Asus
ROG Series Intel Z270 Socket LGA1151 Extended ATX (EATX) Motherboard (Z270 Maximus 9 Apex)

MAXimus ix Apex

The new ROG Maximus IX Apex delivers bold design and unparalleled power, hearkening back to the origins of the brand. With an optimized layout and radical aesthetics, the Apex is engineered to smash performance boundaries and to look good while doing it. That makes it the perfect motherboard for overclocking addicts who push their system to the limits, or for enthusiasts who want to build a showcase gaming rig!

Redefining the limits

Maximus IX Apex is a motherboard built for serious performance. The ROG R&D team redefined boundaries with the Apex design -- elevating its overclocking potential to dizzying heights. Manufactured using some of the industry's highest-quality components, the Apex features a convention-breaking two-slot memory design on EATX to enable a highly optimized trace layout that reduces crosstalk and improves signal integrity. The Apex has already surpassed performance peaks by setting multiple world records to achieve global first places, breaking several long-standing records in the process. Among these record-breaking performances is the best Intel© Core™ CPU-frequency since the X58 platform-based motherboards, with a single-core, single-thread frequency of 7.383GHz, and 7.328MHz at four cores and eight threads. The new board has also set a reference base-clock (BCLK) record at 584MHz, and a memory frequency surpassing 5GHz in single channel — turning in a breathtaking 5041MHz! In total, Maximus IX Apex has secured 8 WRs and 18 GFPs.

2 hardware-level controls

Maximus IX Apex includes an overclocker's toolkit with a dozen hardware-level controls to aid your overclocking experience. The motherboard's Dual BIOS allows you to experiment with different firmware versions and provides a path for recovery in case one becomes corrupt, and the onboard switch allows you to easily change between the first and second BIOS. The overclocker's toolkit also includes a Pause switch to halt the system, DRAM jumpers for quick memory configuration, and four PCIe switches for quick slot toggling. Other tools include Safe Boot and ReTry buttons, an LN2 jumper to aid POST at sub-zero temperatures, and a Slow mode switch. Combined, they're quick and easy time-savers designed to help you break more records!

Condensation detection

Specialized circuitry allows Maximus IX Apex to detect when condensation occurs on the back of the board. Divided into three distinct sections — CPU, DRAM and PCIe — the feature provides a useful warning when an area may be at risk of short-circuiting.

Aura lighting control

Customize LED effects with intuitive ASUS Aura Sync lighting-control software. Aura allows you to cast a stunning multi-color glow across your build via the ROG Maximus IX Apex's brilliant built-in RGB LEDs or attached RGB strips via the two onboard 4-pin headers. Fire up ASUS Aura and enjoy the creative freedom of nine lighting schemes ─ and watch all of the lights on your rig glow in perfect synchronization!

Outshine the competition

ASUS Aura Sync technology is the control hub for bringing your Maximus IX Apex illumination ambitions to life. With Aura Sync, it's easy to synchronize incredible lighting effects between compatible components, including RGB LED strips, graphics cards, keyboards and even mice! Change all LEDs in unison or employ dynamic modes to flow the illumination effects smoothly across all synchronized devices.

ROG WATERCOOLING ZONE

ROG's innovative Water-Cooling Zone lets you monitor your cooling system like never before. ROG Water-Cooling Zone's dual water-temperature headers and flow-rate header feed information straight into ROG's intuitive Fan Xpert 4 utility ─ so you can stay on top of the heat and stay cool in every game!