ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus VIII Hero Alpha ATX Motherboard

Description

The ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus VIII Hero Alpha ATX Motherboard is an Intel 6th-generation-compatible motherboard that comes with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Aura RGB strip headers, and PCIe-based controllers. It sports an LGA 1151 socket as well as four dual-channel DIMM slots, which support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory modules. To keep up with the performance of the slots and socket, a PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot along with two PCIe U.2 connectors transfer data at a rate of 32 Gb/s, making them suitable for an operating system drive connection. For fast transfers to external drives, two USB 3.1 ports with 10 Gb/s speeds deliver data twice as fast as the two USB 3.0 ports.

This Republic of Gamers motherboard comes with features so you can build a 3D gaming machine. It provides three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots that can link your dedicated graphics cards with NVIDIA SLI or AMD Crossfire technology. To complete your multimedia experience, SupremeFX 2015 with Sonic Studio II surrounds you with sounds from the motherboard's six audio ports. For enhancing overall performance, you may overclock your processor, memory, and graphics with 5-way Optimisation.

ASUS has designed this motherboard to let you use integrated Intel HD graphics and the motherboard's DisplayPort and HDMI ports for visuals. Wired networking is supported by an Intel I219V Gigabit controller. In addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 offers wireless connections for speakers and headsets. There are also four SATA III 6 Gb/s and two USB 2.0 ports along with a single PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port.

Features

4-Pin RGB Header with Lighting Control
This motherboard comes with an integrated Aura RGB strip 4-pin header that lets you connect a standard 12V RGB strip to light up your rig. You may customise the optional strip with effects such as static, strobe, colour cycle, and pulsate. In addition to effects, you can set the colours to change in time with music or CPU temperatures. Two extension cables are included. The Aura lighting-control utility casts multi-colour glows across your gaming rig, via the motherboard's built-in RGB LEDs and optional RGB strips.

SupremeFX 2015
Complete your multimedia experience with SupremeFX 2015. This audio technology consists of six audio inputs and outputs, special shielded designs, and professional-grade audio components, including an ESS ES9023P digital-to-analogue convertor (DAC) with Hyperstream technology, ultra-low-jitter clock, Nichicon capacitors, 2VRMS headphone amp, and Sonic SenseAmp. SupremeFX 2015 also features Sonic Studio II, so you may apply and enjoy different audio effects—plus Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology for team conversations with clarity.

• Gold-plated audio connectors - distortion-free for enhanced audio-signal input and output
• SupremeFX processor - ten DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs, EMI cover
• ESS-ES9023P Digital-to-Analogue convertor (DAC) - creates a balance for audio clarity of -94dB THD
• Precision Clock source - highly-accurate timing technology ensures ultra-low jitter by preventing fluctuating temperatures
• Nichicon capacitors - deliver quality sound resolution and expansion for warm and natural audio
• 2 VRMS Headphone AMP - provides precise current and voltage for tonality and spacious sound imaging
• Sonic SenseAMP - automatically detects and optimises outputs for different headphone impedance (32 to 600 ohms)
• De-Pop Relay - dedicated relay eliminates the popping sound when the system is powered on or off, or when devices are attached or removed

Sonic Studio II
With one click, Sonic Studio II emulates 7.1-channel audio to deliver virtual surround sounds, even through a stereo 2-channel headset. This version offers five more audio controls including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equaliser, Voice Clarity, and Smart AEQ. The Casting Enhancer feature cleans up streaming and recording audio by reducing its noise artefacts and stabilising overall voice volume. It also enhances the details and boost bass effects of in-game sounds and music playback. Furthermore, you also get Perfect Voice that reduces the noise for incoming and outgoing communications during in-game chat.

One-Click Overclock
Max out gaming performance on the Maximus VIII Hero Alpha with 5-Way Optimisation, which sorts all the complex settings with a click. This technology dynamically optimises essential aspects of your system based on real-time use to achieve faster CPU performance, everyday energy savings, stable digital power, cool and quiet fans, and tailor networking and audio settings for the apps you are using.

• Games run swiftly and smoothly with high performance, prioritised bandwidth and vivid sound
• Fans stay quiet for everyday computing and cooling efficiency when gaming
• Stutter is eliminated for smooth-running apps, even under heavy loading
• Energy waste is reduced to you save money

TurboV Processing Unit
Increase the system's performance by using the AI Suite 3 utility software. The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring for the CPU and graphics card, enabling you to adjust CPU frequencies and ratios for optimised performance and exploit the potential out of your graphics card.

Energy Processing Unit
The Energy Processing Unit (EPU) automatically detects and adjusts the power consumption based upon the system's needs. It can reduce the CPU wattage to a set level or even provide more savings with Away Mode, which creates an extreme energy-saving scenario by shutting down unused extra I/O controllers and reduces the power level in graphics cards.

Fan Xpert 3
With thermal sensors and hardware-level 4-pin/3-pin PWM/DC mode detection, Fan Xpert 3 provides advanced fan and water-pump controls that help ensure each fan achieves the best balance of cooling performance and low noise.

DIGI+ Power Control
The ASUS DIGI+ Power Control complies with Intel's IMVP8 specifications to intelligently detect the processor's power draw so you can increase its overclocking potential, enhance system stability, and improve power efficiency with flexibility and accurate control.

Turbo App
ASUS offers an exclusive Turbo App that features an intuitive panel, which lets you adjust your hardware. You can use it to automatically overclock the processor, tune the fans, prioritise network data, and optimise audio settings.

ASUS PRO Clock Technology
ASUS offers a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 6th-generation Intel processors so you can overclock the base clock frequencies up to 400 MHz. This custom solution works with the ASUS TurboV Processing Unit to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control. The technology offers your system reduced boot times, lower jitter under extreme conditions for higher overclocks, and increased stability under heavy overclocking.

DDR4
Second-generation ASUS T-Topology enables DDR4 memory overclocking to reach over 3733 MHz with all memory slots populated. Featuring a customised trace layout for reduced crosstalk and coupling noise, this T-Topology ensures time-aligned signal transfers for improved memory stability and compatibility.

UEFI BIOS
The BIOS offers a mouse-controlled graphical interface along with EZ and Advanced Modes so you can find your way quickly and easily.

• EZ Flash 3 - lets you update the BIOS via the Internet and from within the BIOS
• S.M.A.R.T - cheques your device's Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology logs to gauge reliability and even determine if they're about to fail
• EZ Tuning Wizard - OC and RAID - allow you to select your hardware and apply different scenarios to tune system performance or streamline your RAID configuration
• My Favourites - provides a list that contains your preferred tuning options and tools
• USB Flashback - refreshes your BIOS using a USB flash drive even when the system is off EZ Mode * Intuitive Graphical Fan Control: Adjusts the spin speed for each fan by dragging a curve with the mouse
• EZ XMP Settings: Improve DRAM performance
• SATA Information: Each SATA port has details displayed, so you can easily recognise devices
• Fast Clock Adjustment: Change the time and date in EZ Mode using the mouse Advanced Mode * GPU Port: Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information
• Secure Erase: Restores your SSDs to the day you first received them
• Last Modified Log: Track last change and save preferred profiles onto a USB drive
• SATA Port Renaming: Rename the SATA ports for easy identification
• USB UEFI BIOS Flashback: Update the BIOS using your flash drive even when the system is off

Extreme Engine Digi+
This digital-power controller delivers accurate power with dual PWM controllers, Infineon OptiMOS MOSFETs, MicroFine alloy chokes, and 10K black-metallic capacitors - ensuring Extreme Engine Digi+ delivers precise and smooth core voltages.

RAMCache
This ASUS technology intelligently caches the critical files on a particular storage drive so you favourite games and apps launch at quicker speeds. RAMCache helps boost game-loading times without the risk of losing data.

U.2 Connectors
Unlock the full potential of your storage with NVM Express (NVMe), which lets your SSDs achieve top speeds. Just attach your drive to the built-in U.2 connector to experience data transfer speeds of up to 32 Gb/s.

M.2 Slot
The M.2 slot utilises multiple PCI Express x4 3.0 lanes to offer data transfer speeds of up to 32 Gb/s.

USB 3.1 Ports with 10 Gb/s Speeds
ASUS has equipped this motherboard with two USB 3.1 ports that transfer data at a rate of up to 10 Gb/s. USB 3.1 technology is twice as fast as USB 3.0 and is backwards compatible with existing USB devices. One of the ports has a standard Type-A connector, and the second port features a reversible Type-C design. Furthermore, ASUS provides USB 3.1 Boost technology to accelerate USB 3.1 performance even further.

Intel I219-V Ethernet LAN
The built-in Intel Ethernet controller reduces the processor's overhead and offers high TCP and UDP throughput.

LANGuard
Signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounted components improve throughput and a more reliable connection, while surge-protected and electrostatically-guarded components allow for 1.9 times greater tolerance to static electricity and 2.5 times better protection (up to 15kV) against surges.

2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO
The Maximus VIII Hero Alpha sports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and 2x2 dual-band 2.4/5 GHz antennas that transmit at a rate of up to 867 Mb/s - Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology helps ensure every connected user experiences the best wireless and online speeds.

GameFirst IV Beta
GameFirst IV Beta optimises network traffic for faster and lag-free online gaming - and Multi-Gate Teaming has been added to team all your networks for maximum bandwidth and smooth gameplay. You'll also enjoy Intelligent mode that automatically compiles a database by parsing new app data to ensure every game is optimised for the best performance.

Republic of Gamer Features

• Stainless Steel Back I/O: Last three times longer than typical panels
• ESD Guards: Provide two times greater electrostatic protection for the PS2, USB, Audio and LAN ports
• Backplates: Two backplates are built onto the motherboard to offer additional cooling, protection, and reinforcement
• TrueVolt USB: Two dedicated USB power supplies provide 5 V of steady power to all USB ports, minimising power fluctuations that can lead to data loss
• CPU Installation Tool: Protection from socket-pin damage
• Q-Connector: This one-piece plug helps you connect the wires to the motherboard
• Q-Slot: The PCI slots feature large-winged clips so you can easily remove your PCI express cards
• Q-DIMM: One-sided clips can be pushed down for easily removing RAM modules
• DRAM Over-current Protection: An additional resettable fuse protects the connection ports and DRAM against overcurrent and short-circuit damage
• Black Nickel-coated Q-Shield: Protects your hands from nicks and cuts

Overwolf
To help you stay in your game, Overwolf provides an unobtrusive overlay so you can browse, email, IM, stream, or record while you play.

KeyBot II
This motherboard comes equipped with a microprocessor that lets you use a software utility to assign macros to function keys F1 to F10 for switching profiles in moments as well as starting and boosting your system from shutdown S5 mode.

Additional Software Included

• AI Suite 3 - one-stop control panel
• ROG CPU-Z - displays your important system information
• Mem TweakIt - dynamic timing monitoring, gauges DRAM efficiency
• RAMDisk - boost your favourite application up to 20 times faster than an SSD with the junction function
• Sonic Radar II - a stealthy overlay that maps battlefield sounds so you can locate opponents and teammates at a glance
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus (1-year) - protection from viruses and spyware
• DAEMON Tools Pro Standard (1-year) - mount optical and virtual discs
• PC Cleaner - eliminates unwanted files to speed up your PC
• SteamOS Support

Intel Z170 Express Chipset
The Intel Z170 Express features a single-chipset design that supports 6th-generation Intel LGA1151 Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors. It provides improved performance by utilising serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. It also supports integrated-graphics (iGPU) functions, so you'll enjoy Intel's integrated graphics performance. This motherboard has two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and two internal USB 3.0 connectors, which supports four additional USB 3.0 ports. It features four SATA III 6 Gb/s ports, four dual-channel DDR4 DIMM slots, and six PCI Express 3.0 slots as well as a 32 Gb/s M.2 and U.2 interfaces for faster data retrieval.