ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code Z270 Motherboard Review

ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code Z270 Review –  Republic of Gamers At Their Best?

Without a doubt, the ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code isn’t just one of the best-looking motherboards on the Intel Z270 chipset, but it’s one of the best-looking boards of all time in my opinion. Following on from the Maximus VIII Formula layout, you will be glad to know that the Code is the slightly cut-down version of the Formula minus the EKWB water cooling compatible VRM and MOSFET heat sink. Without this, it brings the price down and although the boards are virtually identical in specification, the lower pricing on the Maximus IX Code is much more appealing.

It wouldn’t be a fully-fledged Republic of Gamers motherboard without a full arsenal of top quality components and features throughout. From the insane software package which includes RAMCache II, ROG RAMDisk, ASUS Sonic Studio III and the ever functional ASUS AI Suite 3 which supports on the fly live overclocking features, the ROG Maximus IX Code Z270 motherboard is certainly one of the most complete boards on the entire Intel Z270 platform.

Although the difference in performance as a whole in comparison to other Z270 boards on test was negligible at best, the ROG Maximus IX Code comes into its element when overclocking due to the strong 8+2 fully digital and optimised power phase design. The ASUS UEFI BIOS is one of the best in the business and with an LN2 mode jumper featured on the board, extreme overclockers will hopefully rejoice and make the most of the built-in features. Of course novice overclockers and enthusiasts will be able to get the most out of their new Intel Kaby Lake 7th generation processors which have shown great ambient cooled overclocking potential; this is the kind of board I would trust with my new Core i7-7700K at 5GHz and believe me, that’s easily achievable with a capable CPU. I even managed 5.1GHz on personal testing with this board which is a further testament to the ROG Maximus IX Code motherboard.

Even with a full showing of ROG Armour, the board has RGB LED lighting and room for expansion thanks to the included RGB supported LED extensions included. Brands such as CableMod and BitFenix made compatible RGB LED strips and these can be synced thanks to ROG AURA Sync; you can even sync your ASUS RGB graphics cards and peripherals for the best possible aesthetic. The board itself is gorgeous and anyone looking for one of the best motherboards on the planet, you’ve found one in the Maximus IX Code.

Overall the performance is decent albeit not groundbreaking, but the sheer amount of features on the Maximus IX Code make it a worthwhile purchase and those with a hefty budget of around £300-310 at launch, you may or may not feel that you have a bargain, but you will know that what you have is certainly worth the money in my humble opinion.

If you’re looking for a heavy feature set, 2 x M.2 ports and more than enough software bundled than you can shake a stick at, then the ROG Maximus IV Code Z270 motherboard is certainly one of the best looking and most interesting on Intel’s new Kaby Lake based chipset!

Huge thanks to ASUS ROG for sending the Maximus IX Code Z270 motherboard in for review.