CONCLUSION
We’ve always thought ASUS never had the heart to offer the ROG brand to more consumer-friendly levels but it can only be inferred that economic pressures have finally made them cave-in and tap the upper-midrange market. Still, we can’t help but see ASUS’ pricing skyrocketing like crazy. This has led to a lot of criticism online but that’s another article. That said though, we appreciate the company’s effort in creating a stripped-down version of their ASUS MAXIMUS without losing the features that make the product unique.
Many go for ROG boards for the sole bragging rights and never maximize their motherboard. The ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO is all about offering the ASUS Republic of Gamers experience without being to concerned about under-utilization. So without further ado, let’s break down our scores.
Performance. The board showed excellent stock performance and particularly impressive numbers in our gaming test. Overclocking also showed the MAXIMUS VI HERO can provide good scaling when given a kick in the proverbial nuts. We’d like a bit of consistency though across the charts and this dampens what could be a perfect score for the motherboard.
Build Quality. ASUS has clearly perfected their craft in the ROG line of boards. The ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO is no exception. Holding the motherboard for the first time, you know you’re holding a solidly-made product. The choice of components, the layout, everything just screams perfection.
Functionality. The board may not be decked-out with PCI-e slots or onboard buttons but it has enough for even advanced users to appreciate the board for what it is: a gaming motherboard. The board has the very basics to build a quality gaming rig but high-end gamers and pro-overclockers will feel wanting more.
Bundle. The motherboard comes with a rich software bundle which ASUS intends to aid in gaming. We’ll give it a notch more brownie points for these inclusion as well as for the door sign.
Value. How much is that HERO in the window? Weirdly enough, we’re not sure. ASUS officially told us it was Php14,190 but online local listing puts its around ₱12700 or lower. Of course that’s cash price but we’ll go with that. As we mentioned in our previous gaming motherboard review, the “gaming” motherboard competition is very stiff but prices are what its really all about these days. With a ₱12700 price tag, the board is just a tad bit more expensive than the MSI Z87-GD65 GAMING and just a bit below the ASRock Z87 Fatal1ty Pro. All of which feature red and black scheme, multi-GPU options and all are gaming oriented. Tough choice, eh?
Picking up from that last bit, ASUS offers a full 3 years warranty for their products. Both MSI and ASRock only offer 2 year warranties. That gives you a full year of peace of mind over the competition, something you shouldn’t skimp on.
At the very surface, the ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO may look like a cashgrab attempt from ASUS but considering what it offers and what you can actually do with it, this reviewer’s honest opinion, is that its very much worth it. You can pay for epeen in higher-end product but if you’re the guy that just wants to build a solid system then the MAXIMUS VI HERO should be on your shortlist.
The ASUS MAXIMUS VI HEROÂ is backed by a 3-year warranty.
We give the ASUS MAXIMUS VI HERO with our B2G Editor’s Choice Award.
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