ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Formula Review

ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Formula Review

Introduction

The Maximus VI was the first model which introduced the TUF Armor we first saw all the way back on the P67 Sabertooth, and it has remained a feature of the subsequent models until the recent Maximus X. With the Maximus XI ASUS have taken the opportunity to redesign the Armor to better take advantage of the feature set of modern motherboards. To this end the NVCM indium-coated armour includes a large LiveDash panel, shown at the top of this review, and a wider selection of RGB areas so that you can show off your aesthetic choices to the world.

What will unquestionably catch your attention when we look at it in a moment is the hybrid VRM cooling. Utilising a larger copper section and water channel, the CrossChill III should ensure that your VRMs remain cool under even the harshest of loadings, whilst still having enough passive cooling that those of us who run with air cooled chassis aren’t at a disadvantage.

Elsewhere the Maximus XI Formula has improved automatic overclocking for those of you who don’t wish to spend the time in pushing their hardware, whilst this can also be used as a baseline from which to launch your own manual overclocking efforts. The voltage sensors have been improved to more accurately report your CPU VCore so that you can have more precise control over it, and the pathways for the DDR4 have been routed in such a manner that the Z390 can be validated all the way up to DDR4-4400.

Technical Specifications

Despite being the Formula rather than the Extreme, this take upon the Maximus XI has enough features built in that the majority of users wont notice the few that are missing when compared to the superstar flagship ROG offering. Personally we feel the addition of a hybrid cooling system and the included Armor are enough to balance out the scales. Of course we’re here to check the performance but we need to take a look at the motherboard up close first, so let’s do that.

ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Formula Review  
ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Formula Review  
ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Formula Review  
ASUS ROG Z390 Maximus XI Formula Review Â