ASUS Rampage II Gene mATX LGA1366 Motherboard Review

Package & Accessories

Like the motherboard, the package and accessories are small in both size and quantity. First up is a look at the exterior followed by the interior of the ASUS Rampage II Gene package.

With limited package space for advertising, ASUS utilizes a top flap to increase surface area on the package. The ROG logo is prominent on the package exterior, as is the case with most Republic Of Gamers motherboards from ASUS. ASUS does a good job of displaying a lot of information about the motherboard on the package, but at the same time keeps the esthetics pleasing and fresh. Just another typically well designed ASUS package.

The package itself is pretty firm and nothing out of the ordinary but does provide ample protection for the motherboard inside. There is no sleeve with an interior box containing the motherboard, there are just a couple slim layers between the motherboard and the top of the package. The motherboard is located at the top of the interior under a decorative and protective plastic cover.

Underneath the motherboard tray is the rather limited accessory package. We will go over the contents shortly but we can say right now, for a premium branded motherboard, we were expecting a bit more of an accessory package. The last photo above shows that the motherboard has its own little cardboard tray holding the Gene securely in place. With an extra layer of cardboard around the motherboard, we are quite satisfied with the protection the package offers the Rampage II Gene during transport. Here now is a complete list of the accessory package included with the Gene:

• 1 x IDE Ribbon Cable
• 4 x SATA cables (2 x 90 Degree at one end)
• Flexible 2 Way SLI bridge
• Smart Connectors for front panel connections and 1 x USB onboard header
• Small bag of cable ties
• LCD Poster
• Manual & software CD
• Clip less Rear I/O panel
• Large Republic Of Gamers Case sticker

As we mentioned the accessory package is quite small and although we might have been expecting more, there really isn't anything missing. Perhaps a couple more SATA cables would have been appreciated but everything else is there. We do appreciate the added cable ties that we have found in all recent ASUS enthusiast level motherboards. These are included for securing cables during a build and a nice little touch no other manufacturer has thought of.

The only unique piece of hardware that comes with the accessories is the LCD Poster that we have seen before on previous Rampage motherboards. The LCD Poster allows for viewing of easy to understand POST codes to help troubleshoot a non booting system, but also allows a peek inside the system by providing voltage, temperature, and overclock settings. Through the LCD Poster, we will actually be able to change voltage and overclock settings on the fly independent of software or the BIOS. Let's now take a look at the Rampage II Gene and see what we are afforded by way of the layout.