MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT

Most powerful Z170 mini-ITX board with full-scale power, discrete audio and better upgradability

LGA1151 socket for 6th-gen Intel® Core™ desktop processors.
Dual DDR4 4133(OC) support.
Best gaming performance– Impact Power III, 5-Way Optimization with Auto-Tuning, Pro Clock, second-generation T-Topology
Best gaming audio– champion-level SupremeFX Impact III audio card with intuitive Sonic Studio II.
Best gaming networking– Best-in-class Intel® Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard and GameFirst technologies.
Best gaming connectivity—2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO , NVMe U.2 and USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C for extreme-speed transfers and total compatibility.
Best gaming protection– Carefully-selected premium components for maximum durability.
ROG gives you more – More gaming-focused utilities, all free!

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SUPERIOR SPECS

Greater quality, greater durability

BEST GAMING PROTECTION

More bonuses, more saved bucks

ROG GIVES YOU MORE

1Intel® LGA1151
2EXT FAN Header
3Impact Control III
Start
Reset
Clear CMOS
USB BIOS Flashback^TM
44 x USB 3.0
5Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
with MU-MIMO
6U.2
7SupremeFX Impact III
ESS ES9023P DAC
2V_RMS Headphone Output
Sonic SenseAMP
NEC De-pop Relay
8Intel® I219-V
GameFirst
LANGuard

91 x USB 3.1 Type-A
1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
Powered by Intel USB 3.1 controller
10PRO CLOCK
11Impact Power III
MicroFine Alloy Chokes
PowIRStage® MOSFETs
10K black metallic capacitors
12DDR4 4133+ MHz(OC)
2 DIMM Dual Channel,
XMP Support
13System Panel
142 x USB 3.0 ports
154 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
16Intel® Z170 Chipset
171 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (CPU)

For almost a decade, Republic of Gamers (ROG) has delivered exemplary design and performance to thrill the world's best gamers and PC enthusiasts. But our work has only just begun. With our pimped, pumped and packed Maximus VIII Z170-series motherboards, competitors be warned, gamers get set and enthusiasts prepare to push your limits — ROG is ready to accept all challenges!

Designed and tested for the best compatibility

Case and CPU-cooler compatibility is vital to mini-ITX gamers and enthusiasts, so ROG engineers performed hundreds of tests and modifications to perfect Maximus VIII Impact's layout to ensure maximum compatibility with both mini-ITX case designs and CPU coolers — giving you big confidence to build small!

ZERO HEIGHT ON BACKPLATE AREA

ROG engineers carefully designed Maximus VIII Impact's layout
to keep the CPU's blackplate area clear for maximum support.

BEST GAMING AUDIO

You'd never win with your eyes closed, so open your ears up to the best audio for the battlefield! ROG's awesome audio expertise is the result of extensive R&D, and SupremeFX is the crystal-clear result — onboard sound as superior as your gaming rep!

Champion-level audio SupremeFX Impact III

Maximus VIII Impact's onboard audio isn't just good — it's as good as you can get in mini-ITX! You benefit from the best gaming-audio inputs and outputs, with color-coded LEDs to guide to the right audio jacks and a collection of carefully-selected professional-grade audio components, including an ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with Hyperstream™ technology, ultra-low-jitter clock, Nichicon capacitors, 2V_RMS headphone amp, and Sonic SenseAmp that automatically detects and optimizes any headset (32-600ohms) for purest sound quality. SupremeFX Impact III also features intuitive Sonic Studio II, so you'll apply and enjoy different audio effects for perfect entertainment — plus Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology for team conversations with total clarity!

ULTRA-DURABLE GOLD-PLATED AUDIO CONNECTORS

Red/ green/ blue LED color-coded 3.5mm jacks clearly identified in the dark.
SUPERMEFX AUDIO PROCESSOR

Ten DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs, and an EMI cover for purer audio quality.
ESS® ES9023P DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC)

Creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of -94dB THD.
HIGH-PRECISION CLOCK SOURCE

High-accuracy timing technology ensures ultra-low jitter by preventing fluctuating temperatures.
NICHICON CAPACITORS

Deliver the highest-quality sound resolution and expansion for especially warm and natural audio.
2 V_RMS HEADPHONE AMP

Provides the perfect current and voltage for true-to-life tonality and spacious sound imaging.
SONIC SENSEAMP

Automatically detects and optimizes outputs for different headphone impedance (32-600 ohms).
DE-POP RELAY

Dedicated relay eliminates the popping sound when the system is powered on or off, or devices are attached or removed.

A. ULTRA-DURABLE GOLD-PLATED AUDIO CONNECTORS

Distortion-free for enhanced audio-signal input and output.
B. SUPERMEFX AUDIO PROCESSOR

Ten DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs, and an EMI cover for purer audio quality.
C. ESS® ESS9023P DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC)

Creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of -94dB THD.
D. HIGH-PRECISION CLOCK SOURCE

High-accuracy timing technology ensures ultra-low jitter by preventing fluctuating temperatures.
E. NICHICON CAPACITORS

Deliver the highest-quality sound resolution and expansion for especially warm and natural audio.
F. 2 V_RMS HEADPHONE AMP

Provides the perfect current and voltage for true-to-life tonality and spacious sound imaging.
G. SONIC SENSE AMP

Automatically detects and optimizes headphone impedance (32-600 ohms)
H. DE-POP RELAY

Dedicated relay eliminates the popping sound when the system is powered on or off, or devices are attached or removed.

INTUITIVE AUDIO-TUNING SUITE Sonic Studio II

Casting Enhancer

Casting Enhancer improves both streaming and recording audio quality, reducing noise artifacts and stabilizing overall voice volume. It also improves all the rich details and boost bass effect of in-game sounds and music playback.

Perfect Voice

Perfect Voice reduces noise during in-game chat so every teammate is heard, and no command is missed.

Sonic Studio

One-click virtual-surround function emulates 7.1 channels, even through a stereo (2.0-channel) headset. It offers five more superb audio controls, including Reverb, Bass Boost, Equalizer, Voice Clarity and Smart EQ — ensuring that everything you hear sounds just amazing.

BEST GAMING PERFORMANCE

Greater performance means smoother gameplay — and that means more chance to win. With the best overclocking (OC) design, UEFI BIOS and intuitive OC gadget and utility, you'll enjoy unmatched performance — coupled with an exclusive cooling design ensures your system never breaks a sweat.

The finest
compact power
with a vertical design

IMPACT POWER III

Maximus VIII Impact's completely-digital power architecture is engineered with premium components to provide precise power management and stable overclocking on mini-ITX. Dynamic speed adjustments and intricate manual controls let you the push the processor and memory further than ever — and that means the highest stability and precision!

One click overclock and cooling, done!

GET PERFORMANCE, EFFICIENCY, DIGITAL POWER, FAN CONTROL AND EVEN NETWORKING AND AUDIO TUNING TAILORED FOR YOU — AND THE WAY YOU PLAY!

You don't need to be an expert to max out gaming performance on your Maximus VIII Impact build's gaming performance — because 5-Way Optimization sorts all the complex settings with a click, for instant, highly-controllable performance boosts! Our exclusive technology dynamically optimizes essential aspects of your system based on real-time use, so you get superb CPU performance, everyday energy savings, ultra-stable digital power, cool and quiet fans and even networking and audio settings that are tailored for the apps that you are using. In short, 5-Way Optimization ensures that your PC is perfect for gaming, entertainment, productivity or just about anything else!

Games run swiftly and smoothly with high performance, prioritized bandwidth and vivid sound.
Fans stay whisper-quiet for everyday computing, and ensure extreme cooling efficiency when gaming.
Stutter is eliminated for smooth-running apps,
even under heavy loading.
Energy waste is reduced so you'll save money.

Games run swiftly and smoothly with high performance, prioritized bandwidth and vivid sound.
Fans stay whisper-quiet for everyday computing, and ensure extreme cooling efficiency when gaming.
Stutter is eliminated for smooth-running apps,
even under heavy loading.
Energy waste is reduced so you'll save money.

CPU performance boost
All-round energy efficiency
Advanced fan controls
Precise Digital Power Control
Game faster, rank higher

Instant CPU performance boost

TPU

Crank up your PC's gaming grunt instantly with the ASUS AI Suite 3 utility! The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring for the CPU and the graphics card, enabling great freedom to adjust CPU frequencies and ratios for optimized performance and to exploit the potential out of your graphics card*. *Please see the graphics card QVL

*Please see the graphics card QVL

All-round energy efficiency

Cut off add-on IC power

EPU

With the Energy Processing Unit (EPU) you'll enjoy real-time, system-wide power savings — for gaming kicks that won't cost the earth! EPU automatically detects and adjusts power consumption according to your rig's needs, so you save money without compromising the thrills. EPU will also reduce CPU wattage to a set level and deliver even more savings with Away Mode, creating an extreme energy-saving scenario that shuts down unused extra I/O controllers and reduces the graphics cards' power level. So, full power for your gameplay — and then total energy efficiency when you step away!

Cooler by design

Fan Xpert 3

Play quieter and cooler with advanced fan controls for the ultimate in undisturbed gaming. With onboard thermal sensors and hardware-level 4-pin/3-pin PWM/DC mode detection, Fan Xpert 3 makes sure every fan achieves the best balance of high cooling performance and low noise, so you enjoy all the performance you demand with none of the racket!

Auto-Tuning Mode: Scans fan parameters, and all fans with a single click
Extreme Quite Mode: Reduces CPU fan speed to below the default minimum, for extra-quiet operation and power savings during light loads.
RPM Fixed Mode: Lowers noise levels to near-0dB silence, allowing to you fix the fan speed.

Precise Digital Power Control

DIGI+ Power Control

To go faster than fast you need ultra-accurate power control — so Maximus VIII Impact is kitted out with ASUS Digi+ Power Control for maxed-out overclocking potential, enhanced system stability and superb power efficiency. Digi+ Power Control is the industry's leading digital power controller and it's fully compliant with Intel's IMVP8 specifications, for smoother, safer power.

Accelerate your favorite apps and games with automated ease

ASUS-exclusive Turbo App's intuitive tuning panel boosts multiple hardware components to maximize gaming exhilaration, overclocking your CPU, tuning your fans, prioritizing network data and optimizing audio settings — all with automated ease. And now Turbo App is even more powerful than before, giving you the ability to connect to profiles previously set in Sonic Studio II and KeyBot II, so setup couldn't be simpler!

Instant CPU performance boost

TPU

*Please see the graphics card QVL

All-round energy efficiency

Cut off add-on IC power

EPU

Cooler by design

Fan Xpert 3

Auto-Tuning Mode: Scans fan parameters, and all fans with a single click.
Extreme Quite Mode: Reduces CPU fan speed to below the default minimum, for extra-quiet operation and power savings during light loads.
RPM Fixed Mode: Lowers noise levels to near-0dB silence, allowing to you fix the fan speed.

Precise Digital Power Control

DIGI+ Power Control

To go faster than fast you need ultra-accurate power control — so Maximus VIII Impact motherboards are kitted out with ASUS Digi+ Power Control for maxed-out overclocking potential, enhanced system stability and superb power efficiency. Digi+ Power Control is the industry's leading digital power controller and it's fully compliant with Intel's IMVP8 specifications, for smoother, safer power.

Accelerate your favorite apps and games with automated ease

asus PRO CLOCK TECHNOLOGY

OC DESIGN

Thought you'd taken overclocking as far as it could go? Meet ASUS Pro Clock, a dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator designed for 6th-generation Intel® processors that ramps BCLK frequencies up to 400MHz or even beyond*. This custom solution works in tandem with the ASUS TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control — providing an exciting new way to boost performance to extremes!

Reduced boot times
Lower jitter under extreme conditions for higher overclocks
Increased stability under heavy overclocking

* BCLK-overclocking range varies according to CPU capabilities, cooling, motherboard support and tuning options.
Ranges up to 650MHz are possible under select conditions.

DDR4 OVERCLOCKING
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Now you can drive DDR4 memory over 4133 (OC) at one DIMM per channel — and
that means the best-ever gaming performance from your Maximus VIII Impact!
Exceptional engineering has created optimized trace layouts,
providing superb memory-overclocking capabilities on mini-ITX.

Media-acclaimed UEFI BIOS

The smoothest, slickest mouse-controlled graphical BIOS has been improved to make it even more gorgeous. Whether you're a PC novice or a seasoned overclocker, the EZ and Advanced Modes help you find your way, quickly and easily.

EZ Flash 3

Flash the latest BIOS via the internet, and from within the BIOS.

SMART

Check up your storages devices' Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) logs to gauge reliability, and even determine if they're about to fail.

EZ Tuning Wizard– OC and RAID

Select your hardware and apply different scenarios to tune system performance, or streamline your RAID configuration for faster data retrieval and backups!

My Favorites

Quickly find tuning options and add preferred tools to the list.

EZ mode

Intuitive graphical fan control

Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse
EZ XMP

Improve your DRAM performance with a click
SATA Information

View SATA port details for easy device recognition
Fast Clock Adjustment

Use mouse controls to change the time and date

Advanced Mode

GPU POST

Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information
Secure Erase

Restore your SSDs to factory-fresh condition
Last Modified Log

Track last change and save preferred profiles onto a USB drive.
SATA Port Renaming

Rename SATA ports for easy identification

USB UEFI BIOS Flashback^TM

Refresh your BIOS in a flash, even when the system is off

SPEED YOUR GAME LOADS

RAMCache

ROG's uniquely-intelligent technology effectively caches an entire storage device so that favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds, getting to work the moment it's activated. RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times to stratospheric levels, and minimizes risk of data loss!

BEST GAMING CONNECTIVITY

Maximus VIII Impact accelerates every connection, with the fastest 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi, the latest USB 3.1 Type-C and the newest U.2 socket for lightning-speed NVM Express devices — kicking every game into top gear!

2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO

Maximus VIII Impact has next-level 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 dual-band 2.4/5GHz antennas for up to 867Mbit/s* transfer speeds — and the very latest Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology to ensure that every connected user** experiences the best wireless and online speeds!

* Actual speed varies, and Wi-Fi hotspot feature operates at 802.11a/b/g/n. Windows 10 does not currentlysupport Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.

** Requires MU-MIMO-ready client.

Join the NVMe revolution with built-in U.2 connector

Unlock the full potential of your storage with NVM Express (NVMe), the revolutionary specification that lets your SSDs scream at top speed. Just attach your drive to the built-in U.2 connector with plug-and-play ease to experience data-transfer speeds of up to 32Gbit/s — and free up a PCIe slot for another expansion card!

Ultimate USB 3.1 speed with Type-C on board

ASUS Maximus VIII Impact is engineered with the latest Intel® USB 3.1 controller for 16Gbit/s total USB 3.1 bandwidth! With both USB 3.1 Type-A and reversible USB 3.1 Type-C ports for compatibility and convenience, you'll experience data-transfer speeds of up to 10Gbit/s — or twice as fast USB 3.0. USB 3.1 is completely backward-compatible with your existing USB devices, and you'll be all set for USB 3.1's breakneck speeds. And ASUS-exclusive USB 3.1 Boost technology automatically accelerates USB 3.1 performance even further!

BEST GAMING NETWORKING

Lag means lost frags, so Maximus VIII Impact motherboards deliver the sucker punch of superior hardware and software — letting you focus on the game, while your ROG rig lands lag a knock-out blow!

MORE THROUGHPUT AND LESS PROCESSING EQUALS FASTER ONLINE PLAY

INTEL ETHERNET

ROG features the very latest Intel® Ethernet (I219-V) for faster, smoother gaming — always. Intel's LAN has the serious double advantage of reducing CPU overhead and offering exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput, so there's more power for your game and your gameplay.

PUMPED-UP THROUGHPUT
BEST SURGE PROTECTION

LANGUARD

LANGuard means safer, more reliable connections for your battles! Advanced signal-coupling technology and premium surface-mounting processes join forces to protect your Maximus VIII Impact motherboard's connection and deliver pumped-up throughput, plus electrostatically-guarded and surge-protected components (ESD Guards) for 1.9X-greater tolerance to static electricity and 2.5X-greater protection (up to 15KV) against surges!

TEAM UP TO BANISH LAG

GAMEFIRST IV ^BETA

GameFirst IV Beta optimizes network traffic for faster, lag-free online gaming — and now we've added Multi-Gate Teaming to team all your networks for maximum bandwidth and the smoothest-ever gameplay. You'll also enjoy all-new Intelligent mode, which automatically compiles a database by parsing new app data to ensure that every game is optimized for the best performance.

Multi-Gate Teaming

Team all your network gateways for maximum bandwidth and assign connections to every application for the smoothest-ever gameplay.

BEST GAMING PROTECTION

As a gamer you demand stability and durability, so ROG integrates long-lasting, premium components, plus exclusive smart DIY designs across the board — ensuring the best gaming experiences.

CPU installation tool

1 layer

protection from socket-pin damage

Backplate

1 backplate

provides additional cooling, protection and reinforcement

Q-Slot

1 clip

to swap or secure your graphics card

Q-DIMM

1 sided

clips for super-simple, super-secure handling of memory modules

DRAM Over-current Protection

1 additional

resettable fuse protects connection ports and DRAM against overcurrent and short-circuit damage

TrueVolt USB

2 dedicated

USB power supplies rock-steady 5V to all USB ports, minimizing power fluctuations for minimal data loss

ESD Guards

2x greater

electrostatic protection than standard. ESD Guards cover the PS2, USB, audio and LAN ports.

Q-Shield

3 layer

protection from nicks and cuts

Stainless Steel Back I/O

3x longer

lifespan than ordinary panels

ROG GIVES
YOU MORE

STAY IN THE GAME

OVERWOLF

The clever unobtrusive overlay that keeps you in the game, so you can browse, email, IM, stream or record while you play, and all dressed up in color-matched ROG skins to show you're part of an elite pack — quickly to be available downloaded fromon Overwolf's app store!

THE FREE KEYBOARD UPGRADE – UPGRADED!

KEYBOT II

Free keyboard upgrade from an exclusive microprocessor and intuitive user interface. Record macros directly from the keyboard, switch profiles in moments, enable special functions with hotkey from F1-F10, start and even boost your PC from shutdown (S5 mode)!

What's in the box!

FAN Extension Card

3 additional

fan headers for greater cooling upgradability

ROG fan stickers

3 badges

of honor for your fans

SATA cable

4 cables

for greater storage

ROG cable stickers

12 labels

for your cables

And.. More!

AI Suite 3

One-stop control panel

ROG theme CPU-Z

Shows your important system information with pride

Mem TweakIt

Dynamic timing monitoring, DRAM efficiency gauge

RAMDisk

Boost your favorite applications up to 20X faster than SSD with the junction function.

Sonic Radar II

A stealthy overlay that maps battlefield sounds so you can locate opponents and teammates at a glance.

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus (1 year)

The best protection from viruses and spyware

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard (1 year)

The leading tool for optical and virtual discs

PC Cleaner

Accelerate your PC by eliminating clogs with simple click

100% SteamOS support

Play your favorite Steam games now and forever.

Radar on the latest gaming innovations

OG's sights are locked on future revolutions and relationships

AI Suite 3

One-stop control panel

ROG theme CPU-Z

Shows your important system information with pride

Mem TweakIt

Dynamic timing monitoring, DRAM efficiency gauge

RAMDisk

Boost your favorite applications up to 20X faster than SSD with the junction function.

Sonic Radar II

A stealthy overlay that maps battlefield sounds so you can locate opponents and teammates at a glance.

Kaspersky® Anti-Virus (1 year)

The best protection from viruses and spyware

DAEMON Tools Pro Standard (1 year)

The leading tool for optical and virtual discs

PC Cleaner

Accelerate your PC by eliminating clogs with simple click

100% SteamOS support

Play your favorite Steam games now and forever.

Radar on the latest gaming innovations

OG's sights are locked on future revolutions and relationships

THE POWER OF INTEL

Intel® Z170 Chipset

Intel® Z170 is a single-chipset design that supports 6th-generation Intel® LGA1151 Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally, Z170 provides a maximum of ten USB 3.0 ports, six SATA 6Gbit/s ports, 32Gbit/s M.2 and PCIe 3.0 lane speed support for faster data retrieval. Intel® Z170 also supports integrated-graphics (iGPU) functions, so you'll enjoy the very latest Intel integrated graphics performance.

Ready for 6th-generation Intel® LGA1151 Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors

This motherboard supports 6th-generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors in the LGA1151 package, with graphics, memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support onboard graphics output with dedicated chipsets, two-channel (2-DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes for great graphics performance.