Well, it’s definitely something different from Asus ROG series. I’ve always thought that the model names “Extreme” goes to their Intel platforms, or more known as Rampage Extreme while on the other hand, AMD as “Formula” in Crosshair Formula. Again, it is somewhat confusing after the announcement of the Crosshair IV Extreme and now, the Rampage III Formula.
What is the actual difference between the two kinds of motherboard? What does Extreme means as well as Formula?
That question has to be answered very soon.
Today, I received an email from Asus SG informing of a new motherboard that is coming to town. The Asus ROG Rampage III Formula. From the name, it seems that it could be less extreme compared to the “Extreme” version of the motherboard, but it is almost completely the same. You got the x58 chipset, as well as the USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps, which are features that are a 100% included in the newer motherboards. That has led to me wondering what else is so different between the two boards?
Then this caught my attention. Digital VRM! Different from traditional VRM, this will provide cleaner and more stable current through the whole system, enabling you to reach a higher overclock on your system as compared to the previous ROG motherboards. I’ll be definitely seeing new world records broken on this motherboard!
However, I also realised they removed one PCI-e X16 slot as well, which most probably could mean that this board is not meant for those who wants a quadfire or 4 way SLI setup. Although I think that the ROG Xpander will work on this board as well, thus enabling 4x GPU as well.
Besides these features, Asus highlighted that the use of Intel Ethernet controller, instead of the normal realtek LAN controller that we get on motherboard will actually reduce the CPU when you game. Maybe the packets of data sent through your network will be created via the controller itself, thus relieving the CPU? Seriously, I’m just doing a rough guess. Not a network guy here. COMMENT TO TELL ME ABOUT IT!
Lastly, not forgetting the awesome audio quality you get from the onboard audio! Previously we have the Supreme FX X-FI onboard sound chip on boards such as the Crosshair Formula IV, but they went through a revision and today with the Rampage III Formula, we have a version 2 of the chip, and obviously named Supreme FX X-FI 2. Because Asus knows that this board is not for an average guy on the market but for someone who wants the best of the best, therefore even included an X-FI sound chip onboard so that you can actually save up on an audio card. The Supreme FX X-FI 2 went through some improvements and tweaking, and I’m sure that its going to sound better than its little brother.
I must make it a point that the Supreme FX does perform great and comparable to the current sound cards on the market, but if you’re an audiophile, then go for the high end, high precision audio cards on the market. You have that extra PCI-e X1 just nice for that audio card.
ROG series of motherboards are actually the one of the best motherboard you can find on the market. Their aesthetics are what make the board really stands out, but this time, I feel that the board is just too similar to the Rampage III Extreme. Instead, I think that ROG should focus more on coming out with new innovations. I find that ROG connect is actually a really good tool. It’s these things that make a motherboard stand out, and they should continue their efforts on these, instead of making a board that is almost similar to the previous board, and perhaps making power users have a hard time one deciding which is better.
