ASUS Republic of Gamers Event Highlights Groundbreaking Intel ROG Motherboards, Top-Shelf PSUs, Premium Monitors, Plus Other Gaming Gear
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a groundbreaking new generation of Intel®-based motherboards, power supplies, monitors and more during its Break All Limits event. For the first time, gamers can wield DDR5 memory modules and PCIe® 5.0 devices, plus Intel® Core™ CPUs that have been redesigned from the ground up to feature as many as 16 cores and 24 threads. To prepare for these historic new technologies, the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme, Extreme Glacial, Apex and other Z690 ASUS motherboards come outfitted with cutting-edge power delivery that can react in split seconds to changes in voltage and frequencies introduced by the Intel Alder Lake platform, to keep these potent new processors operating at maximum power and efficiency.
Furthermore, Z690 ROG motherboards are armed with an exclusive new feature called ASUS Extended Memory Profiles (AEMP). With AEMP, a simple setting in the BIOS can boost DDR5 memory module clock speeds and timings beyond their official limits, to eke out every last ounce of performance. This feature is made possible by unlocking voltage management on the Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a technology that did not exist in previous generations of DDR RAM. ASUS also partnered with major DDR5 makers around the world to ensure high compatibility and top-tier speeds.
ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme
As their label suggests, ROG Maximus Extreme motherboards are the pinnacle of enthusiast motherboard design, and the new Z690 version is no different. With DDR5 support, 24+1 teamed power stages ready for up to 105 amps, MicroFine alloy chokes and premium-grade capacitors cooled by a massive cold-forged heatsink, the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme is prepared to reach all-new heights of performance and clock speeds. With bundled ASUS-exclusive software including AI Overclocking, AI Cooling and Fan Xpert 4, everyone from beginners to power users can coax incredible speeds and experiences out of this eagerly awaited Intel platform.
And the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme is not just positioned for eye-popping CPU overclocks. The aforementioned ASUS Extended Memory Profiles are also empowered by OptiMem III, a circuit design exclusive to ROG motherboards that carefully maps memory pathways across PCB layers to reduce signal distance, and it adds shielding zones that significantly reduce crosstalk.
The ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme has pinnacle connectivity to go with its pinnacle performance, including onboard WiFi 6E, 10 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, PCIe 5.0 M.2, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 front-panel connector with Thunderbolt™ 4 support and several USB Type-C® ports on the rear I/O panel. With these lightning-fast connections, gamers spend less time waiting for things to load and more time playing. And in online matches, the ROG SupremeFX ALC4082 sound chip with an ESS® ES9018Q2C DAC delivers crystal-clear audio that can help gamers home in on their opponents’ positions and climb to the top of the charts.
The ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme also comes with the brand-new ROG True Voltician, a USB oscilloscope that enables users to visualize voltages, clock speeds and more. This device connects to the Extreme via USB to show the VCore, VCCIN and System Agent rail readings on OSC Sense headers, and the companion software can even run on a nearby PC to help users diagnose issues that may be preventing another PC from booting.
And if someone has never used a motherboard like the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme before, there is no need to feel intimidated. The patented I/O shield comes pre-mounted, and the video card slot features the PCIe Slot Q-Release to make graphics card removal easier. BIOS FlashBack™ means you can update the BIOS without a CPU or RAM installed, and the Q-Code display shows troubleshooting messages to help users if they encounter problems getting their new gaming PC up and running. This is just a sampling of the layers of tech that ROG offers to make DIY PC building accessible to everyone. Because while ROG motherboards are designed to break all limits, they don’t leave new users behind in the process.
ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial
The Glacial version of the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme has all the potency of its sibling, but it goes one step further for liquid-cooling enthusiasts. The Republic of Gamers collaborated with EK to engineer a head-turning transparent monoblock that covers not just the CPU socket area but also three onboard M.2 slots. This design lights up with ROG’s new AniMe Matrix™ LED display, which can be customized to show personalized text, animations, system time and date, and even music visualizers. Along with a 2-inch LiveDash OLED, Aura Sync and four RGB headers, the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme has a literal rainbow of RGB options to make any gaming system look truly distinctive.
Then the lower half of the motherboard is cooled and protected by a striking electroplated heatsink with a luxurious finish. And users don’t have to remove this heatsink or their liquid cooling loops to reach the M.2 slots underneath, thanks to an innovative new inverted slot mechanism.
ROG Maximus Z690 Apex
For users on the hunt for a streamlined top-of-the-line motherboard capable of liquid-nitrogen cooling and extreme memory module speeds, look no further than the ROG Maximus Z690 Apex. By cutting the number of DIMM slots to two, the Apex has virtually unbeatable signal integrity for its DDR5 memory module slots, and it’s rated for speeds as high as 6600MHz. It also features a Slow Mode switch, LN mode jumper, thermal sensor headers and eight ProbeIt measurement points to help manage every aspect of a user’s overclocking efforts.
The Apex also uniquely features ASUS Auto-Extreme technology, a manufacturing technique where all soldering is completed on a single pass. This is intended to deliver better overclocking stability, cooling performance, power efficiency and product longevity, plus larger voltage thresholds.
The ROG Maximus Z690 Apex also retains abundant storage options, with two onboard M.2 slots with backplates, two more M.2 slots on a DIMM.2 card, and one PCIe 5.0 slot on the bundled ROG Hyper M.2 card. And there are still premium components such as the Savitech SV3H712 DAC/amp for exceptional audio, onboard WiFi 6E and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, a Thunderbolt 4 header, USB Type-C, one RGB header and three addressable Gen 2 RGB headers, plus DIY-friendly innovations like a pre-mounted I/O shield, PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, BIOS FlashBack and Q-Code.
ROG Maximus Z690 Formula
While black goes with everything, some may want a different aesthetic for their elite motherboard. Enter the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula with its Moonlight White colorway (which has also recently arrived for select ROG laptops, keyboards, headphones and mice). Featuring an eye-pleasing blend of white, light gray, and brushed metal, the Formula can brighten up any gamer space with a touch of refinement.
And the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula has the power to match, thanks in part to the CrossChill EK III heatsink designed in collaboration with EK to help users break the barriers of voltage regulator performance while keeping thermals in check. The CrossChill EK III has built-in liquid cooling outlets and inlets that users can incorporate into a custom loop to chill the Formula’s VRMs. And with teamed 20+1 power stages rated for up to 105 amps, the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula has the premium power delivery that ROG is famous for.
Speaking of amps, the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula also gets the SupremeFX ALC4082 sound chip with an ESS ES9018Q2C DAC and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation for next-level gaming audio. Storage is ample as well, with three onboard M.2 slots and two more available via the bundled ROG Hyper M.2 card. The Formula doesn’t skimp on connectivity either, with onboard WiFi 6E, 10 Gbps Ethernet, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 front-panel connector, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports on the rear I/O panel, and of course full support for PCIe 5.0 video cards and DDR5 memory modules. And in true ROG fashion, DIY builders get PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, a pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack button, Clr CMOS button and FlexKey.
ROG Maximus Z690 Hero
For users interested in dipping their toes into the Maximus line, ASUS offers the ROG Maximus Z690 Hero. It brings high-end performance with 20+1 power stages rated for up to 90 amps, but what users may notice first is the new Polymo lighting. This LED display graces the I/O cover of the Hero with an eye-catching microstructural array of light and color made up of intricate RGB patterns, empowering builders to show off a luminous RGB style that they won’t see anywhere else.
And like the other Maximus Z690 motherboards, the Hero includes onboard WiFi 6E plus 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, three onboard M.2 slots with two more available via the bundled ROG Hyper M.2 card, an ESS 9018Q2C DAC for high-fidelity audio, Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C, and the PCIe Slot Q-Release button.
ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi
The ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi delivers 18+1 power stages, 8+8 ProCool II power connectors, high-end alloy chokes and rugged capacitors. These elements are cooled by two aluminum heatsinks covering the rear I/O and VRMs, and they are connected by an L-shaped heatpipe to further improve thermal performance. Even the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot gets a heat-pipe as a part of the innovative ASUS Combo-Sink design, and the two remaining onboard M.2 slots get backplates in addition to pre-installed heatsinks to be placed on top of an NVME SSD. And if more storage is needed, this motherboard comes with a ROG Hyper M.2 card containing two additional slots for PCIe 4.0 drives.
The ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi is no slouch in the connectivity department either, with WiFi 6E, Intel 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, HMDI® 2.1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C.
And despite not being part of the Maximus line, the ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi can still take advantage of AI Overclocking, AI Cooling and AI Networking for easy system optimization, plus Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation, a Savitech SV3H712 DAC, DTS® Sound Unbound™ and Sonic Studio III for crystal-clear sound.
And just like its bigger Maximus brothers, the ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi features abundant DIY-friendly tech such as the PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, a pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack button, and Clr CMOS button.
ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi
With 16+1 power stages and PCIe 4.0 storage options, the ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi arrives just below the Z690-E while still packing a hefty punch. While users need to upgrade to the Z690-E Gaming WiFi to get features like M.2 Combo-Sink and built-in PCIe 5.0 M.2 support, there’s still a lot to like about the Z690-F Gaming WiFi. For example, there’s still AI Overclocking, AI Cooling and AI Networking, and connectivity highlights include onboard WiFi 6E, Intel 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C. This motherboard also offers audio tech like the Savitech SV3H712 DAC and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation. DIY builders are not left behind either, thanks to the PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, a pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack button, and Clr CMOS button and FlexKey.
The ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi does have one perk that the Z690-E Gaming WiFi does not: the ROG Reusable Cable Organizer. This compact piece of premium stitched fabric can be used to tidy a variety of cables and wires inside a PC, and its Velcro interior lets builders reuse it continually as they upgrade their PCs over time.
ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi
For enthusiasts who enjoy building in a micro-ATX system, the ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi is the premiere choice. With 14+1 DrMos power stages, plus thick heatsinks on the I/O cover, VRMs and M.2 slots, the Z690-G Gaming WiFi packs premium power delivery and cooling into a compact design that can handle 12th Gen Intel CPUs with ease. And networking remains lightning-quick, with onboard Wifi 6E and Intel 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, while connectivity options include HDMI® 2.1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C. RGB lighting is also fully supported with ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync software that connects to one RGB header and three addressable Gen 2 headers.
The ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi also still gets the Savitech SV3H712 DAC and DTS Sound Unbound for premium game audio, and DIY-friendly innovations such as M.2 Q-Latch, a pre-mounted I/O shield, the BIOS FlashBack™ button, Clr CMOS button, and FlexKey.
ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WiFi D4
Going back up to the ATX form factor, we have the ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WiFi D4, which arrives with a Moonlight White aesthetic across all of its many heatsinks that robustly cool the VRMs, Z690 chipset and onboard M.2 slots. And with 16+1 DrMOS power stages rated for up to 80 amps, 8+8 ProCool II power connectors and premium alloy chokes, it has power delivery to spare. Connectivity highlights include WiFi 6, Intel 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C and four M.2 slots.
The ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WiFi D4 also uses DDR4 memory modules exclusively, to give ROG fans more DIY builder options for the components they may prefer. And it still retains the ROG-exclusive OptiMem III design to maximize memory performance.
Meanwhile, the DIY crowd benefits from the PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, the ROG Reusable Cable Organizer, a pre-mounted I/O shield, the BIOS FlashBack button,and Clr CMOS button and FlexKey. And they get the standard ROG Strix array of one RGB header and three addressable Gen 2 headers that are all manageable through the ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync software.
For those who are sticklers for sound quality, they will benefit from a Savitech SV3H712 amplifier, DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III.
ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
For those who enjoy particularly compact PCs, the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi delivers premium specs in a scaled-down ITX form factor. For example, it features DDR5 memory support and 10+1 power stages, ProCool II power connectors, high-end alloy chokes and rugged capacitors that users of larger ROG motherboards have come to know and appreciate. And performance tuning gets a boost from the bundled AI Overclocking and AI Cooling software. The ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi also features a clever triple-decker heatsink that integrates two M.2 slots with Q-Latch and two M.2 backplates.
There’s also plenty of high-end connectivity to go around, with WiFi 6E, Intel 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, and two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports that can drive two external 4K displays and many other compatible accessories. Users also get HDMI 2.1 and five USB 3.2 Type-A ports built in, and ASUS has engineered a ROG Strix Front Panel SATA Card that adds four SATA ports, front-panel headers, a speaker header, and one addressable RGB Gen 2 header that can connect to the rest of a user’s Aura Sync setup, in addition to the RGB and ARGB headers already built into the motherboard.
Meanwhile, DIY builders should also be pleased by the M.2 Q-Latch with backplate, pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack button and Clr CMOS button.
Last but not least, high-fidelity audio is delivered by a Savitech SV3H712 DAC, DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III, plus Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation.
ROG Thor 1600W Titanium and Thor 850W, 1000W, 1200W Platinum II PSUs
To help enthusiasts feed their systems with all the clean and reliable power that modern PCs demand, the ROG Thor 1600W Titanium presents a new pinnacle of ROG PSU design. Alongside this new king of the hill, the ROG Thor Platinum II series boasts several enhancements that make these PSUs even better.
For example, Titanium certification requires greater than 90% efficiency for loads ranging from 10% to 100%. The ROG Thor 1600W delivers on this lofty goal thanks in part to a digital control design infused with the painstakingly precise regulation required by a gaming PC or workstation, plus advanced solid-state gallium-nitride components. This ambitious combination leads to a heady 93.54% efficiency at 100% load.
ROG Thor PSUs are also designed to run fanlessly at up to 50% load. As this threshold is crossed, the 1600W, 1200W, and 1000W models leverage a new 135 mm fan built with the latest axial-tech design to circulate air through highly-swept blades, a compact fan hub and an outer barrier ring, generating whisper-quiet cooling at a given rotational speed. Meanwhile, large ROG heatsinks help chill discrete ICs and components with more mass and surface area than average, extending the life of those heat-sensitive parts.
This mission of excellence empowers all PSUs in the new ROG Thor family to achieve Lambda A++ certification — the most stringent noise performance standard defined by independent testing firm Cybenetics. To meet this lofty standard, PSUs must produce less than 15 dBA during the testing process. In doing so, the ROG Thor 1000W, 1200W, and 1600W secure an enviable position as the quietest PSUs of their type on the market.
The ROG Thor series isn’t just poised to provide ample and reliable power in large quantities today. ROG Thor PSUs get a 10-year warranty, and they also include a new 12-pin high-capacity auxiliary PCIe 5.0 connector for assured compatibility with components of the future.
The pedigree of the ROG Thor line also extends beyond pinnacle performance and into head-turning aesthetics. The trademark ROG OLED power gauge makes a return across all models this time with an arresting mirrored border. Addressable Aura RGB LED lighting also shines through the iconic ROG logo, and Aura Sync can seamlessly integrate this display into the rest of a system’s design vision.
ROG Strix XG309CM Gaming Monitor
For gamers seeking a sizeable and high-end wide-aspect monitor, ASUS introduces the ROG Strix XG309CM. At 29.5 inches with a 2560 x 1080 resolution, it features a 1 ms GTG response time and up to 200 Hz refresh bolstered by ASUS ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) Sync. ELMB Sync enables the simultaneous use of ELMB and variable-refresh-rate technology for fluid and responsive gameplay. This Fast IPS unit can keep up with the twitchiest shooters around.
The ROG Strix XG309CM also offers a USB Type-C port, ideal for connecting to a laptop as a secondary display, and it allows the monitor to act as a USB hub for keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. Speaking of which, the ROG Strix XG309CM features an integrated KVM switch as well, so keyboards and mice can control two separate PCs that are plugged into this monitor, instead of having to physically swap input devices back and forth each time. Just flick the switch to toggle input control from one PC to another in a matter of seconds.
Add the integrated tripod on the display stand for mounting a webcam or microphone, and users have a monitor that’s well-suited for both work and play.
ROG Strix XG276Q Gaming Monitor
For gamers who prefer to stick to 1080p displays, ASUS offers the ROG Strix XG276Q finished in Space Grey, with a new gaming-inspired pattern on the backside of the monitor. This 27-inch Fast IPS model is capable of a 165 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms GTG response times, and is DisplayHDR 400 compliant. And like the ROG Strix XG309CM, the ROG Strix XG276Q features a tripod on the monitor stand that’s ideal for attaching a webcam or microphone, allowing gamers to create their own streaming setup.
For those who want a more compact high-performance gaming monitor, ASUS also now offers ROG Strix monitors in 24.5-inch and 23.8-inch sizes.
ROG Delta S Animate Gaming Headset
New to this generation of the ROG Delta S headsets are customizable AniMe Matrix™ displays on the outside of each ear cup. These feature mini LEDs that can be programmed to show off style with custom lighting designs, unique animations and live audio visualizations. Plus, distinctive soundwave lighting effects can even flash to the sound of a person’s voice. Its industry-leading ESS 9281 Quad DAC™ with MQA support and 50 mm ASUS Essence drivers combine to deliver an impeccable sonic experience, and an ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Microphone offers crystal-clear in-game voice communication. It also features a comfortable and lightweight design with ergonomic, fast-cooling D-shaped ear cushions for a perfect fit. And instead of a 3.5 mm audio cable, the ROG Delta S Animate features USB-C® and USB-A connectors for compatibility with PCs, Macs, PlayStation®, Nintendo Switch™ and mobile devices.
Prize Giveaways for Those Who Dare
The year 2021 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Republic of Gamers, which has dedicated itself to breaking the limits of what gamers can achieve around the world by delivering the most advanced gaming gear possible.
In celebration of this achievement, ROG is launching an exclusive video built around its slogan, For Those Who Dare, which honors the spirit of those daring to take a step further to experience eye-popping gaming, graphics and design. Explore the evolution of the Republic of Gamers with the core contributors at ROG who shaped the division’s foundations using the principles of innovation, boldness and diversity.
For more details, subscribe to and follow ROG’s YouTube channel where fans can look back at this groundbreaking journey, and get the chance to enter two prize giveaways: one for an exclusive For Those Who Dare ROG gift set and another for the new ROG products showcased at the Break All Limits event. Stay tuned to the ROG YouTube channel and visit the ROG Break All Limits event page and the For Those Who Dare campaign page.
