ASUS Announces ROG Maximus VIII Extreme-Assembly and GTX 980 Ti Matrix

[btarunr]

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly and Matrix GTX 980 Ti, our flagship Z170 gaming motherboard primed for epic gaming performance and overclocking, and the enthusiast graphics card that delivers record-breaking performance and extreme overclocking potential - both finessed with ROG's all-new futuristic Plasma Copper scheme for color-matched extreme gaming and overclocking rigs.

Introducing the stunning Plasma Copper color scheme, ASUS ROG's Global Marketing Director, Derek Yu, said: "To be ROG is to be the rebel. To be ROG is to break every rule. We are rebellious ROG, breaking our own rules to envision a new future. A future forged with striking distinction. ROG is red. ROG is black. And now ROG is also Plasma Copper: elite assemblies for elite gamers. This is our mark of invincibility - and the new emblem of dominance for the world's best gamers."



Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly: Best gaming and OC, plus SupremeFX Hi-Fi and 10G Express
Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly is ROG's new flagship gaming motherboard for elite players, extending Maximus VIII Extreme's superiority by applying ROG's Plasma Copper colors, and including the new SupremeFX Hi-Fi front-panel headphone amp and ROG 10G Express card, the fastest onboard consumer Ethernet. .

Based on the new Intel Z170 Express chipset and LGA 1151 socket for the latest 6th-generation Intel processors, Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly continues ROG's world-record-breaking heritage to deliver the best gaming performance with multiple ROG-exclusive innovations. These include: 5-Way Optimization auto-tuning for instant performance boosts; Pro Clock to push base-clock frequencies further than ever before; second generation T-Topology technology for extreme DDR4 overclocking; and the new Extreme Engine Digi+ for precise, smooth core voltages.

SupremeFX Hi-Fi is the front-panel headphone amp that delivers sound exactly how the studio intended - pure, unadulterated audio straight to the listener's ear, whether they're streaming or gaming. The ESS ES9018K2M digital-to-analog converter (DAC), dual Texas Instruments LM4562 op-amps and TPA6120A2 headphone amp work in harmony to faithfully reproduce every detail without distortion or jitter, delivering audiophile-grade 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128 playback, and output of over 6VRMS to 600ohm headphones.

SupremeFX Hi-Fi has a Cirrus Logic analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) for exceptional recording quality and, when excitement over accuracy is the order of the day, ROG's Sonic Studio suite enables the listener to apply endless audio enhancements.

ROG 10G Express is the enterprise-speed Ethernet card, powered by Aquantia and Tehuti Networks: these key partners are both members of the NBASE-T alliance, and are working closely to create the new 2.5Gbit/s and 5Gbit/s standards that will be compatible with the existing Category 5e (Cat 5e) cabling and ports. With PCI Express 2.0 x4 speed, it equips Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly gamers for next-generation LAN speeds of up to 10Gbit/s - or up to ten times (10X) faster than today's fastest onboard consumer Ethernet.

With ROG 10G Express, Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly users enjoy faster online gaming and share smoother streaming. 10G Express supports speeds right down to 100Mbit/s, including 5Gbit/s, 2.5Gbit/s and 1Gbit/s, so it's compatible with a vast range of hardware, old and new.

Nir Sever, Chief Operating Office, of Tehuti Networks said: "We're excited to work with the industry-leading gaming brand ROG to include our 10G Express expansion card, providing supreme-speed, lag-free online gaming experiences for ROG gamers. ROG is the first gaming brand committed to providing high-performance, low-power and great-value multi-gigabit networking and future-proof standards, expanding the potential and appeal of its elite gaming gear."

Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly provides the best gaming audio with SupremeFX 2015 with Sonic Studio II, the best gaming networking from Intel Ethernet, plus exclusive ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies to eliminate lag for incredible online-gaming experiences.

Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly is engineered with the revolutionary NVM Express (NVMe) U.2 connector on board to unleash the full potential of the latest SSDs - with speeds of up to 32Gbit/s.

The new motherboard also has the latest USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity for speeds of up to 10Gbit/s, or twice (2X) as fast USB 3.0, and includes three Type-A ports for great backward-compatibility and one reversible Type-C (USB-C) connector for convenience, ease and future-proofing.

ROG Matrix GTX 980 Ti: Record-breaking performance with best OC and gaming innovations
ROG's new Matrix GTX 980 Ti is powered by the latest GeForce GTX 980 Ti graphics-processing units (GPUs), each of which is individually tested by an ASUS-exclusive GPU-sorting system to assess its overclocking potential - with only the very best GPUs selected for inclusion on Matrix GTX 980 Ti. Only the very best GPUs that rank in the top 15% of those tested are reserved for use in the ROG Matrix. This fanatical attention to detail and commitment to quality results in a graphics card that offers gamers and overclockers extreme performance and overclocking stability. ROG Matrix GTX 980 Ti delivers up to 18.7% faster performance than reference cards and 21.6% faster in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Matrix GTX 980 Ti is packed with ASUS-exclusive technologies, including DirectCU II and patented wing-blade fans that deliver maximum airflow over the heat sink for 30%-cooler and three times (3X) quieter performance.

Matrix GTX 980 Ti also has many advanced and exclusive hardware and software features designed to make overclocking as simple and safe as possible. Memory Defroster quickly defrosts the graphics card's memory during below-zero overclocking to ensure sustained stability. A Safe Mode that allows users to overclock with complete confidence, as a single button push will restore default BIOS settings instantly. Extreme overclockers will also appreciate the liquid-nitrogen (LN2) jumper switch as it enables even more overvolting options, allowing the most adventurous users to unleash maximum greater power from their graphics cards.

To support stable overclocking, ROG Matrix GTX 980 Ti is also equipped with exclusive Digi+ voltage-regulation modules (VRMs) with 14-phase Super Alloy Power II technology. All ASUS graphics cards are now produced using Auto-Extreme technology, an industry-only, 100% automated production process that incorporates premium materials to set a new standard of quality and reliability.

ROG Matrix GTX 980 Ti is also equipped with a gorgeous color-coded LED that changes shade to reflect the GPU's load level. Shining brightly through four resplendent color gradients, it provides a real-time visual guide to performance - and an awesome internal glow!

Plus, the ROG edition of GPU Tweak II - the ultimate graphics-card-tuning utility - offers incredibly precise control over GPU clock frequency, pulse-width modulation (PWM), voltage-regulator modules (VRMs), and even fans for maximum overclocking potential that's safe and simple. XSplit Gamecaster lets gamers easily stream or record gameplay via a convenient, in-game overlay.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Ferrum Master]

Looking GooD.

 

[Octavean]

Maximus Price-tag-icus,.....

 

[Frick]

Introducing the stunning Plasma Copper color scheme, ASUS ROG's Global Marketing Director, Derek Yu, said: "To be ROG is to be the rebel. To be ROG is to break every rule. We are rebellious ROG, breaking our own rules to envision a new future. A future forged with striking distinction. ROG is red. ROG is black. And now ROG is also Plasma Copper: elite assemblies for elite gamers. This is our mark of invincibility - and the new emblem of dominance for the world's best gamers."

I tried to read the entire thing but I just couldn't.

And anyway Extreme Assembly to me means industrial grade everything. Not quite mil specs, but close.

 

[RMX]

Happy to see some other colors, though the ROG logo on the heatsink in red feels kinda misplaced.

This is so cringeworthy, please stop:

ASUS ROG's Global Marketing Director, Derek Yu, said: "To be ROG is to be the rebel. To be ROG is to break every rule. We are rebellious ROG, breaking our own rules to envision a new future. A future forged with striking distinction. ROG is red. ROG is black. And now ROG is also Plasma Copper: elite assemblies for elite gamers. This is our mark of invincibility - and the new emblem of dominance for the world's best gamers."

 

[Digital Dreams]

"To be ROG is to be the rebel. To be ROG is to break every rule. We are rebellious ROG, breaking our own rules to envision a new future. A future forged with striking distinction. ROG is red. ROG is black. And now ROG is also Plasma Copper: elite assemblies for elite gamers. This is our mark of invincibility - and the new emblem of dominance for the world's best gamers."

This is just horrible, who buys into this shit?

 

[Chaitanya]

"To be ROG is to be the rebel. To be ROG is to break every rule. We are rebellious ROG, breaking our own rules to envision a new future. A future forged with striking distinction. ROG is red. ROG is black. And now ROG is also Plasma Copper: elite assemblies for elite gamers. This is our mark of invincibility - and the new emblem of dominance for the world's best gamers."

This is just horrible, who buys into this shit?

Thousands of young kids whose parents have deep pockets.

 

[neko77025]

I don't like it and I don't get it. I use to be A huge Asus fan ... but something about their last few mobo have just been off. To me the are being out done by Asrock and Gigabyte .... I dont OC like I use to , I want more features and Asus seems too lack VS others. I still love their video cards tho, however I cant tell .. but does that one take up 3x slots ? ...looks like its 2 1/2 slots too me .... anything more then 2 .. is A no no in my book.


Side note on Asus RMA ... One of my 780ti (had 2) Died on me about A month ago ... took them A long as time to get back to me about it ... and they dont respond/ cant call them. When they did, they said sorry for taking so long we cant fix it and would like to replace it with A 980 Strix .. ( I was like woot /grr ). MSG them back about my SLI 5760/1080p setup and ask if they would replace my other 780 ti with one or something A long the lines of matching cards for my rigs .... About 4 days later they Agreed to do so ... Thank you Asus!

To me that shows me alot about them ... they could of just told me too F-off and I would of been ok with that to cause I understand ... But the fact they are helping me out with matching up the cards .. shows class.
I will buy their GPUs for A long time now!

 

[EarthDog]

Happy to see some other colors, though the ROG logo on the heatsink in red feels kinda misplaced.

This is so cringeworthy, please stop:

Its an LED on the original... you can change the color to match.

 

[Chaitanya]

On a side note did anyone else notice this motherboard Asus is bundling a 10G ethernet card? Its not built onto motherboard like Asrock but rather a seperate add-in card. I would like to see some reviews of that new solution.

 

[peche]

i love the "Armor" asus uses to put in their boards now days....

Regards,

 

[CjStaal]

So pissed considering I just bought the Strix OC last week...

 

[Assimilator]

It's great to finally see U.2 as a native connector. Hopefully this spells the end of useless SATA Express.

 

[bogami]

Stupid developers when it was MAXIMUS EXTRIME without PLX chip.It does not belong to € 500 Class.1 tonne of additives do not justify this prices.If add M.2. 265 GB samsung pro would still be too expensive.GPU is issued very late and realistically no longer offer mor to Game Player only delivers extreme OC obtions.
The only worthy of unit is an external preamplifier and converter, which has to be specially purchased.
MAXIMUS EXTRIME name do not belong to this board. total fuckup. RANGER best.

 

[Parn]

I still prefer Gigabyte boards, more features, similar build quality but lower price. The only reason I have an Asus M8H in my rig is because I thought my Gigabyte Gaming5 board was defective/having memory compatibility issues during the intial troubleshooting of freeze/bsod.

 

[EarthDog]

I still prefer Gigabyte boards, more features, similar build quality but lower price. The only reason I have an Asus M8H in my rig is because I thought my Gigabyte Gaming5 board was defective/having memory compatibility issues during the intial troubleshooting of freeze/bsod.

Their competing boards are the same price...ok... $20 difference between the M8E and the G1 Gaming... my fault. You were right. But what is $20 when you are paying $500? I believe the M8E has more features than that gigabyte (hey thanks for hte 5.25" bay USB port!)... LOL!

 

[bogami]

I still prefer Gigabyte boards, more features, similar build quality but lower price. The only reason I have an Asus M8H in my rig is because I thought my Gigabyte Gaming5 board was defective/having memory compatibility issues during the intial troubleshooting of freeze/bsod.

Gigabyte Gaming5 New BIOS solve majority issues with RAM ,and it is good to look at which RAM falls to addition board before buying.

 

[Parn]

Gigabyte Gaming5 New BIOS solve majority issues with RAM ,and it is good to look at which RAM falls to addition board before buying.

Actually the problem I had was eventually diagnosed to be the CPU. The whole story is here: http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/need-help-how-likely-to-get-a-bad-cpu.217147/

 

[Parn]

Their competing boards are the same price...ok... $20 difference between the M8E and the G1 Gaming... my fault. You were right. But what is $20 when you are paying $500? I believe the M8E has more features than that gigabyte (hey thanks for hte 5.25" bay USB port!)... LOL!

Well you're right about the top tier products. I agree £20 - 30 difference is pretty much negligible when a user is already paying £400 for a motherboard.

But for mid-range models Asus tends to be more expensive with less features here.

M8H £175, Gaming7 £159 (2nd NIC, 2nd M.2, 3rd SATAe, dual BIOS, Intel USB3.1 controller, thunderbolt 3, SoundCore 3D chip w/ replaceable OpAMP)
M8R £153, Gaming5 £143 (2nd NIC, better VRM, 2nd M.2, 3rd SATAe, dual BIOS, Intel USB3.1 controller)

 

[EarthDog]

Why are you comparing the ROG line though? That is apples to oranges, no?

What about the ASUS Z170-Pro? Its $194

Can't say I care much about about a 2nd NIC (how many do, really?)
VRMs don't matter much at all with ambient cooling on Intel So long as you have 4/5 for the CPU, it won't limit you!
Dual BIOS, sure, good if you flash frequently, its nice to have, I will give you that.
Thunderbolt 3 (LOL, seriously?).
They both have 3.1 Gen2 Type A and C.

If you need those features (like replaceable op amp multiple M.2 slots, 2nd NIC), then great. They are useless if they are sitting idle.

 

[Parn]

Why are you comparing the ROG line though? That is apples to oranges, no?

What about the ASUS Z170-Pro? Its $194

Can't say I care much about about a 2nd NIC (how many do, really?)
VRMs don't matter much at all with ambient cooling on Intel So long as you have 4/5 for the CPU, it won't limit you!
Dual BIOS, sure, good if you flash frequently, its nice to have, I will give you that.
Thunderbolt 3 (LOL, seriously?).
They both have 3.1 Gen2 Type A and C.

If you need those features (like replaceable op amp multiple M.2 slots, 2nd NIC), then great. They are useless if they are sitting idle.

The ROG counterpart made by Gigabyte is its G1 Gaming series which both Gaming5 and Gaming7 belong to. So that's not apples to oranges.

Well my point is that you get all those extra features at lower price. Sure features like thunerbolt 3 may hardly get used during the lifetime of that mobo, but it's nice to have it when you don't need to pay extra for it.

USB3.1 on Giga are provided by Intel controllers whereas Asus uses ASMedia except for M8E. Seeing that the Intel controller is only found on the top dog M8E indicates it is a better controller (or at least more premium) than the ASMedia.