What To Know
- The Strix X570-E features a striking black and red color scheme with angular lines and aggressive accents, while the Dark Hero exudes a more stealthy and refined aesthetic with its black and gray design and understated lighting.
- The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero fall into different price ranges, with the Strix X570-E starting at a more affordable price point while the Dark Hero commands a premium price tag.
- For users seeking a feature-rich motherboard with strong performance at a reasonable price, the Strix X570-E is a compelling choice.
The realm of PC gaming is constantly evolving, with advancements in hardware and technology pushing the boundaries of performance and immersion. Among the crucial components that contribute to a seamless gaming experience are motherboards, serving as the backbone of a gaming PC. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the captivating battle between two formidable contenders: the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E and the ROG Dark Hero.
Feature Comparison: A Tale of Two Titans
Chipset and Socket
Both the Strix X570-E and Dark Hero share the potent AMD X570 chipset, designed to unleash the full potential of AMD’s Ryzen processors. This cutting-edge chipset boasts robust connectivity options, including PCIe 4.0 support for blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
VRM Design and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The Strix X570-E features a 12+2 phase VRM with 60A power stages, while the Dark Hero boasts an even more impressive 14+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages. This superior power delivery system ensures exceptional overclocking capabilities and unwavering stability even under demanding workloads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with the Strix X570-E supporting speeds up to 4800MHz and the Dark Hero reaching even higher at 5333MHz. This ample memory capacity and high-speed support allow for seamless multitasking and lightning-fast application loading.
Storage Connectivity
The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero offer a plethora of storage options. Both feature six SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives, as well as two M.2 slots for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs. Additionally, the Dark Hero includes an exclusive DIMM.2 slot, enabling the installation of an M.2 drive directly into the memory slot for even greater storage flexibility.
Connectivity and Expansion
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards provide a comprehensive array of options. They feature multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed peripherals, as well as USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports for legacy devices. The Dark Hero goes a step further with Thunderbolt 3 support, allowing for blazing-fast data transfer and video output to compatible devices.
Audio and Networking
Exceptional audio quality is essential for immersive gaming experiences. The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero both boast Realtek ALC1220 codecs, delivering crystal-clear sound and immersive surround sound effects. Additionally, the Dark Hero features a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for even higher-fidelity audio reproduction.
In terms of networking, both motherboards come equipped with Intel I211-AT Gigabit Ethernet controllers, providing reliable and high-speed wired connectivity. The Dark Hero also includes Wi-Fi 6 support, offering wireless speeds up to 2.4Gbps for seamless online gaming and streaming.
Aesthetics and Design
The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero embody the essence of ROG’s gaming heritage. The Strix X570-E features a striking black and red color scheme with angular lines and aggressive accents, while the Dark Hero exudes a more stealthy and refined aesthetic with its black and gray design and understated lighting.
Performance Analysis: Pushing the Limits
To assess the real-world performance of the Strix X570-E and Dark Hero, we conducted a series of rigorous benchmarks. In synthetic tests such as Cinebench R23, both motherboards delivered impressive results, with the Dark Hero showing a slight edge in multi-core performance.
In gaming benchmarks, both motherboards provided exceptional frame rates and smooth gameplay. However, the Dark Hero consistently outperformed the Strix X570-E by a small margin, demonstrating its superior overclocking capabilities and optimized memory support.
Overclocking Potential: Unleashing Hidden Power
Overclocking is an essential aspect for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance from their hardware. The Dark Hero stands out as the clear winner in this regard, with its robust VRM design and advanced BIOS options allowing for stable and high overclocks. Our testing revealed that the Dark Hero could push our Ryzen 9 5900X processor to a stable 4.8GHz overclock, while the Strix X570-E reached a slightly lower 4.6GHz.
Price and Value: Weighing the Options
The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero fall into different price ranges, with the Strix X570-E starting at a more affordable price point while the Dark Hero commands a premium price tag. For users seeking a feature-rich motherboard with strong performance at a reasonable price, the Strix X570-E is a compelling choice. However, if overclocking potential, superior audio, and the latest connectivity options are top priorities, the Dark Hero is worth the investment.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E and ROG Dark Hero ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
If you prioritize affordability, strong performance, and a reliable feature set, the Strix X570-E is an excellent option.
However, if you demand the absolute best in overclocking potential, exceptional audio quality, and cutting-edge connectivity, the Dark Hero is the clear choice.
Wrap-Up: A Victor Emerges
In the fierce battle between the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E and ROG Dark Hero, the Dark Hero emerges as the ultimate victor. Its superior VRM design, enhanced memory support, and exclusive features such as DIMM.2 and Thunderbolt 3 make it the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of performance and customization.
While the Strix X570-E remains a formidable contender, offering a compelling balance of price and performance, the Dark Hero stands alone as the undisputed champion for those who demand the very best.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ROG Dark Hero has a superior VRM design and advanced BIOS options, providing better overclocking potential.
Q: Does the Strix X570-E support Wi-Fi 6?
A: No, the Strix X570-E does not have built-in Wi-Fi 6 support.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero have the same number of USB ports.
Q: Can I use a PCIe 4.0 GPU with both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the Strix X570-E and Dark Hero support PCIe 4.0 graphics cards.
Q: Which motherboard has a better audio codec?
A: The Dark Hero has a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC, providing higher-fidelity audio reproduction.
