Overclocking
Despite the great lengths ASUS have gone to with their newest VRM implementations most people will still be CPU limited – whether that be in frequency or heat terms. In our case we know our CPU could theoretically do 4.9 or 5GHz, but the required volts to get there (1.3-1.35v) result in almost instant overheating under load. As a result our maximum stable overclock has been 4.8GHz at around 1.27-1.3 volts and the ASUS Maximus VII Ranger managed to achieve 4.8GHz with 1.27 volts with no issues at all. In that regard we do not anticipate any users will be limited by this motherboard, the CPU will be more of an issue.
7 Comments on ASUS Republic of Gamers Maximus VII Ranger Z97 (LGA 1150) Motherboard Review
” Additionally there is the 8 “hybrid” phase VRM tucked underneath the heatsink to assist with overclocking.”
This is somewhat misleading. The Ranger has 4 phase with a doubler. Different from the true 8 phase present on the Gene and Hero.
Hence why it is a hybrid phase VRM not a true 8 phase.
Be specific.
Many would just think “hybrid” could mean the controller is a hybrid analog/digital type.
So which is better this or the asrock exteme6 or gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H-BK
The Gigabyte by quite a margin. True 8 phase goodness there for some very hard i7 OCing.
Can anyone comment on the audio capabilities of this motherboard compared to entry/mid-range sound cards (like the Asus Xonar DX)?
Hi, The ASUS Xonar DX is much better in “electrical performance” terms but in terms of “real-world” listening I don’t think you’d be able to tell unless you have really high end speakers. The Xonar DX is better, but for £60 I don’t think it would be worth it. http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2008/05/asus-xonar-dx-pci-express-soundcard/2496.png