Description

• 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 7.3 GHz on all six cores of the Intel Core i7-8700K. That's a staggering 97.3% overclock of the chip's default 3.7 GHz frequency!

• Overclocker's toolkit

  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.

• 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.

• SUS 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.

• 5-way optimization

  One click takes care of all that complex tuning. ASUS 5-way optimization makes your PC smart. It dynamically optimizes essential aspects of the system, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailored for your rig.

• Cooler by design

  ROG Maximus X Apex features the most comprehensive cooling controls ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS.

• Onboard 5G ethernet

  Designed for the demanding requirements of power users and content creators who push the envelope, onboard 5Gbps Ethernet plugs you into a new era of home networking. With up to 5X the bandwidth of standard gigabit Ethernet, you'll enjoy streaming uncompressed 4K UHD videos and backups and file transfers that are faster than ever before. And there's also support for intermediate 2.5 Gbps connectivity, allowing you to step up to faster networks for maximum flexibility. Choose the bandwidth that meets your needs and enjoy ultra-low latency at any speed.

• 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.

• 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.

• Shielded audio, superior sound

  ROG Maximus X Apex's awesome SupremeFX audio technology delivers an exceptional 113 dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection for best-ever ROG recording quality! We've also added a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220A codec. It all adds up to audio that envelops you as never before!

• SafeSlot

  SafeSlot is the PCIe slot reinvented by ASUS and engineered to provide superior retention and shearing resistance. Manufactured in a single step using a new insert-molding process, SafeSlot integrates the slot with fortifying metal for an inherently stronger slot, which is then firmly anchored to the PCB through additional solder points.

• SafeDIMM

  SafeDIMM slots feature a metal key-pin that increases durability, versus traditional DIMM slots.

Specifications