ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme and Apex motherboards debut to supercharge your AMD gaming PC

Patient gamers are always rewarded. When the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D launched in 2024, PC builders jumped at the opportunity to claim that chip’s generational gaming performance uplift for their AMD gaming PC — and the ROG Crosshair X870E Hero, the first motherboard in its series, was the preferred pick for many. Yet other PC builders chose to play the long game, figuring that AMD was bound to deliver an ever-higher performance CPU with AMD 3D V-Cache Technology, and that the ROG engineering team was sure to augment the Crosshair lineup with even more options. These builders have been proven correct on both fronts.  

AMD recently launched the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a monster CPU that combines the premier gaming chops of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D with the flagship-level productivity performance of the Ryzen 9 9950X into one premium chip, giving you unprecedented capability to build a no-compromises PC. For our part, we’re debuting two new ROG Crosshair X870E motherboards: the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme and ROG Crosshair X870E Apex. Together with the ROG Crosshair X870E Hero, these motherboards give you three distinct options for your premium AMD build. 

The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme accepts no compromises  

ROG motherboards come in a variety of designs, each with their own name and unique claim to fame. When it comes to models with the name “Extreme,” we don’t hold back. Equipped with the most premium components at our disposal, decked out with beastly power solutions, and boasting next-level connectivity options, these boards cater to those who dare to build a PC that shatters all boundaries. The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme carries that legacy forward into the AMD Ryzen 9000 Series era with a no-holds-barred feature set and an all-new design that exudes luxury. 

Ready for a high-end AMD Ryzen CPU  

The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme’s massive power solution was built from the ground up to unleash the full potential of your new CPU. 20(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A) power stages effortlessly slake the thirst of the top-end AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, even when you have it firing on all cylinders. Thick and tall VRM heatsinks keep the power circuitry operating comfortably, while 8+8 ProCool II power connectors with solid pins give your CPU a direct line to your power supply.  

AMD CPUs offer jaw-dropping performance right out of the box, but the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme’s tuning tools will make it hard to resist the temptation to coax your processor to an even higher level. You’ll get our Extreme OC kit, including LN2 Mode for exotic cooling enthusiasts. The ReTry button streamlines the process of rebooting during extreme overclocking to achieve a successful POST, while the customizable FlexKey button provides quick access to a variety of functions. And a wealth of Probelt measurement points arms you with the information you need about voltages. 

Plentiful headers give you a wide range of options for building your PC’s cooling solution. Its eight onboard 4-pin fan headers mean that you might not need to bother with a fan controller as you hook up your chassis fans. Two W_PUMP+ headers are ready to drive your custom liquid cooling loop. 

A robust suite of BIOS features completes the picture. Easy one-click options, including AI Overclocking and ASUS Enhanced Memory Profiles (AEMP), kick your CPU and DRAM into high gear with minimal fuss. But if you’re willing to tinker, you’ll have an exceptional overclocking suite at your disposal. Dynamic OC Switcher ensures that you don’t have to pick between a muscular multi-core overclock and the uplift of Precision Boost Overdrive for lightly-threaded tasks — you get the best of both worlds. You can also use Core Flex to smash limits farther than ever before by controlling clock, power, and thermals. And for those running AI workloads, we offer AI Cache Boost, which can accelerate performance up to 12.75% when you’re working with massive LLMs.  

Memory performance that doesn’t quit  

Exciting developments in the world of memory have many enthusiasts rethinking their assumptions when it comes to AMD Ryzen CPUs and high-end memory. The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme gives you a seamless experience with the latest CUDIMM DDR5 kits.  

For those going all-in on capacity, its four slots allow for up to 256GB of DDR5 — and ASUS AEMP allows you to run select four-module kits at up to 5200 MT/s, a whopping 62% increase over default configurations. Gunning for premium memory speeds and ultra-low latency instead? NitroPath DRAM technology boosts memory speeds through a reworking of the venerable DRAM slot. Our cutting-edge design improves signal quality, increasing DRAM overclocking performance by up to 400 MT/s depending on factors like memory speed, module, and system configuration. If you’re running a bleeding-edge memory kit, you might need a little extra cooling to keep the modules running at peak performance, so we include an optional fan and holder ready to direct a steady stream of air through the DRAM slots.  

Next-level PCIe 5.0 components at your fingertips 

Here's something that today’s latest, high-performance graphics cards and storage drives have in common: PCIe 5.0. The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme preps you for the best components of today and tomorrow with its extensive PCIe 5.0 support, starting with two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. Even though the days of dual-GPU gaming are in the rear-view mirror, some important creative apps and AI workflows get a boost from running multiple GPUs, so we’ve configured these slots so that they can operate in an x8/x8 configuration. 

On the storage front, the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme arms you with plenty of options for making a fast and spacious storage array. The primary M.2 slot is wired for PCIe 5.0, supports a range of M.2 sizes including longer M.2 22110 models, and boasts a thick, dedicated heatsink. For ease of installation, the heatsink features our new tool-free M.2 Q-Release mechanism that pops the heatsink free with the press of a lever. Between M.2 Q-Release and M.2 Q-Latch, you won’t need a tool of any kind to install a storage drive and secure its heatsink.  

Additionally, this motherboard offers two more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, with the option to install two PCIe 4.0 M.2 drives through the use of the included Q-DIMM.2 add-in board. A SlimSAS connector and four SATA 6 Gb/s ports make it easy to hook up a large number of high-capacity drives to round out your storage array. 

Make a connection  

Versatile, high-bandwidth port options abound on the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme. It’s got USB ports for days, with twelve total on the rear I/O panel. The headlining feature of the two USB4 ports is their bi-directional bandwidth up to 40 Gbps, but don’t sleep on their daisy-chaining capabilities or ability to send display signals. Additionally, you’ll find a whopping 10 USB 10Gbps ports, two Type-C and eight Type-A.

But that’s just the back panel. Depending on the chassis you’ve selected, you can establish a lot more USB ports up front. Notably, the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme gives you a connector ready for a USB 20Gbps Type-C port with up to 60W Power Delivery / Quick Charge 4+. With such a port wired up, you’ll always have a convenient spot to top off the battery of a connected device like your smartphone.  

The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme’s networking options get in on the next-gen fun, too. For those who prefer the unshakeable reliability of wired networking, it offers both a 10Gb Marvell AQtion Ethernet port and a 5Gb Realtek Ethernet port, letting you establish high-bandwidth connections to both your router and an external device like a NAS.  

For wireless connections, the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme gives you the premium WiFi 7 treatment. Its 2x2 module offers access to the 6GHz band and 320MHz channels for transfer rates up to 6.5Gbps. In the box, you’ll find an ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna. With circuit optimizations to the PCB and enhanced inner pin connectors, the WiFi Q-Antenna delivers exceptional signal throughput for the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.  

Easy functions in Armoury Crate help you get the most out of this directional antenna. Direction Finder detects signal strength and identifies the ideal positioning for your antenna in just a few steps, while Fast Check gives you a quick way to check signal strength and ensure that you’re getting the best connection. With the new Traffic Monitor feature, you’ll be able to track current utilization of WiFi channels across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Then, you can use Channel Switch to hop over to a less congested channel for improved network performance. 

The premium audio treatment  

For unrivaled gaming immersion, the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme offers an ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound audio solution with integrated amplifiers and op-amps. The audio circuit design uses premium capacitors, interference shielding, and discrete traces for the left and right channels. Auto impedance detection lets you use even high-impedance audiophile headphones and get crystal-clear, distortion-free output. An ESS ES9219 Quad DAC pumps top-notch audio to the front-panel output with support for 32-bit/384 kHz playback, perfect for plugging in a high-end headset. 

Endless personalization options  

If you’re building a showcase PC, there’s no better choice than the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme. Its timeless black and charcoal hues set a pristine backdrop for the sculpted landscape of its shrouds and heatsinks. The I/O cover along the right side of the board elevates the board’s style by tucking the connectors and headers out of sight while giving you neat, easy-to read labels. A silvery ROG “Fearless Eye” logo stretches across the PCH and M.2 combo heatsink for a bold expression of your allegiance to the Republic.  

But as stylish as each of these elements are, it's the stunning LCD panel integrated into the I/O shroud that will draw all eyes to your motherboard. Over the years, we’ve offered many ways to personalize the look of your board, but this is our most customizable option yet. The 5-inch LCD panel is made with Corning glass for unparalleled surface display quality, and it’s ready to show off your creativity. Through Armoury Crate, you can choose from preloaded ROG animations, real-time readouts of vital hardware information, or customize it to your heart’s content. 

ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme
Size	EATX
Memory	4 x DIMM, Max 256GB, DDR5   Up to 8200+ MT/s (OC) Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors
Power Stages	20(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A)
PCIe	2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (@x16 or @x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4)
Storage	Onboard 2 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 5.0 x4) 1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 5.0 x4)  ROG Q-DIMM.2  2 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4)  SlimSAS Connector (PCIe 4.0 x4) ​
Networking	WiFi 7 1 x Marvell AQtion 10Gb Ethernet  1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet
Audio	ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4082  ESS® ES9219 Quad Dac
Display	2 x USB4 ports support USB Type-C display output  1 x HDMI
Rear I/O	2 x USB4® (40Gbps) ports (2 x USB Type-C®)  10 x USB 10Gbps ports (8 x Type-A + 2 x USB Type-C®)
Front I/O	1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C® with up to 60W PD/QC4+)*  1 x USB 10Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C®)  2 x USB 5Gbps headers support 4 additional USB 5Gbps ports  2 x USB 2.0 headers support 4 additional USB 2.0 ports
Aura	1 x 6-pin ARGB Gen 2 header supports 2 x ARGB Gen 2 headers  2 x Addressable Gen 2 header
Cooling	1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header  1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header  2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers  2 x 4-pin Radiator Fan headers  2 x W_PUMP+ headers  1 x VRM Heatsink Fan header
ASUS Q-Design	M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, M.2 Q-Slide  WiFi Q-Antenna  Q-Code, Q-LED  PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim

 

The ROG Crosshair X870E Apex sets its sights on record-breaking memory performance  

The ROG Crosshair X870E Apex is a motherboard on a mission. It exists to equip enthusiasts for outstanding memory performance. The newest member of our record-winning Apex family and the first to support AMD processors, the ROG Crosshair X870E Apex has already proven itself on the world’s overclocking battlefields.  

ROG Crosshair X870E Apex and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
Benchmark	Record	Overclocker
Geekbench3 Multi Core	170757 points (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
7-Zip	324364 MIPS (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
Cinebench R15	9372 cb (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
Cinebench R20	23585 pts (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
Cinebench R23	60868 pts (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
GPUPI For CPU 1B	17sec 498ms (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
HWBOT x265 Benchmark 1080p	316.696 fps (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK
HWBOT x265 Benchmark 4k	78.319 fps (Global First Place)	SAFEDISK

There are many ingredients to this motherboard’s overclocking recipe, but an important one is its memory layout. To reduce interference to the IMC, Apex motherboards run two DIMM slots instead of four, sacrificing maximum capacity to attain high-end frequencies. As with the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme, we equip this board with our Extreme OC kit, including LN2 mode. 

An impeccable set of cooling hardware keeps the ROG Crosshair X870E Apex cool under pressure whether you’re chasing a new DRAM frequency world record or climbing the leaderboards in your favorite online game. Tall and thick heatsinks joined with an L-shaped heatpipe tame the temperature of the board’s robust 18(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A) power solution, and these sinks are integrated with the I/O cover to increase the surface area for heat dissipation. A rich selection of fan headers lets you hook up a substantial cooling system in your chassis. In addition to a standard 4-pin AIO Pump header ready for convenient AIO CPU liquid coolers, you’ll find a W_PUMP+ header with the extra amperage often necessary for custom liquid cooling loops. Flip the Apex over, and you’ll see another key weapon in its arsenal of cooling technologies. Nearly the entire rear side is sheathed in metal armor, providing structural rigidity and passive cooling.

If you’ve dialed in an aggressive overlock for your CPU and memory, you might want some additional air movement across your memory sticks and VRM heatsinks. In the box, you’ll find an ROG Memory Fan Kit. This optional accessory attaches easily to a convenient mounting point on the board and directs a stream of air that runs parallel to your DIMMs.   

The ROG Crosshair X870E Apex’s robust toolkit for CPU and memory overclocking claims center stage, but its comprehensive support for cutting-edge graphics card and storage deserves some attention, too. The motherboard features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots ready for the fastest graphics cards on the market. Three PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots empower you to build a blazing-fast storage array. Our M.2 Q-Latch system allows you to install drives without fiddling with a tiny screw, and the beefy M.2 heatsink for the primary slot offers tool-free installation, as well. For even more storage options, this motherboard offers two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots on the bundled ROG DIMM.2 Card and four SATA 6Gbps ports. 

WiFi 7 boasts a massive speed increase over WiFi 6 along with congestion-busting tech tailor-made for today’s connected homes. The ROG Crosshair X870E Apex gives you a 2x2 WiFi 7 module, and it supports 320MHz channels to let you get the most out of the 6GHz band. The ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna makes sure you get a great connection.  

The next-gen bandwidth of PCIe 5.0 connectivity allows us to deck this motherboard out with a premium selection of USB ports. Its selection is headlined by two 40Gbps USB4 ports on the rear panel. These versatile ports are your go-to choices for connecting high-speed external storage devices, high-resolution displays, and more. Eight more USB ports in a variety of speeds help connect the rest of your battlestation. Convenient front-panel connections make for an easy everyday experience with your PC. With the ROG Crosshair X870E Apex, you’ll find a header ready to hook up a front-panel USB 20Gbps port with Quick Charge 4+ support. Ready for up to 60W fast charging, it’ll keep a smartphone or other device topped off while you’re using your PC. 

ROG Crosshair X870E Apex
Size	ATX
Memory	2 x DIMM, Max 128GB, DDR5   Up to 8200+ MT/s (OC) Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors
Power Stages	18(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A)
PCIe	2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (@x16 or @x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4) 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1
Storage	Onboard 3 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 5.0 x4) ROG DIMM.2 2 x M.2 22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4)
Networking	WiFi 7 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet
Audio	ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080  Savitech SV3H712 AMP
Display	2 x USB4 ports support USB Type-C display output
Rear I/O	2 x USB4® (40Gbps) ports (2 x USB Type-C®) 6 x USB 10Gbps ports (5 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®) 2 x USB 5Gbps ports (2 x Type-A)
Front I/O	1 x USB 20Gbps (supports USB Type-C® with up to 60W PD/QC4+)*  1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C®) 2 x USB 5Gbps headers support 4 additional USB 5Gbps ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support 4 additional USB 2.0 ports
Aura	3 x Addressable Gen 2 headers
Cooling	1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header 2 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers 2 x 4-pin Full Speed Fan headers 1 x W_PUMP+ header 1 x Extra Flow Fan header
ASUS Q-Design	M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, M.2 Q-Slide  WiFi Q-Antenna  Q-Code, Q-LED  PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim

 

The ROG Crosshair X870E Hero arms you for unforgettable gaming experiences 

Loaded with premium features and built for unbridled performance, the ROG Crosshair X870E Hero takes the DNA of the bleeding-edge ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme and brings it to a wider audience. 

The ROG Crosshair X870E Hero leans into the classic gaming aesthetic. Dark hues predominate across this motherboard, drawing your attention to premium metallic textures, nickel-plated surfaces, sleek contours, and a stereoscopic visual effect on the large M.2 and chipset heatsink. The Polymo Lighting II module built into the I/O shroud provides bold, dynamic RGB illumination for the ROG logo. 

The ROG Crosshair X870E Hero’s high-end feature set gives it the power and connectivity you need for demanding games. To help you unleash your top-end AMD Ryzen 9000 Series CPU, it boasts a robust power solution with 18+2+2 power stages, ProCool II power connectors, MicroFine alloy chokes, and premium metallic capacitors. To keep this beefy power solution cool, this board includes massive heatsinks integrated with the I/O cover. They’re joined by an L-shaped heatpipe and connected to the power stages with high-conductivity thermal pads. 

We equipped this high-end motherboard with everything you need to install an equally high-end set of components. It features our new NitroPath DRAM Technology so that you can push your DDR5 kit to the limits. A pair of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots are ready and waiting for your next-gen graphics card. Five total M.2 slots, three of which support PCIe 5.0 drives, allow you to establish a fast storage array, while a SlimSAS connector makes it easy to add even more storage. You’ll find all our latest refinements for installing M.2 drives, including the new M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, and M.2 Q-Slide. 

The ROG Crosshair X870E Hero is fully loaded with versatile connectivity. High-performance networking options, including WiFi 7 support and dual Ethernet ports, allow you to integrate your new PC into your next-gen network. A pair of onboard USB4 ports give you versatile options for connecting displays, storage drives, and more, and you’ll find the header you need to hook up a front-panel USB Type-C port with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W. 

ROG Crosshair X870E Hero
Size	ATX
Memory	4 x DIMM, Max 256GB, DDR5 Up to 8200+ MT/s (OC) Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors
Power Stages	18(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A)
PCIe	2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (@x16 or @x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4)
Storage	3 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 5.0 x4) 2 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4) SlimSAS connector (PCIe 4.0 x4)
Networking	WiFi 7  1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet  1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet
Audio	ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4082  ESS® ES9219 Quad DAC
Display	2 x USB4 ports support USB Type-C display output  1 x HDMI
Rear I/O	2 x USB4® 40Gbps ports (2 x USB Type-C®) 8 x USB 10Gbps ports (6 x Type-A + 2 x USB Type-C®)
Front I/O	1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C) with QC 4+ up to 60W 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (supports USB Type-C) 2 x USB 5Gbps headers (support 4 USB 5Gbps ports) 2 x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
Aura	3 x Addressable Gen 2 headers
Cooling	1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header 4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers 1 x W_PUMP+ header
ASUS Q-Design	M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, M.2 Q-Slide  WiFi Q-Antenna  Q-Code, Q-LED  PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim

 

Even more X870E/X870 options for your AMD gaming PC  

The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme, ROG Crosshair X870E Apex, and ROG Crosshair X870E Hero serve in the vanguard of our AMD motherboard lineup. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a hardware enthusiast with many pursuits that demand next-level gear, these motherboards provide a rock-solid foundation for your AMD-powered PC. All three support ASUS AI Advisor, an easy natural-language interface for learning about your new hardware and getting tips for how to optimize their performance.  

Looking for even more options for your next build? We’ve got you covered. In addition to the ROG Crosshair lineup, we also cater to mainstream gamers through the ROG Strix and TUF Gaming product families. Professional creators should check out the ProArt X870E-Creator WiFi, and we offer X870 boards from the tried-and-true ASUS Prime series, too. Click here to browse the full family of options. To check out our value-oriented B850 and B840 motherboards, click here.