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 VII Impact review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£190CPU socket:LGA 1150Chipset:Intel Z97Form factor:Mini-ITX

ASUS Maximus VII Impact Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Maximus VII Impact
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 82% of models
Score components

40%

4.3

Technical score

20%

8.8

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%

4.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 82% 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%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
4.3

Technical score

Technical score
4.3/ 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 88% of models
Score components

19%

2.3

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform

16%

4.0

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

2.9

Ports

8%

2.9

Expansion

8%

5.2

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

â–¼Worse than 88%
8.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.8/ 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
★ Better than 95% of models

80%

8.8

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 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.
★Better than 95%
4.3

User score

User score
4.3/ 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 93% of models

4.3

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

70%

7.7

Rating

30%

7.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 93%
?

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-vii-impact
asus-maximus-vii-impact
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 Maximus VII Impact

Based on 6 · 1

Reviewers like the software, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and mostly good sound, with only minor dissent.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Maximus VII Impact

Technical score
Technical score
4.3/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

19%

2.3

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform

16%

4.0

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

2.9

Ports

8%

2.9

Expansion

8%

5.2

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

4.3
Reviews score
8.8
User score
4.3
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%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.1
CPU socket
LGA 1150
This motherboard uses LGA 1150, which is less up-to-date than 90.2% of Motherboards and the same as 6.5% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z97
This motherboard uses Intel Z97, which is less capable than 78.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
Mini-ITX
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
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% 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
3,300 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,300 MT/s, which is lower than that of 62.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4, which is slower than 72.8% of Motherboards and the same as 1.3% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x0, which is less generous than 73.2% of Motherboards and the same as 3.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x4/x4/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)
12
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 12 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 16.2% 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 I218-V
This motherboard has a Intel I218-V LAN controller, which is faster than 55.5% of Motherboards and equal to 1.9% 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 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% 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 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRM phases
8
This motherboard has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 69.9% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% 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
4
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 4 fan headers, which is fewer than 64.7% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% 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 VII Impact vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 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.
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 20.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.8/ 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
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 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.
    8.8 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.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 20.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.8/ 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
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 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.
    8.8 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.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z97 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
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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 memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 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 M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 41.9% lower user score
    User score
    4.3/ 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 93% of models

    4.3

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

    70%

    7.7

    Rating

    30%

    7.7

    Popularity

    4.3 vs 7.4
  • 7.7% worse value for money
    ASUS Maximus VII Impact has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.15 vs 7.7).
    7.15 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z97 vs Intel B860
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1150 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,150 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.
  • No debug LED indicators
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • 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 memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 29.8% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,300 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 34% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,300 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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 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
  • 3 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (12 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    12 vs 15
  • 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-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
  • 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
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8 vs 10
  • 1.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    4 vs 5.5
  • 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

9.0
Geeknetic
≈ estimated
15/09/2014
First look · feature tour and cooler fit check
Verdict
ASUS Maximus VII Impact is one of the best choices for a compact PC that does not sacrifice performance.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.5
kitguru.net
≈ estimated
30/12/2014
Hands-on test · Mini-ITX board
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus VII Impact is a well laid-out Mini-ITX board with a sturdy graphics latch, but its power buttons can ice over under sub-zero cooling.
9.0
vortez.net
≈ estimated
20/11/2014
Feature overview · Mini-ITX board
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus VII Impact packs Wi-Fi, M.2 and extra fan headers into a Mini-ITX board, but its Turbo App overclocking overrides Intel Turbo Boost.
9.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
24/09/2014
Feature review · Mini-ITX board
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus VII Impact packs a Wi-Fi card, KeyBot and a full power stage into a small board, suiting compact builds that still need ROG extras.
9.0
techarx.com
≈ estimated
28/02/2015
Full review · Mini-ITX board
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus VII Impact packs nearly every ROG feature into a Mini-ITX board, suiting overclockers who want a small build, though its Easy Mode is limited.
9.0
conseil-config.com
≈ estimated
04/09/2014
Hands-on test · Mini-ITX overclocking
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus VII Impact is a compact board that overclocks well with an excellent sound card, but its tight layout makes CPU cooler choice tricky.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
15/09/2014
Review · Mini-ITX gaming board
Verdict
The ASUS Maximus VII Impact is a compact Mini-ITX Z97 board with Wi-Fi, M.2 and a dedicated sound card, but has fewer expansion connectors.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Maximus VII Impact

  • Exceptional overclocking performance for its size, rivaling full-sized ATX boards
  • Premium power delivery (8+2 phase) via a unique vertical daughterboard design
  • High-quality SupremeFX Impact II dedicated audio card provides superior sound
  • Feature-rich mPCIe Combo IV card including 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and M.2 support
  • Excellent UEFI BIOS with extensive options for enthusiasts and gamers
  • Compact Mini-ITX form factor without compromising on high-end ROG features

What customers don't like about ASUS Maximus VII Impact

  • Premium price point, often cited as one of the most expensive Z97 ITX boards
  • Cramped layout can lead to clearance issues with certain large CPU coolers
  • Difficult access to certain connectors (like SATA or PCIe locks) due to the dense component layout
  • Limited memory expansion with only two DIMM slots (maximum 16GB RAM)
  • Some users reported quality control issues or the need for multiple RMAs in specific cases

Verdict

The Asus Maximus VII Impact is a premium Mini-ITX motherboard featuring the Intel Z97 chipset and LGA 1150 socket, supporting 4th and 5th Generation Intel Core processors. It is defined by its innovative vertical daughterboard design, including the Impact Power II 8+2 phase digital VRM for ATX-class overclocking and the SupremeFX Impact II dedicated audio card. Key technical specifications include support for up to 16GB of DDR3-3300 (OC) memory, a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and the mPCIe Combo IV card which provides dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and a 32Gb/s M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. Its main pros are its exceptional power delivery, high-end integrated audio, and dense feature set that rivals full-sized boards. However, notable cons include its high price point, limited expansion due to the Mini-ITX form factor, and potential clearance issues with large CPU coolers or the cramped PCIe latch area.

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