The Gene’s CREATIVE X-Fi Audio
Normally, we see Realtek as the Codec of choice. But, much of the Gene’s magic comes from a very capable Creative X-Fi audio solution that offers much better input and output audio quality than any integrated solution I’ve heard to date. Music and movies were very crisp and clear running in every format my ROM player could support. (Yeah, we like to throw down some “slur” too!) It’s here that aftermarket audio cards separate themselves from integrated audio. This also excuse the fact that when the system is fully loaded with two cards, there is nowhere left to plug in an outboard audio solution.
The Creative X-Fi did a great job of improving my gaming experience. Whether the game supported EAX or not, the audio produced was as flawless as I’ve ever heard which makes gaming much more realistic. However, make sure you have some great quality head phones so you can really experience your video games. You might find yourself Googling for a new pair of head phones from Tritton Technologies or settling for some high end cans like the Ultrasone HFI-680s.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions
After a bit of searching, the current price of the Gene is around $245 USD. I can see that some of you are cringing at the thought of paying this much for what is the most expensive Micro-ATX of all time. But, this is not your typical mATX board nor does is it fall short on features or performance.
Comparable X58 motherboards have all been pushing the $300 to $350 limit and even higher in some cases. Considering the Gene offers dual graphics support, the latest X58 Chipset, supports the latest INTEL Core i7 Quad Core processors, and overclocks fiercely, that $245 price tag makes it an extremely compelling and tantilizing choice. Besides, you fan finally downsize your dual graphics system and not suffer a performance decrease. In fact, the opposite may happen.
The ASUS Rampage II Gene may be considered a small form factor. But, it performs just like a top end big boy. The Gene shows its true colors as it was put through many hours of burning in and 3D benchmarking. Frame rates were right on par with the more seemingly more aggressive full ATX scores experienced over the last several months.
Sorry, Futuremark, but we think gamers would much rather seen a copy of a good game title in the box rather than 3DMark 06 Advanced. After all, it is a Republic of Gamers motherboard and you can definitely expect it to serve some extreme gamers across the world for just that purpose more than benchmarking. Might we suggest a really good action packed title game that’s worthy of Quad core, CrossfireX, or SLI?
Ultimately, the ASUS ROG Rampage II Gene fulfills all three fundamentals for a performance board: Design, performance, and overclocking. When it appeared there was nothing left, it further surprised us with its overclocking magic. The Gene is indeed a powerful motherboard, easily securing itself as the fastest overclocking mATX board to date.
Pros
- Micro-ATX form factor
- Onboard Power, Reset, and Memory buttons
- Back CMOS Reset button
- CrossfireX/SLI graphics support
- Full count memory slots
- Aggressive well designed BIOS
- Creative X-Fi Audio quality
- Powerful overclocking
- Great price/performance ratio
Cons
- Price may be high for some
- Time to drop ATA support
Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10.0
Discuss This Review in the Futurelooks Community Forums