OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:AM3Chipset:AMD 890FXForm factor:E-ATX

ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 8 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

40%

4.4

Technical score

20%

8.6

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

4.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 83% of motherboards
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

6.5

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.1

Network

13%

2.8

Ports

8%

4.0

Expansion

8%

6.7

Power & Cooling

5%

7.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 87%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 78%
4.4

User score

User score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models

4.4

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.5

Rating

30%

6.4

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 92%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asus-crosshair-iv-extreme
  • asus-crosshair-iv-extreme
asus-crosshair-iv-extreme
asus-crosshair-iv-extreme
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme

Based on 7 · 1

Reviewers praise the rich features and extras, are split on multi-GPU and overclocking, and agree it's expensive.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

6.5

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.1

Network

13%

2.8

Ports

8%

4.0

Expansion

8%

6.7

Power & Cooling

5%

7.7

Audio

4.4
Reviews score
8.6
User score
4.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.0
CPU socket
AM3
This motherboard uses AM3, which is less up-to-date than 97.5% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD 890FX
This motherboard uses AMD 890FX, which is less capable than 91.1% of Motherboards and as capable as 0.1% of Motherboards.
Paired with SB850 southbridge.
Form factor
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
16 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 98.1% of motherboards and equal to 1.7% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
1,600 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x16/x4/x4, x16/x0/x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x16/x4/x4, x16/x0/x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 97.3% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
This motherboard has a Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is slower than 64.6% of Motherboards and equal to 28.7% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC889
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC889, which is lower-end than 88.7% of Motherboards and the same as 0.3% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
108 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 108 dB, which is lower than that of 60.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+2
This motherboard has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 57.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
9
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 9 fan headers, which is more than 97.3% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 3.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (9 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    9 vs 5.5
  • 5 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (5 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    5 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x16/x4/x4, x16/x0/x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x16/x4/x4, x16/x0/x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 78% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 2 more SATA 2 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 5 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (5 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    5 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x16/x4/x4, x16/x0/x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x16/x4/x4, x16/x0/x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 3.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (9 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    9 vs 5.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 890FX vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB850 southbridge.
    AMD 890FX vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    16 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 40.5% lower user score
    User score
    4.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models

    4.4

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.5

    Rating

    30%

    6.4

    Popularity

    4.4 vs 7.4
  • 9.6% worse value for money
    ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.02 vs 7.7).
    7.02 vs 7.7
  • 73.3% more expensive
    ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 890FX vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB850 southbridge.
    AMD 890FX vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (AM3 vs LGA 1151).
    AM3 vs LGA 1,151
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    16 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 66% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    1,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 56% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    supports 2 USB 2 ports
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (2.1 vs 5.4).
    2.1 vs 5.4
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC889 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC889 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 7 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (108 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    108 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
30/09/2010
Hands-on review · overclocking tests and Lucid chip impressions
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is a good board but not a great one, falling short of the high expectations its price creates.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
decryptedtech.com
≈ estimated
17/07/2011
Review · BIOS and overclocking
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme gives overclockers deep, direct BIOS control and fan tuning, though TurboV EVO leaves clock settings to you by hand.
9.0
hothardware.com
≈ estimated
09/03/2011
Review · Enthusiast AMD board
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is a feature-packed top AMD board for enthusiasts, but it's pricey and wider than standard ATX, so check your case first.
9.3
en.ocworkbench.com
✓ explicit
01/09/2010
Review · Hydra multi-GPU board
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is the most flexible AMD board for mixing graphics cards, though Hydra adds some latency and cards must sit in specific slots.
9.0
benchmark.rs
≈ estimated
28/09/2010
Benchmark · Formula comparison
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is only worth it for ATI and Nvidia card mixes, since the Formula offers better audio, two PCI slots and slightly lower pricing.
8.0
gamezoom.net
≈ estimated
16/11/2010
Test · Lucid Hydra multi-GPU
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is a feature-rich AMD board whose Lucid Hydra mode cuts microstutter when combining cards, but it suits tinkerers as many games still show glitches.
9.0
pcgameshardware.de
✓ explicit
25/09/2010
Test · Overclocking and fan noise
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme is the best AMD board for combining two graphics cards without microstutter, but its fan is audible and it costs more than the Formula.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
19/12/2010
Review · AMD overclocking board
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme suits AMD enthusiasts who want easy overclocking, remote tweaking and up to four graphics cards, though Nvidia and AMD cards together fall short.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme

  • Exceptional overclocking performance and capabilities
  • Lucid Hydra technology allows mixing and matching different GPUs (ATI and Nvidia)
  • Comprehensive feature set including ROG Connect and Bluetooth monitoring
  • Solid build quality and high-end aesthetic design
  • Extensive BIOS features and dual BIOS chips for redundancy
  • Excellent cooling options with multiple fan headers and temperature sensors
  • Support for high-performance DDR3 RAM speeds up to 2133 MHz (O.C.)

What customers don't like about ASUS Crosshair IV Extreme

  • High price point compared to other AM3 motherboards
  • Northbridge blower-style fan can be loud and intrusive
  • Board is wider than standard ATX (10.6 inches), which may not fit in all cases
  • Lucid Hydra technology can sometimes cause latency or graphical glitches in games
  • Higher power consumption compared to more mainstream boards
  • Complex setup and feature set may be overkill for non-enthusiast users

Verdict

The Asus Crosshair IV Extreme is a premium Socket AM3 enthusiast motherboard utilizing the AMD 890FX chipset designed for 140W TDP Phenom II and Athlon II processors. Key features include Extreme Engine Digi+ for stable power, a Lucid Hydra chip enabling mixed GPU support (AMD + Nvidia), and five PCIe 2.0 x16 slots supporting 4-way CrossFireX. Pro: Extensive overclocking tools like ROG Connect, ProbeIt, and Bluetooth tweak support via smartphone, plus superior cooling and voltage regulation. Cons: Expensive price tag at launch, not compatible with AM3+ Bulldozer processors, and the chipset-cooling fan can be loud.

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