As we saw with the ASUS Maximus II Formula, the Republic of Gamer products offer some serious features and performance for demanding consumers, satisfying even the most hardened enthusiast. Sometimes, however, a full-sized ATX motherboard may be unsuitable, and a smallform motherboard may instead be required, often to save some money or perhaps used for a LAN case build. Along those lines, today we are looking at the Formula's little sibling, the Maximus III Gene, a micro-ATX motherboard that promises virtually the same features and performance but in a smaller package.

We were suitably impressed with the Formula, so let's test drive the Gene and see if ASUS can pull off another coup in its pursuit of top quality and performance in a micro-ATX motherboard. We have every intention of pushing this board like its bigger brother, so read on to find out just how far it'll go.

Thanks go to our friends at ASUS for supplying the review sample.

"ASUS, a technology-oriented company blessed with one of the world's top R&D teams, is well known for high-quality and innovative technology. As a leading company in the new digital era, ASUS offers a complete product portfolio to compete in the new millennium. The philosophy of ASUS product development is to do the fundamentals well first before moving forward. Started with computer components such as motherboards, graphic cards, and optical storage devices, ASUS now has now over 16 product lines, including desktop barebone systems, servers, notebooks, handhelds, network devices, broadband communications, LCD monitors, TVs, wireless applications, and CPT (chassis, power supply and thermal) products."