ASUS Crossblade Ranger (FM2+) Motherboard Review

Audio Performance

RightMark Audio Analyser (RMAA)

RMAA suite is designed for testing quality of analog and digital paths of any audio device. The results are obtained by playing and recording test signals passed through the tested audio path by means of frequency analysis algorithms. A more common mark is also provided for those unfamiliar with measured technical parameters. Available here. We run the RMAA test using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable connecting the line out to the line in to test the quality of the motherboard audio codec not any external audio devices. We run the complete playback and recording test at default settings and then get RMAA to interpret the results giving the below outputs. We sync the playback and recording audio devices to the same setting as the test for accurate results.

16 Bit, 48KHz (DVD Quality)

16 Bit, 96KHz (Studio Quality)

16 Bit, 192 KHz (Studio Quality)

The ASUS SupremeFX 2014 audio package is a great performer in Rightmark tests. While being a synthetic performer is good, the fact that the Crossblade Ranger also has all of the previously mentioned audio features makes this result all the better.

DPC Latency Analyser

Thesycon’s DPC Latency Checker is a Windows tool that analyses the capabilities of a computer system to handle real-time data streams properly. It may help to find the cause for interruptions in real-time audio and video streams, also known as drop-outs. Available here.

Some of the newest Z97 motherboards can boast a DPC latency as low as 50 us, the Crossblade Ranger manages around 200 which is still a respectable result. Anything under 500~ will give you silky smooth audio and visual playback.