Asus ROG Maximus X Apex Motherboard

*Intel LGA1151 socket: Ready for 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processors.
*Engineered for performance: Optimized 2-DIMM memory trace layout for superior stability and performance, supporting DDR4 overclocking to 4500MHz+ and beyond.
*Overclocker’s toolkit: hardware-level controls and onboard condensation detection circuits to aid with subzero overclocking.
*ROG DIMM.2: vertically-installed dual M.2 expansion card with a bundled fan bracket for maximum cooling and performance.
*5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor made for your rig.
*Cutting-edge connectivity: Onboard 5G Ethernet and Intel Gigabit Ethernet for data transfers at lightning speeds.
*Your board, your insignia: Aura Sync RGB lighting, four 4-pin RGB headers and illuminated customizable nameplate featured on a distinct X-shaped PCB.
*Immersive audio: SupremeFX high fidelity audio that draws you deeper into the action.
*Best protection: patent-pending SafeSlot, SafeDIMM and premium components for maximum durability.

THE BOARD FOR EXTREME PERFORMANCE
Every aspect of the ROG Maximus X Apex purposefully defies convention to break performance boundaries and set new standards. Its feature set is carefully selected to optimize component layout and trace pathways for maximum signal integrity. That foundation is backed by all the tools and tweaking options you need to push the platform to the limit, and cooling options to keep everything under control. With a distinct X-shaped PCB that's accented by RGB lighting, and performance-first engineering, the Maximus X Apex is suitable for elevating builds to showcase status, or satisfying overclocking addicts that thrive on the edge.

RECORDS SMASHED
ROG Maximus X Apex is built to break records — and it's already done just that. With its optimized layout and ability to withstand cryogenic temperatures, Apex has already scored 9 global first-places and set a CPU frequency world record* of 7.3GHz on all six cores of the Intel Core i7-8700K. That's a staggering 97.3% overclock of the chip‘s default 3.7GHz frequency!

OVERCLOCKER'S TOOLKIT
HARDWARE-LEVEL CONTROLS
ROG Maximus X Apex includes an overclocker's toolkit with 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, and four PCIe switches for quick slot toggling. Other tools include Safe Boot and ReTry buttons, a LN2 mode 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 X 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.

DDR4 OVERCLOCKING
ROG engineers adopted a two-slot memory design, enabling a shorter trace layout for tighter control over impedance and reduced signal interference. And it's teamed with ASUS OptiMem to preserve memory signal integrity by routing traces and vias to the optimal PCB layer. Together, the enhancements provide more headroom for overclocking and improved stability, allowing Apex to achieve memory speeds of DDR4-4500MHz and beyond.

ASUS PRO CLOCK TECHNOLOGY WITH EXTREME ENGINE DIGI+
The dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 8th Generation Core™ processors is what allowed Apex to set an overclocked BCLK frequency record of 584MHz*. This custom solution works in tandem with the ASUS TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control — providing an exciting new way to boost performance to extreme heights. And, of course, Maximus X Apex includes Extreme Engine Digi+ — ROG's revered digital power controller. With a Digi+ PWM controller, Texas Instruments NexFET™ MOSFETs, MicroFine alloy chokes, and 10K black metallic capacitors, Extreme Engine Digi+ technology delivers consistently stable power.

ROG DIMM.2
The innovative ROG DIMM.2 module is a vertically-installed expansion card that allows two M.2 drives to be connected via a DDR4 interface. You can then add a memory cooler, or a fan via the bundled mounting bracket to direct cool air over the M.2 drives, helping to control thermals and ensure maximum performance.

OUTSHINE
THE COMPETITION
A well-tuned enthusiast system deserves a matching aesthetic. ASUS Aura offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for the built-in RGB LEDs, as well as strips connected to the four onboard 4-pin RGB headers.* And it can all be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura Sync-enabled ASUS hardware.

ILLUMINATED CUSTOMIZABLE NAMEPLATE
Use the bundled DIY kit to customize your nameplate, then see your personal mark illuminated with Aura Sync lighting!

X-SHAPED PCB
ROG Maximus X Apex has an asymmetrical X-shaped circuit board with a radical lighting scheme that utilizes cutouts to create an impressive backlighting effect.