Asus ROG MAXIMUS XII FORMULA, Intel Z490, 1200, ATX, 4 DDR4, XFire/SLI, AX Wi-Fi, 10GB & 2.5GB LAN, M.2

ROG Maximus XII series motherboards are designed to explore the upper echelons of gaming and overclocking.
The Formula is plumbed for custom liquid cooling and includes other enhancements to punctuate premium systems. The CrossChill EK III VRM block, co-developed with EK Water Blocks, help cope with higher VRM loads associated with Intel Comet Lake CPUs. Aesthetically, Maximus XII Formula has a stealthy black finish with intricate patterns cut into its reflective armor. The latest-generation Formula is all set to make your showcase rig shine.

Intelligent Motherboard

Our ROG engineers developed and extensively-tested intelligent software solutions to ensure your system stays in optimal condition.

AI Overclocking
Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration for each system.

AI Cooling
AI Cooling automatically manages and controls motherboard connected fans, ensuring the most efficient settings depending on the current system load and temperature.

AI Networking
GameFirst VI optimises and organises network bandwidth, effectively reducing jitter and eliminating spike lag to ensure smooth online gameplay.

Performance

The Intel Comet Lake processor features 10 cores and a peak single-core Turbo speed that exceeds 5.3 GHz right out of the box. To cope with this increased demand on the system, Maximus XII Formula takes advantage of its intelligent VRM design and uses quality components to ensure the best gaming and daily productive computing experience.

Power Solution

Teamed Power Architecture
Today’s CPU architectures place incredible demands on motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power saving modes , going from lower-power mode to full load in an instant. Our latest VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilising teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

Memory

ASUS Optimem III
Boasting proprietary memory trace layout tweaks that improve signal integrity and mitigate noise, ASUS OptiMem III is more compatible with 3600 MHz+ memory kits, allowing them to run at higher frequencies. You can opt to optimise memory for high frequency settings, or low latency settings. With higher capacity memory kits, OptiMem III enables you to run at maximum frequency, whereas other motherboards will trade off frequency for capacity. Stack Maximus XII Extreme with your favourite modules and maximise throughput of the new 10th Generation Intel Core Comet Lake-S processor for applications that demand massive bandwidth.

Cooling

The focus on maximizing performance would be futile without similar dedication to improving the cooling that allows systems to sustain faster speeds. The CrossChill EK III VRM block enables Maximus XII Formula to cope with the high VRM loads of ten core CPUs. The hybrid cooling system sits atop of a heatpipe that’s directly linked to the extended VRM heatsink, giving it cooling capabilities that surpass the requirements of this current generation.

CrossChill EK III

CrossChill EK III lets you cool with air and water. The redesigned copper cooling channel is wider to provide up to 37.2C-lower MOSFET temperatures on water, while the standard G1/4″ threaded fittings allow it to fit existing setups for efficient, quiet cooling with minimum effort.

Heatsinks

CrossChill hybrid thermal design
Engineered with a copper cooling channel that’s incredibly effective at removing heat

Large-diameter heatpipe
The U-shaped design provides rapid and even heat transfer from the VRM to the extended VRM heatsink.

M.2 heatsink
A dedicated heatsink keeps the two M.2 SSDs at the optimum operating temperature for consistent performance and reliability.

High-conductivity thermal pad
The high-quality thermal pad improves overall heat transfer from the system by bridging the heat generated by the power stages to the heatsink.

Extended VRM heatsink
The extended heatsink at the end of heatpipe increases thermal mass to offset the additional heat generated by high power consumption.

Chipset heatsink
A dedicated chipset heatsink draws heat away to maintain optimum operating temperatures.

Solid steel backplate
An electro-galvanized, cold-rolled coil construction backplate resists bending, and helps draw heat away from the VRM.

Headers

Cooler by Design
ROG Maximus XII Formula features the most comprehensive cooling options ever.

Multiple temperature sources
Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling. And all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

4-pin PWM/DC fan
Every onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

AIO pump
A dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups.

ROG Water-Cooling Zone

Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into the AI Suite utility, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

Water pump+
A dedicated header can supply over 3 amps to high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

Water in/out
A dedicated header enables monitoring of temperatures at the input/output points of any component.

Water flow
A dedicated header enables constant monitoring of flow rate throughout the entire loop.

Optimisastion

Maximus XII Formula is packed with intuitive and flexible tools to allow customization across all system parameters to deliver the performance you want.

Accurate Voltage Monitoring

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn’t ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. Maximus XII Formula features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

Performance Level Up

The dashboard-style control panel of AI Suite 3 lets you fine-tune almost every aspect of your ROG Maximus XII Formula system with ease. Get the best balance between performance, cooling, stability, and efficiency via one simple and intuitive interface.

Connectivity

Maximus XII Formula is well equipped to deliver supersmooth wireless connectivity and compatibility with multiple input sources and PCIe extensions, all of which are a must-have for gaming setups.

Storage

Three PCIe 3.0 M.2
Three M.2 slots are wired directly to the PCH. One slot supports both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modes, while the other two supports PCIe 3.0 x4 for NVMe. Additional Intel Optane memory recognizes, remembers, and speeds up access to most frequently used files, applications, and games for faster, more responsive performance.

Networking

WiFi 6 (AX201)
Onboard WiFi 6 (802.11ax) supports ultrafast wireless-networking speeds, improved capacity and better performance in dense WiFi environments, providing exceptional online gaming experiences. *

10 Gbps onboard Ethernet
Designed to meet the demanding requirements of power users and content creators, 10 Gbps onboard Ethernet provides a new level of home networking. With up to 10X 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. **

Intel 2.5G Ethernet
Onboard Intel 2.5G Ethernet gives your wired connection a boost, with up to a 2.5X improvement over standard Ethernet connections for faster file transfers, smoother lag-free gaming and high-res video streaming.

Audio

SupremeFX
ROG SupremeFX audio technology has levelled up, delivering an exceptional 113 dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection to provide best-ever recording quality. There’s also a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220 codec, an ESS ES9023P digital-to-analog converter for superior front-panel output, and a Texas Instruments RC4580 op amp for high gain with low distortion – all to deliver audio that envelops you as never before.

Audio Line Shielding
Blocks electromagnetic interference from the motherboard or add-ons to provide cleaner audio.

ESSES9023P
The ESS ES9023P digital-to-analog converter creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of 112db DNR /-94dB THD+N for superior front-panel output.

S1220 codec
10 DAC channels provide simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs

Switching MOSFETS
Unique design allows the codec’s impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs

Nichicon CAPS
Fine-quality Japanese-made components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity

Personalised for You

In addition to extraordinary performance, Maximus XII Formula provides extensive styling and customization options to let you build a system that truly stands apart.

Aura Sync

Grow your gaming world
Gear up with ROG components, from graphics and monitors to mice and keyboards. And up your game with complementary aesthetics, control and compatibility. The ROG ecosystem is more extensive than any competing brand, so enjoy greater choice as your system expands.

Addressable Gen 2 RGB header
The addressable Gen 2 RGB headers now feature software that can automatically tailor lighting effects to specific devices. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB gear.

Ramcache III

RAMCache lll software utility turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times. Fully compatible with the latest NVM Express storage options, RAMCache lll utilizes uniquely intelligent technology to effectively cache any storage device, so favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds.

Audio

Sonic Studio III
Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

DTS : Sound Unbound
ROG Maximus XII Formula includes a pre-loaded DTS Sound Unbound app that envelops you in audio as never before, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Windows Sonic spatial technology, DTS Sound Unbound delivers audio in a virtual 3D space – putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep or other sound in your virtual environment.

Livedash OLED

OLED
ROG Maximus XII Formula motherboards is equipped with LiveDash, a built-in 2″ OLED panel that displays useful information and customizable graphics. During the power-on, self-test (POST) phase, OLED shows key progress stats in simple language, using traditional POST codes. Then, during normal operation, the panel shows a choice of CPU frequency, device temperatures, fan speeds or information from the Water-Cooling Zone. You’re also able to customize the default OLED GIF, so it’ll display your own image or animation.

Armoury Crate

Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to provide centralized control of supported ROG gaming products. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate puts command of all your Aura gear at your fingertips with the new Aura Creator suite ready. The software also provides control of settings for a growing number of ROG products, making it easier to tune the look and feel of your system. Armoury Crate even offers dedicated product registration and ROG news feeds to help you stay in touch with the ROG gaming community.