We are big fans of Asus here at eTeknix, and we don't shy away from the fact, and will shout it from the roof tops. Asus make top quality, solid built products that do what they are set out to do, but when we look at their ROG products, it's a completely different ball game, as they do what they are set out to do and more.

You have probably noticed that our test machines consist of a Crosshair V for AM3+, a Rampage III Extreme for X58, a Rampage IV for X79 and a Maximus IV Extreme-Z for Z68 and that's because they are some of the best boards around. Now if we focus on the Maximus IV Extreme-Z, you'll find it's one of, if not the most popular Z68 board on the planet and is aimed at all types of users, whether you want a basic overclock, an extreme overclock or if you are just a hardcore gamer, or even a mixture of these types of consumers.

Well, with technology becoming faster, things are also getting smaller and that's where Asus have given the Maximus IV Extreme-Z the Gene treatment by creating a small form factor version, much like they did with the Rampage III Gene and Maximus III Gene to name a couple.

From a first glance, it seems Asus have tried to condense the Maximus IV Extreme-Z down into a small form factor Micro ATX board, without leaving out the vital components and features that make it a ROG board leaving ample support for your vital components.

Though we now have a cut down sized version, does that mean performance will be cut down as well? There's only one way to find out, keep reading for more.