ASUS ROG Maximus VI Hero vs. Formula

jacklinderman

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Apr 7, 2014
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Hi! I have decided on getting a ROG motherboard. There are two that I am considering buying. The wi-fi on the Formula is nice since I can't run an ethernet cable to my PC, and so is the armor (looks sweettttt). So which one should I get for gaming?
 
The Maximus VI Formula is an amazing board; have one in my main build. Doing a build next month for a user (college graduation present to self) who is starting out on air and then will move to water when he's gainfully employed :) His build is as follows:

Enthoo Primo (White)
Asus MAximus VI Formula
4770k
Twin Asus 780 Posiedons

He's going to do the WC upgrade himself which won't require any disassembly as MoBo and GPus already have WB installed and CPU block can be installed without removing from MoBo.


As for the Hero, it's a fine board but, it's a fine $150-$170 board and is way overpriced at $200...... if that's on the table, I'd move up to the GD65. The MSI either matches or improves upon the Hero in, features, component quality and performance for $52 less.

$200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131989
$148 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130692

MSI has been using components that meet or exceed MIL-STD-810G for some time as part of its Military Class build philosophy. Parts such as Super Ferrite Chokes that run at up to 35 degree Celsius lower temperatures, have a 30% higher current handling capacity, and a 20% improvement in power efficiency; Tantalum filled Hi-C Caps that are are up to 93% efficient; and "Dark Capacitors" that feature Lower ESR and a ten-year lifespan all tied into a PCB with improved temperature and humidity protections as part of the "Military Essentials" package......In the end MSI's Z87-GD65 is a board that comes with an expansive feature set that includes all your basics and the extras that set them apart such as the V-Check points, upper end audio, Dual BIOS ROMs, KIller Network package, Military Class IV package, and a three-year warranty. Couple that with good looks that carry the dragon theme through the board, and you have a winning combination at $189.

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/msi_z87_gd65_gaming_review/15

Now and again a motherboard appears that is so obviously brilliant, and so affordable, that we wonder if anything will be able to top it. For a while that crown was held by the ASUS Sabertooth, both in X58 and then P67 variants. Then MSI stole the crown with the Z77 MPower. Looking at the Z87 GD65 Gaming we think it's going to take something extraordinary to top it, such is the perfect storm of price, performance, features and looks.

The switch to Military Class 4 has given us an extremely ready overclocker too. You're always thermally limited when overclocking and the i7-4770K is one of the most demanding around. Considering the amount of cooling we're using we think that although the GD65 is capable of bringing 5GHz from our i7-4770K you'd need a proper water loop to make the most of it.

Performance is outstanding. The stock results were a particular highlight. We know a lot of people still just like to put their CPU in and go, without overclocking it first. Despite how easy it is these days we know that the fear factor still exists. So you'll be glad to know that the MSI Z87 GD65 Gaming really rocks hard even at stock settings. Naturally the overclocking is blistering too, with some OC3D records broken.

MSI have laid the gauntlet down to all the other manufacturers. Gorgeous to look at, blistering performance and all at a very affordable price, the MSI Z87 GD65 Gaming is not only the new benchmark for Z87 motherboards, but probably for all motherboards.
 

i dont think i have time to read all that but damn! that has nothing to do with asus.
 
You mean as opposed to answer that says "get this" with no reasoning offered ?

The answer has everything to do with Asus.

1. It describes personal experience with the M6F
2. It details the options available with the M6F and related components with regard to upgrading from air to water cooling.
3. It shows why the Hero is an unwise choice, reasoning provided, given the features, performance and price of the competition.
 

mthmayer

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Jul 30, 2014
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The only difference between the hero and the formula is the shield and a few sata ports, I don't know what you're talking about. It has all the same components without the gimmick shield.

 
I'll agree with the "don't know" part.

If ya look at the OP..... a dilemma was presented between choosing between the Formula and the Hero.

So why would recounting actual experience with the Formula be an issue ? As for the Hero, look again at the specs and you will see more differences.

M7F supports higher memory speeds
M7F has 50% more fan connectors (good for builds like mine with 15 fans)
M7F has Thunderbolt header
M7F has 10 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
M7F has SATA Express
M7F has WiFI which the OP pointed out was a significant feature to him.

Some may matter to certain peeps, some won't.

If you are looking at the Formula, for whatever reasons, there is nothing quite like it anywhere else. Personally I live the rigidity of the metal back plate and the extra OC features.

OTOH, what I spent 95% of the post on was an alternatives to the Hero ..... the MSI GD65 which :

1. Is Better Reviewed
2. has Same Feature Set
3. Is $40 cheaper
4. Gives ya $30 back for ya 4790k / 4690k combo purchase at newegg for $70 total savings
5. Comparable Component quality

I'm not saying the Hero isn't a good board, i said the opposite.... it's just overpriced compared to the competition. $70 gets you a free hi end cooler or a good way towards a GFX card upgrade.

And .... Unlike the Hero, the GD65 is not afflicted by the BIOS Clock Freeze Bug as identified in RoG Forums (most recent posting is 1st on link page below) and newegg reviews.
http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?36676-Frozen-Time-Clock-in-UEFI-The-Fix/page33