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 ROG Maximus IX Extreme review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£620CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z270Form factor:E-ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus IX 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 ROG Maximus IX Extreme
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
Score components

40%

6.0

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%

6.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 53% 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
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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
Score components

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

8.3

Platform

16%

5.5

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

4.6

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

6.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

â–¼Worse than 52%
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

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each 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%
6.0

User score

User score
6.0/ 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

6.0

Mark 8.3 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%

7.8

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 74%
?

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-rog-maximus-ix-extreme
asus-rog-maximus-ix-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 ROG Maximus IX Extreme

Based on 3 · 5

Reviewers praise its rich features, connectivity and water cooling support, but say it's very expensive and only suits niche enthusiasts.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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
Score components:

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

8.3

Platform

16%

5.5

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

4.6

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

6.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

6.0
Reviews score
8.6
User score
6.0
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
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

7.0
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses LGA 1151, which is less up-to-date than 70.7% of Motherboards and the same as 13.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z270
This motherboard uses Intel Z270, which is less capable than 73.5% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.2% 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
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
2,400 MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 84% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 61.8% of Motherboards and the same as 1.9% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% 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
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
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
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
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x4/x4.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
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)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
1 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 I219-V
This motherboard has a Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 58.2% of Motherboards and equal to 10% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
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
Audio codec
SupremeFX S1220
This motherboard uses SupremeFX S1220, which is higher-end than 84.3% of Motherboards and the same as 1.3% 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
120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% 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
5
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
8+2+2
This motherboard has 8+2+2 VRM phases, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 0.6% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
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
12
This motherboard has 12 fan headers, which is more than 99.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Multiple pump-capable headers.
Pump header max current
3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
AIO_PUMP 1A; W_PUMP 3A.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 6.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (12 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    12 vs 5.5
  • 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 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

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each 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
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 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.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 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 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.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    Gen 2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-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 (SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 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
  • 6.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (12 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    12 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    lighting on the I/O shroud
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    AIO_PUMP 1A; W_PUMP 3A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 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, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 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
  • 48.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 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.
  • 4.13x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme is more expensive than the average motherboard (£620 vs £150).
    £620 vs £150
  • 4.13x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme is more expensive than the average motherboard (£620 vs £150).
    £620 vs £150
  • 18.9% lower user score
    User score
    6.0/ 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

    6.0

    Mark 8.3 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%

    7.8

    Popularity

    6.0 vs 7.4
  • 9.8% worse value for money
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.01 vs 7.7).
    7.01 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 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.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 48.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 17.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (4,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    4,133 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, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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
  • 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 (4.1 vs 5.4).
    4.1 vs 5.4
  • 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

Video reviews

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

9.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
28/11/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking test · water block setup
Verdict
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme is a superb board, but a niche product for ultra-enthusiasts given its high price.
9.0
UFD Tech
≈ estimated
13/06/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking and stress-test results
Verdict
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme posted strong overclocking results with good cooling, though voltage and stability issues needed handling.
8.0
Laurent's Choice
≈ estimated
04/08/2017
First look · unboxing and included accessories
Verdict
ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme offers great value for enthusiasts building custom water-cooled systems.
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
07/06/2017
Lab test · Water-cooled motherboard
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme is a striking board for a custom water-cooled gaming PC, though two graphics cards share only eight PCI-E lanes.
9.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
04/05/2017
Hands-on review · Z270 flagship
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme is a black, fully shielded Z270 flagship with Thunderbolt 3 and a Bitspower monoblock, but it only supports quad-core processors.
9.2
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
27/04/2017
Hands-on review · Water-cooled motherboard
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme pairs a 13-phase power section with a full Bitspower monoblock, so it suits custom water-cooled builds rather than air cooling.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme

  • Integrated Bitspower monoblock that effectively cools the CPU, VRMs, and an M.2 SSD simultaneously.
  • Comprehensive safety features including a built-in water leak detection sensor and flow/temperature monitoring.
  • Extensive connectivity options such as built-in Thunderbolt 3, high-speed Wi-Fi (MU-MIMO), and multiple USB 3.1 ports.
  • Premium aesthetic design with synchronized Aura Sync RGB lighting and an integrated I/O shield for easier installation.
  • High-end audio performance featuring the ESS SABRE DAC and illuminated audio jacks for convenience in dark environments.
  • Robust overclocking capabilities with support for ultra-fast DDR4 memory up to 4133MHz.

What customers don't like about ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme

  • Extremely high price point makes it a niche product for a very small percentage of enthusiasts.
  • Mandatory custom liquid cooling requirement; the board cannot be used with standard air coolers due to the integrated monoblock design.
  • Lack of 5Gbps or 10Gbps Ethernet, which some users felt was missing given the premium 'Extreme' branding and cost.
  • The large EATX form factor may not fit in standard mid-tower cases, requiring a larger 'super tower' chassis.
  • Proprietary cooling solution means you cannot easily swap the monoblock for one from another manufacturer.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus IX Extreme is a high-end E-ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z270 chipset, supporting 6th and 7th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA1151 socket. It features a custom-designed Bitspower monoblock that cools both the CPU and VRM, equipped with integrated flow, temperature, and leak sensors. Key specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting speeds up to 4133MHz (OC), dual M.2 slots with one integrated into the monoblock for cooling, Thunderbolt 3, 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and SupremeFX S1220 audio. Main pros include its unparalleled out-of-the-box water-cooling integration, extensive fan/pump headers (12 in total), and premium aesthetics with Aura Sync RGB. However, its significant cons include a very high price point and the lack of a PLX chip, which limits PCIe lane bandwidth for multi-GPU setups.

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