ASUS ROG Team Launches the Maximus V Formula Gaming Motherboard (Updated with Video)

ASUS ROG Team Launches the Maximus V Formula Gaming Motherboard

Based on the Intel Z77 Chipset, ASUS has introduced the ROG Maximus V Formula motherboard at Computex. It supports both second and third gen Intel Core processors, and employs Fusion Thermo, an exclusive dual configuration cooling solution that uses both heat-pipe and water cooling technologies to cool the MOSFETs regulating power to the board and CPU.

Besides the cooling aspects, SupremeFX IV audio upgrades sound output in games and all multimedia content, thanks to shielding and protection from EMI, premium audio capacitors and a dedicated onboard headphone amplifier. On the networking front, GameFirst II offers ping time reduction and latency mitigation, contributing to smoother and more responsive online gaming and VoIP application support. The bundled mPCIe Combo with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 offers added connectivity options for greater flexibility, and the Maximus V Formula/ThunderFX SKU further ships with a powerful multi-platform headphone amplifier.

Here's a motherboard demonstration from the product manager at Computex 2012:-

For more information, read on for the full press release.
 

Singapore ― the ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus V Formula brings the ROG tradition of gaming excellence to the newest generation of PC hardware and gaming. With the Intel Z77 chipset implemented, it supports both 2nd and 3rd generation Intel Core processors. For the complete thermal confidence gamers and modders demand, the board employs Fusion Thermo, an exclusive dual configuration that enables both air and water cooling. SupremeFX IV audio upgrades sound output in games and all multimedia content, while GameFirst II ping time reduction and latency mitigation contributes to smoother and more responsive online gaming and VoIP. The bundled mPCIe Combo with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 offers added connectivity options for greater flexibility, and the Maximus V Formula/ThunderFX SKU further ships with a powerful multi-platform headphone amplifier.

Ready for both air and water cooling

The exclusive Fusion Thermo design makes the Maximus V Formula an ideal platform for DIY gamers, as it comes pre-installed with all the makings of advanced air and water thermal configurations, giving users the choice of which route to go. A custom air-cooled heatsink with anodized aluminum fins is included, keeping critical components well-chilled even during high-load usage. Should gamers opt for water cooling, ROG makes the choice easier to implement, with an all-cooper water channel that uses electroplated nickel barbs already inside the heatsink, with openings on both ends to make fitting hoses easier. These features render the Maximus V Formula a ready-made motherboard for high end gaming, competitive overclocking, and case modding. Fusion Thermo has been designed with feedback from the community, and reflects the close contact ROG maintains with gamers worldwide.

Premium capacitors drive crystal-clear in-game audio

Enhanced SupremeFX IV audio hardware comes standard on the Maximus V Formula, utilizing meticulously-selected premium Japan-made ELNA audio capacitors, plus an additional extra-large 1500uF main capacitor. These can handle far more impactful output than standard onboard audio hardware, generating superior effects and surround fields for enveloping sound in-game, driven by a powerful 300ohm headphone amplifier. ROG engineers have also created exclusive Red Line Shielding technology, which isolates SupremeFX IV hardware from the rest of the board to ensure precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced interference. To top these features off, an EMI protection cover has been placed on the SupremeFX IV audio chip to further protect it from unwanted interference.

Next generation multiplayer optimization

Exclusive GameFirst II technology offers an even more sophisticated network optimizer than the previous version of GameFirst. It actively oversees and shapes online traffic to reduce ping times and overall latency, allowing users to enjoy smoother online gaming and better VoIP call quality. Easier to use than before and now upgraded with cFosSpeed Traffic Shaping technology, GameFirst II carries out constant packet inspection routines to minimize transfer queuing, resulting in noticeable network performance gains. It features the exclusive EZ Mode, which uses an intuitive interface to make features accessible even to new users, plus Advanced Mode for more in-depth tuning. GameFirst II combines with an Intel Ethernet chip to power faster and smoother online play.

Excellent multi-platform headphone performance

Available only on the Maximus V Formula/ThunderFX as of this writing, ThunderFX drives headphone sound with the finest capacitors and a 300ohm amplifier. It uses environmental noise cancelation (ENC) technology with a 120dB SNR digital-analog converter (DAC), and includes a dedicated relay for the purpose of de-popping sharp audible feedback during boot up and power down. ThunderFX supports desktops, notebooks, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, and offers GamEQ with three preset profiles for different game genres (first person shooter, racing, and real time strategy). GamEQ also gives users access to detailed tuning, bringing out greater sound effect clarity so that everything from engines to footsteps comes across loud and clear via headphones.