ASUS ROG MAXIMUS XI HERO & FORMULA XI - The Ultimate Z390 Gaming Motherboards

[@MrOrthrus]

I could almost hear what he was saying behind the music a couple of times.

[@kobi118]

As an owner of the XI Formula, I can say it performs really well, getting my 8700k to 5.1-5.2 ghz without any issues. (without a custom loop, just a regular x62 on the cpu). But I am very dissapointed in the dim lighting, and that the ROG logo itself doesnt have any lighting, but it uses light reflected from the sides to gloom. Only way I can actually see the logo light up, is only if I turn off all of ther other RGB in the case, and the light in in room. I saw many videos online and saw that it is like that across many boards, but, not all of them (in this video it's also very dim). I will RMA it on May, before I go to a vacation just to make sure it is really a problem, and not a feature across all the boards. but it's very frustrating having to deal with dissambling the build, just for this RGB issue, and waiting a week+ for the store to come back to me with a response while I have no other board to use on my build (this is why I wait before going on a vaction). If anyone from Asus can reply back, that would be nice.

[@kobi118]

Just saw a new video, which shows how it brights on other mobos kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpWZfZWZobpmfNE and here's how it does on my board kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpPTfp-BqciYetU

[@JcRabbit]

@@kobi118 I would like to offer my feedback since I also own this board, but alas, you're actually lucky that you can even see the logo: mine is right below my mammoth ASUS 2080 TI Strix, so I can't see ANY of it - not even the SATA lights, which also end up below the GPU. Having a NH-D15 for air cooling the CPU also ensures I basically can't see anything else either. :( Since there is no lighting at the bottom part of the board (where the M2 cover is), the only lighting that is fully visible here and not obscured by something else is the 'mirror' at the top back of the case/motherboard, but even that I can only see if the my C700M case is aligned horizontally with me (which it isn't since it sits on top of my desk, so it's a bit to the front), as otherwise it's also hidden by the NH-D15 cooler. Oh, and I can also see the little lights below the Q-Code display. Yay! Not. :) I fell in love with the Maximus XI Formula the first time I saw what it looked like, but it is definitely a board for water cooling enthusiasts.

[@mufasa744]

JcRabbit I want to see your build bro could you make a video on it

[@Mockinlate]

Is this board recommended to use all his power (OC - NONE OC) because i just saw a video that it says mobos can upgrade more +frames , helpp.

[@achmadmaudhody4426]

First time saw this guy reviewing asus gtx 660ti and he still here now, oh my... the memory from my first pc build

[@jjguerrero8465]

Thanks for the view and support over the years!

[@Gooseman2k2]

WARNING!!! Asus products are amazing... HOWEVER... if EVER your product breaks... you will have to deal with their customer service and repair departments... which are UNBEARABLE... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

[@eevd350z]

Gooseman2k2 you’re just unlucky. I’ve bought Asus boards since 2006 and never had a board break on me ever.

[@mynameisozymandias811]

@@eevd350z NO you got lucky.

[@Gooseman2k2]

@@eevd350z please read my comment... nowhere in it do i say they break easily...

[@eevd350z]

Gooseman2k2 I did read your comment. Why else would u call customer service for “repairs” I understand Rma’s happen but, I’ve never shopped directly from the manufacturer. Newegg and Amazon handles these issues very well. You just get a new board.

[@boabs]

yeh they fcked me about with broken asus phoebus that was still under warranty.

[@gr82banautiger24]

ASUS's decision to go to 4 phase VRM's on these boards was really a crappy decision.

[@jjguerrero8465]

As noted in my response to Rokugan. The design is proven to show it can handle any of the K series CPUs and without a full understanding of the design, a generalized statement is just that. The design was developed to complement the transient response of the CPU while still ensuring more than enough power is provided when overclocked. This is shown to be the case by the community of users who have adopted the HERO. I would also note the VRM design is different between the HERO and the FORMULA they are not the same.

[@gr82banautiger24]

I’m very aware of the design choices, and there are plenty of boards that can ‘handle’ k processors, the issue is how well they handle them. The VRMs for the hero design run much hotter than even previous generation Maximus X Hero design on those same processors. While the additional induction does smooth out the response it would be much more efficient with 8 full phases.

[@MD.20.20]

The VRM on my Strix z370i is regularly over 80c when running 4.8ghz all core 8086k, with a fan directly over it and right behind it on a custom water loop. While transient response is great and all, I don't think most users want to have to invest in a monoblock or some sort of active vrm cooling just to run their overpriced Intel CPUs at reasonable all core boosts...This design was fine for quad cores, but there seems to be pretty overwhelming user backlash on the decision.

[@hadiganmadder970]

Asus updates now include malware due security flaw

[@cemoruc8810]

Yup

[@APeopleP3rson]

@@phillylove7290 Just heard from Tech Linked that the newest version of Live Update fixes this.

[@s_apienza]

I have a rog graphics card, im not installing anything. Am i safe?

[@APeopleP3rson]

@@s_apienza Read my post above yours from over a week ago...

[@somakrv]

Should i get the hero or the z390? For i9? I read alot pf bad reviews about this

[@mikeironman]

should I get one of these or wait for the new boards coming up this year?

[@samuelugaz3225]

.

[@mikeironman]

@@samuelugaz3225 .

[@colin8601]

*Hey what's the deal with the live update malware infection* ? Will asus issue a formal response and rectify?

[@jjguerrero8465]

We have a formal response on our website and have also released a tool for users. It is limited to laptops/notebooks only. The issued has also been addressed/resolved.

[@chrisbresson2571]

I got 5.2ghz on my 9700k on a prime z390

[@TheMasterOfSafari]

Daniel I agree he probably was thinking about Ryzen.. but you “Infinity Fabric is an issue” thingy is false.. even Intel uses it on X299(it’s called “The Mesh” on Intel)

[@badkarma3059]

What materials is the VRM water block made of on the Formula? Any nickle or other finishes in the interior of the heat sink where it contacts the fluid? How reactive could it potentially be with coolant?

[@jjguerrero8465]

It is a full copper block. It has been built to complement high-end water cooling setups ( custom ). At the same time, it is designed to work passively as well. The choice is yours.

[@mrbloodrain304]

when is the Asus Formula XII coming out?

[@m88_overwatch]

Does it support dual graphics cards?

[@CarlosDeBernardMrAgapi]

I am ok with the board. But what happens with the code? Fans experience is fantastic and also the wifi. love the serenity of the build and match all and I need the 5.0 is there. Asus bios has being a miracle how the math goes nice. Nice work Asus that you have a price 💯 please keep the bios safe and well maintain. Bios is the key and drivers. VRM is nice. I push 240w and no issues, no drops, and temps are on spot. when i needed is there for me

[@jjguerrero8465]

The CODE is a great board. Most of what is detailed in this overview also apply to the CODE. We did not include it in this overview as we did not have the board onhand ( like the APEX, EXTREME or GENE ). Regardless it is an outstanding board especially if you do want or need the water cooling VRM block on the FORMULA. There is also a difference in the "armor" is it is not the same material/finish technology so it does not have the same lighting effect but still looks great. Otherwise, the boards are almost the same.

[@CarlosDeBernardMrAgapi]

@@jjguerrero8465 thanks JJ. Please stay on top on drivers bios Windows apps. Is crucial and more in these times

[@TheAdmiralkrunch]

Do you have to water cool the VRM section or is that just a secondary option?

[@jjguerrero8465]

The VRM is designed to run passively and active ( with water ). The full copper heatsink has the ability to dissipate heat even when overclocked. You do not need to water cool it but it is designed to perform at its best with water. if you do not want water cool it then you would probably be better off getting the CODE or HERO unless you specifically want the aesthetics of the FORMULA. You can check out a review at overclock.net where they tested the board even with a full overclock even without using water cooling.

[@RECONgrimREAPER]

So what I'm hearing is between the two the main difference is looks. I could be wrong it was hard to hear over the music

[@PancakeLizard710]

Is this board ok for fan cooling I don't like liquid cooling.

[@vonniccoli1190]

Good stuff!

[@jjguerrero8465]

Thanks for the view and support!

[@NetTubeUser]

GREAT! Thank you for this video. It was informative and great. Now, I know the differences between those two motherboards. Now, can you avoid musics with a tons of high treble next time? Because with the first music, your voice is deep and low and because of that, it's distracting and annoying to listen to your voice, which is way more important. Don't get me wrong, I really love 80s / 90s musics like this for sure, but here... not a good idea. Or just reduce the volume of the music, and everything should be fine.

[@earlgentry144]

could somebody tell me if i use an Adata XPG Spetrix S40G RGB 1TB. ON this motherboard because i will have to leave off the heatshield.

[@sabishiihito]

Where are the Apex and Gene? I had to *import* the latter to have an Asus Z390 board that can actually overclock RAM.

[@NativeWarrior081]

IN F*CKING EUROPE, BECAUSE ASUS HATES AMERICA!! I'm waiting on the Z390 Apex as well! I'm stuck with the i9 on my Z370 Apex. I can't even run my i9 with my 4133MHz RAM even on the latest BIOS! I already swapped my CPU 2 times. I was able to run my RAM @ 4133MHz completely fine with my i7 8700K. My motherboard will just not POST successfully with my ram at 4133MHz. It will POST completely fine if I set the ram to 4000MHz though.

[@joshpashia637]

@@NativeWarrior081 that's a chip issue the imc is too weak to run that high then my 9900k runs 4266 just fine on a hero board im even able to hit 5.1 on my hero board all though it does take a lot of voltage and get so hot i had to raise the thermal threshold to 115c just to use it like that but there is enough power and quality power on this high end 4 phase to do a 9900k right. Asus doesn't offer anything like the z390/x299 dark. Motherboards like those are super rare just flawless 100% flawless and it kind of sucks but it is what it is and they make a good bios and they use parts that work just not the quality of the EVGA Dark boards. Also just another thought what power supply are you using overclocking is a reflection of motherboard cpu ram and power supply quality. Going to want at least a 1k gold unit from a respectable brand when pushing high end parts to the limits

[@jjguerrero8465]

These boards offer very good DRAM overclocking. The APEX is limited sku so inventory is not always on hand. As for the GENE it should be available in the US within the next 30 days.

[@emoverrette9568]

Out of all the Asus boards I have installed through the years this was the first dead 1. Bought 2 of the heroXl and 2 of the Intel Core i9-9900K Coffee Lake 8-Core, 16-Thread, 3.6 GHz (5.0 GHz Turbo) LGA 1151 (300 Series) which the tec I was talking too said did not go with my board !! I read someone on here said the repair department sucks !! I just sent the board back for the second time. They are a JOKE !!!...

[@jl644]

Asus software Aura and LiveDash is broken even with newest version. It has been been broken for almost a year now. LiveDash settings won't take effect when applying your settings. And Aura software sometimes won't launch showing "Aura stopped working" even with newest version.

[@jjguerrero8465]

consider emailing me with more details at PCDIY at Asus dot com - I have currently tested the current version of AURA and Live Dash without any issues. There are cases with the previous legacy builds where there can be corruption or issues with the registry causing problems. In these situations, I do recommend you try a clean OS install and then install the applications separately with full reboots between installations. With the current 1.07 build, I have not had any issues with control, sync, rebooting. We are also working on a large update where we will be integrating AURA within our new Armory Crate application. This will unify control, monitoring, and RGB lighting all within one application.

[@jl644]

@@jjguerrero8465. Big fan since Newegg with Paul's Hardware days. Update. I am currently using LiveDash Version 1.01.08 without AURA installed. Motherboard: Maximus X formula CPU: i7 8700k RAM: Dominator Platinum 16gigs @ 3200Mhz Uninstalled LiveDash Version 1.01.08 and decided to try installing the newest LiveDash on ASUS website for this board. The result, same issue. The latest LiveDash won't let applied settings take effect. Uninstalled Latest version of LiveDash and installed LiveDash Version 1.01.08 again. Works perfectly and without AURA installed. Observation. It seems that AURA (Even with older versions) and LiveDash can't quite work well together. And one thing I've noticed is that, AURA's current versions, some lighting transitions like Rainbow mode, the color transition seem laggy that sometimes the transition is at 8 FPS vs without AURA installed, the transition is quite a lot more smoother.

[@KefirGrain]

thanks for a great video. Just one thing about the Maximus XI Extreme that I purchased some months ago, I have really terrible audio especially youtube video playback, it crackles and stutters no matter which driver version i try. I've tried setting the driver with MSI mode utility tool but that didn't help. I may need to RMA this mobo.

[@cussler721]

That sound like a u problem jk its probably jusg your board it probably a manufacturer error retern it and buy another one

[@shamon3946]

Can anyone help me? I don’t know if I should get a Maximus 11 hero or formula or extreme. I am buying a rtx 2080ti strix and a i9-9900k .

[@Liu.Garage]

Shamonst3r go for formula, it’s the best board on the market at this time and your build can be well complemented by a good mother board. :)

[@shamon3946]

I have one question though. The formula has a ek waterblock but I won’t use water cooling. Wouldn’t that part of the board overheat then?

[@shamon3946]

Please respond

[@Liu.Garage]

@@shamon3946 no that i know of, if the air cooling is fine for other mother boards that has ek waterblock, the formula mother board should be fine. I use a AIO on my Formula board and it is just fine.

[@check2wice]

i don't like how aura sync doesn't saved lighting profiles. some days i like my computer blue and purple others i want it yellow and red i shouldn't need to manually switch every single led on my ram to do that.

[@jjguerrero8465]

AURA settings are maintained between reboots. We are developing the next version of AURA which will be part of ARMORY CRATE. In that version, there will be more extensive control and profile options. With that noted, if you do define a color theme across components with the current build it will maintain that theme/selection through reboots or shutdowns.

[@kobi118]

@@jjguerrero8465 when is it expected to launch?

[@JcRabbit]

@@jjguerrero8465 Profiles are indeed a very important feature, but even more important than that, IMO, is the ability to have different effects associated with different RGB sections/parts. Currently you are doing it wrong, you coded Aura based on List of Effects -> Section(s) when you should have List of Sections -> Effect. There is also no way to address individual LEDs on ARGB fans, led strips, etc, which basically makes the Addressable part in ARGB meaningless. If I want half of a fan to have one color and the other half another, I cannot do that. If I want a specific static color gradient on a LED strip I cannot do that either. Finally, I - and many others - noticed that the Lighting control service uses a TON of CPU when not using static colors. This is not something I see in ANY other RGB controller software! I think you guys should just sit down, look at what other RGB controller software can already do, pick the best features and effects from each and integrate them into Aura. After all this time, Aura is *still* pretty basic, so please listen to your users!

[@kairon5823]

Guys, can I use the FORMULA XI motherboard without a water cooling system? If I play a lot or work with a lot of render, could there be a problem of overheating on the motherboard if I do not use a sophisticated water cooling system?

[@tman2003]

You can, water cool keeps the components cooler and you can push the board to the max.

[@Miskatonik]

Blah Blah Blah next level...I have the X Hero with a 9900K@5.1G + 64GB 3600Mhz Ram and ZERO reason to upgrade to the XI gen, literally ZERO. Asus did really screw up this generation with their fake phases, mediocre components, invisible RGB and overall lazyness. Even the XI Extreme is unappealing and overpriced to me, go see the customer reviews out there. I feel like they´re just milking the ROG brand at this point, which is very sad because many of us loved what it meant. The only MB I would buy for an upgrade is the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme, that is a true flagship.

[@jjguerrero8465]

Thanks for the feedback. The MAXIMUS X is an outstanding board and for most, there would be no reason to upgrade from such a recent chipset as many of the key features are identical. With that noted the VRM redesign is not about cost it has been specifically developed to align with maximizing transient response and also still ensure more than enough current support. Few people truly understand VRM design and I can tell you with confidence we spend considerable time to test and evaluate the design prior to ensure it meets a level of expectation for these class of boards. This has been shown in the overclocking results of the community of users who have the board regardless of the perception that offers may convey regarding the design. I would also note this is something that comes in waves. When we first rolled out digital 8 phase design all competitors noted their high phase count ( low amperage inductors ) for 12 or 16 phase boards were better but slowly every vendor changed to similar digital power delivery designs. In the end, the total VRM design is a sum of PCB, controllers, individual components, firmware tuning, and specialized microcontrollers. It is not just one aspect and needs to be evaluated as such. Thank you for picking ROG for your current build and best of luck with it in the long term! May your clocks be high and your temps low!

[@Miskatonik]

@@jjguerrero8465 Thank you very much for your answer, it´s actually much appreciated. Good communication is key, specially when the community sees a discrepancy between facts and marketing. Another recent example: the Hero X was advertised as having a VRM sensor, which the majority of the Hero X MB actually didn´t have (included mine). It seems there are 2 versions of the board, we asked Asus repeatedly but never got an official response. Asus silently modified the initial marketing specs removing the mention to a VRM sensor instead of giving an explanation about it. This is the kind of thing that fuels frustration in your client base: rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?100679-Maximus-X-HERO-(non-Wi-Fi)-No-VRM-temp-Sensor. Also, your doing a weak favor to the ROG brand by flooding the market with generic products that are clearly non enthusiast grade, like your Asetek made AIO which is crazy overpriced and offers no advantage vs the competition, ROG aesthetics aside: www.kitguru.net/components/cooling/silas-newman/asus-rog-ryujin-360-review-an-aio-with-an-oled-screen/5/

[@ThremboChud]

Crap VRM on both of them. If you want to go with ASUS this season your only viable options are Maximus XI Apex and Extreme.

[@JcRabbit]

My 9900K is overclocked to 5 Ghz on all cores. No VRM temperature or power issues on this board (Maximus Formula XI) AT ALL. It's neither overkill nor under-powered in terms of VRM.

[@somakrv]

@@JcRabbit hey man what should i get z390 or hero?

[@s_apienza]

@@somakrv Z390 aorus master or MSi z390 meg ace

[@mrlove-619]

I got Maximus Formula XI as well. The problem is my Motherboard always reboot again and again when I start my pc. I find it out because I boost my bus Ram to 3000-3200mhz something, If I use default bus Ram like 2166mhz nothing happen. Anyone know about this issue can u explain me pls ?

[@jjguerrero8465]

Ensure you have the latest UEFI. From there I would default to using the XMP value for your memory. Once you have done this and ensure it is stable look to increase the memory divider but you will need to increase the voltage for the DRAM beyond it's XMP default value if you overclock the DRAM frequency. you can also help to ensure stability by altering the DRAM timings. Initially, I would consider setting the DRAM timings high to see if the DRAM you have even likes running at higher frequencies. Consider something like 17,17,17 and once you verify stability then you can begin to bring down the timings.

[@cobaincase]

whats the name of the songs/music used in this video 😍? Boards are great, I switched from Hero to Formula. Love it!!!

[@NetTubeUser]

I love this kind of music today, who sounds like a 80s/90s music style, but here... it's too distracting and/or loud.

[@slamminx3]

Vajas - Sparrow of the wind

[@elliotshakouri8180]

Whats the name of the first song?who know?

[@ЕгорЧудаков-х4я]

What better Asus Hero xi WI-fi or Aorus master?

[@samir71m2]

Have the same Qs.

[@s_apienza]

Aorus master cause it has good heatsinks and a real vrm.

[@masonmabrito6618]

Both of those MOBO's are have 4 phase VRM, they are most certainly not the ultimate z390 gaming motherboards, in fact, many independent reviewers have done thermal and efficiency tests and have found ASUS to have the literal worse out of every big name company in the z390 selection.

[@MrKentaroMotoPI]

Both boards have poor reviews on Newegg, and not just for the VRM's. Never seen this before with Asus.

[@darkultra]

I saw most motherboards have only three of five eggs so I wouldn't worry too much. Just too bad they skimped on the VRMs. Worse efficiency than real 8 phase boards.

[@pathfindercod4638]

Good advertisement. The stupid 80’s style from sound effects and music in the background really took the focus away from the voice. Found myself concentrating more on the music sound effects more so than the message.

[@darkultra]

And not a word about the fake "8 phase" VRM design. Not as efficient as a true 8 phase design, Asus doesn't care about the environment. But they will handle a 9900ks 5,1ghz overclock without getting very warm according to some reviews I read.

[@GonzoGaming22]

Not enough Phases for the i9-9900k . The only board that’s with getting for the i9 from Asus is the Asus Rog X Apex and for some reason it wasn’t released in the US and has better VRMs and phases and is selling in Europe cheaper than the Formula and better lay out than the Asus Rog X Extreme. 9 gen Asus Mobos are the worst ever and I’m very disappointed with Asus. EVGA Z390 Dark ,MSI Meg and Gigabyte Aorus Z390 did it tight for the 9th gen .

[@RichL123]

I just got the Formula and it has REALLY bad cool whine on the VRMs

[@joshpashia637]

!?!? I have never ever heard of a motherboard having coil whine lmao

[@younghumphrey06]

wow lmao

[@JcRabbit]

I like cool wine! Hic! :)

[@aiinaku123]

Motherboard coil whine really? LMAO!

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

So the Code isn't a thing I guess.....

[@jjguerrero8465]

We did not have the code at the time we completed these overviews. All the core items noted in these overviews also apply to the CODE. The main difference on the FORMULA is its EK waterblock heatsink for the VRM and the NVCM finish used on the armor for aesthetics. Otherwise, from features, function and design perspective they are essentially the same.

[@pdesrosiers8441]

Your background music is really annoying...Had to quit listening to video.

[@DaveOfAllMasterOfNone]

Can't hear you.

[@joeblack534]

Jj looks older

[@ninezerofive]

APEX XI is the board you should buy

[@majoodlastsin4468]

ninezerofive apex its x299 not z390

[@ninezerofive]

majood lastsin go home you are drunk

[@majoodlastsin4468]

ninezerofive there is also apex x299

[@TheBluesine]

Its TERRIBLE ASUS like too LIE to us about how much VRM these boards have.... I see now they have taken down that info off the specs on their website,,,, SNeeky or just dont want too admit its only 4 VRM!

[@Prometheus1979]

Z390 boards are garbage for an i9-9900k,some cheap built,hottest running boards with 4 phase vrm.not to mention some of the most expensive.i watched in depth teardown reviews of these 390 boards and they are garbage.asus z390 boards are the ones I'm taking about for those who dont know.

[@Prometheus1979]

@Daniel I know I have a z390 gigabyte aorus master. I were talking about Asus z390 boards are garbage.

[@s_apienza]

@Daniel MSI also has good z390 boards

[@Aleww]

4 phase vrm 🗑

[@diannalawrence6218]

Horrible sound couldn't watch.

[@billjones261]

STUPID ANNOYING MUSIC BEING PLAYED WHILE COMMENTATING HOW TO IRRITATE VIEWERS

[@njboss726]

Could not understand what he was saying over the loud music!!!!!!!!