ASUS ROG Maximus XI Apex Motherboard Review

Sandra is a software collection of synthetic benchmarks that will give us a basic idea as to what a system is capable of. It should be noted that SiSoft numbers change depending on what hardware is being tested.  These were recorded using Sandra Professional Version 28.26.2018.11

One of the most difficult things about doing reviews is finding some kind of common ground to establish a benchmark on so that when we say something is good our readers know it is based on something they can try themselves.  In the case of audio reproduction there are too many factors to consider such as hearing quality, sound equipment (speakers) and room dimensions so we are turning to the RightMark Audio Analyzer to give us a set of audio specs.  We will then use those numbers to determine what kind of audio quality you can expect.

This test was performed using a loopback cable which is basically a jack that connects the analog line-out plug back into the analog line-in.  That way we can remove almost all of the variables and concentrate on what is actually being reproduced and recorded.

Specs
Frequency response (from 40 Hz to 15 kHz), dB: +0.01, -0.06
Noise level, dB (A):  -109.4
Dynamic range, dB (A): 112.0
THD, %:  0.00218
THD + Noise, dB (A):  -89.4
IMD + Noise, %:  0.00344
Stereo crosstalk, dB: -98.6
IMD at 10 kHz, %: 0.00314
General performance Excellent

Color coding indicates good to bad, Bright green = Excellent - Bright Red = Poor - Black = Good

Synthetic performance never really tells the entire story, but is a good indication of what the system would probably be capable of doing under the right conditions.  For this set of benchmarks two of the boards are Z390 with differnet processors.  There is a third Z370 with a shared proceesor from a Z390 and finally a Z270 with a Kaby Lake CPU.  It is interesting to see the performance difference a CPU can make and in some cases the CPU will dictate your motherboard choice so it is good to know what you are up against.

The Rightmark audio benchmark is a great tool for exposing audio specs for the various chips and software used and read much like if you were buying an amplifier or sound system for your house. 

I am happy to report that we have another motherboard that has tested Excellent for their onboard audio solution.  Not even the dedicated or stand alone audio solutions can say that which is really quite impressive.  I'm not sure how the designers pulled it off but Good Job!!