ASUS Rampage II Extreme X58 Motherboard Review

by MAC     |     December 18, 2008

Package & Accessories


Now that we have examined the Rampage II Extreme's standout features, it is time to take a look at the packaging and the included accessories. Since the RIIE is part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) product line, and it is currently the Top-of-the-Line model in ASUS's considerable roster, we are expecting big things...


Foregoing the over-used black and grey theme, ASUS have spiced things up a bit with the RIIE's packaging. Featuring multiple eye-catching shades of red, this new packaging would certainly standout on any retail shelf. If colours don't draw you in, then the sheer size might, since the packaging is a sizeable 13" wide, 14.5" tall, and 3.5" thick.


It is in fact so big and hefty that ASUS have wisely opted to include a built-in handle; how's that for convenience?!


The back of the box lists the specifications and a highlights a few of this product's unique features. However, the back is boring compared to the front, since as you can see, the packaging comes with a top flap and window revealing the Rampage II Extreme in all its glory.


The flap itself contains more detailed information regarding the standout features listed on the back of the box. The window is quite substantial, no attempt at coyness here.


When you open the box, you are greeted with two seperate inner sections. The first obviously holds the motherboard itself, while the bottom half contains all the accessories.


The motherboard is protected by a plastic shield, and it is fitted quite snuggly in its protective cardboard packaging.


The bottom section opens like window shutters to reveal a plethora of accessories and doodads.


As you can see, the selection of accessories will not leave you wanting, and you will find things that you never even knew you wanted, the LED-lit rear I/O panel for example.


Here we have the LCD poster which is used in coordination with the TweakIt feature to display information on voltages, temperatures, fan speeds, etc. To the right is the optional fan that can be installed on one of the MOSFET coolers. However, ASUS warns to only install the fan if you are using a passive CPU cooler or water cooling, otherwise this optional fan will likely interfere with the airflow in the CPU socket area and lead to higher CPU temperatures.



ASUS have also conveniently provided a 3-Way SLI connector and standard CrossFireX connector. There is also the SupremeFX X-Fi audio card, which is based on the ADI AD2000B 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC, and which supports EAX versions up to 4.0.



Of the six SATA cables, three are of the angled variety that we are so fond of here at HWC, while the rest have flat connectors, but are still high-quality cables. The PCI Expansion bracket contains two additional USB ports and a FireWire port.

Just to recap, here is a list of everything that is included:
  • ProbeIT Cables
  • 3-Way SLI Connector
  • CrossFireX Connector
  • ASUS Optional Fan
  • SupremeFX X-Fi Audio Card
  • External LCD Poster
  • 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
  • 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 Cable
  • 6 x Serial ATA Signal Cables
  • Serial ATA Power Cables
  • 2-port USB 2.0 & FireWire PCI Expansion Bracket
  • EL I/O Shield
  • 3 x Thermal Sensor Cables
  • Cable Ties
  • User's Manual
  • Support DVD

We don't think anyone will be left waiting with the RIIE's abundant accessories package. We will be revisiting these accessories throughout the article, so keep an eye out!
 
 
 

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