AkG
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2007
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Conclusion
When it comes to expectations for ITX motherboards, expectations are understandably low. If history was any indication the ASUS Maximus VI Impact would have over promised and under delivered, mostly due to an extremely small footprint constraining capabilities. Let’s be honest; it’s nearly impossible to cram ATX-style features onto a motherboard which is about half the size of an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. That’s not what happened as ASUS has created something special which exceeded our wildest expectations.
The impossible was accomplished by taking conventional motherboard design and throwing it out the window. Instead of layout out the Impact on a single spatial plane, ASUS designed upwards by adding secondary risers for additional PWM components, dedicated audio hardware, a module Wifi, Bluetooth communications and many other features. This is an approach of simple genius which allows this ridiculously small RoG board to compete with micro-ATX and ATX boards rather than anything else within its segment. More importantly, all of these items were added without causing conflicts with large GPUs, CPU heatsinks, water cooling blocks or LN2 setups.
Every one of the Maximus VI Impacts features has been implemented to perfection. There’s nothing half assed here; the SupremeFX sound card puts other integrated solutions to shame, the embedded WiFi (with built-in support for the new AC standard no less!) is better than most USB wireless adapters, overclocking with 4-Way Optimization couldn’t be easier and the list goes on. Remember, this is an ITX board and not some high end ATX or mATX product so every achievement is twice as impressive.
Alongside a truly impressive software stack and hardware specs, ASUS has packed the Impact with one of the best BIOSes in recent memory. It is wonderfully complete and enhanced with an easy-to-understand interface that will facilitate things for first timers while still including nearly endless options for enthusiasts. The Favorites page is a revelation by itself but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The only possible stumbling block in this mouth watering equation is the price you’ll pay for near perfection. With a price of well over $200 the Maximus VI Impact is no budget friendly ITX board that will find its way into predominantly HTPC systems. However, for the right-minded enthusiasts who want to save space and still retain an envious suite of possibilities, this is quite simply the best option out there right now.
Conclusion
When it comes to expectations for ITX motherboards, expectations are understandably low. If history was any indication the ASUS Maximus VI Impact would have over promised and under delivered, mostly due to an extremely small footprint constraining capabilities. Let’s be honest; it’s nearly impossible to cram ATX-style features onto a motherboard which is about half the size of an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. That’s not what happened as ASUS has created something special which exceeded our wildest expectations.
The impossible was accomplished by taking conventional motherboard design and throwing it out the window. Instead of layout out the Impact on a single spatial plane, ASUS designed upwards by adding secondary risers for additional PWM components, dedicated audio hardware, a module Wifi, Bluetooth communications and many other features. This is an approach of simple genius which allows this ridiculously small RoG board to compete with micro-ATX and ATX boards rather than anything else within its segment. More importantly, all of these items were added without causing conflicts with large GPUs, CPU heatsinks, water cooling blocks or LN2 setups.
Every one of the Maximus VI Impacts features has been implemented to perfection. There’s nothing half assed here; the SupremeFX sound card puts other integrated solutions to shame, the embedded WiFi (with built-in support for the new AC standard no less!) is better than most USB wireless adapters, overclocking with 4-Way Optimization couldn’t be easier and the list goes on. Remember, this is an ITX board and not some high end ATX or mATX product so every achievement is twice as impressive.
Alongside a truly impressive software stack and hardware specs, ASUS has packed the Impact with one of the best BIOSes in recent memory. It is wonderfully complete and enhanced with an easy-to-understand interface that will facilitate things for first timers while still including nearly endless options for enthusiasts. The Favorites page is a revelation by itself but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The only possible stumbling block in this mouth watering equation is the price you’ll pay for near perfection. With a price of well over $200 the Maximus VI Impact is no budget friendly ITX board that will find its way into predominantly HTPC systems. However, for the right-minded enthusiasts who want to save space and still retain an envious suite of possibilities, this is quite simply the best option out there right now.
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