The Board - A Closer Look

Additional USB 3.0 ports on the ASUS MAXIMUS VI EXTREME are provided by an ASMedia HUB controller, the ASM1074, and video-output-switching duties are managed by a Parade PS8201A TMDS.


Audio on the board is provided by a newer Realtek ALC1150 CODEC, one of my new favorites. LAN duties are covered by an Intel I217V controller.


A PLX8605 PCIe bridge chip to pipe in the connectivity of all additional devices connected to the Intel Z87 PCH. This Z87 PCH chip is hidden under the board's large black cooler, anodized with a flat black coating.


I found a ROG-branded chip near the BIOS chips. It does something, but I am not exactly sure what. A Nuvoton SuperI/O handles most monitoring duties, and I did find another ROG-branded SuperI/O peeking out from under the PCH cooler's bottom too.