ASUS today added the Maximus III Formula and Maximus III GENE to its Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup of high performance motherboards.
Based on Intel’s P55 chipset and purpose-designed for gaming, both motherboards are equipped with a wealth of exclusive gamer-centric features that effect improvements across all facets of the user’s gaming and overclocking experience—from improved in-game response and reduced Internet latency, to convenient hardware-based, real-time tweaking. The ATX Maximus III Formula is targeted at PC enthusiasts, hardcore gamers and early adopters who crave leading-edge specifications, enhanced extensibility, and the cool factor, while the mATX Maximus III GENE is designed for case modders and budget-conscious gamers who prefer smaller—yet still power-packed—machines.
Bearing the Hallmarks of their High-end Heritage
ASUS’ Maximus III Series motherboards are designed to deliver the no-holds-barred gaming performance and gamer-tailored features that have earned ROG its renown amongst gamers. Armed with the best components and top-end technologies, these motherboards ensure users the best possible and most immersive gaming experience on the P55 platform.
Designed for Maximum Immersion
Maximus III Series motherboards are packed with advanced gaming features that deliver the best in-game experience, and give users a decisive edge over their opponents.
- GameFirst
A unique traffic shaping technology, GameFirst manages the flow of traffic according to users’ needs so that they can still perform Web-based tasks, download and upload files, and engage in Internet chats while maintaining the low ping times needed to dominate their opponents during online gaming. - Speeding HDD
Utilizing a dual channel design, Speeding HDD doubles data transfer rates, slashing game loading and data access times. To enjoy this technology, users simply have to connect two HDDs to the specially-marked SATA connectors on the Maximus III Series motherboard. The drives are set-up automatically—no manual configuration is required. - SupremeFX X-Fi
With its premium components and support for Creative Labs’ acclaimed Crystalizer, CMSS3D and EAX technologies, SupremeFX X-Fi delivers the most realistic and accurate audio in games. This iteration of SupremeFX X-Fi also supports Blu-ray output.
Designed for Maximum Tweakability
Maximus III Series motherboards feature a revolutionary overclocking interface dubbed ROG Connect. ROG Connect enables users to link up to the embedded iROG controller via a separate PC—such as a notebook—connected via a USB cable. This allows users to tune the main system at a purely hardware level in real-time, as well as view POST code and hardware status readouts, on a notebook or netbook—just like a race car engineer.
Designed for Maximum Compatibility
Memory is temperamental, and oftentimes difficult to tune. ROG Maximus III Series motherboards enable users to easily circumvent potential memory compatibility issues with the inclusion of MemPerfect, a tool that automatically tests, fixes, and adjusts memory for the best possible performance. The result is greater system stability, optimized speed, and the ability to resolve issues quickly without having to manually perform lengthy memory tests.
Designed for Users with Differing Needs
While both Maximus III Series motherboards feature the same rich complement of features to enhance users’ gaming and computing experience—such as ROG Connect, GameFirst and MemPerfect—they are available in two different form factors to cater to the needs of different users.
The ATX Maximus III Formula is designed for hardcore gamers and performance seekers who demand the very best specifications and superior extensibility. The mATX Maximus III GENE, on the other hand, is designed for case modders and budget-conscious gamers who prefer smaller machines, yet desire the power and features that only ROG can provide.
Specifications
| Model | ROG Maximus III Formula | ROG Maximus III GENE |
| CPU | Supports Intel® Processors in the LGA1156 Package* | Supports Intel® Processors in the LGA1156 Package |
| Chipset | Intel® P55 | Intel® P55 |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM, Dual Channel, up to 16GB DDR3 2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1800(O.C)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz | 4 x DIMM, Dual Channel, up to 16GB DDR3 2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz |
| Expansion Slots | 3 x PCIe x16 slot, (2 x 2.0 support single at x16 or dual at x8; 1 x 1.0 at x4) | 2 x PCIe2.0 x16 slot (support single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode) |
| 2 x PCIe 1.0 x1 | 1 x PCIe 1.0 x4 | |
| 1 x PCI 2.2 | 1 x PCI 2.2 | |
| Multi-GPU | NVIDIA® Quad SLI™ / ATI® CrossFireX™ ready | NVIDIA® Quad SLI™ / ATI® CrossFireX™ ready |
| Storage | 10 x SATA 3.0Gb/s (2 x Speeding HDD SATA / 2 x SATA_ODD / 6 x Standard SATA) 1 x eSATA 3.0Gb/s |
7 x SATA 3.0Gb/s 1 x eSATA 3.0Gb/s |
| LAN | Realtek® RTL8110SC PCI Gigabit LAN controller | Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2 |
| ROG GameFirst | ROG GameFirst | |
| High Definition Audio | SupremeFX X-Fi 8-Ch. discrete audio card with EAX4.0 support; supports Blu-ray output | 8-CH. SupremeFX X-Fi built-in with EAX4.0 support; supports Blu-ray output |
| IEEE1394a | 2 x 1394a ports (1 port at rear, 1 port onboard) | 2 x 1394a ports (1 port at rear, 1 port onboard) |
| USB | 14 x USB 2.0 (5 at rear, 9 onboard) | 14 x USB 2.0 (9 at rear, 5 onboard) |
| Other I/O Ports | 1 x PS/2, 1 x eSATA, 1 x IEEE1394a, 1 x Clr CMOS, 1 x Optical S/PDIF | 1 x PS/2, 1 x eSATA, 1 x IEEE1394a, 1 x Clr CMOS, 1 x Optical S/PDIF, 1 x ROG connect On/Off switch |
| Fan connectors | 8 x fan connectors (1 x CPU / 1 x PWR / 3 x Chassis / 3 x Optional) | 5 x fan connectors (1 x CPU / 2 x Chassis / 2 x Optional) |
| Software | Kaspersky® Anti-Virus (1-year full edition) | Kaspersky® Anti-Virus (1-year full edition) |
| Features | ROG Connect, GameFirst, MemPerfect, MemOK!, CPU Level Up, Extreme Tweaker, iROG, ASUS Q-LED, Loadline Calibration, EPU, Q-Fan plus, Voltiminder LED | ROG Connect, GameFirst, MemPerfect, MemOK!, CPU Level Up, Extreme Tweaker, iROG, ASUS Q-LED, Loadline Calibration, EPU, Voltiminder LED |
| Form Factor | ATX, 12″x 9.6″ (30.5cm x 24.4cm) | mATX Form Factor, 9.6″x 9.6″ (24.4cm x 24.4cm) |
Source: Asus