ASUS has now finally released the Maximus IV Gene-Z micro-ATX motherboard that is based on Intel's Z68 chipset and is designed to run LGA 1155 Sandy Bridge processors.

The Maximus IV Gene-Z includes an important number of advanced features like AMD CrossFireX and Nvidia SLI support, ROG Connect support and an on-board Supreme X-Fi sound chip.In addition to the two PCI Express x16 slots that are required for dual-GPU setups, Asus has also included a PCI-E x4 slot.

Right next to it, users will find the on-board Power and Reset buttons as well as a BIOS debug LCD. Storage is provided by six SATA ports, two of the 6Gbps variety, and Asus has also included a USB 3.0 header which allows for two such ports to be routed to the front of the case.

Another two USB 3.0 ports can be found on the rear I/O panel along with an impressive number of USB 2.0 ports, two eSATA connectors, 7.1-channel audio with a digital S/PDIF output and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

This means that the Maximus IV Gene-Z is fully compatible with the LucidLogix Virtu on-the-fly graphics switching technology as well as Intel's Quick Sync technology. Smart Response is also supported. CPU power is delivered by a complex Extreme Engine Digi+ PWM with an 8-phase design that Asus claims it can deliver a whopping 250A of current to the processor.

The recommended retail price is set at $185 and the Maximus IV Gene-Z should reach retail store shelves soon. We have a review sample in-house btw, so expect a review anytime soon.