Test – Asus ROG Maximus XI Code |Specs | Price

Introduction

Hi all!

Asus has been offering us its ROG Maximus range for many years now, oriented high-end and therefore equipped with all the features that most enthusiasts demand. Today, we offer you the test of the ROG Maximus XI Code, equipped with the latest Z390 chipset from Intel and therefore compatible with the latest Intel Coffee Lake Refresh processors such as the Core i9 9900K (tested here). Offered at a price of around 420 € in all the good creameries, it is clear that it is not intended for the greatest number, let’s see if this price is justified at all!

Characteristics

The Asus ROG Maximus XI Code is therefore a motherboard in the standard ATX format, 30.5 x 24.4 cm and will therefore be installed in any ATX box on the market. It is equipped with the Intel Z390 chipset, the latest released and compatible with all 1151v2 socket processors, from Celeron to the larger Core i9 9900K equipped with 8 cores. Of course, and like any card with a Z-series chipset, it is recommended that you use an overclockable K processor in order to best take advantage of the beast’s features, it would be a shame to do without it.
It is therefore possible to install DDR4 memory modules (Dual channel preferably) up to 4400 MHz once overclocked (2666 MHz being the base speed of the memory controller of Intel processors, all that is there is above is considered overclocking) for a total of maximum 64 GB. As usual, special attention should be paid to the memory kit you want to install, indeed it is better to rely on the compatibility list ( that you can find here) to prevent possible problems, it would be a shame to end up with a black screen when assembling your new machine!
The number of PCI-E ports is quite small, four in total. We have three PCI-E 16X ports (wired in 16X, 8X and 4X) and a single PCI-E 1X, this will be sufficient for the majority of users but be careful of those of you who multiply the daughter cards. Multi-GPU is possible, 2-Way SLI at Nvidia and up to 3-Way at AMD, for those who do not have enough of a single graphics card.
The sound part receives special attention, apart from the Realtek S1120 codec renamed to ROG SupremeFX to be a little more seller Asus has added an ESS Saber ES9023P DAC supported by Japanese HiFi capacitors. The sound should therefore be very good for almost all users, so a dedicated sound card will logically not be necessary. On the network side, the Intel i219V Gigabit controller is responsible for the Ethernet. 802.11 ac WiFi is also available through an Intel 9590 CNVI module which also supports blutooth 5.0, so wireless connectivity is ensured.
Asus has abandoned the USB 2.0 ports on the back, it’s not a bad thing as there will be no question of where to plug a possible peripheral requiring a certain speed. Indeed, no less than six USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports and one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C are present. Internally, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A connectors, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and two USB 2.0 will take care of any peripherals and ports on the front of the case. The storage could not be more classic here, six Sata 3 ports (managing RAID 0/1/10) as well as two M.2 (PCI-E or Sata). Video connectivity level on the other hand, this is clearly not a panacea, only an HDMI 1.4b port capable of a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 30 Hz, so forget the connection of a 4K @ 60 Hz screen, it is Too bad for those who would like to connect this type of screen in addition to a graphics card for example. This is certainly not of capital importance, but damaging on a card at this price.

Unpacking and bundle

The box is in the spirit of the various ROG products from Asus, with a mixture of black, gray and red which is reminiscent of the “gamer” orientation of the thing. On the front, we find the logo of the brand, the name of the model as well as the various logos SLI, Crossfire and compatibility with the latest Intel processors.
At the rear, we find the technical characteristics as well as a listing of the strengths of the beast (M.2 radiator, reinforced VRMs, addressable RGB headers etc.).

As we can see we are really in the high end of the manufacturer by opening the box, with a little welcome message in the small world of ROG and the motherboard covered with a plastic mold to avoid any worries during transport . Under the part reserved for the beast itself, cardboard compartments are there for the bundle, which as you will see is provided!

On the program, six Sata cables, two RGB extension cables, a USB 2.0 adapter, the WiFi antenna, the screws for M.2 SSDs as well as of course the necessary manuals, the driver CD and even stickers to stick wherever you want. seems! A little coaster is there if you ever want to put down your soda (or beer!) 😉