TheOverclocker Issue 37 | Page 21

provide you with the highest possible performance for the Z170 platform, so the focus then shouldn’t be so much in how it lends itself to high FPS counters, but rather how the board houses all necessary connectivity and features to facilitate the best gaming experience on the PC. From the SupremeFX 2015 Audio which is again identical to that which we find on the Extreme, to the wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth 4.1 - the Formula has it covered. The Maximus VIII Formula presents itself as an ultrahigh end board, but manages to stay on the sane side of that $400 price point. Execution then is ultimately more important than any single tick box feature. The formula executes this correctly, but does face stiff competition from its own stable mate as the immediate SKU beneath it creates huge upward pressure. Despite all that, this is still a worthy purchase and if you look around at the competition. There aren’t many overtly better choices than the Maximus VIII Formula at this price. Where some may have more M.2 slots (which again is a missed opportunity here), they have nothing on the Formula in the aesthetics, cooling and of course overclocking pedigree. This is a board that admittedly you’ll either swoon over or ignore completely, it is polarizing in what it attempts to do and its looks. If you do happen to be partial to it. You’ll not find any other board on the market (regardless of platform as well) that will bring about this level of aesthetic appeal and performance at this price. As all thin w27F