ASUS ROG reveals Intel Z690 Motherboards, Power Supplies, Monitors and Gaming Gear
ASUS Event Highlights Groundbreaking Intel ROG Motherboards, Power Supplies, Monitors and Gaming Gear.
ROG aims to “Break All Limits” with cutting-edge performance and features as the new Z690 platform debuts for Intel 12th Gen Core CPUs with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
KEY POINTS
- The ROG Strix XG309CM Fast IPS monitor offers USB Type-C, 200 Hz refresh, and 1 ms GTG; the 1080p XG276Q offers 165 Hz, 1 ms GTG and HDR
- New ROG motherboards for the Intel® Z690 platform plus support for DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and a redesigned CPU architecture
- New acoustically optimized ROG Thor power supplies are A++ Lambda-certified and operate silently at up to 50% load, making them the quietest in their class
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a groundbreaking new generation of Intel®-based motherboards, power supplies, monitors and more during its Break All Limits event. For the first time, gamers can wield DDR5 memory modules and PCIe® 5.0 devices, plus Intel® Core™ CPUs that have been redesigned from the ground up to feature as many as 16 cores and 24 threads. To prepare for these historic new technologies, the ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme, Extreme Glacial, Apex and other Z690 ASUS motherboards come outfitted with cutting-edge power delivery that can react in split seconds to changes in voltage and frequencies introduced by the Intel Alder Lake platform, to keep these potent new processors operating at maximum power and efficiency.
Furthermore, Z690 ROG motherboards are armed with an exclusive new feature called ASUS Extended Memory Profiles (AEMP). With AEMP, a simple setting in the BIOS can boost DDR5 memory module clock speeds and timings beyond their official limits, to eke out every last ounce of performance.
ROG Thor 1600W Titanium and Thor 850W, 1000W, 1200W Platinum II PSUs
To help enthusiasts feed their systems with all the clean and reliable power that modern PCs demand, the ROG Thor 1600W Titanium presents a new pinnacle of ROG PSU design.
For example, Titanium certification requires greater than 90% efficiency for loads ranging from 10% to 100%. The ROG Thor 1600W delivers on this lofty goal thanks in part to a digital control design infused with the painstakingly precise regulation required by a gaming PC or workstation, plus advanced solid-state gallium-nitride components. This ambitious combination leads to a heady 93.54% efficiency at 100% load.
ROG Thor PSUs are also designed to run fanlessly at up to 50% load. As this threshold is crossed, the 1600W, 1200W, and 1000W models leverage a new 135 mm fan built with the latest axial-tech design to circulate air through highly-swept blades, a compact fan hub and an outer barrier ring, generating whisper-quiet cooling at a given rotational speed. Meanwhile, large ROG heatsinks help chill discrete ICs and components with more mass and surface area than average, extending the life of those heat-sensitive parts.
This mission of excellence empowers all PSUs in the new ROG Thor family to achieve Lambda A++ certification — the most stringent noise performance standard defined by independent testing firm Cybenetics. To meet this lofty standard, PSUs must produce less than 15 dBA during the testing process. In doing so, the ROG Thor 1000W, 1200W, and 1600W secure an enviable position as the quietest PSUs of their type on the market.
The ROG Thor series isn’t just poised to provide ample and reliable power in large quantities today. ROG Thor PSUs get a 10-year warranty, and they also include a new 12-pin high-capacity auxiliary PCIe 5.0 connector for assured compatibility with components of the future.
ROG Strix XG309CM Gaming Monitor
For gamers seeking a sizeable and high-end wide-aspect monitor, ASUS introduces the ROG Strix XG309CM. At 29.5 inches with a 2560 x 1080 resolution, it features a 1 ms GTG response time and up to 200 Hz refresh bolstered by ASUS ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) Sync. ELMB Sync enables the simultaneous use of ELMB and variable-refresh-rate technology for fluid and responsive gameplay. This Fast IPS unit can keep up with the twitchiest shooters around.
The ROG Strix XG309CM also offers a USB Type-C port, ideal for connecting to a laptop as a secondary display, and it allows the monitor to act as a USB hub for keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. Speaking of which, the ROG Strix XG309CM features an integrated KVM switch as well, so keyboards and mice can control two separate PCs that are plugged into this monitor, instead of having to physically swap input devices back and forth each time. Just flick the switch to toggle input control from one PC to another in a matter of seconds.
Add the integrated tripod on the display stand for mounting a webcam or microphone, and users have a monitor that’s well-suited for both work and play.
ROG Strix XG276Q Gaming Monitor
For gamers who prefer to stick to 1080p displays, ASUS offers the ROG Strix XG276Q finished in Space Grey, with a new gaming-inspired pattern on the backside of the monitor. This 27-inch Fast IPS model is capable of a 165 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms GTG response times, and is DisplayHDR 400 compliant. And like the ROG Strix XG309CM, the ROG Strix XG276Q features a tripod on the monitor stand that’s ideal for attaching a webcam or microphone, allowing gamers to create their own streaming setup.
For those who want a more compact high-performance gaming monitor, ASUS also now offers ROG Strix monitors in 24.5-inch and 23.8-inch sizes.
ROG Delta S Animate Gaming Headset
New to this generation of the ROG Delta S headsets are customizable AniMe Matrix™ displays on the outside of each ear cup. These feature mini LEDs that can be programmed to show off style with custom lighting designs, unique animations and live audio visualizations. Plus, distinctive soundwave lighting effects can even flash to the sound of a person’s voice. Its industry-leading ESS 9281 Quad DAC™ with MQA support and 50 mm ASUS Essence drivers combine to deliver an impeccable sonic experience, and an ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Microphone offers crystal-clear in-game voice communication. It also features a comfortable and lightweight design with ergonomic, fast-cooling D-shaped ear cushions for a perfect fit. And instead of a 3.5 mm audio cable, the ROG Delta S Animate features USB-C ® and USB-A connectors for compatibility with PCs, Macs, PlayStation®, Nintendo Switch™ and mobile devices.
ASUS PCIe Slot Q-Release
Removing your graphics card can be tricky business when access to the PCIE-slot is limited. The PCIe Slot Q-Release makes graphics card removal easier. Just hit the button on the right side and the graphics cards will be automatically released!
ROG Maximus Z690 Formula
While black goes with everything, some may want a different aesthetic for their elite motherboard. Enter the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula with its Moonlight White colorway (which has also recently arrived for select ROG laptops, keyboards, headphones and mice). Featuring an eye-pleasing blend of white, light gray, and brushed metal, the Formula can brighten up any gamer space with a touch of refinement.
And the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula has the power to match, thanks in part to the CrossChill EK III heatsink designed in collaboration with EK to help users break the barriers of voltage regulator performance while keeping thermals in check. The CrossChill EK III has built-in liquid cooling outlets and inlets that users can incorporate into a custom loop to chill the Formula’s VRMs. And with teamed 20+1 power stages rated for up to 105 amps, the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula has the premium power delivery that ROG is famous for.
Speaking of amps, the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula also gets the SupremeFX ALC4082 sound chip with an ESS ES9018Q2C DAC and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation for next-level gaming audio. Storage is ample as well, with three onboard M.2 slots and two more available via the bundled ROG Hyper M.2 card. The Formula doesn’t skimp on connectivity either, with onboard WiFi 6E, 10 Gb Ethernet, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 front-panel connector, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports on the rear I/O panel, and of course full support for PCIe 5.0 video cards and DDR5 memory modules. And in true ROG fashion, DIY builders get PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, a pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack button, Clr CMOS button and FlexKey.
ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi
For those who enjoy particularly compact PCs, the ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi delivers premium specs in a scaled-down ITX form factor. For example, it features DDR5 memory support and 10+1 power stages, ProCool II power connectors, high-end alloy chokes and rugged capacitors that users of larger ROG motherboards have come to know and appreciate. And performance tuning gets a boost from the bundled AI Overclocking and AI Cooling software. The ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi also features a clever triple-decker heatsink that integrates two M.2 slots with Q-Latch and two M.2 backplates.
There’s also plenty of high-end connectivity to go around, with WiFi 6E, Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, and two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports that can drive two external 4K displays and many other compatible accessories. Users also get HDMI 2.1 and five USB 3.2 Type-A ports built in, and ASUS has engineered a ROG Strix Front Panel SATA Card that adds four SATA ports, front-panel headers, a speaker header, and one addressable RGB Gen 2 header that can connect to the rest of a user’s Aura Sync setup, in addition to the RGB and ARGB headers already built into the motherboard.
Meanwhile, DIY builders should also be pleased by the M.2 Q-Latch with backplate, pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack button and Clr CMOS button.
Last but not least, high-fidelity audio is delivered by a Savitech SV3H712 DAC, DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III, plus Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation.