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ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Z170 Motherboard Series Released, See Features and Specifications

Asus ROG announced today the first set of their new motherboards based on the new Intel Z170 Express chipset with socket LGA 1151 designed for the 6th Generation Intel Core Processors, codenamed Skylake. These new Z170 motherboards are the Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene. Just like before, the Maximus VIII Impact and Maximus VIII Formula might be release on a later date. For now, let’s take a look on the features and specifications of these three new ROG motherboards from the official news release below.

Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero Features

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Z170 Motherboard Features

ASUS Republic of Gamers today announced the Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene, three new gaming motherboards based on the latest Intel Z170 Express chipset and engineered with multiple exclusive technologies to deliver epic overclocking performance of Intel 6th-generation processors and DDR4 memory.

ROG’s new gaming beasts pack 5-Way Optimization auto-tuning technology for instant performance boosts, second-generation T-Topology for next-level DDR4 memory overclocking, best-ever cooling potential with dedicated water-pump and multiple PWM onboard headers and thermal sensors, plus Pro Clock technology for turbo-charged base-clock (BCLK) frequencies.

Asus ROG Maximus VIII Gene Features Asus ROG Maximus VIII Ranger Features

The new boards also include the best gaming audio with SupremeFX 2015 with Sonic Studio II, the best gaming networking, the latest Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard and GameFirst technologies, and the best gaming protection, with smart DIY designs and premium components for maximum durability. Lastly, tons of gaming-optimized utilities are free bundled among these three boards.

Best gaming performance: 5-Way Optimization, second-gen T-Topology and water-pump headers
The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene all benefit from 5-Way Optimization technology with automated overclocking and unrivaled fan control for instant, highly-controllable performance boosts. This exclusive technology dynamically optimizes essential system aspects based on real-time use for superb CPU performance, everyday energy savings, ultra-stable digital power, cool and quiet fans, and even networking and audio settings tailored for favorite games and apps.

The new ROG Maximus VIII Z170 gaming motherboards also have second-generation ASUS T-Topology built in, enabling users to take DDR4 memory overclocking to new heights: over 3733MHz is possible with all memory slots populated. Featuring a customized trace layout for reduced crosstalk and coupling noise, second-generation T-Topology ensures time-aligned signal transfer for improved memory stability and compatibility.

For the ultimate in cooling and quietness Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene all feature advanced fan and water-pump controls, coupled to onboard thermal sensors and hardware-level 4-pin/3-pin PWM/DC mode detection – all controlled by the intuitive simplicity of Fan Xpert 3. A dedicated onboard water-pump header ensures that best water-cooling efficiency is instantly accessible, and another fan-extension header is also built in for better upgradability.

The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene introduce Pro Clock technology, a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 6th-generation Intel processors that allows overclocked base-clock frequencies of 400MHz or even beyond . This custom solution works in tandem with ASUS ROG’s TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control. Boot times can be reduced, jitter is lowered and stability is increased under heavy overclocking – providing an exciting new way to boost performance to extreme heights.

Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero Specifications

Best gaming audio: Jacked-up SupremeFX 2015 and Sonic Studio II with one-click auto-tuning
The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene pack jacked-up audio, inside and out. ROG’s engineers have reinvented integrated audio, with the very best gaming-audio inputs and outputs, special shielded designs, and a collection of carefully-selected, professional-grade audio components, including an ESS ES9023P digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with Hyperstream technology, ultra-low-jitter clock, Nichicon capacitors, 2VRMS headphone amp, and Sonic SenseAmp that automatically detects and optimizes any headset (32-600ohms) for purest sound quality.

SupremeFX 2015 also features intuitive Sonic Studio II to apply different audio effects for the most enjoyable entertainment, plus Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology for both incoming and outgoing communications to give team conversations total clarity. This intuitive audio-tuning suite includes one-click virtual-surround function that emulates 7.1 channels, through even stereo (2.0-channel) headsets. It offers five more superb audio controls, including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equalizer, Voice Clarity and Smart EQ- ensuring that everything emitted by Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene sounds just amazing.

Sonic Studio II incorporates Casting Enhancer to improve both streaming and recording audio quality, reducing noise artifacts and stabilizing overall voice volume. It also enhances all the rich details and boosts the bass effects of in-game sounds and music to deliver audio experiences with real feeling.

Asus ROG Maximus VIII Gene Specifications

Best gaming networking: Lag-banishing Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard and GameFirst
The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene combine superior hardware and software technologies to deliver a knock-out blow to lag for online gaming without stutter.

The very latest Intel Gigabit Ethernet (i-219V) reduces CPU overhead and offers exceptionally-high TCP and UDP throughput, freeing up more computing power for gaming and gameplay, while exclusive LANGuard’s signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounted ensure reliable connections and better throughput. The new gaming boards also have electrostatically-guarded and surge-protected components (ESD Guards) for 1.9X-greater tolerance to static electricity and 2.5X-greater protection (up to 15KV) against surges.

Exclusive GameFirst technology prioritizes game-related packets and allocates more bandwidth to games, eliminating laggy gameplay, streaming stutters and file-sharing slowdown – ensuring Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene gamers are always frontrunners. Users need only choose the Optimization, Game, Media Streaming or File Sharing preset to watch their networks fly.

Best gaming protection: Smart DIY designs and premium components for maximum durability
The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene deliver the stability and durability that gamers demand, with long-lasting, premium components and exclusive smart DIY designs board for the best builds and gaming experiences.

Smart DIY features include the CPU Installation Tool to prevent socket-pin damage, TrueVolt USB for a rock-steady 5V power supply to USB ports, one-piece Q-connector front-panel connector, one-clip Q-Slot graphics card installation and Q-DIMM memory slots with one-sided clips for super-simple, super-secure handling of memory modules.
ROG’s latest gaming motherboards also have built-in DRAM Overcurrent Protection with an additional resettable fuse to protects connection ports and DRAM against overcurrent and short-circuit damage, dual backplates to provide additional cooling, protection and reinforcement, stainless-steel back I/O connections with 3X-longer lifespan than ordinary panels and black nickel-coated Q-Shield for protection from nicks and cuts while building.

Asus ROG Maximus VIII Ranger Specifications

Best gaming extras: Lighting controls, RAMCache, Keybot II and Overwolf
The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene enable brighter builds with customizable LED lighting and controls to cast a stunning multi-color glow, change shades to indicate CPU temperature, or pulsate in time to the beat of favorite tunes.

Uniquely-intelligent RAMCache technology effectively caches an entire storage device so that favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds, getting to work the moment it’s activated. RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times to stratospheric levels, and minimizes risk of data loss.

ROG’s much-loved free keyboard upgrade has also been upgraded to KeyBot II, an exclusive microprocessor controlled by a simple user interface that lets gamers record macros directly from the keyboard, switch profiles in moments, enable special functions with hotkey from F1-F10, start and even boost the PC from shutdown (S5 mode). The brand-new Directional Exchange feature allows fighting-game fans to switch direction at the touch of a button.

The Asus ROG Maximus VIII Hero, Maximus VIII Ranger and Maximus VIII Gene are also able to stay in the game with free access to Overwolf, a clever unobtrusive overlay that enables browsing, emailing, instant messaging, streaming or recording without interrupting gameplay. This brilliant helper is all dressed up in color-matched ROG skins to illustrate membership of an elite pack – soon to be available from Overwolf’s app store.

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Z170 Motherboard Specifications

SpecificationsMaximus VIII HeroMaximus VIII RangerMaximus VIII Gene
ChipsetZ170Z170Z170
Form FactorStandard ATXStandard ATXmicroATX
Memory Slots / Maximum4 / 64GB DDR44 / 64GB DDR44 / 64GB DDR4
Memory Frequency (MHz)3600+ MHz (OC)3400+ MHz (OC)3600+ MHz (OC)
Integrated Graphics OutputDP / HDMIDP / HDMIDP / HDMI
PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16222
Multi-GPU Support2-Way SLI / CrossFireX2-Way SLI / CrossFireX2-Way SLI / CrossFireX
PCIe x41 (x16 size)1 (x16 size)1
PCIe x1330
PCI000
SATA 6Gbps (incl. SATA Express)866
SATA Express222
M.2 / Max Length1 / 221101 / 221101 / 22110
U.2Hyper Kit CompatibleHyper Kit CompatibleHyper Kit Compatible
WiFi and BluetoothNoNoNo
Gigabit EthernetIntel I219-VIntel I219-VIntel I219-V
4-pin PWB Fan Headers666
Dedicated Water Pump HeaderYesYesYes
Ext. Fan Hub SupportYesYesYes
USB 3.1 (Type C/A)1 / 11 / 11 / 1
USB 3.0 (Rear / Internal)2 / 42 / 46 / 2
USB 2.0 (Rear / Internal)4 / 44 / 40 / 4
Audio CodecSupremeFX 2015SupremeFX 2015SupremeFX 2015
Optical S/PDIF OutYesYesYes
DTS SupportDTS ConnectDTS ConnectDTS Connect
5-Way OptimizationYesYesYes
ASUS PRO Clock Extended BCLK RangeYesYesYes
5x ProtectionYesYesYes
Networking SoftwareGameFirstGameFirstGameFirst
FeaturesLED Lighting 1.6 Million Colors
USB BIOS Flashback
EZ Flash 3
USB 3.1 Boost
Ai Charger+
EZ XMP
MemOK!
ROG RAMCache
OC Panel Support
Front Base Support
SSD Secure Erase
USB BIOS Flashback
EZ Flash 3
USB 3.1 Boost
Ai Charger+
EZ XMP
MemOK!
ROG RAMCache
OC Panel Support
Front Base Support
SSD Secure Erase
USB BIOS Flashback
EZ Flash 3
USB 3.1 Boost
Ai Charger+
EZ XMP
MemOK!
ROG RAMCache
OC Panel Support
Front Base Support
SSD Secure Erase

Price and Availability

Asus has not disclosed the current retail pricing of the new ROG Maximus VIII Z170 motherboards yet. But I’ll try to update this post as soon as the said motherboards will become available on popular online stores.

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Author
Peter Paul
Peter is a PC enthusiast and avid gamer with several years of hands-on experience in testing and reviewing PC components, audio equipment, and various tech devices. He offers a genuine, no-nonsense perspective, helping consumers make informed choices in the ever-changing world of technology.

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