ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced Maximus VII Formula and Maximus VII Formula/Watch Dogs, Z97 chipset-based ATX gaming motherboards ready for the latest 4th-, new 4th- and 5th-generation Intel Core processors - codenamed 'Haswell', 'Haswell Refresh', 'Haswell Refresh K-Series' ('Devil's Canyon') and 'Broadwell' - and engineered with many new and exclusive ROG game-boosting features.

The Maximus VII Formula series supports dual-channel up to DDR 3300+ (OC) memory, and quad-GPU SLI and 3-way CrossFireX for gaming rigs with multiple graphics-processing units (multi-GPU). The new motherboard series also includes two SATA Express and ten SATA 3.0 connectors, as well as eight USB 3.0 and six USB 2.0 ports.Maximus VII Formula delivers the best gaming hybrid-cooling solution with CrossChill Copper, the best gaming audio with SupremeFX Formula 2014 and the best gaming networking with Intel Gigabit Ethernet, GameFirst III and LANGuard. The new motherboard also has the best gaming power solution with Extreme Engine DIGI+ III and TrueVolt 5V, and the best gaming protection with ROG Armor, premium components, ESD Guards and a multitude of DIY-friendly design innovations.

Maximus VII Formula is pre-fitted with mPCIe Combo III + 802.11ac / Bluetooth 4.0, a compact connectivity module that delivers the latest wireless technologies along with mini PCI Express (mPCIe) and M.2 (10 Gbit/s PCIe x2 and 6 Gbit/s SATA) slots.

Two packages will be available - Maximus VII Formula and Maximus VII Formula/Watch Dogs. The latter includes the full version of Watch Dogs, so customers are able to experience 2014's most exciting game action on 2014's finest gaming motherboard.

Best gaming hybrid cooling
The best gaming performance means keeping cool, so ROG has equipped Maximus VII Formula with the all-new and exclusive CrossChill Copper hybrid-cooling solution. CrossChill Copper is engineered around a highly-conductive, corrosion-resistant copper cooling channel that's incredibly effective at removing heat.

Whether using air or liquid, CrossChill Copper's broad array of internal fins maximize the cooling channel's heat-dissipation surface area for extreme thermal efficiency. With liquid, MOSFET temperatures are lowered by up to 23˚C and the G1/4-inch threaded fittings mean that Maximus VII Formula offers maximum compatibility for existing cooling setups - just fit the barbs, attach the pipes and it's good to go.

Best gaming audio
Maximus VII Formula introduces SupremeFX Formula 2014, the integrated-audio solution that's as great as a dedicated sound card. Cutting-edge isolation technologies minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and exceptionally-premium components deliver best-in-class audio, with an outstanding 120dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and Cirrus Logic CS4398 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) available via the rear output.

From the stylish black nickel EMI cover and warmth-suffusing ELNA and WIMA film capacitors to the high-fidelity Texas Instruments LM4562 operational amplifier that drives up to 600ohm-impedance headphones via the rear output, every part of SupremeFX Formula 2014 is engineered for the purest audio clarity. SupremeFX Formula 2014 also includes exclusive Sonic SenseAmp technology to automatically detect analog-audio front-panel (AAFP) headphone impedance and adjust the built-in amp, while Sonic SoundStage applies the best audio settings for popular game genres and Sonic Studio enables brilliant 7.1-channel virtual surround sound with just one click.

Best gaming networking
Maximus VII Formula is also fitted with state-of-the-art Intel Gigabit Ethernet that delivers better throughput with lower processing power for superior speed and increased efficiency. The new motherboard's networking capabilities additionally benefit from ROG-exclusive GameFirst III technology for no-delay gameplay. This advanced network-optimization software assigns top priority to game-data packets, allocating them more bandwidth to ensure the best online gaming experience and clear, stutter-free online team-chat - all controlled with ROG's usual intuitive flair.

ROG has even reinvented the RJ45 socket, with LANGuard. Advanced signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounted capacitors improve throughput, while surge-protected and electrostatically-guarded components (ESD Guards) protect against lightning strikes and static-electricity discharges.

Best gaming power solution
Maximus VII Formula's Extreme Engine DIGI+ III voltage-regulator module (VRM) with exceptionally-premium components ensures ultra-stable power delivery, no matter how demanding the action.

NexFET MOSFETs deliver up to 90% efficiency in normal operation; they're also more durable and half the size of standard MOSFETs. 60A BlackWing chokes serve up power with minimal loss and at very low temperatures, while Japanese-made 10K black metallic capacitors last five-times (5X) longer and deliver 20%-greater endurance at extreme temperatures than generic capacitors - ensuring that Maximus VII Formula is able to withstand even the hardest of hardcore gaming.

TrueVolt 5V technology delivers a rock-steady 5V supply to both the front and back USB sockets - with no drop-outs. All connected equipment benefits from a clean 5V supply, assuring great compatibility and added protection for USB devices.

Best gaming protection
Maximus VII Formula is brimming with some brilliantly innovative features to protect both gamers and their gaming gear. Exclusive ROG Armor is a two-part fortification that compromises a strong and stylish ABS-plastic cover and a SECC (steel, electro-galvanized, cold-rolled coil) backplate. The ABS cover blocks heat from the graphics card, lowering system temperatures for better performance; and the SECC backplate supports the motherboard to prevent bending, employing thermal pads to efficiently conduct heat away from crucial components.

Q-Slot makes it easy to secure or release a graphics card, while the black nickel-coated Q-Shield protects hands from nicks and cuts. Similarly, Q-DIMM's one-sided clips means handling memory modules is a cinch, and resettable fuses provide DRAM over-current protection that minimizes the chance of short-circuit damage to memory and connection ports. Maximus VII Formula even has a stainless-steel back input/output (I/O) panel that lasts up to three-times (3X) longer than traditional panels.