After we tested the ASUS Rampage Extreme we had the possibility to review the Maximus II Formula whereas the first one is based on Intels X48 Chipset and the second one on the P45. Therefore the Maximus II Formula supports DDR2 instead of DDR3 and this will also be the biggest difference except the built in watercooling solution on the Rampage Extreme.
It's a matter of fact that the Maximus II Formula and the Rampage Extreme are very similar therefore we decided to focus on the performance.
| ASUS Maximus II Formula, Intel P45 / ICH10R, DDR2 | ASUS Rampage Extreme Intel X48 / ICH9R, DDR3 |
Layout | **** | **** |
Delivery | ***** | ***** |
Equipment | ***** | ***** |
BIOS for overclockers | ***** | ***** |
O.C.-Profile memory function | yes | yes |
onboard start and reset | yes | yes |
C-Mos clear button | yes | yes |
all-solid capacitors | yes | yes |
CPU current supply | 16 phases | 16 phases |
DDR3 current supply | 2 phases | 2 phases |
northbridge current supply | 3 phases | 3 phases |
built in watercooling | no | yes |
multi GPU | Crossfire | Crossfire |
price | around $270 | around $430 |
Layout, delivery and the equipment will be rate with stars.
* | = | very bad |
** | = | bad |
*** | = | sufficient |
**** | = | good |
***** | = | excellent |
Test setupMainboards | ASUS Maximus II Formula und Asus Rampage Extreme |
CPU | Intel C2D E8400 |
Graphics card | nVidia 8800GTS 320MB |
Memory | Corsair XMS3 Dominator 1800, @ 1333 MHz, 7-7-7-20 |
Hard drive | Western Digital 160GB RE16 |
Power suplly | Corsair 620 Watt |
Drive | Plextor 712A |
Operating System | Windows Vista Home Premium 64Bit |
Graphical interface | directX 9.0c März. 08, und directX10 |
Graphic driver | nVIDIA ForceWare 175.19 |
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