Intel finally introduced their latest generation processors,
Core i 8th Generation, on September 25, 2017 ago. This moment is very much
awaited by PC users worldwide because for the first time in the mainstream
class platform, Intel delivers a six-core processor for Core i7 and Core i5
variants and four core processors for Core i3 variants. Increasing number of
processor cores certainly promises significant computing performance
improvements compared to its predecessors a generation ago, especially in
multi-threading scenarios.
Not long after that announcement time, a number of
motherboard manufacturers started the action of introducing their flagship
product to the processor with the CPU Lake CPU architecture base. Starting from
announcing it around the cyberspace or invite the media from various countries
to see as well as feel the direct motherboard "Intel Core i 8th Gen."
as done by ASUS. Although brief, ASUS is not only introducing some of their
latest advanced technology but also exhibiting at least 13 motherboard variants
with Intel Z370 chipset base that includes ROG Maximus X series, ROG STRIX, TUF
Gaming, to Prime.
The "no-compromise" motherboard products from ASUS
are again present in ROG Maximus X. Components and premium-class features are
the main attraction that the ROG Maximus line has to offer in the 10th
generation this year. For now ASUS has four variants of ROG Maximus X
motherboards as we summarize below.
ROG Maximus X Apex
From outside the ROG Maximus X Apex does look like a
motherboard in general. However, ROG Maximus X Apex is not just any motherboard
because it is specially designed by ASUS for speed breaking mission in PC, even
in the most extreme conditions. Just look at a number of successful speed
record incised motherboard for the enthusiast and overclocker is even before
officially released to the market.
The ROG Maximus X Apex does come with overclocking features
such as the use of two 8-pin connectors to ensure sufficient power supply to
the processor, LN2 Mode, Condensation Detect LEDs, Slow Mode, and more. Even
the data path of the memory / RAM components to the processor is specially
designed to allow memory / RAM to be overclocked as high as possible, without
sacrificing the stability factor.
ROG Maximus X Formula
The ROG Maximus X Formula currently occupies a product class
one level below the Maximus X Apex. Like its predecessor, the ROG Maximus X
Formula includes cover PCB (Thermal Armor) which prevents exposure to heat from
other components. VRM components were re-equipped EKWB-made special heatsink
which can be connected with liquid cooling system for maximum cooling
performance. The ROG Maximus X Formula itself features four memory slots / DDR4
RAM with support for up to 64 GB, three PCIe x16 slots, three PCIe x1 slots,
six SATA III 6 Gbps ports, and two M.2 slots.
ROG Maximus X Formula and other ROG Maximus X Series
variants have now implemented 3rd-Gen T-Topology technology for memory / RAM.
In this technology, the data path from each memory / RAM slot to the processor
is designed with the same length which makes the stability level and memory /
RAM compatibility better. In conventional design, the memory / RAM slot closest
to the processor will have the shortest data path length.
ASUS also implements OptimMem's latest technology across the
entire line of "Intel Core i 8th Gen" motherboards that perfect
3rd-Gen T-Topology. In this technology, ASUS designed a special data path
between the processor and memory / RAM that is claimed to make the signal
transmission quality for the better.
ROG Maximus X Formula presents the M2 SSD heatsink with the
latest design. The use of heatsinks ensures the working temperature of SSD M.2
is lower so that the performance is always optimal at all times.
ROG Maximus X Formula features LiveDash OLED which is a
small screen that can display things like system condition information
(temperature, voltage, clock speed), animation, or writing. An app is available
to customize what is displayed on the OLED LiveDash screen. This new feature is
implemented in this generation and not found in its predecessor, ROG Maximus IX
Formula.
ROG Maximus X Formula also features pre-mounted I / O Shield
which not only facilitates the installation process of the motherboard while
using the casing but also provides better protection for electrostatic
discharge symptoms.
ROG Maximus X Code
In terms of appearance ROG Maximus X Code looks similar to
ROG Maximus X Formula. However, if observed more closely, ROG Maximus X Code
uses only standard VRM heatsink and LiveDash OLED feature is eliminated.
Furthermore, it has similarity components with ROG Maximus Formula such as four
memory slots / DDR4 RAM with support up to 64 GB, three PCIe x16 slots, three
PCIe x1 slots, six SATA III 6 Gbps ports, and two M.2 slots. Interestingly,
ASUS now provides pre-mounted I / O Shield features in ROG Maximus X Code where
this excess is not found in its predecessor.
ROG Maximus X Hero
The ROG Maximus X Hero is now an entry level class variant
of the Maximus X ROG line. In this variant, the cover of the PCB (Thermal
Armor) is not found but for pre-mounted I / O Shield features are provided. The
ROG Maximus X Hero also provides essential features such as four memory slots /
DDR4 RAM with support up to 64 GB, three PCIe x16 slots, three PCIe x1 slots,
six SATA III 6 Gbps ports, and two M.2 slots - minus heatsink coolers. For ROG
Maximus X Hero is also available a direct variant features Wi-Fi ac for
high-speed wireless connectivity.