Just before the end of each current graphics generation, ASUS puts the cherry on top of it and demonstrates its sheer technological power by presenting a limited-edition card to take the throne of the world’s fastest. This sort of statement may seem too pompous at first, but a look back at cards such as ARES and MARS says enough.
The company doesn’t wish to favour either graphics manufacturer, so limited editions are split into separate NVIDIA and AMD lines. ARES models are based on Radeons, whereas MARS is reserved for GeForce chips.
As we’ve had a MARS on our testing table already, albeit a long time ago, it was clear that its heir will get a Roman number two in the name. Judging by the results so far, it seems that both AMD and NVIDIA will become part of a tradition for such an exclusive model to house their chips every second year.
Simple package
The long-awaited MARS II arrives in a large box, resembling those seen with ASUS’ Republic Of Gamers motherboards. We were hoping to come across a plethora of additions in this heavy box, many of which might not be really necessary, but when you’re buying a product of this class, it’s something of a given.
Not that it’ll impact your decision to buy the actual product, mostly because it’s the main treat that’s important, but all those add-ons and gadgets contribute to the overall feeling. Unfortunately, the only things you’ll find inside MARS II’s box are a few PSU converters, rough manual, and the drivers & software disc.
The metal plate with the RoG logo which can be placed onto the enclosure is an interesting detail, but that’s it. We have to say we expected more from ASUS in this respect, as this model is limited to about a thousand samples worldwide, with a price tag of around 1350€, an amount of money which can afford you a full-blown high-end system and a good large monitor on top of it.
