ASUS Rampage II Gene micro-ATX motherboard review @ Elite Bastards

[news 28]

 

Hi everyone,

 

Micro-ATX system builders have often been left somewhat out in the cold when it comes to getting hold of enthusiast-level motherboards that will fit this form factor, but as of Intel's Core i7 launch this is no longer the case, with a couple of manufacturers offering up micro-ATX parts based around the high-end X58 chipset. One of those manufacturers is ASUS, who have brought both Core i7 support and their Republic of Gamers brand to this smaller form factor courtesy of the Rampage II Gene. Can it prove that size doesn't matter?

 

 

ASUS Rampage II Gene micro-ATX motherboard review

 

"As we've already mentioned, the biggest selling point of the Rampage II Gene is its diminutive size, and we can see ASUS' micro-ATX design at work above to make for a truly small X58-based part. Things are always going to get a little cramped in such a small amount of real estate, but ASUS have done a pretty good job here of keeping the design clean and simple, although a dual-slot graphics board will potentially see you lose the ability to use the board's PCI Express 1x slot which is a bit of a shame.

 

The Rampage II Gene still manages to pack plenty of functionality onto its backplate as well, with a PS/2 keyboard connector (no PS/2 mouse, as per most Republic of Gamers motherboards), six USB 2.0 ports, a CMOS reset switch, single FireWire and eSATA ports, a single Gigabit network adapter and the usual set of six analogue audio inputs and outputs coupled with an optical output for digital audio. Unless you're desperate for two Gigabit network adapters in your system there's certainly no cause for complaint here."

 

http://www.elitebastards.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=708&Itemid=27

 

 

As always, a news post on your site would be hugely appreciated, and we guarantee to reciprocate by posting any news items received from yourselves. Many thanks!

 

Regards,

Hanners

Elite Bastards

 

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