ROG vs TUF: The Ultimate Showdown for X570 Motherboard Dominance
What To Know
- Two contenders that stand out in the X570 chipset category are the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero and the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus.
- The Crosshair VIII Hero supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5333MHz, while the X570-Plus supports up to 64GB at speeds of up to 4600MHz.
- However, if you’re looking for a solid X570 motherboard with excellent value and a more budget-friendly price tag, the X570-Plus is a great option.
When it comes to building a high-performance AMD-based PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two contenders that stand out in the X570 chipset category are the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero and the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Features
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards feature the AMD X570 chipset and support AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. The Crosshair VIII Hero, however, offers extended support for upcoming AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, providing future-proofing for your investment.
VRM Design
The Crosshair VIII Hero boasts a robust 16-phase power delivery system, while the X570-Plus utilizes a 12-phase design. Both motherboards offer excellent power stability and overclocking potential, but the Crosshair VIII Hero has a slight edge in this department.
Memory Support
The Crosshair VIII Hero supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5333MHz, while the X570-Plus supports up to 64GB at speeds of up to 4600MHz. Both motherboards feature dual-channel memory architecture and support XMP profiles for easy overclocking.
Storage Options
The Crosshair VIII Hero comes with six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 and one supporting PCIe 3.0 x4. The X570-Plus offers four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, both supporting PCIe 4.0 x4.
Connectivity and Expansion
Networking
Both motherboards feature integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable wireless performance. The Crosshair VIII Hero also includes a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for wired networking, while the X570-Plus has a 1Gb Ethernet port.
USB Connectivity
The Crosshair VIII Hero provides a wide range of USB ports, including four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The X570-Plus offers six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports.
PCIe Slots
The Crosshair VIII Hero features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The X570-Plus has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Aesthetics and Features
Design and Lighting
The Crosshair VIII Hero sports a sleek and aggressive design with RGB lighting zones throughout the board. The X570-Plus has a more subdued design with RGB lighting limited to the chipset and audio area.
Audio
The Crosshair VIII Hero features the SupremeFX S1220A audio codec, while the X570-Plus utilizes the Realtek ALC1220 codec. Both motherboards offer high-quality audio performance, but the Crosshair VIII Hero has a slight advantage in terms of sound clarity and dynamics.
Software and Utilities
ASUS provides a comprehensive suite of software and utilities for both motherboards. The Crosshair VIII Hero comes with ROG Armoury Crate, which offers a centralized control center for overclocking, fan control, and RGB lighting. The X570-Plus utilizes the TUF Gaming Armoury Crate, which provides similar functionality.
Price and Value
The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero typically retails for around $350-$400, while the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus is priced at around $200-$250. The Crosshair VIII Hero offers more advanced features and performance, but the X570-Plus provides excellent value for its price point.
Takeaways: Finding the Perfect Fit
Choosing between the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero and the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize the latest features, best-in-class performance, and future-proofing, the Crosshair VIII Hero is the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for a solid X570 motherboard with excellent value and a more budget-friendly price tag, the X570-Plus is a great option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero has a stronger VRM design and supports higher memory speeds, providing better overclocking potential.
Q: Does either motherboard support multi-GPU configurations?
A: Yes, both motherboards support multi-GPU configurations using NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX.
Q: What type of RGB lighting do these motherboards feature?
A: The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero has addressable RGB lighting, while the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus has standard RGB lighting.
Q: Is the BIOS on these motherboards easy to use?
A: Yes, both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces with intuitive navigation and advanced settings for enthusiasts.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero has a slightly better audio codec and additional audio features, resulting in better audio performance.
