The cheapest ASUS board that passed us was the B660-Creator D4 with a price tag of 235 euros. ASUS is known to be a bit more expensive, and we can understand that in part as their bios and software experience is generally just a bit better than the rest. But B660 boards in this segment struggle with mid-range Z690 boards that often go a bit further with features.
Read more @ Tech Testers (Dutch)
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z690 FORMULA is an Intel motherboard platform based on the LGA 1700 socket that supports 12th generation Intel Alder Lake CPUs, the new ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z690 FORMULA , which is considered the top model in the ROG family. Many of you are familiar with many generations and generations that set the standard for strength for ROG disciples with a beautiful design that comes in a pure white line, packed with many features and full RGB lighting.
Read more @ Vmodtech (Thai)
The ROG Maximus Z690 Formula is designed for enthusiasts and modders who want to achieve maximum results through a combination of innovations and their competent implementation. ASUS developers provide a reinforced power subsystem with a water block in the VRM power zone, improved organization for connecting external equipment and cooling systems, POST indication of controls, not to mention a rethought snow-white design.
Read more @ Overclockers Russia (Russian)
ASUS ROG Maximus Formula motherboards are designed for gamers and enthusiasts who want maximum system stability in any usage scenario, including fully loaded overclocked Core i9 processors. The key difference between Formula boards is a pre-installed water block on the power subsystem, which can also serve as a conventional heatsink – in fact, this is a combined solution. The novelty, based on the Intel Z690 chipset, received noticeable design changes compared to its predecessor based on the Z490 (Z590 was skipped by the manufacturer).
Read more @ GreenTech_Reviews (Russian)
The ASUS white motherboards have nearly always been part of their Prime range, although naturally those of you who have been around for a while will remember models like the Sabranco, but for the Z690 they have moved their white one to the Maximus Formula. Throughout the lifespan of the ASUS ROG Maximus range there have usually been two, the more affordable Formula and the high end Extreme. Recently they’ve enlarged the range with the even more affordable Hero, leaving the Formula in the middle of the pack.
Read more @ OC3D
The Maximus Formula has been the go-to enthusiast platform for years. Living between the Hero, one of the best gaming platforms, and Extreme, the top-tier ROG board is no easy task. Still, the Z690 Formula manages quite well, offering legit connectivity from Thunderbolt 4 to USB 3.2 Gen2x2, 10Gbe with the help of Marvell AQC chipset and top-of-the-line audio with the new Realtek ALC4082.
Read more @ TweakTown
USB connectivity remains the same, as well as support for audio and network interfaces, with direct support for 2.5GbE or Wifi-6E networks. As for the total number of USB ports, there are 14, like the previous generation, with up to four 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2 2×2 ports , up to 10 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2 2×1 ports and up to 10 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. Legacy support adds up to 14 USB 2.0 ports.
Read more @ GEEKNETIC (Spanish)
The ROG Maximus Z690 Formula’s audio system also includes a low-dropout regulator for more efficient power supply of the SupremeFX ALC4082 codec, as well as an ESS ® 9018Q2C DAC .
The audio circuit is physically separated on the pcb to isolate it from electrical noise created by components present nearby. This is standard practice for manufacturers who care about the quality of onboard audio media. Without isolation of the audio components, unintentional electrical noise can be introduced into the audio line, creating unwanted hissing and static sounds.
Read more @ Pause Hardware (French)
One of the distinguishing features of the Formula series is the VRM’s cooling system, since its two EK CrossChill III blocks are really integral chambers with Custom liquid cooling systems. On the surface we see that it is built by EK, although the mouths provided with aluminum plugs are compatible with other systems such as Corsair’s HydroX and 1/2 ”, 1/4” and 3/8 ”fittings. But the surface will not be the blocks as such, but a matte white aluminum cover with a smooth finish and a lighting area above the port cover.
Read more @ Professional Review (Spanish)