When Intel's Sandy Bridge platform was launched, P67 Express was perceived as the top of the line discrete graphics chipset that gives performance segment users everything they'll ever need. ASUS hence based its prestigious ROG Maximus branded motherboard based on it, and came up with the Maximus IV series. With Intel releasing a higher-end chipset with the Z68 Express, ASUS decided to redo its socket LGA1155 ROG motherboard lineup, with the Maximus IV Extreme-Z. The new motherboard gives users access to the processors' embedded graphics via a HDMI port, and gives them the benefit of Intel Smart Response technology that P67 lacks.
The Maximus IV Extreme-Z looks similar to its P67-based cousin. Based on the Intel Z68 chipset, the motherboard uses an NVIDIA nForce 200 bridge chip to ensure PCI-Express connectivity to up to four graphics cards, supporting NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX. The CPU is powered by ASUS Digi+ Extreme VRM, backed by high-grade components and proadlizers to condition power. There are four DIMM slots supporting dual-channel DDR3-2000 MHz memory by overclocking. Expansion slots include four PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (x16/NC/x16/NC or x8/x8/x8/x8), there's also a PCI-E x1 and open-ended PCI-E x4.
Storage connectivity includes four SATA 6 Gb/s ports, four SATA 3 Gb/s, and two eSATA 3 Gb/s. The lone display output connector is an HDMI. There are as many as eight USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel, and two ports by header. Other connectivity features include ASUS SupremeFX X-Fi audio, Bluetooth, and dual gigabit Ethernet. The complete set of ASUS ROG-exclusive features are present, including ROG Connect. Expect the ROG Maximus IV Extreme-Z to charge just a slight premium over the P67-based one.
