The ROG Maximus Z690 Formula is an elite motherboard that ASUS launched in the fall of 2021, featuring a Moonlight White colorway, built-in liquid cooling outlets, 20+1 power stages rated for up to 105 amps, and other premium features for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core CPU users. According to an important update that ASUS ROG shared today, a problem has been identified on some ROG Maximus Z690 Formula units, in that the CrossChill VRM thermal solution’s electroless nickel plating, which was developed in partnership with EK, may break down and lead to corrosion. ASUS is remedying the situation by giving affected owners the choice of either returning the board for a full refund, or to get a replacement.
From an ASUS ROG post:
The ROG Maximus Formula line of motherboards has a unique feature: if you run a liquid cooling loop in your system, you can include the motherboard’s CrossChill III VRM water block in your loop as an alternative to using it as an air-cooled heatsink. However, a problem has been identified on some ROG Maximus Z690 Formula motherboards — read on to see if you may have been affected, and how ASUS is dedicated to fixing the issue.
Developed in partnership with EK, the CrossChill VRM thermal solution on the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula uses a new electroless nickel plating. In certain configurations, this plating can break down, leading to galvanic corrosion inside the block’s water channel. At present, this issue only affects the Maximus Z690 Formula.
If you’ve been affected by this issue, we recommend ceasing use of the Maximus Z690 Formula’s CrossChill III VRM solution and contacting ASUS customer support for your region. We’re doing everything we can to look after our loyal customers, so we’re currently offering a choice of two solutions to affected users: either you can return the board for a full refund or a replacement.
ROG is committed to our customers. If you currently use or plan on using the ROG Maximus Z690 Formula’s CrossChill VRM block in a liquid cooling loop, contact our support team and we’ll take care of you.