The Box and Packaging
The box and packaging is nicely designed with lots of ROG branding. Inside the box, you get 2 SATA data cables, SLI bridge connector, backplate I/O shield, M.2 screws LGA 1151 cover and a large A4 sheet of ROG stickers!
You also get the usual instruction/user’s manual and a disc with drivers and accompanying software.
The motherboard itself …
The Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero is a full size ATX motherboard and measures 30.5cm x 24.4cm in dimensions. It should fit in all ATX cases. The I/O panel is covered by a plastic hood which provides some protection, and has the word “Maximus” etched onto it, which glows via the Aura Sync RGB LEDs.
And finally, the hollow heat-sink with the ROG logo features angled facets, that allow light from Aura Sync RGB LEDs to shine through … making the entire motherboard aesthetically pleasing.
A Closer Look
The ROG Maximus XI Hero features SafeSlot which can be found on the two PCI-E x16 slots (see below). It adds extra support and protection for heavy graphic cards. The 3rd PCI-E x16 is your standard slot type (no SafeSlot).
You’ll also find 2 x M.2 connectors for high performance SSDs, as well as the included SupremeFX audio chip, which is an exclusive new codec offering their intuitive Sonic Studio III and Sonic Radar III.
What makes this motherboard so versatile are the available options for overclocking … I mean, check out the the physical buttons and the included diagnostic debug LED.
On the motherboard itself, you get several physical buttons including … start, reset, reboot, retry, “slow-mode” switch, and a MemOK! button. Additionally, on the rear I/O panel, you also get Clr CMOS button as well as a BIOS Flashback … perfect for failed overclocked attempts 😛
For connectivity, there are a total of 6 x SATA ports, 4x USB 2.0, 4 x USB 3.0, USB 3.1 A&C, Intel Gigabit LAN, HD Audio, Display-Port and HDMI out.
1 comment
Finally, something somewhat in my price range. Best for gaming and enhance the gaming experience.