ASUS Maximus V Extreme review - a motherboard too far?

So we’ve already established the new Formula from ASUS is very nice, yet very expensive and arguably over-specced, but what has ASUS done with the Extreme? You guessed it: taken all of this to the next level, offering literally all we could possibly think of on a single motherboard; well, at least this one doesn’t have water cooling barbs, which should save some money, right?

It’s hard to believe, but there are actually a few extra features ASUS managed to include and invent just for this top-tier motherboard – the first of which is the OC Key.

Essentially the OC Key takes overclocking software to the next level, by introducing a hardware component to provide real-time monitoring and adjustments to the CPU, memory and motherboard. The OC Key isn’t a completely new idea or feature though, as it’s included with the Maximus IV Extreme motherboard. For those unaware of exactly how it works, it’s rather simple.

The device is fed information from the motherboard via USB, where it then relays that information to your display via a DVI connection. It’s therefore able to display real-time system information to your monitor over the top of benchmarks and other software without adding any load to the GPU or CPU. It’s a cool feature, and comes in very handy when trying to trouble shoot unstable overclocks.

Also included are voltage monitoring points (located near the power button), along with LN2 node power and monitoring ports. These will be invaluable when using the board for LN2 benchmarking, though for everyone else, these features don’t do much more than add to the already gigantic cost.

As for other differentiating features between the two boards, ASUS has included a fourth PCI-E x16 slot (operating at x8), with all four PCI-E lanes connected to an on/off switch. This switch is intended for users trouble shooting video display problems, along with overclockers wanting to use specific lanes to either make room for LN2 pots or other, perhaps modified, PCBs.

The power features on the Extreme are very similar to the Formula, with both offering 8+4 pin CPU power, though the Extreme has an extra PCI-E 6-pin power cable option for additional motherboard power, while the Formula receives additional juice from a 4-pin Molex. As for the difference this will make in even the most extreme of LN2 loading, it’s hard to say, but given both boards are identical in their power phase design, we’d say there is very little difference if you’re only chasing 2D records.

Something regular users can take advantage of on this motherboard is the inclusion of a ThunderBolt port. No doubt it adds a lot to the build cost, and there are very few devices officially available and supported in the current PC Desktop marketplace, but really, it’s one of the few features included on this motherboard that actually makes sense. ThunderBolt is the future, but much like USB3 it will take time for devices to enter the market, and for the price to settle as more competition finds its way to Australian shores.

Overall this board is nothing short of spectacular; you really can’t deny the features, and the engineering in this board are second to none. The only question left is the price. With all of the features of the Formula, plus extra PCI lanes, LN2 support and the OC Key, it’s not going to be a cheap pick up. That’s okay, though, as this board isn’t really aimed at gamers (despite being a part of the Republic of Gamers franchise); it’s a very high end LN2 board, designed to break records, so unless you plan on doing that, there’s really very little point in picking up this motherboard. The Formula offers everything the extreme watercooled gaming PC of today needs, and much more; best to leave this one to the ludicrously wealthy and the ASUS-sponsored overclockers.