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 Formula review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110CPU socket:AM3Chipset:AMD 890FXForm factor:ATX

ASUS Crosshair IV Formula Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Crosshair IV Formula
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 65% of models
Score components

40%

4.2

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

8.0

Sentiment score

10%

8.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 65% of motherboards
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 61%
4.2

Technical score

Technical score
4.2/ 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 90% of models
Score components

19%

4.0

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.5

Network

13%

3.4

Ports

8%

4.4

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

5.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 90%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 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 88% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 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 88%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 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–² Better than 50% of models

70%

8.5

Rating

30%

8.1

Popularity

â–²Better than 50%
?

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-formula
asus-crosshair-iv-formula
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 Formula

Based on 3 · 1

Reviewers mostly praise its overclocking potential, without any clear shared complaint.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the ASUS Crosshair IV Formula

Based on 38 owners sharing their experience in online comments

45%positive5%mixed50%negative

Owners praise durability, Phenom performance, and easy overclocking, while startup failures, northbridge heat, and onboard audio issues dominate complaints.

What owners dislike

  • Boot, POST, and device detection failures8
  • Owners say the northbridge runs very hot, around 75–78°C under load, and needs a fix such as reseating the heatsink or taping nearby components.4
  • Owners report onboard audio problems, including sound stopping on the rear and front jacks, and Creative audio software saying it is unsupported.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Crosshair IV Formula

Technical score
Technical score
4.2/ 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 90% of models
Score components:

19%

4.0

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.5

Network

13%

3.4

Ports

8%

4.4

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

5.9

Audio

4.2
Reviews score
8.7
User score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.6
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.
Form factor
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
2000 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2000 MT/s, which is lower than that of 91.6% 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.
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/x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x16, which is more generous than 91.5% of Motherboards and the same as 0.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
9
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 9 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 70.9% of motherboards and equal to 4.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% 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
Marvell AQtion AQC107
This motherboard has a Marvell AQtion AQC107 LAN controller, which is faster than 96.2% of Motherboards and equal to 0.4% 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
VIA VT2020
This motherboard uses VIA VT2020, which is lower-end than 98.7% 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
95 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% 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
10+2
This motherboard has 10+2 VRM phases, which is more than 53.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.9% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% 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 Formula vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Marvell AQtion AQC107 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Marvell AQtion AQC107 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (9 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    9 vs 8
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 3 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 0
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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 88% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 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.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 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.
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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 88% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 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.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 13.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.4/ 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–² Better than 50% of models

    70%

    8.5

    Rating

    30%

    8.1

    Popularity

    8.4 vs 7.4
  • 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.
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    supports ECC unbuffered memory.
  • 3 more SATA 2 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    3 vs 0
  • 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 PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (9 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    9 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Marvell AQtion AQC107 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Marvell AQtion AQC107 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    This motherboard has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (10+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    10+2 vs 10
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 890FX vs Intel B860).
    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.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 890FX vs Intel B860).
    AMD 890FX vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 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 Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    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
  • 57.4% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2000 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,000 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 60% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2000 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,000 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.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • 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.
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (VIA VT2020 vs Realtek ALC897).
    VIA VT2020 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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

10
eTeknix
✓ explicit
03/09/2010
Hands-on review · audio, ports and layout
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Formula has no real flaws, though beginners may find it a bit complex.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
01/06/2010
Review · Phenom II X6 overclocking
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Formula is the best bet for overclocking the Phenom II X6 1090T, though AMD's Turbo CORE gains are small and AM3's future is unclear.
9.0
vortez.net
≈ estimated
26/04/2010
Review · Fully featured AMD board
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Formula is a well-equipped AMD overclocking board with onboard SupremeFX audio and voltage test points, though it tops out at three graphics cards.
9.0
id.nl
✓ explicit
29/09/2010
Review · Affordable overclocking board
Verdict
The ASUS Crosshair IV Formula is a strong overclocking board whose BIOS and cooling handle a 4.31GHz overclock well, though it's not the fastest at default speeds.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Crosshair IV Formula

  • Exceptional overclocking performance and potential
  • Well-organized and feature-rich BIOS, including 'Extreme Tweaker'
  • Effective cooling with a passive, silent heatsink design
  • Useful enthusiast features like ROG Connect for remote monitoring and tweaking
  • Highly functional layout with convenient buttons (Start, Reset, Core Unlocker, Turbo Key)
  • Comprehensive software and accessory bundle including Q-connectors and zip-ties
  • Native SATA 6Gbps support and inclusion of USB 3.0

What customers don't like about ASUS Crosshair IV Formula

  • High price point compared to other AMD 890FX motherboards
  • Confusing and sometimes conflicting auto-overclocking utilities
  • Stock 'OC Button' can be overly conservative with RAM timings and lacks voltage adjustment
  • Cleaning adhesive 'gunk' off the chipset heatsinks can be difficult for maintenance
  • Limited space between primary and secondary PCIe x16 slots may cause GPU heat issues
  • Packaging lacks a protective foam layer, potentially allowing the board to scrape against cardboard during shipping

Verdict

The Asus Crosshair IV Formula is a high-performance Republic of Gamers (ROG) motherboard built on the AMD 890FX chipset and SB850 southbridge, featuring an AM3 socket that supports Phenom II, Athlon II, and Sempron processors with a TDP of up to 140W. This ATX board is designed for enthusiasts, offering four dual-channel DDR3 memory slots supporting up to 16GB at overclocked speeds of 2000MHz, three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU CrossFireX configurations (running at x16/x16 or x16/x8/x8), and six native SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support. Key pros include its robust 8+2 phase VRM design for extreme overclocking, integrated SupremeFX X-Fi 8-channel audio, and dedicated enthusiast tools like ROG Connect for remote tweaking and a physical Core Unlocker button. However, notable cons reported by users include a seventh legacy SATA 3Gb/s port that is perpendicular and awkward to use, a limited number of rear USB 2.0 ports (six) for heavy peripheral setups, and potential compatibility or thermal issues when attempting to run newer high-voltage FX-series processors on this older chipset.

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