In this review we will be looking at the ASUS Maximus XII Hero motherboard. This motherboard is build on the new Intel Z490 chipset and is designed for the Intel 10th generation LGA 1200 Processors. If you have been paying attention to the numbering you’ll realize this is a new socket type however, uses the same heatsink mounting as the previous LGA 115x.
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The best processor from the range, the Core i9-10900K, promises 5.3 GHz peak turbo in optimal conditions for two preferred cores, or 4.9 GHz for all-core situations. Everything from Core i9, Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, and the Pentium Gold processors have hyperthreading, making the processor stack easier to understand for this generation. Compared to the previous generation, there are a lot of similar processor matchups, and except for the top 10-core parts, the offerings should move down one price bracket this time around.
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It’s not exactly spartan though, offering up a 12+2 DrMOS Power Stage, Digi+ VRM, and a 6-layer PCB. It’s should be more than enough to get great performance from the latest Intel CPUs. There’s also a good set of their VRM heatsinks, plenty of connectivity with USB C and Thunderbolt 3, M.2, and even Realtek S1200A audio. So while it’s not a flagship motherboard, it’s still ticking a lot of premium boxes.
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There’s large heatsinks, robust power delivery hardware, and more for your overclocking needs. Furthermore, you get fast networking thanks to the 2.5G LAN. Albeit, this is the first Z490 board on my desk this week that doesn’t have WiFi 6. However, you do get Turbo M.2, Lightning USB, Audio Boost, and more.
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It’s obviously not a “cheap” motherboard, but as I said, it’s not going to be right up with the ultra-expensive ones either. It’s certainly well equipped either way, with an impressive Enhanced Power Design for reliable overclocking. There’s also M.2 support, 2.5G LAN, AX WiFi, and a Lightning USB, and plenty more beyond. If that’s not ticking all the boxes for your next PC build, I’ll be shocked.
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Aesthetics are certainly a strong point with this motherboard, offering up plenty of RGB lighting and effects, but it’s certainly function before form here. Enormous heatsinks, a massive INTELSIL Digital PWM setup with 16+1 phases and a 90A power stage, built-in WiFi 6 and 2.5G LAN. Plus you get extensive support for M.2, all complimented with M.2 Shield Frozr. ESS DAC & Nahimic for audio, and much more.
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The MSI MEG ACE may be lavished in shiny gold trim, but the MSI MEG Z490 Unify is much sleeker, stealthy and more menacing. It’s also shed a few features such as dual LAN and some of the heatsinks and armour is a little more dialled back to lower the cost. However, make no mistake, as this is still a MEG series motherboard, meaning it’s still crammed full of high-end features that will appeal to the enthusiast gaming market.
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It seems with every generation we see fewer and fewer mini-ITX motherboards, which is a real shame, as I absolutely love them. Then again we see even fewer mATX motherboards now, which is also a real shame. Thankfully, AORUS has a heck of an answer with their Z490I Ultra motherboard, which comes packed with incredible features for such a compact motherboard.
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There are a LOT of motherboards hitting the market for Z490, but few come with the hardware to rival the Gigabyte Z490 AORUS XTREME. This is one of their high-end motherboards to date, with only the XTREME Waterforce motherboard matching the features in the AORUS range. Bigger heatsinks, bigger VRM, bigger armour, bigger performance and overclocking potential, and as you might expect, a bigger price.
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If anything can do it though, it’ll be the ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XII EXTREME, as big and bold as it’s obnoxious all-caps product name. It’s the flagship board from the ASUS range, offering up stunning aesthetics, dazzling RGB, and all the features you’ll need to either break some world records or create one of the best performing gaming rigs around.
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