What To Know
- Two formidable contenders in this arena are the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, both boasting an array of cutting-edge features and exceptional performance.
- The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero supports the entire Ryzen 5000 series, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming extends support to both the Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series.
- However, if you seek a high-quality motherboard with a more compact form factor and a more affordable price point, the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers an excellent value proposition.
In the realm of high-performance PC gaming, motherboards play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of your hardware. Two formidable contenders in this arena are the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, both boasting an array of cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricate details of these two motherboards, guiding you in making an informed decision for your next gaming build.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero sports an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion and customization. Its sleek black and gray color scheme exudes a sophisticated and understated elegance. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, on the other hand, adopts a slightly smaller EATX form factor, offering a more compact footprint for those with limited space. Its striking black and red design incorporates aggressive lines and sharp angles, giving it a bold and assertive appearance.
Chipset and Socket Compatibility
Both motherboards feature the powerful AMD X570 chipset, ensuring compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen processors. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero supports the entire Ryzen 5000 series, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming extends support to both the Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero boasts a robust 16+2 power stage VRM, designed to handle even the most demanding overclocking scenarios. Its high-quality components and advanced cooling ensure exceptional power delivery and thermal performance. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming features a highly capable 12+4 power stage VRM, providing ample power for both overclocking and everyday use.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support high-speed DDR4 memory, with the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero offering support for up to 128GB of memory and speeds of up to 5333MHz. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming supports up to 64GB of memory and speeds of up to 4800MHz.
Storage Options
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero provides a wide range of storage options, including two PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 slots, six SATA 6Gb/s ports, and a U.2 port. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers two PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 slots, four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and a U.2 port. Both motherboards feature M.2 heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling during high-speed data transfers.
Connectivity and Expansion
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero excels in connectivity, offering a comprehensive array of ports and expansion options. It features multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming also offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards come equipped with advanced BIOS options, providing extensive control over system settings and overclocking parameters. The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features the ROG UEFI BIOS, renowned for its intuitive interface and comprehensive overclocking capabilities. The ROG Strix X570-E Gaming utilizes the ASUS UEFI BIOS, which offers a user-friendly design and a wide range of overclocking options.
Price and Availability
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero carries a higher price tag than the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming, reflecting its premium features and enhanced performance capabilities. Both motherboards are widely available from reputable retailers.
Which Motherboard Should You Choose?
The choice between the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the ultimate in performance, overclocking capabilities, and connectivity, the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is the clear choice. However, if you seek a high-quality motherboard with a more compact form factor and a more affordable price point, the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming offers an excellent value proposition.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which motherboard has better VRM performance?
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a more robust VRM with higher-quality components, providing superior power delivery and thermal performance.
2. How much memory can I install on each motherboard?
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero supports up to 128GB of memory, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming supports up to 64GB of memory.
3. Does either motherboard support Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a Thunderbolt 4 port, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming does not.
