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 Maximus V Formula ThunderFX review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 1155Chipset:Intel Z77Form factor:E-ATX

ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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 78% of models
Score components

40%

4.8

Technical score

20%

8.3

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%

4.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 78% of motherboards
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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 88% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 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 79% of models
Score components

19%

4.0

Memory

16%

7.3

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.9

Network

13%

3.2

Ports

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

7.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

â–¼Worse than 79%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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 50% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 50%
4.8

User score

User score
4.8/ 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 86% of models

4.8

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.2

Rating

30%

6.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 86%
?

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-maximus-v-formula-thunderfx
  • asus-maximus-v-formula-thunderfx
  • asus-maximus-v-formula-thunderfx
asus-maximus-v-formula-thunderfx
asus-maximus-v-formula-thunderfx
asus-maximus-v-formula-thunderfx
Where to buy
    N/A~ £260
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

19%

4.0

Memory

16%

7.3

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.9

Network

13%

3.2

Ports

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

7.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

4.8
Reviews score
8.3
User score
4.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.1
CPU socket
LGA 1155
This motherboard uses LGA 1155, which is less up-to-date than 88.4% of Motherboards and the same as 1.8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z77
This motherboard uses Intel Z77, which is less capable than 83.1% of Motherboards and as capable as 1.4% of Motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
3,000 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,000 MT/s, which is lower than that of 74.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% 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
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4, which is less generous than 71.4% of Motherboards and the same as 1.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
Show more
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)
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
Intel 82579V
This motherboard has a Intel 82579V LAN controller, which is slower than 98.3% of Motherboards and equal to 0.8% 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
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is older than 50.3% of Motherboards and the same as 1.2% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC898
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC898, which is higher-end than 50.5% of Motherboards and the same as 1.8% 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
110 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 54.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.4% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 300Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12
This motherboard has 12 VRM phases, which is more than 55.4% 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
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
1 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 56.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 19.6% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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 50% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    Included Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card.
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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 50% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 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.
    external eSATA excluded
    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
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    3 vs 1
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    Included Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 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
  • 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 (12 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12 vs 10
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z77 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z77 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
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 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
  • 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
  • 35.1% lower user score
    User score
    4.8/ 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 86% of models

    4.8

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.2

    Rating

    30%

    6.7

    Popularity

    4.8 vs 7.4
  • 8.1% worse value for money
    ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.12 vs 7.7).
    7.12 vs 7.7
  • 73.3% more expensive
    ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX 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 (Intel Z77 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z77 vs Intel B860
  • 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.
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1155 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,155 vs LGA 1,151
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 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
  • 36.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,000 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,000 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 44% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,800 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,800 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.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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
  • 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
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.4).
    4 vs 5.4
  • Less recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a less recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Less capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a slower LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel 82579V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel 82579V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    110 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
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    1 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

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

Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
24/08/2012
Feature overview · Board layout
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX is a large ROG board with strong power delivery and many overclocking tools, but multi-GPU builds share PCIe lanes.
9.0
hardwareviews.com
≈ estimated
21/06/2012
Hands-on review · BIOS and software
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX is a stable overclocking board with a broad AI Suite II toolset, though USB 3.0 Boost only speeds up USB 3.0 flash drives.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX

  • High-quality external ThunderFX sound card provides exceptional audio for PC and consoles
  • Innovative Fusion Thermo VRM heatsink supports both air and water cooling
  • Extensive overclocking features and a robust UEFI BIOS ideal for enthusiasts
  • Excellent USB 3.0 drive performance and general file transfer speeds
  • Strong accessory bundle including a WiFi/Bluetooth combo card and mPCIe Combo Card
  • Efficient power consumption and solid overall system stability

What customers don't like about ASUS Maximus V Formula ThunderFX

  • Onboard SupremeFX audio performance is average without the external ThunderFX unit
  • Early BIOS versions showed inconsistent benchmark performance compared to rivals
  • Relatively high price point compared to standard Z77 motherboards
  • SATA 3 Gb/s performance found to be subpar in some technical tests
  • Complex setup for specific console microphone support (Xbox 360) using the ThunderFX
  • Slightly elevated stock CPU voltage observed during initial setup

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus V Formula/ThunderFX is a high-end E-ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z77 chipset for LGA 1155 processors, featuring a robust 12-phase Digi+ VRM and the innovative Fusion Thermo hybrid cooling system that supports both air and water cooling. Key specifications include four DDR3 slots supporting up to 32GB (OC 2800MHz+), three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for SLI/CrossFireX, and an mPCIe Combo card providing dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and an mSATA slot. The standout characteristic of this 'ThunderFX' edition is the included external USB DAC and amplifier, which complements the onboard SupremeFX IV audio to deliver premium sound across PC and consoles. Main pros include its exceptional overclocking stability, versatile cooling options, and a comprehensive accessory package. However, its larger E-ATX form factor may limit case compatibility, and early reviews noted that its stock performance occasionally lagged slightly behind competing flagship boards despite its premium price point.

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