• ASUS Rampage Extreme

    ASUS Rampage Extreme

    Jayesh Limaye, Dec 05, 2008 1419 hrs IST

    This X48 board is one hell of a performer!

    Good overall performance, Good layout, Overclocking options, CrossFireX, eSATA, DDR3, Creative X-Fi SupremeFX.

    Expensive, No eSATA cable, No Wi-Fi.

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Intel's X48 Express chipset has been around for long and we think it is high time we reviewed one such motherboard that features this chipset. The problem thus far was that these motherboards were not easily available in India, since the X38 and P45-based motherboards were already selling well. Another reason was that, the X48 supports only DDR3 and you cannot use DDR2, which was possible with the other chipsets.

But it is clear now that DDR3 is the way to go and DDR2 will eventually be phased out. Major motherboard manufacturer ASUSTek has launched a premium board - Rampage Extreme, of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) franchise.

The philosophy of ROG is simple - mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We have this powerful piece of hardware with us and we will put it through our test routine to see how well it tears it apart.



Bundle

Asus Rampage Extreme

SATA cables

80-pin IDE cable

Floppy cable

4-pin MOLEX to SATA power adapter

USB + FireWire B type bracket

Q-Connectors

Q-Shield with ground connector

Case sticker

Cable ties

User Guide

Quick Start Guide

Driver/Utility Disc



There is just about everything in this bundle except eSATA cables or brackets, which was left out by Asus. The reason for this could be that eSATA hasn't managed to take off as it intended to. ASUS has included a Q-Shield I/O shield, which has foam on one side, making it better to handle and fit more snugly.

There are no more sharp edges and you need not be afraid of fingers getting cut anymore. The right-angled connectors let you easily connect to SATA ports placed at difficult angles.

Fusion Block System accessory

Optional thermal kit for NB and MOS

LCD poster

ASUS optional fan

DIY pedestal

Thermal sensor cables



The motherboard has "Designed for Overclocking" written over it and it is therefore not a surprise that Asus has provided options to connect a liquid cooling kit to cool things down during overclocking. The Fusion Block System comes with accessories that let you connect any third-party cooling kit. There are optional heat sinks for the Northbridge as well as the MOS circuitry and there is an additional fan too.

This motherboard is meant to be used by enthusiasts and overclockers and will probably be kept out, rather than in the cabinet. It therefore comes with nine rubber DIY pedestals that stick to the board's underside and act as its feet. There are thermal cables, which can let you monitor temperatures, while the LCD poster displays the status of the motherboard and is also useful while using the tweaking buttons on the Extreme. This LCD poster has a small stand at the back over which it can recline and stand.

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Tag keywords
ASUS Rampage Extreme review X48 board Motherboard Overclocking Republic of Gamers Creative X-Fi SupremeFX.



Discussion Board
(8) Comments
nisha
,mumbai, on Jul 13, 2009 12:48 PM
I also believe ASUS manufacturers great motherboard. ASUS is become a brand in indian market. They have also come up with Burnt Warranty recently i got this information on mail. Its available on P5KPL AM PS
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mia
,mumbai, on Jun 03, 2009 09:45 AM
I personally did not need any service for my motherboard. ASUS has bestest products epsecially motherbaord
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Vikrant Bhave
,Jalgaon, on Dec 07, 2008 02:19 AM
I completely AGREE with u,Jude... I have experienced the pathetic customer support of Asus. The products from Asus are really GOOD but the customer service is equally BAD.
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lucky
,mumbai, on Mar 31, 2009 03:41 PM
Hey i have expericed good service. Which service center did u visit. Sometimes it happens but check service center at mumbai. They are simply amazing
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lucky
,mumbai, on Mar 31, 2009 03:39 PM
ASUS IS ALWAYS comes up newer better technology. I have Experienced good service from ASUS and feel they have great products and service
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Ashutosh
,Vashi, on Dec 26, 2008 11:34 AM
very xhaustive read... well done!
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Jude Coelho
,Mumbai, on Dec 06, 2008 12:27 AM
asus (ass-us what i like to call it since the time i purchased one of their motherboards) basically has good stuff with ZERO warranty..... replacement for their products (if they go bad within the warranty period..........which it always does go bad) takes 1 to 2 months for replacement...... I personally feel that having good products is COOL but having NO customer support is NOT WORTH going for such products from such companies.
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Anonymous
,blore, on Dec 05, 2008 07:20 PM
what kind of review is this.copy and paste.no overclock what a waste of time and rampage board.g31 or g43 would be fine.
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