An Overclocker's Friends

Of course, you're probably wondering what other device I was talking about on the last page. That would be this device, an add-on fan controller specifically made for use with ASUS motherboards. The ASUS MAXIMUS VIII EXTREME isn't the only motherboard with this accessory that connects to the motherboard via the provided cable and a matching motherboard connector. There are three fan ports, each with a pin header for you to connect the thermal diodes to. There is also a fourth header, labeled as a "FAN_IN" port (its purpose is to act as a "signal control header" on other motherboards). Power is provided to these fans via a MOLEX connector, which some PSUs these days do not even have. I might have been happier with a standard SATA power plug there instead.


There is another way to add in even more fans should you need to by using the provided ASUS OC Panel, which is an updated version of the same OC Panel we've had access to for a few generations now.


The functions are basically the same in this new version, and most of those are controlled via on-board buttons. Slip off the bottom cover, however, and the real mastery behind this device is revealed, with its added fan headers, GPU HotWire headers, and other useful overclocking bits all within reach. Although some of the functionality here is provided directly on the board itself as well, you definitely don't want your fingers to be poking around the board to press any buttons once you freeze it, and that's where the OC Panel shows its true potential since it provides external access to on-board functionality.


You can also use the OC Panel as a display device if the board is for your gaming rig by simply flipping up the display and sliding it into the provided 5.25-bay holder, using the provided screws.