The ASUS Rampage III Extreme

Intel’s i7 (LGA 1366) platform has been around for quite some time and it has proved to be quite a performer. This is further strengthened by the longevity that the X58 platform has enjoyed. There have been many motherboards that support the X58 platform, but with technology rapidly evolving every single day, hardcore PC builders and users are on the lookout for the latest and fastest component out there.

With USB 3.0 and SATA6 slowly being adopted and used by PC users, the demand for them is slowly increasing. But with Intel stalling on USB 3.0, it’ll be some time before we see them in mainstream boards.

Asus has stepped up the ante and has brought in the Asus Rampage III Extreme, it is a high end motherboard that is packed with so many features that will make every gamer and overclocker  jump for joy and I mean that literally.

The Rampage III offers nothing but pure, unadulterated performance with specs that include support for 24GB DRR3 memory, support for dual, triple and quad card configurations. The good thing is that you can run both Crossfire as well as SLI support in the PCIe 8x mode.

If you want a rundown of the important specifications and features, take a look below.

CPU: Intel LGA1366 Processors

Chipset: Intel X58

Memory: 6 x 340 pin DDR3 supports upto 24GB

Expansion slots:

4 x PCIe 2.0 x16, support x16; x16/x16; x16/x8/x8 and x8/x8/x8/x8 configurations
1 x PCIe x4
1 x PCI 2.2

LAN: Gigabit Intel LAN

Audio:   
8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Supports 1 Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O

USB:   
NEC USB 3.0 controller
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (at back panel)
Intel ICH10R Southbridge
- 9 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

You can have a detailed look at the specifications here