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Asus Maximus Extreme Intel X38 Express Motherboard Review
Asus Maximus Extreme Intel X38 Express Motherboard Review - PCSTATS
The Asus Maximus Extreme motherboard PCSTATS is testing today is based around Intel's X38 Express and ICH9R chipsets. It comes absolutely loaded with features, almost too much in fact.
 90% Rating:   
Filed under: Motherboards Published:  Author: 
External Mfg. Website: ASUS Feb 05 2008   Max Page  
Home > Reviews > Motherboards > ASUS Maximus Extreme

Chipset Cooling Solutions

As mentioned and seen earlier, the Asus Maximus Extreme motherboard has a waterblock on the Intel X38 Express Northbridge chipset and a large blue heatsink on the "CrossLink" chip and Southbridge. While watercooling the Northbridge is not necessary, if you're currently running a watercooling loop, it's nice to have the option in case you do decide to go ahead.

The Northbridge waterblock has 3/8" OD barbs (1/4" ID) but if your watercooling loop is using 1/2" ID equipment never fear because Asus includes two 3/8" OD to 1/2" OD converters.

Also included with the package are four 1/2" OD hose clamps (for the 3/8" OD barbs) and two 5/8" OD hose clamps (for the 1/2" OD barbs) all of which are very easy to use and install. Looking at the watercooling accessories that Asus includes with the motherboard, it's clear that the company knows a thing or two about watercooling.

If you do go ahead with watercooling your system, there is a 40mm squirrel cage which should be installed on the MOSFET heatsink. The heatsinks that surround the CPU socket are designed to be cooled by forced airflow so it's possible that the board could overheat if you go with a passive cooling system. Installation is a breeze, just follow the instructions.

Asus uses heatpipes to move heat around the motherboard and overall it works quite well. The Asus Maximus Extreme runs pretty hot, but Asus has everything under control.

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Contents of Article: ASUS Maximus Extreme
 Pg 1.  Asus Maximus Extreme Intel X38 Express Motherboard Review
 Pg 2.  Impressive Asus Accessory Kit
 Pg 3.  — Chipset Cooling Solutions
 Pg 4.  Maximus Extreme Highlights Gallery
 Pg 5.  Looking Further at the Intel X38 Express
 Pg 6.  Overclocking the Maximus Extreme
 Pg 7.  Overclocker Friendly Asus BIOS & System Specs
 Pg 8.  Motherboard Benchmarks: SYSmark 2007 Preview
 Pg 9.  Motherboard Benchmarks: SiSoft Sandra, Super Pi
 Pg 10.  Motherboard Benchmarks: PCMark Vantage
 Pg 11.  Motherboard Benchmarks: 3DMark06, Quake 4, FEAR
 Pg 12.  PCSTATS Maximum Motherboard Overclocking Chart & Conclusions

 
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