Cpu:
Intel Socket 1156 Core i7/Core i5 processor
Chipset:
Intel P55 Express chipset
Memory:
4x DIMM max 16gb DDR3 2133/2000/1600/1333/1066
Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
Expansion Slots:
2x PCIe 2.0 x16 (support single at x16 or dual x8/x8 mode)
1x PCIe x4
1x PCI 2.2
Overclocking Features:
CPU Power Design
- 8-phase CPU power
- 2-phase VTT power
- 2-phase Memory power
ROG Connect
CPU Level Up
iROG
Extreme Tweaker
Loadline Calibration
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- ASUS TurboV EVO
- O.C. Profile
Overclocking Protection:
- COP EX (Component Overheat Protection - EX)
- Voltiminder LED
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Back panel I/O Ports:
1 x External SATA
1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical)
1 x IEEE 1394a
1 x LAN(RJ45) port
9 x USB 2.0/1.1
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
1 x Clr CMOS switch
1 x ROG Connect On/Off switch
8-channel Audio I/O with gold-plated jack
Internal I/O Connectors:
3 x USB connectors supports additional 5 USB 2.0 ports (1 port reserved for ROG Connect at rear)
1 x IEEE 1394a connector
7 x SATA connectors (one is from JMicron® 363 (black))
1 x Go Button
System panel connector
Support DVD:
- Drivers and applications
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
Form Factor:
uATX Form Factor
9.6 inch x 9.6 inch ( 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm )

As you can see the Maximus III Gene looks to be a formidably specified board.

The P55 is a new chipset from intel so should offer great performance from its i5 and i7 chips.

Being a specifically 'enthusiast' level motherboard it has very powerful features ranging from its multi GPU compatibility and high quality components, all the way up to its raw overclocking potential provided by a full suite of tweaking tools!!!

I'm itching to try it out so let's take a look at the board itself...