Asus Maximus IV Gene-Z Motherboard Review

MicroATX motherboards will often share similar layouts to their larger counterparts usually in placement of components and slot layout.  The Maximus iV Gene-Z is no exception and shares dual video card slots and similar spacing found on the Maximus IV Extreme.  Board colors follow the ROG theme with a black PCB and red accent colors.

The back of the motherboard is quite clean with only a few surface components scattered around.  This board is PCI Express only with each of the slots hardwired to their maximum capacity.

ASUS includeds a very unique PWM design with their motherboards called Digi+ VRM.  The digital VRM is a programmable mirco processor that controls each of the digital power phases to increase power efficiency and lower overall heat production.  Combined together this translates to higher system stability, better overclocking and longer life.  System tuners can control the VRM thru software or manually thru BIOS controls however, in most cases, you can leave the settings on auto and enjoy all of the benefits without the hassle.

The Maximus IV Gene-Z comes with a hybrid 14 phase digital PWM that is split into 3 parts.  8 phases are dedicated to running the CPU, 4 phases are tasked with running the iGPU and the remaining 2 phases power the memory modules and subsystem.

Behind the PWM heatsinks you'll find the 12v CPU power socket that can be used with 4 or 8 pin power plugs.  Another item to note is the small microswitch that can be seen next to the I/O panel.  This is what enables the ROG connect feature over USB.  Sliding this into the ON position will enable the white USB port to work with the ROG connect software and allow realtime overclocking and system monitoring.