sumonpathak
knocking on heavens door
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/unboxing/DSCF6411.jpg
My latest toy..the Maximus V Formula!
Now..before we dive into the product showcase and review lets have a look into the history of ROG line of Hardware and this board in particular Rog was established way back in 2006 with the Crosshair(yes its an AMD board and back in the FX-64 days AMD literally thrashed Intel until the 45nm C2D and C2Q came out),soon they launched another Board Commando and soon other boards followed.
Here’s a short history for the guys who are interested:
- JUL 2006 – ROG brand established, 1st gaming motherboard named Crosshair launched
- DEC 2006- Launched Commando, broke CPU overclocking world record
- JUL 2007 – ROG motherboard breakthroughs – Fusion Block system and CrossLinx
- DEC 2007 – New ROG product line – gaming notebooks G1/G2
- OCT 2009 – ROG Maximus III Formula motherboard with ROG Connect allows PC tuning on a pure hardware level in real time.
- JUL 2008 – New ROG product line – Matrix graphics cards launched
- OCT 2009 – The first 3D gaming notebook in the world, ROG G53J 3D
- MAR 2010 – Rampage III Extreme motherboard attracts attention with great performance and overclockability
- JUN 2010 – The world’s fastest graphics card launches — the dual 5870 GPU ARES
- JUN 2010 – The world’s first active-noise cancelling pro gaming headset – Vulcan ANC
- OCT 2011 – Launched TYTAN CG8565 desktop
In short ROG offers the best from the stable of Asus in terms of performance and they are rarely matched.
Close look and feature set
Specifications
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_8.jpg
This particular SKU comes without the ThunderFx module so everything except that is present.| CPU Support and Power Phases | CPU: Core i series second and third generations(Socket LGA 1155) POWER DESIGN: CPU Power: 8+4 Phase PCH Power: 1 Phase Memory Power: 2 Phase |
| Chipset | Intel Z77 |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM, Max. 32GB, DDR3 2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) |
| Graphic | Integrated Graphics Processor Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports - Supports HDMI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz - Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz Supports Intel HD Graphics, InTru 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider |
| Multi-GPU Support | Supports NVIDIA SLI Technology Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX Technology Supports AMD CrossFireX Technology Supports LucidLogix Virtu MVP Technology |
| Expansion Slots | Intel Z77 chipset : 2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red 2 x SATA 3Gb/s port(s), black 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s port(s), red 1 x mini-SATA 3Gb/s port(s) , black Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10 Supports Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Start Technology, Intel Smart Connect Technology ASMedia PCIe SATA controller : 4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red |
| LAN | Intel,1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s) |
| Wireless Data Network | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth V4.0 Bluetooth V3.0+HS |
| Audio | SupremeFX IV built-in 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC - Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): 110 dB - Output THD+N at 1kHz: 95 dB - TI 6120A2 high fidelity headphone amplifier - Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking Audio Feature : - SupremeFX Shielding Technology - ELNA premium audio capacitors - 1500 uF Audio Power Capacitor - Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection - DTS Ultra PC II - DTS Connect - Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel |
| USB Ports | Intel Z77 chipset : 4 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board) Intel Z77 chipset : 8 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black+white, 4 at mid-board) ASMedia USB 3.0 controller : 2 x USB 3.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, blue) |
| Overclocking Features | mPCIe Combo (mPCIe/mSATA combo card) ROG Connect : - RC Diagram - RC Remote - RC Poster - GPU TweakIt Extreme Engine Digi+ II : - 8 -phase CPU power design + 4 -phase iGPU power design - 2 -phase Memory power design ROG Extreme OC kit : - Slow Mode - LN2 Mode - EZ Plug ProbeIt UEFI BIOS features : - ROG BIOS Print - GPU.DIMM Post GameFirst II iROG Extreme Tweaker Loadline Calibration USB BIOS Flashback Overclocking Protection : - ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall) |
| Special Features | ASUS TurboV EVO : - CPU Level Up ASUS EPU : - EPU ASUS Wi-Fi GO! - Wi-Fi GO! Function: DLNA Media Hub, Smart Motion Control, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer, Capture & Send ASUS Exclusive Features : - AI Suite II - Ai Charger+ - USB Charger+ - USB 3.0 Boost - Disk Unlocker ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : - ASUS Fan Xpert 2 ASUS EZ DIY : - ASUS O.C. Profile - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Design : - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Code - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED) - ASUS Q-Slot - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS Q-Connector |
| Back I/O Ports | 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x eSATA 3Gb/s 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s) 4 x USB 3.0 4 x USB 2.0 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 1 x Optical S/PDIF in 5 x Audio jack(s) 1 x Clear CMOS button(s) 1 x ROG Connect On/ Off switch(es) |
| Internal I/O Ports | 1 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.0 port(s) 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s) 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s) 2 x SATA 3Gb/s connector(s) 2 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin) 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin) 3 x Optional Fan connector(s) (4 -pin) 1 x S/PDIF out header(s) 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s) 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP) 1 x System panel(s) 1 x Slow Mode switch(es) 8 x ProbeIt Measurement Points 3 x Thermal sensor connector(s) 1 x LN2 Mode header(s) 1 x EZ Plug connector(s) (4-pin Molex power connector) 1 x Power-on button(s) 1 x Reset button(s) 1 x Go Button(s) 1 x mPCIe Combo header(s) |
| Form Factor | Extended ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 10.1 inch ( 30.5 cm x 25.7 cm ) |
| Note | *1: LucidLogix Virtu MVP supports Windows 7 operating systems. *2-1: PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel 3rd generation Ivy Bridge Core Processors. *2-2: x8/x4/x4 mode is supported by Intel 3rd generation Ivy Bridge Core Processors. *3-1: The mPCIe 2.0 x1 slot is located on mPCIe Combo expansion card. *3-2: The mini-PCIe slot is pre-installed with an Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module. *4: Supports on Intel Core processor family with Windows 7 operating systems. *5: These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. |
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_8.jpg
The bundle includes:
- The motherboard
- User’s manual
- Accessories
- Support disc
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_13.jpg
Typical ROG style board with black and red layout;the thing that strikes out most is the ceramic heatsinks on the VRM and PCH area and the Fusion Thermo heat-sinks.
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_23.jpg
The External I/O port is packed with stuff(expected with high end board)
Lets see what they have:
[*=left]1 x DisplayPort
[*=left]1 x HDMI
[*=left]1 x eSATA 3Gb/s
[*=left]1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
[*=left]4 x USB 3.0
[*=left]4 x USB 2.0
[*=left]1 x Optical S/PDIF out
[*=left]1 x Optical S/PDIF in
[*=left]5 x Audio jack(s)
[*=left]1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
[*=left]1 x ROG Connect On/ Off switch(es)
Expansion slots are plenty for a board at this price range:
- 3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8 or x8/x4/x4)
- 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4
- 3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
- 1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_9.jpg
looks good from this angle...isn't it?
Special Features
Fusion Thermo Heatsink
This is one of the most innovative thing I have came across in the recent times. Basically its a Aluminum VRM Heat sink with channel for water cooling inside;so you can use it for passive air cooling or if you are one of those DIY water guys then you can actively water-cool it. It is compatible with all the major DIY water cooling sets so compatibility is not a problem,just add an extra loop and you are good to go.
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_20.jpg
Extreme Engine Digi+ IIAn update to the existing DIGI + VRM’s found in the Asus motherboards.The Digi + II engine provides more control the voltages and allows you to do minute tweaking.A few screenshot would help you understand what kind of adjustments you can do:
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Digi+1.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Digi+2.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Digi+2.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Digi+3.jpg
SupremeFX IV
An upgrade over the Supreme FX III solution..am not an audiophile per se but i can give you an idea about the features:
- RedLine physical PCB separation and audio isolation (the red line you can see in the picture below)
- EMI aluminum cap and gold plated audio jacks
- large 1500uF ‘buffer’ capacitor
- high fidelity TI 6120A2 300 ohm headphone amplifier(yeah an amp in the motherboard,can you top that?)
- Extra software features like DTS Ultra PC II and DTS Connect.
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/M5F_46.jpg
Turbo V Evo
Not much to say..pretty much everything you need to OC the living daylight out of your processor. My advice: Overclock from the BIOS itself and use this tool for small adjustment to squeeze out the last MHz form your chip. And if you are one of those fire and forget types just click on “Cpu level Up” and select a frequency and let the board do the rest.
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Turbo%20V%20Evo%201.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Turbo%20V%20Evo%202.jpg
Overclocking and benchmark results
Overclocking
Overclocking on this board is easy if you know what you are doing,there are around a few hundreds setting there and all help you in getting a good benchmark score. As for overclocking your processor the automatic one clock solution gave me an option of overclocking up to 4.83Ghz(46X105MHz) But that ain’t enough for me… so i took matters into my own hand settled for 4.94Ghz(48x103Mhz)!
*valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/2488223.png
Then took it some more to: 5Ghz(50x100MHz)[since my 2500k is limited to 50x multiplier am kinda restricted there]
*valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/2488140.png
By this time I was kinda getting high with speed so I pushed some more for a suicide run(don’t try this at home and if you try don’t blame me if you blow up);and settled for : 5.2Ghz(100.1*52)! I was pleasantly surprised to see that in Z77 platform i got two extra multipliers.
*valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/2463079.png
Now the benchmarks..not much to say..let the charts do the talkingSetup 1
- Core i5 2500K
- P8Z68 Deluxe
- GSkill 2*2GB 1600 C9
- HD 7850
- WD 320GB AAKX HDD
- AX1200W
- Core i5 2500K
- P8Z77 V Deluxe
- GSkill 2*2GB 1600 C9
- HD 7850
- WD 320GB AAKX HDD
- AX1200W
- Core i5 2500K
- Maximus V Formula
- GSkill 2*2GB 1600 C9
- HD 7850
- WD 320GB AAKX HDD
- AX1200W
A few points when analyzing the graphs:
*AIDA 64 Benchmarking suites:Higher score is better
*SuperPi and Wprime:Lower score is better
*3D Mark Vantage CPU and Cinebench and X26 Benchmark:Higher is better
So now that’s over lets see what the board gives us.
First up the 2D benchmarks
Aida 64 CPU Suite
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Queen.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Photoworxx.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/AES.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/HASH.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Zlib.jpg
The results from P8Z77 V Deluxe are a bit low when run on initial bios but they have been fixed on the later bios updates.And Maximus V Formula’s perfromance is consistent through out the phases.Aida 64 FPU suite
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/FPU-Julia.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/FPU-Mandel.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/FPU-SINjulia.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/FpuVP8.jpg
Frankly, the formula amazed me a bit there… we see an almost 60% jump in stock FPU scores in some benches.So i guess someone can explain what sorcery is this.big boys of competitive benchmarking : SuperPi 1M and SuperPi 32M
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/SuperPi1M.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Superpi32M.jpg
Competitive benchmarking is where the Formula Excels and we can see the formula leads the way ahead of the other two boards.
WPrime32M and Wprime 1024M
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Wprime%2032M.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Wprime1024M.jpg
Here also we see the Formula keeping its lead.
3DMark Vantage is both CPU and GPU dependent(more than the other 3Dmark Benchmarks),lets see how the Formula fairs in this bench.Here also we see the Formula keeping its lead.
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/3Dmark.jpg
Am a bit shocked at the scores when comparing with Z68.But i guess its more due to the platform than the board. I will test out with ivybridge when I can get my hands on a sample.
Next up some real world workload tests:
Cinebench 10 and Cinebench 11.5
Cinebench 10 and Cinebench 11.5
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Cinebench%2010.jpg
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/Cinebench%2011.5.jpg
The formula still leading at all speeds(this is getting a bit boring now)
X264 Benchmark
*www.ocfreaks.com/imgs/maximus-v-formula-z77-review/s/X264.jpg
Now that concludes the Benchmarking part. Maximus V formula leads all the way as expected.
ConclusionNow that concludes the Benchmarking part. Maximus V formula leads all the way as expected.
When a product has the ROG logo it is expected to perform better than the competition and the Formula has delivered! it kept its lead in all the tests and performed well till the end..so from my side its a win. From the features department it got something for everyone:
- Onboard switches and voltage measuring points for serious overclockers
- Excellent Cooling options
- an over the par sound solution for the gamers
Pro’s:
- Exclusive Cooling options
- Intuitive Bios
- Excellent performance
- Good sound systems through the Supreme FX IV chip
- Good connectivity options
- The on board Msata/wifi combo is a good touch
- Price (blame the Forex rates) although i wont mind paying Rs 23000 + for this board.
- NONE
So from me and Team OCFreaks I give it an 5/5 rating.
A little something from world famous overclocker Allen Golibersuch aka “Splave”
In the end i want to thank a few people for making this review possible:
- Asus for providing the sample.
- Sanjib Ray for entrusting me with his pricey camera.
- and my Team for helping me in Everything.
sumon pathak
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