Wednesday, October 22nd 2008
ASUS Unleashes its Highest Performing Enthusiast Motherboard: ROG Rampage II Extreme
ASUS, the world's leading producer of motherboards, today unveiled the most advanced and highest performing enthusiast motherboard at present: the Republic of Gamers (ROG) Rampage II Extreme. In keeping with ROG's commitment to producing cutting-edge, boundary-redefining products for the serious gaming and overclocking community, the ROG Rampage II Extreme incorporates the latest innovations and components into its architecture, such as the latest Intel chipset and SLI/CrossFireX on Demand-delivering blistering performance through its support for the new range of Intel processors and multi-GPU technologies such as 3-Way SLI and CrossFireX. To enable users to push the capabilities of the new platform to the limit, the ROG Rampage II Extreme features ROG Extreme Engine, a true multi-phase power management system-16 phases for the CPU and 3 phases each for QPI/DRAM, the Northbridge and memory-with premium Multilayer type Polymer Capacitors (ML Caps) that keep the power supply stable even under the most demanding loads.
The ROG Rampage II Extreme also features TweakIt and ProbeIt, tools that enable overclockers to adjust and monitor their frequency and voltage settings directly from the motherboard itself-thus allowing them to coax maximum performance from their systems quickly and conveniently.
Superlative All-around Performance with Latest Intel CPU Support and ROG Extreme Engine
The ROG Rampage II Extreme supports the new Intel CPU chipset, enabling users to reap the performance benefits of Intel's latest processor microarchitecture including increased speed, superior multitasking, DDR3-1800(OC) memory support and greater energy efficiency. To enable overclockers to push the new generation of CPUs to the limit, the ROG Rampage II Extreme features ROG Extreme Engine, a next-generation dynamic multi-phase power management system equipped with high performance ML Caps that ensure a stable power supply during overvoltage by lowering ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)-keeping mission-critical components such as the processor, system memory and the Northbridge reliable. With support for the latest Intel chipset and the additional overclocking headroom afforded by ROG Extreme Engine, the ROG Rampage II Extreme is set to take system performance to a new level.
Hands-on Hardware-based Overclocking with TweakIt and ProbeIt
In order to help overclockers build the fastest machines in the fastest time possible, the ROG Rampage II Extreme offers two innovative overclocking solutions: TweakIt and ProbeIt. TweakIt enables overclockers to make real-time changes to their systems' core frequency, voltage and other parameters using the joystick-like control on the motherboard itself-even while the benchmark utility is running. At no point does software come into play; the tweaking is completely hardware-based. ProbeIt, on the other hand, takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard's measurement points, demarcating them clearly so that users will know exactly where they will be able to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester. There are eight sets of detection points in total.
SLI and CrossFireX Support with SLI/CrossFireX on Demand
Realizing SLI graphics technology on an Intel chipset-based platform has always been an overclocker's dream. Many have risked 'bricking' their motherboards and voiding their warranties by running cracked SLI drivers on unlicensed platforms. The ROG Rampage II Extreme therefore features SLI/CrossFireX on Demand, providing support for 3-Way SLI. This means that users will be able to install up to three 3-Way SLI-capable graphics cards. Should they so wish, users will still have the flexibility to run a CrossFireX setup instead of an SLI one. Whichever route they choose to pursue, users are guaranteed jaw-dropping graphics performance at a level previously unseen.
Killer Audio with SupremeFX X-Fi
Rounding off the already stellar package is the inclusion of a SupremeFX X-Fi sound card, precluding the need for users to purchase a separate audio device. SupremeFX X-Fi utilizes established X-Fi technologies such as CMSS-3D and EAX to deliver immersive and crystal clear multichannel audio both during gaming and while enjoying other forms of multimedia entertainment.
Source:
ASUS
Superlative All-around Performance with Latest Intel CPU Support and ROG Extreme Engine
The ROG Rampage II Extreme supports the new Intel CPU chipset, enabling users to reap the performance benefits of Intel's latest processor microarchitecture including increased speed, superior multitasking, DDR3-1800(OC) memory support and greater energy efficiency. To enable overclockers to push the new generation of CPUs to the limit, the ROG Rampage II Extreme features ROG Extreme Engine, a next-generation dynamic multi-phase power management system equipped with high performance ML Caps that ensure a stable power supply during overvoltage by lowering ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)-keeping mission-critical components such as the processor, system memory and the Northbridge reliable. With support for the latest Intel chipset and the additional overclocking headroom afforded by ROG Extreme Engine, the ROG Rampage II Extreme is set to take system performance to a new level.
Hands-on Hardware-based Overclocking with TweakIt and ProbeIt
In order to help overclockers build the fastest machines in the fastest time possible, the ROG Rampage II Extreme offers two innovative overclocking solutions: TweakIt and ProbeIt. TweakIt enables overclockers to make real-time changes to their systems' core frequency, voltage and other parameters using the joystick-like control on the motherboard itself-even while the benchmark utility is running. At no point does software come into play; the tweaking is completely hardware-based. ProbeIt, on the other hand, takes the guesswork out of locating the motherboard's measurement points, demarcating them clearly so that users will know exactly where they will be able to get quick yet accurate readings using a multitester. There are eight sets of detection points in total.
SLI and CrossFireX Support with SLI/CrossFireX on Demand
Realizing SLI graphics technology on an Intel chipset-based platform has always been an overclocker's dream. Many have risked 'bricking' their motherboards and voiding their warranties by running cracked SLI drivers on unlicensed platforms. The ROG Rampage II Extreme therefore features SLI/CrossFireX on Demand, providing support for 3-Way SLI. This means that users will be able to install up to three 3-Way SLI-capable graphics cards. Should they so wish, users will still have the flexibility to run a CrossFireX setup instead of an SLI one. Whichever route they choose to pursue, users are guaranteed jaw-dropping graphics performance at a level previously unseen.
Killer Audio with SupremeFX X-Fi
Rounding off the already stellar package is the inclusion of a SupremeFX X-Fi sound card, precluding the need for users to purchase a separate audio device. SupremeFX X-Fi utilizes established X-Fi technologies such as CMSS-3D and EAX to deliver immersive and crystal clear multichannel audio both during gaming and while enjoying other forms of multimedia entertainment.
19 Comments on ASUS Unleashes its Highest Performing Enthusiast Motherboard: ROG Rampage II Extreme
It's getting stupid, especially as the X58 is less than the X48...
But ye X58 chipset is cheaper than X48 but dont forget these boards have more PCB layers making it more expensive.
The biggest problem is the stupid economic crisis has made the dollar drop in many countries and the price of even current parts has increased. Like the price of a e8400 CPU has risen by about $60 in the last few days. (at least where i live).
Also the board makers tend to release the highend versions first, then a month later release a cheaper model.
I think after Christmas we'll see some sensible prices that we can afford.
And this board's price is justified as it is hugely complex(assuming $400-500). I wouldn't buy it, as the benefits are only marginal over the cheaper version, but the benefits are there to justify the price.
I’m willing to pay about ~$300 to ~$400 for an X58 motherboard and about ~$300 to ~$350 for an Intel Core i7 920. Which is all I need since I have everything else necessary.
Then again I might just wait for the prices to settle down to where they should be and for addition motherboards to hit the market (choice / competitive pricing). Either way I expect ASUS to be first out of the gate with an X58 motherboard and I expect them to attach a steep price to it.
Not sure if they will release the P6T Deluxe (OC Palm) before or after the Rampage II EX though,...
Like it was with my P5K Premium ASUS BLACK PEARL EDITION that has a broken SATA controller,broken sound and wifi not to mention its bios which forgets its settings randomly.
With some whining maybe you will get ASUS to release a new BIOS that will adress the issues after a year.
Good luck for those that waste money on this segment.
PS @ AphexDreamer. What is that AMD thing you guys keep talking about ? Its not the first time i see some1 mention AMD and I would really like to know more about it. Is that the company that used to make CPU'S 5 years ago ?
If you get this on release you would be stuck waiting for the mainstream versions of nehalem in which by that time, its price will drop down significantly
But then again, considering that if you can score an expensive board, I reckon that he/she has the pockets for the i7 extremes
My Rampage Extreme was far from it, sure is looked good but cmon, what are we ? stupid?
I am going back to good performance and build quality over huge prices and bling.
Here is my take-
Gigabyte bagged Asus for not using solid capacitors, Asus soon followed yet charged like a wounded bull, Gigabyte bagged Asus for only using 8 phase power over the Gigabyte superiour 12 phase, Asus hit back and said 8 phase was all that was needed and 12 was overkill. Soon afterwards Asus released the Rampage extreme with 16 phase :roll: hypocryte anyone?
Asus use gimmicks and bling to sell there boards at super high prices,hell they still to this day, even on ther current flagship "Rampage Extreme" cant put thermal past on correctly on there heatsinks, or even use all copper desighn for cooling NB and SB, they like to spray the metal to make it look like copper, Gigabyte use all copper desighn, sure they may use thermal pads in place of Thermal grease, but at least the contact areas are 100%.
If I am going to spend $500 to $600 AU on a board, I want the build quality to be superb, and I want it to perform well and OC well , I dont think Asus do either.
I have had a few GA boards , and My latest Asus boards were the Maximus Extreme and the Rampage Extreme, and I wasnt happy with the Asus, either with Quad cores or Duel Cores, oh and dont get me started on Asus Bios updates, Extreme Fail should be there name.
Hey but if you guys like paying through the roof for rubbish then there will still be a market for it.
Yeah $500 is probably closer to it. ASUS is known for really sticking it to the enthusiast crowd. However they wouldn't do it if people wouldn't pay. I guess the market likes $400-$500 motherboards. I paid $200 for an EVGA 680i and although it was a relatively positive experience, I vowed to never spend over $150-200 for a motherboard. The price to performance ratio is really out of whack at $250+.