On quick glance, the Maximus V Extreme is pretty much the same as the Formula sans the FusionThermo but on closer inspection we can see some detailed addition most obvious is the amount of PCI-e slots. This is intended for world-record attempts at breaking multi-GPU scores and such.
The rear IO doesn’t differ much from its mainstream brother featuring a PS/2 port as the most obvious inclusion as many overclockers prefer this connection type for its easier utilization in OC scenarios. A single Thunderbolt port (not pictured) is at the top-most area of the rear I/O.
We have a total of 8 SATA ports but we doubt you’d be using those with this baby. The most obvious inclusion here is the Subzero Sense, which enables the user to connect temperature probes via K-type connectors which eliminates the need for extra measuring equipment.
And here we have more shots of the board’s money-making angles. That heatsink is certainly not something I can like at a glance and I for one really miss the sharper angles that other ROG boards have. Putting looks aside, ASUS has integrated a liquid cooling block on their VRM cooler and dubs it Fusion Thermo.
As with any and all top-of-the-line motherboards, we have onboard buttons as well as voltage checkpoints to support enthusiasts in their troubleshooting and OCing endeavors.
SupremeFX takes a back-seat in the Extreme rendition of the Maximus V, utilizing a Realtek ALC898 for audio duties.
The ASUS Maximus V Extreme is packaged in the regular Republic of Gamers red box with a flip-out front cover which reveals the product along with information on the other flap. Together with the package is a huge collection of accessories including 4 pairs of SATA cables, a pair of WIFI and Bluetooth antennas, documentation and driver discs. See the next tab for a closer look at the extras.
As a fully decked-out overclocking platform, aside from the mSATA/Wireless card, the Maximus V Extreme features a couple of additions intended for overclockers. First up is the inclusion of probe connectors which attach to the board which in turn is connected a multimeter probe. Two pairs are included. We’d like to point out that GIGABYTE includes 8 pairs. Another addition and by far the highlight of the package is the OC Key. A little attachment that overlays overclocking controls and information in real-time via the display output which removes the need for going into the BIOS when in the OS environment. Also included is an eSATA PCI bracket.