds except for the overall score which is by points.
PCMark Vantage is a PC benchmark suite designed for Windows Vista offering one-click simplicity for casual users and detailed, professional grade testing for industry, press and enthusiasts. A PCMark score is a measure of your computer’s performance across a variety of common tasks such as viewing and editing photos, video, music and other media, gaming, communications, productivity and security.
3D Benchmarking Utilities
3DMark06 is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX9 performance of your graphics card. 3DMark Vantage is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX10 performance of your graphics card. A 3DMark score is an overall measure of your system’s 3D gaming capabilities, based on comprehensive real-time 3D graphics and processor tests.
Games
Both are tested with the same graphics card so there’s no surprise the difference is minimal. However, I should mention that the XMP profile slightly overclocks the system so DDR3-1800 leads by a pretty small margin that its negligible. FarCry 2 was tested using the built-in benchmarking utility using the long ranch demo looped 3 times. The same goes for Street Fighter IV Benchmark which by the way; can be downloaded online for free.
Conclusion
The number of features and the software bundled with the Maximus Formula III is impressive. During the course of the review, I was able to test MemOK and MemPerfect which worked perfectly fine albeit aimed towards stability rather than performance. The TurboV Evo is also the most pleasant software utility I’ve encountered. Aesthetics-wise, there are no major issues when it comes to the layout except for the placements of some ports and the questionable use of underperforming chipsets.
If you think I’d give it a perfect score, let me lay down the quirks I’ve encountered; video would just disappear randomly. I usually play WarCraft III single player as past time but the system would just lose video although the sound can still be heard. The system can’t recover and the only way to get the video to work is to reboot the system. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with the board, even inquired Asus support forums but their representatives gave me scripted answer (video driver, power supply, etc.). Hopefully, these issues will be sorted out via BIOS update in the near future. Another thing worth nothing is like I said earlier, the questionable use of underperforming chipsets like the JMicron controller – for some reason; I just don’t know why Asus went JMicron when there are other better performing chipsets available. Also unknown to many, is that the Ethernet port is routed via the aging PCI bus which pretty much limits the bandwidth. This is probably the reason why Asus ships the Maximus Formula III with a bandwidth manager to compensate for this, I don’t really know but I’m just saying. For a top-tiered motherboard like this, single BIOS is just despicable.
Despite these issues, the Maximus Formula III is a fantastic motherboard but if compared to the previous ROG releases, this one I believe is a little bit hastily made and if you’re someone who has cash to burn, by no means get the board but if you’re looking for something that offers more bang for your back perhaps, you should wait for the Extreme version.
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