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Verdict: The ASUS ROG Maximus VI Impact remains an unusually ambitious Mini-ITX motherboard, but it is a legacy platform rather than a sensible modern upgrade. Its Intel Z87 chipset, LGA1150 socket and DDR3 memory restrict it to period hardware. Its appeal is the compact design, vertical power circuitry, dedicated SupremeFX audio card and mPCIe Combo II wireless/storage card. For a used build, verify the exact CPU and BIOS support, case and cooler clearances, included daughterboards and antennas, and basic board functionality before paying.
What the Maximus VI Impact is
ASUS announced the ROG Maximus VI Impact on August 14, 2013 as a Mini-ITX gaming motherboard built around Intel’s Z87 chipset. The LGA1150 socket supports selected fourth-generation Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 processors, plus supported Pentium and Celeron models. The CPU must be checked against ASUS’s support list; socket compatibility alone does not guarantee that a particular processor will boot.
This is a 6.7 × 6.7-inch (17 × 17 cm) board. It is best understood as a high-end compact platform for someone restoring or extending an LGA1150 system, not as a contemporary alternative to a current motherboard. Modern CPUs and DDR4 or DDR5 memory are not drop-in replacements.
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Specifications at a glance
| Component | Maximus VI Impact specification | What it means for a build |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset and socket | Intel Z87; LGA1150 | Use a supported fourth-generation Intel processor and the required BIOS version. |
| Memory | Two dual-channel, non-ECC, unbuffered DDR3 DIMM slots; up to 16 GB | Buy matching DDR3 modules; capacity and overclocked speeds also depend on the CPU and memory kit. |
| Graphics expansion | One PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot | A single full-size graphics card can use the board’s only conventional expansion slot, subject to case clearance. |
| Storage | Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports; one eSATA port | There is ample legacy SATA connectivity for a small system, but no modern PCIe 4.0/5.0 platform features. |
| Wireless/storage daughterboard | mPCIe Combo II with dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0/3.0+HS and an M.2 socket 2 | The card can accept 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110 M.2 SSD cards over PCIe 2.0 x1 or SATA 6 Gb/s, depending on the device and configuration. |
| Rear I/O | DisplayPort, HDMI, Gigabit LAN, four USB 3.1 Gen 1, four USB 2.0, optical S/PDIF and three analog audio jacks | Video outputs are useful for a compatible integrated-graphics CPU; port availability still depends on the case’s I/O opening and the installed accessories. |
| Size | 6.7 × 6.7 inches (17 × 17 cm), Mini-ITX | The board follows the Mini-ITX footprint, but the vertical daughterboards and cooler can determine whether a specific chassis works. |
How ASUS fits so much onto a Mini-ITX board
Vertical power circuitry
ASUS’s “Impact Power” design places elements of its Extreme Engine Digi+ III power system vertically. The arrangement moves power-management and overclocking hardware off the main horizontal PCB, freeing surface area while adding height around the socket. ASUS says it performed extensive layout testing for Mini-ITX chassis and CPU-cooler compatibility; that is a manufacturer design claim, not proof that every cooler and case combination fits.
#1 Best Overall
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- We Do the Technical Checking for You: There is no need to compare memory speeds, voltages, form factors or other technical details, as the upgrade has been matched to the machine’s supported requirements.
- Extend the Life of Your Computer: Increasing the available memory can help your existing machine remain productive for longer, offering a cost-effective alternative to replacing the complete system.
- Quick and Straightforward Upgrade: Memory is normally simple to install and requires no software installation; shut down and disconnect the machine before fitting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Separate SupremeFX Impact audio card
Instead of consuming the PCIe x16 slot with an audio expansion card, the SupremeFX Impact module mounts to the motherboard. That leaves the full-length slot available for a graphics card, a major advantage in a small gaming system. ASUS advertises a 115 dB signal-to-noise ratio on its ROG product material and notes that Audio Precision results vary with the board, equipment and environment. Treat 115 dB as a vendor specification, not a guarantee for an individual used board.
mPCIe Combo II
The second add-on card supplies wireless networking and Bluetooth, and also carries the M.2 socket. Losing either daughterboard changes the board’s practical value: a listing that includes only the main PCB may require separate replacement hardware, antennas and mounting pieces.
Rank #2
- supports multiple types of CPUs and is equipped with advanced chipsets. It has fast data processing speed and can easily handle multitasking and complex calculations, providing a stable performance core for your computer.
- equipped with a variety of interfaces, including multiple USB interfaces, high-speed SATA interfaces, and high-performance network card interfaces, which can easily connect various external devices and achieve efficient data transfer.
- Supporting high-speed memory, the dual channel design further improves memory read and write speed, making the system more responsive and capable of running large games and professional software with ease.
- The motherboard adopts high-quality electronic components and advanced manufacturing processes, with excellent heat dissipation performance, effectively reducing motherboard temperature, ensuring long-term stable operation, and extending service life. Supports multiple operating systems, whether it is Windows series or Linux system, it can be perfectly compatible to meet the usage habits and needs of different users.
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What the historical testing actually shows
AnandTech’s Ian Cutress reviewed the board on November 22, 2013. In that review’s stated RightMark Audio Analyzer procedure, the SupremeFX daughterboard produced a measured 108.9 dB dynamic range. That is an independent result from one test setup and date. It is not interchangeable with ASUS’s separately advertised 115 dB SNR figure, which describes a different measurement and is subject to variation.
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Rank #3
- Ready for Advanced AI PCs: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications
- Intel LGA 1851 Socket: Ready for Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2)
- Exclusive AI Technologies: ASUS AI Advisor, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and AI Networking II to simplify setup and improve performance
- Advanced Overclocking & Memory Technologies: NPU Boost, DIMM Fit, DIMM Flex and AEMP III
- Robust Power Solution: 22(110A)+1(90A)+2(90A)+2(80A) power stages with ProCool II power connectors, MicroFine alloy chokes and premium metallic capacitors
Will it fit your Mini-ITX case?
The board itself uses the standard 17 × 17 cm Mini-ITX footprint, but the complete assembly is not defined by that square alone. A contemporary reader asked whether it would fit an FT03-mini; that question cannot be answered for every build from the case name alone. Check the exact case manual and the installed parts.
Verify the case
- Confirm the chassis accepts a 17 × 17 cm Mini-ITX board and provides the correct standoff pattern.
- Measure the space above and beside the CPU socket for ASUS’s vertical power hardware and the chosen cooler.
- Check graphics-card length, height, thickness and power-cable clearance around the single PCIe x16 slot.
- Confirm the case supports the board’s rear I/O shield and has room for the Wi-Fi antenna connectors.
- Account for drive cages, radiator mounts and side-panel clearance; these can conflict with a tall cooler or graphics card even when the motherboard footprint fits.
Verify the cooler
Use the cooler manufacturer’s stated height, socket support and orientation requirements. Do not infer compatibility from another Mini-ITX board: the Impact’s vertical daughterboard and socket-area components can occupy space that a flat board leaves open. A low-profile cooler may be necessary in a slim chassis, while a tower cooler may work in a larger enclosure only if its height and overhang are documented.
Rank #4
- Boost Your System’s Performance: Increase available memory for smoother multitasking, improved responsiveness and better performance when running memory-intensive applications.
- Matched Specifically to Your Machine: OFFTEK selects the correct memory configuration for the computer shown in this listing, removing the uncertainty from choosing a compatible upgrade.
- We Do the Technical Checking for You: There is no need to compare memory speeds, voltages, form factors or other technical details, as the upgrade has been matched to the machine’s supported requirements.
- Extend the Life of Your Computer: Increasing the available memory can help your existing machine remain productive for longer, offering a cost-effective alternative to replacing the complete system.
- Quick and Straightforward Upgrade: Memory is normally simple to install and requires no software installation; shut down and disconnect the machine before fitting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Used-market and restoration checklist
- Identify the exact board. Confirm it is the Maximus VI Impact, not another Maximus VI model, and request clear photographs of the socket, DIMM slots, daughterboard connectors and rear I/O.
- Check processor support. Match the intended CPU to ASUS’s support list and establish whether the installed BIOS supports it. Have a compatible older CPU available if a BIOS update is required.
- Inventory the accessories. Look for the SupremeFX Impact card, mPCIe Combo II card, Wi-Fi antennas, I/O shield, SATA cables and mounting hardware. ASUS’s July 15, 2013 English manual is useful for identifying connectors and installation positions.
- Inspect for physical damage. Examine the LGA1150 socket pins, DIMM slots, PCIe slot, SATA connectors, daughterboard headers and PCB for bent pins, cracks, corrosion or missing components.
- Test before committing to a case. Confirm POST, both memory slots, the PCIe x16 slot, every SATA port, rear USB, network, audio output, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Test with known-good DDR3 and a compatible power supply.
- Plan the operating system and drivers. This is a Windows-era platform with older chipset, network and wireless support. Verify that drivers exist for the operating system you intend to run before buying specialized peripherals.
Who should buy it?
Good reasons
- You already own an LGA1150 processor, DDR3 memory and a compatible Mini-ITX case.
- You want a period-correct compact gaming or enthusiast build with a dedicated audio module and one graphics card.
- You are restoring a system and can verify the board’s condition and accessory set.
Reasons to choose a newer platform instead
- You need current CPU performance, DDR4 or DDR5 memory, modern PCIe bandwidth or long-term firmware support.
- You would have to source the processor, memory, daughterboards and antennas separately; the total restoration cost and risk can outweigh the board’s novelty.
- Your case or cooler has uncertain clearance around the vertical modules.
A modern Mini-ITX motherboard is not a direct substitute: socket, memory generation and expansion requirements differ. Compare the complete platform rather than treating the Impact as a current equivalent.
Bottom line
The Maximus VI Impact was an inventive premium Mini-ITX design for its 2013 Z87 generation. Its strongest features are the space-saving vertical power layout, daughterboard-based SupremeFX audio, and combined wireless/M.2 expansion that preserves the PCIe x16 graphics slot. Today, its value depends on a specific legacy project. Buy only after confirming CPU and BIOS support, complete accessories, cooler and case clearances, and successful testing of the board’s core functions.
Quick Recap
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