What To Know
- The Strix X570-E has a large heatsink with a fan, while the Dark Hero has a more elaborate heatsink design with a built-in heat pipe.
- The Strix X570-E has a more elaborate RGB lighting system with multiple zones, while the Dark Hero has a more subtle lighting design.
- If you are looking for a high-performance motherboard with a robust VRM and excellent cooling, the Dark Hero is the better choice.
The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E and Dark Hero are two of the most sought-after motherboards for high-performance gaming PCs. Both boards offer an impressive array of features, but they also have some key differences that may influence your purchase decision. In this blog post, we will compare the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E vs. Dark Hero in detail to help you make an informed choice.
Features Comparison:
Chipset:
Both the Strix X570-E and Dark Hero are based on the AMD X570 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors. However, the Dark Hero has a slightly newer BIOS version that provides better support for the Ryzen 5000 series processors.
VRM Design:
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering power to the CPU. The Strix X570-E features a 12+2 phase VRM, while the Dark Hero has a 14+2 phase VRM. The Dark Hero’s VRM is slightly more robust, which may provide better overclocking potential for high-end CPUs.
Cooling:
Both motherboards have extensive cooling solutions to keep the VRM and other components cool under load. The Strix X570-E has a large heatsink with a fan, while the Dark Hero has a more elaborate heatsink design with a built-in heat pipe. The Dark Hero’s cooling solution is more efficient, resulting in lower temperatures during heavy usage.
Connectivity:
The Strix X570-E and Dark Hero offer a wide range of connectivity options, including:
- PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards
- M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
However, the Dark Hero has an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and allows you to connect external devices like storage drives and external GPUs.
RGB Lighting:
Both motherboards feature RGB lighting that can be customized to match your system’s aesthetics. The Strix X570-E has a more elaborate RGB lighting system with multiple zones, while the Dark Hero has a more subtle lighting design.
Aesthetics:
The Strix X570-E has a sleek black and silver design with sharp angles and RGB accents. The Dark Hero has a more aggressive black and red design with a stealthy look. The choice of aesthetics is subjective, but both motherboards will complement a high-performance gaming PC.
Performance:
In terms of performance, both the Strix X570-E and Dark Hero are excellent choices. They provide stable and reliable performance for gaming, content creation, and other demanding tasks. However, the Dark Hero may have a slight edge in overclocking due to its more robust VRM design.
Overclocking:
Both the Strix X570-E and Dark Hero are capable of overclocking, but the Dark Hero has some advantages in this area. Its more robust VRM design provides better stability and power delivery, which allows for higher overclocking speeds. Additionally, the Dark Hero has a dedicated overclocking button on the board, making it easier to tweak settings and push the limits of your CPU.
Pricing and Availability:
The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E is priced at around $300, while the Dark Hero is priced at around $400. The Dark Hero is more expensive, but it offers a few additional features and a slightly better overclocking experience. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E and Dark Hero depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-performance motherboard with a robust VRM and excellent cooling, the Dark Hero is the better choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget or prefer a more subtle aesthetics, the Strix X570-E is still a great option.
Summary:
The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E and Dark Hero are both excellent motherboards for high-performance gaming PCs. They offer a wide range of features, excellent performance, and reliable stability. The Dark Hero has a slight edge in terms of VRM design, cooling, and overclocking potential, but it comes at a higher price. The Strix X570-E is a more budget-friendly option that still provides a great gaming experience.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which motherboard has a better VRM design?
A: The ASUS ROG Dark Hero has a slightly more robust VRM design than the Strix X570-E.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: The ASUS ROG Dark Hero has a more efficient cooling solution that results in lower temperatures during heavy usage.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E has a more elaborate RGB lighting system with multiple zones.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS ROG Dark Hero has a dedicated overclocking button and a more robust VRM design, making it better suited for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E is priced at around $300, while the Dark Hero is priced at around $400.
