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ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£950
  • Avg. price in US: ~$750
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: E-ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.8

Technical Score

10.0%

8.1

User score

Very good
7.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

8.1

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.4

Storage

15.0%

9.3

Network

13.0%

8.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.0

Expansion

8.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

Very good
8.1

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(106)
amazon
4.6
(18)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(111)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 6.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.2

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    5.5

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme is a flagship E-ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z490 chipset for 10th Gen processors, featuring a massive 16-phase (90A) VRM designed for elite overclocking. Key specifications include support for up to 128GB of DDR4-4800+ (OC) memory, quad M.2 slots (including two via the ROG DIMM.2 riser), and premium networking with onboard 10Gb and 2.5Gb Ethernet alongside WiFi 6. Main pros include its extreme power delivery, comprehensive cooling with 14 fan headers, a built-in 2-inch LiveDash OLED, and a rich accessory bundle featuring a Thunderbolt 3 expansion card and fan extension controller. However, its high price point, large E-ATX form factor that limits case compatibility, and the requirement to remove a large integrated heatsink to access onboard M.2 slots are notable cons.

Technical Specifications of ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

8.1

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.4

Storage

15.0%

9.3

Network

13.0%

8.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.0

Expansion

8.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

7.8
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a technical score of 7.83 points, which is higher than that of 78.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(106)
amazon
4.6
(18)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(111)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.1
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a user score of 8.09 points, which is higher than that of 69.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
5.9
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a popularity of 5.9 points, which is higher than 62.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.9

Overall score

40.0%

5.5

Price

7.2
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 54% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1200
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z490
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

E-ATX
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

4,800 MT/s
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports memory speeds up to 4800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 5% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

4
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 3x PCIe 3.0 x4
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 3x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel VROC support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x8/x8
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme uses x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 96.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.3% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

12
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 12 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 93% of motherboards and equal to 5.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

22
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 22 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 97.8% of motherboards and equal to 1% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

2
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

4
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.8% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18.1% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

10 Gbps
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Marvell AQtion AQC107 + Intel I225-V
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme uses the Marvell AQtion AQC107 + Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 95.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% of motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

2
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

SupremeFX S1220
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme uses the SupremeFX S1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 84% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on front panel.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

8
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 71.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

?
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
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ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.4 vs 2
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.12 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.2 vs 1
  • 7 more total USB connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
    When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=14

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.22 vs 15
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
  • 7 more total USB connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme 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.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme 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.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No integrated graphics support
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 3x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4b vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 33 mm wider
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme is wider than the average motherboard (277 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 3x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 3x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 3x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No integrated graphics support
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can output video from CPUs that include integrated graphics.
    When it matters: When you want video output without installing a graphics card.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
    When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=12

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.8 vs 10
  • 5.94x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme is more expensive than the average motherboard (£950 vs £160).
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme is more expensive than the average motherboard (£950 vs £160).£950 vs £160
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
    When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.x8/x8 vs x16/x1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
106 Reviews
amazon
4.6
18 Reviews
United States
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4.5
111 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme?

  • Extremely feature-rich with a 'carnival' of high-end extras like the LiveDash OLED display and robust connectivity.
  • Comprehensive accessory bundle including a Thunderbolt 3 add-on card, DIMM.2 module, and Fan Extension Card II.
  • Superior power delivery (16 90A power stages) and cooling solutions ideal for extreme overclocking.
  • Excellent build quality with a sturdy, rigid PCB and a full-metal backplate for added durability.
  • Top-tier memory support with OptiMem III, allowing for high-speed, low-latency RAM configurations.
  • Highly rated BIOS interface that is user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned overclockers.
  • Strong networking options featuring both 10Gb and 2.5Gb Ethernet alongside Wi-Fi 6 support.

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Maximus XII Extreme?

  • Very high price point makes it difficult to recommend for average users or budget-conscious gamers.
  • E-ATX form factor is oversized and may not fit in many common mid-tower PC cases.
  • The large, solid-piece heat spreader requires removing PCIe cards to access the integrated M.2 slots.
  • Included external fan controller may be considered overkill given the 11 onboard fan headers.
  • Lacks PCIe 4.0 support, which was a notable omission for a flagship board at its release time.
  • Some users reported BIOS/firmware update issues when attempting to use newer 11th Gen Intel processors.

Video reviews

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