ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero vs ROG Strix X570-E Gaming: A Detailed Comparison for Ultimate Gaming
What To Know
- The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, on the other hand, boasts a more vibrant and aggressive design with its silver and black color scheme and customizable RGB lighting zones.
- Both the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming are based on the AMD X570 chipset, providing support for AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors.
- The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero BIOS offers more granular control and advanced features for experienced overclockers, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming BIOS is more suitable for beginners.
When it comes to high-end gaming motherboards, the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming from ASUS stand out as exceptional choices. Both offer a plethora of features and capabilities designed to enhance gaming performance and provide an immersive experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into a detailed comparison of these two motherboards, highlighting their key differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero exudes a sleek and stealthy aesthetic with its matte black finish and subtle RGB accents. Its VRM heatsink and chipset cover feature intricate engravings that add a touch of elegance. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, on the other hand, boasts a more vibrant and aggressive design with its silver and black color scheme and customizable RGB lighting zones. Both motherboards are well-built and offer ample space for expansion and customization.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming are based on the AMD X570 chipset, providing support for AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. The X570 chipset offers exceptional connectivity and expansion options, including support for PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is crucial for delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a robust 16-phase VRM with high-quality power stages and capacitors, providing ample headroom for overclocking and demanding workloads. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming also boasts a capable 12-phase VRM, ensuring reliable power delivery for most users.
Connectivity and Expansion
Both motherboards offer extensive connectivity options. They feature multiple PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and numerous USB ports. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a slight edge in this area, offering an additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slot and an extra M.2 slot compared to the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming.
Networking and Audio
For networking, both motherboards include a high-performance 2.5Gb Ethernet port and support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a dedicated SupremeFX S1220A audio codec with ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC for exceptional audio quality. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming has a slightly less powerful Realtek ALC1220 audio codec but still provides good audio performance.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming both come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive overclocking options. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero BIOS offers more granular control and advanced features for experienced overclockers, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming BIOS is more suitable for beginners.
Features and Extras
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero includes several exclusive features, such as a built-in POST code LED display, BIOS Flashback button, and LN2 mode for extreme overclocking. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers a wider range of pre-installed I/O shield and addressable RGB headers for customization.
Price and Value
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is typically priced higher than the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming. The price difference reflects the former’s more robust VRM, additional expansion options, and exclusive features. Both motherboards offer excellent value for their respective price ranges.
Takeaways: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best choice between the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you prioritize extreme overclocking, exclusive features, and maximum expansion potential, the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is the superior option. For most users, the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming provides a balanced combination of performance, features, and value.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM performance?
A: The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a more robust 16-phase VRM compared to the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming’s 12-phase VRM.
Q: Which motherboard offers more M.2 slots?
A: The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has three M.2 slots, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming has two.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a dedicated SupremeFX S1220A audio codec with ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC for superior audio performance.
