17.02.2016 01:16
How long will the ATX motherboard form factor remain the standard in the tech world? And sooner or later will the innovative Mini-ITX be able to displace the now classic motherboard form from the scene? These questions are unlikely to find an answer right now, because the process of establishing user preferences and developing technology takes more than one decade.
These are the thoughts that come to mind when meeting the ultra-modern motherboard ASUS Maximus VIII Impact on the Intel Z170 chipset. The Roman numerals in the name of the modification are growing, generations of chipsets and sockets are changing, there is more useful functionality on the PCB, as well as communication connectors.
External features
The working surface of ASUS Maximus VIII Impact has everything you need, albeit in small quantities, because it is a very miniature standard, but at the same time powerful enough to implement a powerful system.
The accents in ASUS Maximus VIII Impact are right in the name: firstly, it is a product from the overclocking ROG series, and secondly, it is a gaming motherboard with all the attendant software and hardware little things. It is in these aspects that it is necessary to look for the positive features of the device under review.
ASUS Maximus VIII Impact can be called a horizontal-vertical board, because not all working elements fit in the standard position. We are talking about a power board with Japanese capacitors, transistors and mosfets for impressive overclocking; as well as the ROG SupremeFX Impact III sound card, which will be useful for gamers for verbal communication.
Two DIMM slots are capable of working with DDR4 RAM at frequencies up to 4133 MHz, although in the long list of supported RAM kits only modules at 4000 MHz with a voltage of 1.4 V were tested for stability (it is very interesting to delve into these variations and notice that the basis the sheets are made up of strips from Corsair and G.Skill; it is the second vendor that produces, perhaps, the best brains in the world).
Real problems can also arise when installing a cooling system on the processor. In our case, we used a completely oversized Cooler Master X Dream P115, so it was limited not only by the RAM, but also by the sound card case. I had to move away by a few millimeters.
ASUS Maximus VIII Impact offers the user several complete bonuses: Fan Extension Card, a board for connecting additional fans (especially important for overclockers and modders), as well as an antenna for reception WiFi signal. In our opinion, the second accessory is an absolutely necessary thing. Such a module should be built into boards along with an RJ-45 network port.
Back panel
The functionality of this part of the ASUS Maximus VIII Impact is no less impressive than the horizontal surface. There are luminous connectors for the sound card and modern USB connectors, as well as graphic HDMI.
Moreover, they do not fit on mainly textolite buttons for turning on/rebooting the system, resetting the BIOS and the POST indicator have migrated to this area (after all, a ROG product cannot exist without it) and absolutely rightfully so. The solution is practical, convenient and completely obvious.
Even the battery, which also failed to fit on horizontal, installed vertically, next to the USB 3.0 ports.
Test stand:
UEFI interface
As usual, there are a lot of settings in the graphic BIOS of the ROG series gaming motherboard from ASUS. First of all, this concerns the Extreme Tweaker tab with overclocking options.
I was especially surprised by the tab with timings and RAM settings - there are countless variations and possibilities. Both the current values and the numbers hardwired into the SPD are written down. Sharing memory on the ASUS Maximus VIII Impact is a real pleasure.
There are even ready-made presets and profiles for memory with settings and configurations, if you have a set from the list at your disposal.
Again, we return to the list of officially supported RAM sets by the ASUS Maximus VIII Impact board (of course, this does not mean that the module/modules outside the list will not function with the motherboard).
Otherwise, all parameters repeat the range of options of full-format motherboards based on the Intel Z170 chipset that we have already visited. There are no more and no less.
Automatic TPU in the second format also overclocks everything Intel Core i5-6600K to stable and cold 4400 MHz, although our copy can operate at 4900-5000 GHz without problems (with good cooling).
Overclocking
Manual experiments on overclocking an unlocked processor began with setting the parameters of the Digi+ power subsystem to the Extreme position, as well as increasing the voltage on the core.
The formula 4800 MHz at 1.385 V turned out to be successful and stable. At 5 GHz, ASUS Maximus VIII Impact did not start at either 1.395 V or 1.410 V.
Note the ease with which ASUS Maximus VIII Impact restores functionality after overclocking or incorrectly set options in UEFI. To do this, you do not need to press or reset anything, just reboot the system and press the Del or F2 key.
SupremeFX sound and Sonic Studio II interface
The evolution of ASUS motherboards occurs year by year, and even after five-year plans and even more so over the decades, an incredible amount of innovation has been added to the seemingly familiar textolite. Even from the outside of the board it is sometimes unrecognizable.
The next stage of development also affected the standard sound on ASUS motherboards. We have neglected this aspect for quite a long time, but in the case of ASUS Maximus VIII Impact, we became terribly interested in what the default sound in a gaming motherboard is capable of, given that an external chip is used to implement it, as well as original software.
The three audio connectors on the ASUS Maximus VIII Impact are illuminated in green, red and blue. This is not only an aesthetic effect, but also a practical one - many people are familiar with the situation, even the necessity, in which they have to crawl under the table to communicate headphones/acoustics/microphone with the required connector. It's dark under the table and the connector is small. Now the problem is completely resolved.
So, the sound capabilities of the five-channel ROG SupremeFX Impact III did not surprise us (after all, this is good old Realtek, the driver and OS confirm this). Of course, this is not an antediluvian standard codec, as on classic motherboards with a quiet, rustling and booming sound, but also not an external DAC of the ASUS Xonar level.
When listening to FLAC without software markups It’s quite difficult to feel the difference compared to mp3. The sound picture lacks volume. Low frequencies are good, the sound is loud and moderately clear, but this is not enough. The software interface has a good equalizer, a variety of reverb effects, bass boosters, etc.
In a separate block are located voice settings, and they may just be more useful for gamers than for audiophiles with their favorite uncompressed audio and FLAC format. Don't forget that ASUS Maximus VIII Impact is a gaming motherboard.
As a result, the sound of SupremeFX from ASUS is something between the basic version and an external budget-level DAC, from the same ASUS (only the connector for connecting an external zvukukhi ASUS Maximus VIII Impact does not, but there are also USB sound cards).
conclusions
ASUS Maximus VIII Impact deserves flattering words, if only because of the weighty functionality that shoved into a miniature PCB. In fact, the capabilities of the reviewed board even exceed some stuffed ATX solutions.
ASUS Maximus VIII Impact is stable, easy to operate, and useful in overclocking experiments. In any top-level PC, especially in an ITX case, this is a welcome guest, albeit expensive (but now everything is expensive). We recommend.
Compact gaming systems are becoming increasingly popular, and the number of enthusiasts willing to experiment with the Mini-ITX format has increased noticeably in recent years. For such cases, special solutions with broad functionality and high-quality components are needed. For several generations of desktop platforms, ASUS has been offering ultra-compact boards that are not much inferior in equipment to top-end full-format models. For the most demanding admirers of miniature forms who decided to assemble a system with 14-nanometer Intel processors, the Taiwanese manufacturer presented ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT. Let's see what this little one is capable of.
Design and Layout
The mini-ITX format board has standard dimensions for devices of this form factor - 170x170 mm. Like previous IMPACT models, the new product belongs to the enthusiastic Republic Of Gamers series. The model is based on the Intel Z170 chipset and is ready to work with any chip from the Intel Skylake family for LGA1151.
The board uses the classic color scheme of the line. The textolite base is made in black, as are most of the connectors. Red splashes break up the monotony of the design, and polished metal elements add individual accents.
Limited PCB area poses a challenge for designers who want to maximize the functionality of devices. A few years ago, ASUS engineers began using a blocky vertical layout. In particular, the supply voltage stabilization system is presented in the form of an additional stationary Impact Power III module, mounted at the upper edge of the printed circuit board.
The VRM system is built on an 8-phase circuit. The circuit uses high quality build MOSFET IR3553, efficient chokes and Japanese 10K Black Metallic capacitors. The power elements are cooled using an additional radiator unit. To control the parameters of the stabilizer, the Digi+VRM controller is used.
In the area of the processor socket free space not so much. Additional modules somewhat limit the space for installing the overall CPU cooler. This should be taken into account when choosing specific model cooler And it is advisable to use memory modules either without coolers, or with designs that minimally increase the height of the bars. This is where every extra millimeter can be critical.
To connect additional food An 8-pin connector is provided, which in this case is located next to the ATX connector.
The board has two slots for DDR4 memory modules. The connectors have a one-way locking mechanism. The connectors are moved almost closely to the stabilizer module, so the latches are located on the side of the PCI Express x16 slot. Despite this, the thrust elements are quite compact, so even in the open position they do not intersect the axis of the expansion slot.
Thanks to the so-called second-generation T-topology, as well as the minimum length of conductors from the modules to the processor socket, the board is declared capable of operating memory in modes up to DDR4-4133.
Mini-ITX form factor boards provide one expansion slot. In this case, it is a full-format PCI Express x16 operating in the maximum speed mode.
To organize the cooling system on the board, a combined circuit is provided.
Nominally, the PCB contains two 4-pin connectors for connecting fans. One for the processor cooler, the second for the case cooler. There is also a contact group for connecting a temperature sensor.
If such a minimalistic combination is not enough, you can use an additional complete module, which provides three more 4-pin connectors for fans and the same number of connectors for external thermocouples. To power the fans, you need to connect a Molex connector. If the power supply is modular, you will have to use another power cable for these purposes.
ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT is definitely a board for demanding enthusiasts, which means that it should have additional components by definition. Most of them are located on the additional Impact Control III unit, mounted in the interface panel area. This time the module contains a Q-CODE segment diagnostic indicator, power and reset keys, as well as buttons for clearing CMOS memory and activating the USB BIOS Flashback mechanism, which allows you to update the firmware from a USB drive.
The presence of Slow_Mode and LN2_Mode jumpers is a clear hint that the board is ready for serious frequency experiments in extreme conditions. The BIOS chip is installed on a removable panel, which will also not be superfluous given the positioning of the device. Free space on the PCB is so small that the battery is nestled between the elements of the interface panel.
Exactly between the ATX power connector and the memory slot there is a line of Q-LEDs that display the progress of self-testing of various components at the start of the system.
For organization disk subsystem There are 4 SATA 6 Gb/s ports. All channels are served by the Intel Z170 chipset, allowing, if necessary, to create RAID arrays of levels 0.1, 5 or 10. The connectors are positioned perpendicular to the PCB plane. In crowded but not mad. Although, if you need to remove the video card, you will have to first unfasten the nearby SATA cable. Otherwise, it will be difficult to reach the PCI-E stop with your finger.
What really surprised the board was the presence of a standard U.2 port, which allows you to connect high-speed 2.5-inch drives that use the PCI Express bus and the NVMe protocol for data transfer. Such SSDs are only gaining momentum, although they have good prospects in their segment. The presented port is allocated 4 lanes of the PCI Express 3.0 bus, so its throughput is an impressive 32 GB/s. The U.2 port is located right behind the interface panel, but there’s not much to choose from here. The board also has a drive activity indicator - a welcome attribute when using the board on an open bench. What the board doesn't have is an M.2 port. It's a pity.
The chipset is covered with a relatively small radiator. The efficiency of such a unit is sufficient to cool the chip. During operation of the system, the aluminum bar did not warm up above 40 degrees.
To support the USB 3.1 bus, a controller from Intel is used. As a result, we have two high-speed ports on the interface panel. One is in the format USB Type-C b and has a red insert, the second is represented by a compact symmetrical USB Type-C.
The Intel I219-V gigabit controller is responsible for connecting to the wired network. You can use the GameFirst III application to select a mode and configure network traffic priorities.
For wireless communication An additional dual-band module is provided that provides support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0. The additional block is fixed in the area of the interface panel, while it is provided external antenna to strengthen the signal.
Particular attention is paid to the board's audio subsystem. Adhering to the concept of a vertical layout, the solution is made in the form of an additional module covered with a metal casing.
SupremeFX Impact III is based on the Realtek ALC1150 chip, and the circuit uses a quality ESS ES9023P D/A converter, an additional clock generator, a high-impedance headphone preamp and custom capacitors from Nichicon. To smooth out possible clicks when turning the system on/off, an additional relay is provided.
As a result, we have a very decent sound quality. Detailed elaboration of the scene, good frequency range, power level with reserve. For a board with a compact form factor, this is important, because it is not possible to install an additional card. In this case, there is no need to regret it.
Note original solution manufacturer. The adapter's 3.5mm connectors are internally illuminated with red, green, and blue LEDs to make ports easier to identify in low ambient light. Implementing such a “traffic light” is not difficult, but it looks very impressive.
If you want to experiment with sound, you can use the SonicStudio II software suite. In games, it’s easy to adjust the scene, sometimes it’s even appropriate.
On the reverse side of the printed circuit board there is a whole scattering of surface-mount elements. The compact dimensions of the printed circuit board require various experiments.
The interface panel has an interesting set of connectors. There are 4 USB port 3.0, a pair of high-speed USB 3.1 and an Ethernet socket. The controls of the Impact Control III module are also located here. In particular, miniature power and reboot buttons, CMOS and USB BIOS Flashback reset keys, as well as a Q-Code indicator. Two connectors from the wireless module are intended for connecting an external antenna.
One full-format HDMI video output is provided for connecting display devices. Acoustics are connected using three audio jacks or via optical S/PDIF.
Equipment
The board is offered in a compact box. Behind the fold-down front panel are key original technologies used for the model in question.
I was pleasantly surprised by the delivery set. This is very detailed guide, disk with drivers and software, quick installation instructions, four SATA cables, an additional FAN Extension adapter with a connection cable, an external antenna for the wireless module and one external temperature sensor.
The kit also includes an extension cord for connecting controls, a plug for back wall housing, a plastic frame for easy installation of the processor, a set of stickers for interface cables and three stickers with the gaming series logo.
UEFI and software
The UEFI graphical shell is very easy to use. All parameters are well structured. It’s not difficult to figure it out, even if you don’t have much experience in setting it up. And for those who know a lot about this, the board will definitely please.
The number of available options is virtually no different from those for the top full-size models of the gaming series.
In fact, the actual overclocking capabilities are at least no worse than those of flagship devices. The board allowed us to get 4600 MHz for our copy Core processor i7-6700K with a typical supply voltage increase to 1.37 V.
Memory is also boosted easily. The dual-channel DDR4-2666 kit, after increasing the voltage to 1.35 V, worked properly with an effective frequency of 3200 MHz.
Software configuration of the board from operating system performed in the AI Suite 3 application. We are already familiar with the capabilities of the complex. This includes monitoring of various parameters, fine adjustment of the cooling system, adjustment of energy-saving options, notifications and other settings.
Among the additional proprietary hardware, we note support for the KeyBot II function, which allows you to significantly expand the capabilities of the most ordinary USB keyboard. Hotkeys, macros, sequences and other functional tricks. The technology is implemented at the hardware level, so it is important to connect the keyboard to the desired USB port.
Among the software add-ons, the ability to create a RAM disk using a proprietary application, as well as the RAMCache mechanism, which allows you to allocate a certain section of RAM for dynamic caching of access to the specified drive, may be useful.
Video review of ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT
Results
ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT– one of the most functional Mini-ITX motherboards for the LGA1151 platform. The model is well equipped and offers the widest possibilities for overclocking the system. Improved sound subsystem and network connection make this model an object of increased attention for those who decide to assemble an uncompromising gaming system in a compact form factor. The board, as expected, received support for USB 3.1, but the presence of native U.2 will be a pleasant surprise for those who are focused on the fastest SSDs.
The local price tag of ASUS MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT is not very encouraging, although functionality it doesn't have any effect. Still, cost is a variable value that can change over time, but if you want to get the best right now, you will have to spend money.
Liked
Great functionality
Powerful power unit
Customization and overclocking options
Additional controls and diagnostics
USB 3.1 support (Type-A + Type-C)
Network controller from Intel
High-quality sound subsystem
Availability of U.2 port
Extended delivery set
Did not like
[Polygon Modlabs] Motherboard Review ASUS boards Maximus VIII ImpactLooking at some enthusiast builds that are based on motherboards of the Mini-ITX form factor, it begins to seem that this format is no longer the standard for compact systems today. Judge for yourself, top-end video cards and even liquid cooling systems are increasingly found in this form factor, and this is not entirely compact. And even if we leave the enthusiast section, almost all cases for Mini-ITX cannot compete with an industrial solution like the same ASUS VivoPC.
In any case, if we are talking about a modular system that the user will assemble in a case from a store, then most likely Mini-ITX will still remain a “baby” among full-size ATX solutions. Today, I want to introduce you to a well-pumped motherboard for the LGA1151 platform, it will be ASUS Maximus VIII Impact.
Contents of delivery
ASUS Maximus VIII Impact arrived to us in a compact package. Its design is based on the familiar “red” design of the Republic of Gamers series products. There is a prominent name on the package, a list of technical characteristics and features, a technical sticker with information from the serial number category.
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The box is compact, but the delivery set is extended. It included:
- User guide;
- Disk with drivers and utilities;
- FAN Extension board and installation kit;
- One temperature sensor;
- A set of ROG stickers and a door sign;
- Four SATA Cables;
- Wi-Fi module antenna;
- Plug for housing;
- Frame for installing the processor.
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One of the features of the kit is the external FAN Extension module. It is designed to connect additional fans. In the case of limited space on the motherboard PCB, this module becomes very relevant. With its help, the user can connect and subsequently control the operating mode of four fans and three thermocouples. Power supply to the FAN Extension is carried out using one MOLEX connector, and synchronization with the motherboard is carried out using another cable. Everything would be fine, but the board tracks are not protected and are in the public domain, so the issue of module location in the case must be approached carefully.
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Visual inspection
The dimensions of ASUS Maximus VIII Impact fit into the gold standard Mini-ITX - it is 170x170 millimeters. However, there are two not entirely familiar points. The maximum height dimensions are formed not by expansion connectors, but by additional power and sound cards. With their help, in two areas of the board the height increases to 45 millimeters. Impact's external design fits into the current ROG line: red colors with gray inserts, the main area of the printed circuit board is black.
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The extension panel has a couple of not quite standard elements. Here I'm talking about the full-size POST indicator, power and reboot keys, as well as BIOS reset and recovery. Otherwise, everything is very familiar:
- One HDMI;
- One optical S/PDIF;
- POST code indicator;
- Power, Reset, ClrCMOS and USB BIOS Flashback keys;
- Four USB 3.0;
- Outputs for connection Wi-Fi antennas module;
- Three miniJack audio connectors;
- One RJ-45 LAN connector;
- One USB 3.1 (Type-C and Type-A).
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General arrangement of ASUS Maximus VIII Impact elements, below in more detail.
Among the distinctive aspects of the layout are the specifically located modules of the power supply system and the audio path. It looks like the LGA1151 connector is slightly shifted towards the top edge relative to similar boards.
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On the back side of the board there are quite a lot of strapping elements. Note that the Impact has only one M.2 connector and it is used for the module ASUS Wi-Fi GO!. Those. Installing a drive in this format is not possible. As a user of an M.2 drive, I was for a moment confused by the lack of another connector. The Wi-Fi module itself provides operation in WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.1 modes, and supports MU-MIMO technology.
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Like other motherboards of the ASUS Maximus VIII generation, thanks to a set of system Intel logic Z170, you can run the system based on the 6th generation Intel Core processor (Skylake-S). Two slots with a maximum frequency of 4133 MHz in overclocking mode are available for installing RAM. A 24+8 bundle is used to supply power to the processor, and they are located on the same edge, which can simplify the cable management process.
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An Intel I219V chip is used to implement the LAN connector, and an Intel DSL6540 controller is used for USB 3.1. The battery is located on a remote connector and attached to the panel of elements, which is already common for boards of this form factor. In that area there are two jumpers marked Slow Mode and LN2. The first provides a minimum frequency mode, the second provides access to an expanded set of voltages - interesting.
To connect storage devices there are four SATA 6 Gb/s connectors, all of them are located between RAM and a slot for a video card. If you plan to connect all four drives, you can immediately plan a good bundle of cables in this area.
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The connector for the additional fan board is located in the upper left corner of the board. By default, the board has two fan connectors available.
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The sound card is called Supreme FX Impact III. It is attached to the main PCB using a detachable connector; there are a pair of bolts for fixation. On the board itself we find a Realtek ALC1150 chip and a set of decent hardware.
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And here is the system board ASUS power supply Maximus VIII Impact is not removable. It is monolithically soldered to the board using many “cores”.
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To cool the heating elements, a bar-type radiator and a small backplate are used. If desired, they can be dismantled. Contact with the cooling elements occurs using thermal pads, the pressure is uniform.
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Radiator fins are also present. It seems a little toy-like. However, if you take into account the number of phases and, in principle, its presence, the questions disappear. Many analogues on Mini-ITX use three or four phases and those without cooling.
We tried to make the description as good as possible so that your choice would be unmistakable and informed, but... We may not have used this product, but only touched it from all sides, and after you buy it, try it out, your review can make this world a better place, if your review is really useful, we will publish it and give it You have the opportunity to make your next purchase from us using the 2nd column.
ASUS H97-PRO - Excellent board for a processor without overclocking
5 Surenchik Irina Georgievna 11-08-2015
Device owner rating: ASUS H97-PRO
Advantages:
When purchasing, the choice fell on the ASUS H97-Pro motherboard based on a number of parameters. We needed a reliable, slightly above average option for the processor without overclocking, with a sufficient number of necessary connectors and slots. The ASUS H97-Pro has all this - slots for “outdated” PCI cards (there are still a sufficient number of them); video outputs from D-Sub to HDMI, i.e. virtually for any monitors; support for four SATA III, 6Gb/s (this is more than enough for home computer); SATA connectors Express and M.2 (for the future). Very convenient, intuitive BIOS UEFI. The problem arose only with understanding how to disable " Secure Boot", to install an operating system other than Windows 8. It turned out that you just need to clear the keys. The board immediately and correctly recognized everything installed devices(Card Reader, etc.), everything worked immediately. Shows temperature slightly above room temperature. Designer golden radiators only enhance the overall positive impression. In general, a well-made device that performs its function without any problems, manufactured under a brand known for its reliability. There's simply nothing to complain about.
Flaws:
Personally, I don’t see any shortcomings, but someone points out the inability to pair top video cards and overclock on this board (due to the features of the H97 chip itself). But for me this is not a disadvantage, but a plus, because I needed a board for a more stable standard system, and with the processor without overclocking!
Let us recall that the gaming (ROG) series of motherboards from Asus based on the Intel Z170 chipset is called Maximus VIII and includes six models: Formula, Extreme, Gene, Hero, Ranger and Impact. We have already reviewed several models in this series, and in this article we will talk about the Asus Maximus VIII Impact model, made in the Mini-ITX form factor (17x17 cm)
Like all Maximus VIII series models, the Asus Maximus VIII Impact is based on the Intel Z170 chipset and only supports Intel processors Core 6th generation (Skylake-S).
Options and packaging
The Asus Maximus VIII Impact board comes in a small (22.5x18.5x9.5 cm) burgundy box, on which all the advantages of the board are eloquently described. The scope of delivery is impressive. In addition to the board itself, a user manual is supplied (only for English language), DVD with software and drivers, four SATA cables (all connectors with latches), a plug for the rear panel of the board, a remote antenna for the Wi-Fi+Bluetooth module integrated on the board. In addition, there is one thermal sensor, an Asus Fan Extension board, to which you can connect four additional fans and three thermal sensors, as well as a plastic mounting frame designed to install the processor in the socket (many Asus motherboards come with such frames).
The board's equipment, of course, is not as rich as, for example, in the Asus Maximus VIII Extreme model, but, nevertheless, this equipment is quite consistent with the top solution.
Board configuration and features
A summary table of the characteristics of the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is given below, and further in the text we will look at all its features and functionality.
| Supported processors | |
| CPU socket | |
| Chipset | |
| Memory | |
| Audio subsystem | SupremeFX Impact III |
| Network Controller | Intel i219-V |
| Expansion slots | 1 × PCI Express 3.0 x16 |
| SATA connectors | 4× SATA 6 Gb/s |
| USB ports | 6 × USB 3.0 |
| Rear Connectors | 4 × USB 3.0 |
| Internal connectors |
|
| Form factor | Mini-ITX (170×170 mm) |
| average price | T-12939306 |
| Retail offers | L-12939306-10 |
Form factor
The Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is made in the Mini-ITX form factor (170x170 mm), and there are four holes for mounting it in the case.
Chipset and processor socket
Asus Maximus VIII Impact is based on the Intel Z170 chipset and only supports 6th generation Intel Core processors with LGA1151 socket (codenamed Skylake-S)
Memory
To install memory modules, the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board has two DIMM slots (dual-channel operating mode). The user manual notes that the board supports unbuffered DDR4 (non-ECC) memory. Memory with XMP profiles is supported.
Expansion slots and U.2 connector
To install a video card or expansion card on the Asus Maximus VIII Impact motherboard there is only one PCI slot Express 3.0 x16.
This slot is implemented using 16 PCI Express 3.0 lanes Skylake processor and, of course, works in PCIe 3.0 x16 mode.
The Asus Maximus VIII Impact board does not have the usual M.2 connector for modern motherboards, but there is a specialized U.2 connector that supports NVMe drives. To implement the U.2 connector, four PCIe 3.0 chipset ports are used.
Video connectors
Because the Skylake-S processors They have an integrated graphics core, and there is an HDMI 1.4 video output on the rear panel of the board to connect a monitor.
SATA ports, SATA Express connectors
To connect storage devices or optical drives The board has four separate SATA 6 Gb/s ports.
All SATA 6 Gb/s ports are implemented based on a controller integrated into the Intel Z170 chipset. These ports support the ability to create RAID arrays of levels 0, 1, 5, 10.
USB connectors
To connect all kinds of peripheral devices The board has six USB 3.0 ports and two USB 3.1 ports.
USB 3.0 ports are implemented on the Intel Z170 chipset (remember that the chipset supports up to 14 USB ports, of which up to 10 ports can be USB 3.0). Moreover, four USB 3.0 ports are located on the rear panel of the board, and a corresponding connector is provided on the board to connect two more USB 3.0 ports.
To implement two USB 3.1 ports on the board, a dual-port Intel Alpine Ridge controller is used. Both USB 3.1 ports are located on the rear panel of the board. Moreover, one port has a Type A connector, and the other port has a symmetrical Type C connector. Formally, the Intel Alpine Ridge controller provides not only USB interface 3.1, but also Thunderbolt 3.0 and the Type C connector can connect Thunderbolt devices (including a monitor). However, there is no mention of Thunderbolt 3.0 anywhere in the documentation, and we were unable to check support for this interface due to the lack of appropriate devices. In addition, it is not clear how exactly the Intel Alpine Ridge controller is connected to the chipset. It can be connected on two PCIe 2.0 lanes, but can be connected on four lanes.
Network interface
To connect to the network, the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board has a gigabit network interface based on the Intel i219-V PHY controller (physical layer controller) (a MAC-level controller integrated into the chipset is used). This controller uses the PCIe chipset port for connection.
In addition, the board also has a built-in Asus WiFi Go! module. This is a dual-band module (2.4 and 5 GHz) with support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.1 standards.
How it works
As usual, we remind you that the Intel Z170 chipset has up to 20 PCI Express 3.0 ports (lanes), up to 10 USB 3.0 ports and up to 6 SATA 6 Gb/s ports. In this case, there can be no more than 26 high-speed ports (PCIe, USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s).
Well, now let's see how the capabilities of the Intel Z170 chipset are implemented on the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board. Actually, everything here is so simple that it’s not even interesting. The capabilities of the Intel Z170 chipset are not fully realized and, naturally, nothing is shared with anything.
Indeed, let's count the number of controllers, connectors and slots that connect to PCIe chipset ports. The U.2 connector, as well as the Intel Alpine Ridge, Intel i219-V and WiFi controllers, require a total of only 8 or 10 PCIe ports (depending on how the Intel Alpine Ridge controller is connected), meaning that it requires significantly less than what can provide chipset. All that remains is to figure out the total number of high-speed I/O ports, which should be no more than 26. In this case, you need to take into account that to the eight PCIe ports you just need to add four SATA ports and six USB 3.0 ports. As a result, we get only 18 or 20 high-speed I/O ports. The block diagram of the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is shown in the figure.
Additional features
While the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board cannot boast of additional controllers and connectors, this board has quite a lot of additional features.
Let's start with the fact that the power, reboot, and reset buttons are located on the rear panel of the board. BIOS settings(Clear CMOS) and POST code indicator.
In addition, there is also a USB BIOS Flashback button, allowing you to easily update Board BIOS using a USB flash drive.
The next feature is the presence of jumper LN2, which is important during extreme overclocking. Jumper LN2 is complemented by a Slow Mode jumper. Actually, both jumpers are used in extreme overclocking mode when cooling the processor with liquid nitrogen.
Another feature of the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is the presence of a FAN Extension connector, which is designed to connect the Asus Fan Extension board (included in the package). As already noted, this board allows you to connect four additional fans and three thermal sensors.
The board also has a two-pin connector for connecting one temperature sensor.
Another feature of the board is the presence of a panel LED indicators Q LED, which allow for initial diagnostics of the system during its boot. But their location is very unfortunate. These indicators are located in a narrow gap between the power connector and the memory module slot. And it’s not so easy to see these indicators.
One cannot fail to note such a feature as the presence of a panel of ProbeIt measuring points. These measuring points allow you to monitor the voltage on the most important components of the system, which is especially important during overclocking. True, the panel with measuring points is not very well located. To use it, you must first remove the audio card from the motherboard, which blocks access to the ProbeIt panel.
Supply system
Like most boards, Asus model Maximus VIII Impact has 24-pin and 8-pin connectors for connecting the power supply. Moreover, both power connectors are located next to each other, which is very rare.
The processor voltage regulator on the board uses a very unusual one. The limited dimensions of the board did not allow in this case to place the regulator on both sides of the processor socket, as is done on most boards. On the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board, most of the voltage regulator components are placed on a separate board, which is located perpendicular to the main board and soldered to it.
The supply voltage regulator itself is eight-channel. Each power channel uses International Rectifier IR3553M MOSFET circuits. A chip labeled Digi+VRM EPU ASP1405I, which is located on the reverse side of the board, is used as a PWM control controller.
Cooling system
To cool various heat-producing components, the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is equipped with two miniature radiators. One separate heatsink is installed on the chipset, and another one removes heat from the MOSFET transistors of the processor voltage regulator.
In addition, to create an effective heat dissipation system, the board has two four-pin connectors for connecting fans (including the processor cooler fan). In addition, as already noted, the kit comes with an Asus Fan Extension board, which allows you to connect four additional fans and three thermal sensors. Traditionally, the speed of any fan, including fans connected to the Asus Fan Extension board, can be adjusted either through the UEFI BIOS or through the Asus Fan Xpert 3 utility.
Audio subsystem
One of the advantages of the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is its advanced audio subsystem with the marketing name SupremeFX Impact III. In fact, this is a discrete audio card that is inserted into a specialized connector and secured with two screws. The audio card itself is encased in a metal casing that provides protection against interference.
The audio card is based on the Realtek ALC1150 codec. Additionally, the audio card features an ESS ES9023P digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a low-jitter clock, Nichicon capacitors, a 2Vrms headphone amplifier, and a Sonic SenseAmp controller that automatically detects the impedance of connected headphones ( from 32 to 600 Ohms) and adjusts the built-in headphone amplifier accordingly.
Note that the audio card has three minijack audio connectors. All connectors look identical and are not color coded. However, as soon as the system is turned on, these audio jacks begin to light up in different colors (red, green and blue).
To test the output audio path intended for connecting headphones or external speakers, we used the Right Mark Audio Analyzer 6.3.0 utility and an external sound card Creative E-MU 0204 USB. Testing was carried out in stereo mode, 24-bit/44.1 kHz.
According to the test results, the audio path on the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board received a “Very Good” rating.
The full report with testing results in the RMAA 6.3.0 program is posted on a separate page, followed by a short report.
| Frequency response unevenness (in the range 40 Hz - 15 kHz), dB | ||
| Noise level, dB (A) | ||
| Dynamic range, dB (A) | ||
| Harmonic distortion, % | Very good |
|
| Harmonic distortion + noise, dB (A) | Mediocre |
|
| Intermodulation distortion + noise, % | Very good |
|
| Interpenetration of channels, dB | Very good |
|
| Intermodulation at 10 kHz, % | Very good |
|
| Overall rating | Very good |
|
UEFI BIOS
If we talk about UEFI BIOS, it is completely standard. Exactly the same UEFI BIOS (in terms of interface and capabilities) is used on the Asus Maximus VIII Gene board or, for example, on the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board.
Therefore, we will not repeat ourselves and refer the reader to the relevant articles.
Comparison with Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board
On our website we recently reviewed the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board, which, like the Asus Maximus VIII Impact model, is made in the Mini-ITX form factor and is based on the Intel Z170 chipset. Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board is not included in the elite series Asus ROG, but nevertheless, it is positioned as a gaming one and costs less than the Asus Maximus VIII Impact model. Therefore, it would be interesting to compare these two boards. The specifications of these boards are presented in the table.
| Pay | Asus Maximus VIII Impact | Asus Z170I Pro Gaming |
| Supported processors | ||
| CPU socket | ||
| Chipset | ||
| Memory | ||
| Audio subsystem | 1 × PS/2 | |
| Internal connectors | 24-pin ATX power connector | 24-pin ATX power connector |
| Form factor | Mini-ITX (170×170 mm) | Mini-ITX (170×170 mm) |
In general, if you look at the specifications, the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board is even more functional compared to the Asus Maximus VIII Impact. It has SATA Express and M.2 connectors, which are not available on the Asus Maximus VIII Impact. In addition, there is also a DisplayPort video connector, which again is not present in the Asus Maximus VIII Impact variant. Of course, the presence of a SATA Express connector is a very dubious advantage, since there is nothing to connect to this connector anyway. But the M.2 connector and DisplayPort are a significant advantage in favor of the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming. However, the U.2 connector, which is available on the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board, is still exotic. Yes, there are adapters from the M.2 connector to the U.2 connector, but there are no reverse adapters. So, in terms of connectors, the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board wins points. If speak about USB ports 3.1, then the advantage is on the side of Asus Maximus VIII Impact. The presence of a Type C connector is already a big plus. But the main difference between the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming and Asus Maximus VIII Impact boards is not the number of connectors and ports. The Asus Maximus VIII Impact board has many additional features that allow it to be positioned as an enthusiast board. In particular, this is the presence of power buttons, reboot and clear BIOS on the board itself, the presence of a POST code indicator, as well as the presence of specific jumpers that are relevant for extreme cooling of the processor with liquid nitrogen. In addition, the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board also has the ability to measure the voltage on the processor, memory and other components, which, again, is important for overclocking enthusiasts. The Asus Z170I Pro Gaming board lacks all these features. In general, comparing the Asus Maximus VIII Impact and Asus Z170I Pro Gaming models, we can say that the Asus Z170I Pro Gaming is more suitable for those cases when you need a regular high-performance computer in a miniature case. Well, the Asus Maximus VIII Impact model is more suitable for those who like to experiment.
conclusions
To summarize, we can draw the following conclusion. The Asus Maximus VIII Impact board is quite simple and has limited system scaling capabilities. This board is suitable for gaming PCs, performance PCs, and overclocking enthusiasts. But the main advantage of the board is that it has a number of additional features that are of interest to enthusiasts. That is why, if a regular board on the Intel Z170 chipset, made in the Mini-ITX form factor, costs about 10-11 thousand rubles, then the Asus Maximus VIII Impact board costs about 15-16 thousand rubles.
The board was provided for testing by the manufacturer