Asus Rampage Formula X48 Motherboard Review

Conclusion

It is hard to even start this conclusion because there are so many things to potentially talk about that impressed us with the ASUS Rampage Formula. The features list reads like an edition of the encyclopedia that doesn't seem to end and it was apparent again and again why ASUS has made this board part of their ROG series. It, quite simply put, is the best DDR2 motherboard that ASUS offers at this time. The BIOS is as rich as a long time gold stock owner and yet it is easy to navigate and acclimate to for the experienced Intel chipset user. The overclocking capabilities of this motherboard allow users to squeeze the most out of their hardware and make the benchmarkers drool at the possibilities available to them. However, with this complexity there are some draw backs.

Despite being very easy for enthusiasts to learn this BIOS, the beginner might be intimidated when they first get into it. ASUS has done a great job helping this first-time user out with a BIOS that seems to have all the right options set to AUTO until the user decides they are ready to tackle them manually, but only so much can be done to help when the BIOS is this intense. With that in mind, the cost of this motherboard might limit its primary user base to the more experienced user that is getting the Rampage Formula for a reason. Let's not forget, this is a $300+ CND motherboard and despite some DDR3 boards surpassing that by $100, it is definitely at the upper end of the DDR2 motherboard food chain.

What you get for the price can certainly be justified though because you are getting the best Intel chipset available at this time and a host of features that other manufacturers don't offer like the External LCD Poster. Sure it may seem gimmicky to some, but to the guy that is trouble shooting a no POST situation on a new build, it certainly isn't a joke. The Pin-Fin Thermal Module proved its worth as a passive and active cooler, so silent users can have all the power they need at their finger tips, without sacrificing noise. At the same time, power users know that a little bit of help really opens up possibilities to push this board further. All of this equates to a very refined DDR2 motherboard that is at the top of its game and fully capable of showcasing everything that the Intel X48 chipset has to offer.

• Powered by the top rank Intel chipset available and that it offers
• Loaded with features like a 1959 Cadillac Coupe deVille
• The ultimate enthusiasts BIOS
• Overclocking capabilities that far surpassed our expectations
• Passive cooling that actually works like a champ passively

• The ultimate enthusiasts BIOS may be overwhelming for average users
• At the upper range of the DDR2 motherboard spectrum price wise
• Really should have temperature sensors included in the package

At this time, we proudly present ASUS with the Hardware Canucks Dam Good Award for releasing a motherboard that is ready to rock with the shipping BIOS and tough to find faults in. Congratulations, it is certainly well deserved!