ROG Crosshair VIII Hero

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The Crosshair VIII Hero

Featuring support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ CPUs, on-board, Realtek® 2.5 Gbps LAN and PCIe 4.0, coupled with an overhauled metallic design and loaded with renowned ROG features, it's the perfect foundation for your AMD Ryzen rig.  

SPEC OVERVIEW

  1. ROG Patented Pre-Mounted I/O Shield ‧ Clr CMOS button
    ‧BIOS FlashBack™ button​
  2. 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2* ‧ 7 x Type-A
    ‧ 1 x Type-C
    4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ‧ 4 x Type-A
  3. 2.5G Ethernet Intel®​ I211-AT Gb LAN ROG GameFirst V
    Anti-surge LANGuard
  4. Gold-Plated Audio Jacks​
  5. Multi-GPU SLI®/CFX support* ‧ 2 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Safeslots (x16, x8/x8) [CPU]
    ‧ 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x4)
    ‧ 1 x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot
  6. SupremeFX S1220 CODEC ‧ ESS® ES9023P High Definition DAC
    ‧ 120dB SNR stereo playback output
    ‧ 113dB SNR recording input
    ‧ Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer ‧ Sonic Radar III ‧ DTS® Sound Unbound
  1. ESD GUARDS Greater electrostatic protection than standard. ESD Guards cover the USB, audio and LAN ports. ESD GUARDS
  2. TRUEVOLT USB USB power supplies rock-steady 5V to all USB ports, minimizing power fluctuations for minimal data loss. TRUEVOLT USB
  3. 2 X SAFESLOT Provides stronger PCIe device retention and greater shearing resistance. SAFESLOT
  4. Q-Code

    Indicates power status and potential problems with the CPU, memory, graphics card or boot device for quick diagnosis.
  5. 4 X Q-DIMM

    One sided clips for super-simple, super-secure handling of memory modules.
  6. FlexKey At its default, the FlexKey functions as a system reset button, but it can also be easily set to provide quick access to features such as activating Safe Boot or turning Aura lighting on or off.
  7. Q-CONNECTOR Sorts all front-panel cables. Q-SLOT
  1. DDR4 4800+ Mhz (O.C.) ・ 4 x DIMM, dual Channel
    ・ OptiMem III
  2. AMD AM4 Socket for AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series/ 3000 G-Series/ 2000 Series/ 2000 G-Series desktop processors
  3. 1 x USB3.2 Gen 2 ・ front panel connector 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
    4 x USB 2.0 ports
  4. AMD X570 Chipset
  5. 8 x SATA 6G
  6. 2 x M.2 Socket 3 Type M* ・ 2242~2280 (PCIe 4.0 x 4 + SATA)
    ・ 2242~22110 (PCIe 4.0 x 4 + SATA)
  7. W_IN/OUT, W_Flow headers
  8. ASUS NODE Connector​
  9. 2 x 3-pin Addressable Gen 2 RGB headers​
    2 x 4-pin AURA RGB headers

OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

BOOSTED PERFORMANCE, NO BOTTLENECKS​

ROG Crosshair VIII Hero comes equipped with an optimized power-design layout and all the cooling headers you need to handle the prodigious power of the latest AMD Ryzen processors without performance-zapping thermal throttling.​ 

OptiMem III
DDR4 4800+ MHz (O.C.)

Infused with proprietary memory trace layout tweaks that improve signal integrity and mitigate noise, Optimem III allows memory kits to run at lower latencies, reduced voltages, and operate at higher frequencies. Stack the Hero with your favorite modules and maximize Matisse throughput for applications that demand massive bandwidth, or balance infinity fabric and memory performance for a diverse range of workloads.

Please note result may vary depending on CPU characteristic.
Test Configuration: 3 rd Gen AMD Ryzen ES sample | G.SKILL F4-3600C15D-16GTZR | ROG Crosshair VIII Hero(WI-FI)

POWER DESIGN THAT BUCKS TRENDS 

The monstrous compute power of multi-core processors necessitates a power circuit that rapidly responds to massive current swings. Featuring an array of 16 strategically paired power stages, the Hero’s VRM is geared for any workload and all operating conditions.

  • Robust power delivery starts at the component level. Every aspect of the ROG Crosshair VIII Hero's VRM is generously over-specified for the task.

  • 8-PIN PROCOOL II POWER CONNECTORS

    ProCool II connectors ensure a snug and reliable connection to the EPS 12V power lines.

  • POWIRSTAGE® MOSFETS

    The VRM is comprised of 16 IR3555 PowIRstages, each rated to handle 60 amps.

  • MICROFINE ALLOY CHOKES

    Each PowIRstage is accompanied by a high-permeability alloy-core choke rated to handle 45 amps.

  • 10K JAPANESE-MADE BLACK METALLIC CAPACITORS

    Input and output filtering is provided by solid-polymer capacitors rated to last thousands of hours at high operating temperatures.

POWER ARCHITECTURE

Conventional motherboard design practices place primary focus on component specs without implementing circuit topologies that provide optimal transient response. The Hero bucks industry trends by utilizing teamed PowIRstages to double the burst current of each phase and rapidly respond to load changes.

COMPREHENSIVE COOLING ZONE

ROG Crosshair VIII Hero features the most comprehensive cooling options ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS.

Rampage VI Extreme
  • Multiple temperature sources position
  • Water pump+ position
  • 4-pin PWM/DC fan position
  • Full speed position
  • Water in/out position
  • Water flow position
  • AIO pump position
  • Multiple temperature sources

  • Water pump+

  • 4-pin PWM/DC fan

  • Smart protection

  • ROG Water-Cooling Zone

  • AIO pump

  • Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling. And all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.​

  • A dedicated header that can supply over 3A to high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

    detail
  • Every onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

  • A dedicated circuit protects each fan header from over-temperature and over-current.

  • Water In/Out and water-flow headers feed status information straight into the AI Suite utility, so you can keep track of coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop to ensure the best cooling performance.

    detail
  • A dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups.

    detail

HEATSINKS

Heatsinks are extremely important for motherboards, as they absorb heat from critical areas to ensure components do not stagger due to overheating. With VRM, chipset​ and M.2 heatsinks, ROG Crosshair VIII Hero ensures efficient and stable operation even when pushed hard.

  • Active Chipset Heatsink

  • VRM & M.2 Heatsink

  • ACTIVE CHIPSET HEATSINK DESIGN

    PCle 4.0 provides twice the bandwidth for data flowing through the chipset, which creates more heat than the previous generation.
    The Hero features an actively cooled heatsink to prevent throttling during sustained transfers.

    • Custom Delta Superflo Fan

      The custom low-noise fan features a high-durability bearing with a 60,000-hour L10* lifespan.

      * L10 bearing lifespan specifies the minimum number of hours that 90% of the bearing are expected to last.

      Air Duct

      A specially-designed air duct helps the fan generate static pressure and concentrates air flow over the fins.

      Finned heatsink

      The heatsink fin density is optimized to maximize surface area while maintaining a low-resistance exhaust path.

    • 1VRM Heatsink

      Connects to the IO heatsink via an embedded heat-pipe, increasing mass and surface area.

    • 2DUAL M.2 HEATSINKS

      ROG Crosshair VIII Hero is equipped with a dual stylish M.2 heatsink that keeps your SSD cool. By efficiently dissipating heat away from the M.2 area, it minimizes the possibility of the performance-sapping throttling that can happen when drives become too warm.

OPTIMIZATION

UNCOMPLICATED SYSTEM TUNING​

ROG gives you powerful tools that make optimizing your system fast and easy. For those who relish fine-grained control, the UEFI BIOS has a wealth of advanced options organized into intuitive categories that provide the ability to tweak every aspect of your system​. 

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

  • Designed to simplify setup, EZ mode presents all the vital settings and stats on a single page. With guided wizards, drag-and-drop functionality, and one-click application of important settings, your rig will be up and running in no time.

    EZ MODE
    EZ MODE

    EZ Tuning Wizard

    Streamline your RAID configuration for faster data retrieval and backups.

    Intuitive graphical fan control

    Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.

    SATA Information

    View SATA port details for easy device recognition.

    Fast Clock Adjustment

    Use mouse controls to change the time and date.

    Aura On/Off mode (Stealth)

    Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a more subdued aesthetic.

  • When you’re ready for a deeper dive into the configuration of your system, delve into the UEFI’s Advanced mode and take complete control. Each section is intuitively organized, and a built-in search feature makes it easy to find the options you need. Advanced functions are coded with the intelligence to adapt to your settings, and when you’re ready to take charge, parameters have the granularity to dial in performance just the way you want.

    ADVANCED MODE
    ADVANCED MODE

    My Favorites

    Quickly find tuning options and add preferred tools to the list.

    EZ Flash 3

    Flash the latest BIOS via the internet from within the BIOS.

    SMART

    Check your storages devices' Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology logs to gauge reliability and to identify potential failures.

    GPU POST

    Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information.

    Secure Erase

    Restore your SSDs to factory-fresh condition.

    Last Modified Log

    Track the latest changes and save preferred profiles onto a USB drive.

    SATA Port Renaming

    Rename SATA ports for easy identification.

    Search Function

    Quickly and easily find the option or setting you’re looking for.

    ASUS User Profile

    Port configuration settings between different BIOS versions or share them with friends.

ACCURATE VOLTAGE MONITORING

Conventional motherboards ues single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn't ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. The Hero features a differential sensing circuit that simplifies overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

Performance Level Up

AI Suite 3’s dashboard-style control panel lets you fine-tune almost every aspect of your system. Get the best balance between performance, cooling, stability, and efficiency via one simple and intuitive interface.​

  • TPU

  • EPU

  • FAN XPERT 4

  • DIGITAL+
    power controls

  • turbo app

  • TPU INSIGHT

    CPU-performance boost

    The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) is an intelligent onboard micro-controller that provides an array of system-tuning features, including the ability to fine-tune voltages, monitor system stats and adjust overclocking parameters.

  • EPU

    All-around energy efficiency

    With the Energy Processing Unit (EPU) you'll enjoy system-wide power savings. The EPU automatically optimizes power consumption and maximizes savings with Away mode — a smart setting that creates an extreme energy-saving scenario by shutting down unused I/O controllers.

  • Fan Xpert 4

    Flexible cooling controls for air or liquid

    Enjoy comprehensive control over fans, water pumps and all-in-one (AIO) coolers, via either Fan Expert 4 or our award-winning UEFI. Whether you're cooling with air or water, Auto-Tuning mode intelligently configures all parameters with a single click. There's also an Extreme Quiet mode, which reduces all fan speeds to below the default minimum — keeping your system whisper-quiet when performing light tasks.​

  • Digital Power Controls

    Precise digital power control

    The Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) delivers real-time control over voltage droop, switching frequency and power-efficiency settings, allowing you to fine-tune CPU voltage regulation for ultimate stability and performance.

  • Game Faster, Rank Higher

    Turbo App

    AMD's processors feature per-core tuning, and the ASUS Turbo app makes use of this feature by letting you assign applications to specific processor cores, prioritizing computing power where it's needed most.​

CONNECTIVITY

ULTRAFAST CONNECTION

ROG Crosshair VIII Hero offers advanced connectivity to ensure seamless gaming experiences. With the latest ultrafast networking, including dual Ethernet with one 2.5G port, ROG Crosshair VIII Hero removes all bottlenecks for online and LAN play, minimizing lag and providing an overall smoother experience. Additionally, the M.2 supports AMD StoreMI technology to maximize the speed of your SSD for faster load times, and SupremeFX on-board audio provides superb sound, while saving a PCIe slot.​

  • 1REALTEK 2.5G LAN

    2.5G on-board Ethernet kicks your LAN connection up a notch with an up to 2.5X bandwidth improvement. Using your existing LAN cable, you can take advantage this networking upgrade to experience smoother, lag-free gaming, immediately stream high-resolution videos and enjoy faster file transfers.​

  • 2INTEL ETHERNET

    ROG Crosshair VIII Hero features the latest Intel® Ethernet (I211-AT) ensuring data exchanges with your network and the outside world are fast and smooth. Intel LAN reduces CPU overhead and increases TCP and UDP throughput, keeping more processing power.​​

SupremeFX

ROG's SupremeFX audio technology has levelled up, delivering an exceptional 113dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection to provide best-ever recording quality. We've also added a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220 codec, an ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter for superior front-panel output, and a Texas Instruments® RC4580 op amp for high gain with low distortion — all to deliver audio that envelops you as never before.
Learn More

  • S1220 Codec

    10 DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1 channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front panel outputs

  • ESS®ES9023P

    The ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of 112db DNR /-94dB THD+N for superior front-panel output.​

  • Nichicon caps

    Fine-quality Japanese-made components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity.

  • Gold-Plated Audio Jacks

    Prevents oxidization to ensure a reliable connection​.

  • Switching Mosfets

    Unique design allows the codec's impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs.

  • S1220 CODEC

  • ESS® ES9023P

  • NICHICON CAPS

  • GOLD-PLATED
    AUDIO JACKS

  • SWITCH MOSFETS

  • UNTHROTTLED TRANSFER SPEED

    Dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slot support up to 22110 and provide NVMe SSD RAID support for an incredible performance boost. Create a RAID configuration with up to two PCIe 4.0 storage devices to enjoy the fastest data-transfer speeds on the 3rd Generation AMD Ryzen platform.

  • AMD STOREMI

    AMD StoreMI technology is a software utility that accelerates any drive for better system responsiveness with reduced startup and software load times. It combines SSD performance with the affordability and capacity of an HDD by automatically moving frequently accessed data to dedicated SSD storage.​

ASUS NODE CONNECTOR​

ASUS Node is a proprietary bi-directional interface that allow ASUS motherboards to communicate with other system components, opening up a wealth of new options for system builders.​

PERSONALIZATION

THE POWER TO PERSONALIZE

ROG provides a range of intuitive software that enables easy control of your advanced gaming hardware and ensures seamless component compatibility. From RGB lighting, networking and audio to storage optimization and more, ROG gives you the power to personalize your system just the way you want.​  

GAMEFIRST V NETWORK CONTROL

GameFirst V is an ROG-exclusive tool that optimizes network traffic and your connection for faster, lag-free online gaming. Select the best Wi-Fi channel for maximum stability and minimum interference, team your gateways and keep tabs on bandwidth-hogging apps, all from an intuitive interface that enables easy, on-the-fly adjustments.

  • Sonic Studio III

    Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for VR headsets, casting an immersive aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

    *A head-related transfer function is an audio algorithm derived from sound data recorded through a dummy head. Test tones are played from a spherical grid around the dummy head to obtain subtle changes in sounds that come from different directions. The results are combined into an algorithm that allows Sonic Studio's virtual surround to process sound true to life.
    LEARN MORE
    • Sonic Studio Link

      The new Sonic Studio Link now allows you to apply Sonic Studio effects on all playback devices. Simply press the Sonic Studio Link button to enjoy the effect on any playback devices.

    • APP-Specific profiles

      Apply customized audio settings to different applications, so everything you do is perfectly tuned to the way you want to listen.

    • SONIC STUDIO VIRTUAL MIXER

      A virtual audio device that lets streamers combine sound output and output from different apps. This allows you to mix your voice and video game audio within streaming software. A variety of adjustment and monitoring tools provide a high level of digital control​.

  • DTS : SOUND UNBOUND

    DTS Sound Unbound envelops you in audio as never before, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Windows Sonic spatial technology, DTS Sound Unbound delivers audio in a virtual 3D space – putting you right in the middle of the soundscape. Every ROG Crosshair VIII motherboard has built-in support* for this amazing new audio technology and comes with the DTS Sound Unbound app pre-loaded, enabling you to sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep and environmental sound.​

    * DTS Sound Unbound requires in-game support. Check with developers for titles that offer support.​
    STEREO SOUND

    The classic headphones or two-speaker setup, delivering discrete left and right audio channels.

    SURROUND SOUND

    Audio that’s split into and served over multiple speaker channels – such as 5.1 or 7.1 – creating an enveloping experience, but on a single logical plane.​

    SPATIAL SOUND

    An all-new experience that creates a virtual audio ‘sphere’, with you at the center, so sounds seem to travel in all directions – creating astonishing 360° immersion.​

  • Addressable Strip

    RGB Strip

    GROW YOUR GAMING WORLD

    Gear up with ROG components, from graphics and monitors, to mice and keyboards, and up your game with complementary aesthetics, control and compatibility. The ROG ecosystem is more extensive than any competing brand, so enjoy greater choice as your system expands.

    • Static Static
    • Breathing Breathing
    • Strobing Strobing
    • Rainbow Rainbow
    • Color cycle Color cycle
    • Starry Night Starry Night
    • Music effect Music Effect
    • Smart Smart

    ADDRESSABLE Gen 2 RGB HEADER

    The Hero’s​ Addressable Gen 2 headers are now capable of detecting the number of LEDs on second-gen addressable RGB devices, allowing the software to automatically tailor lighting effects to specific devices. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB gear.

    Addressable Gen 2 device: Effect is perfectly matched to the LEDs on the strip, moving smoothly from end to end.

    Addressable Gen 1 device: In most cases, effect will move beyond the physical number of LEDs on the strip, resulting in periods of darkness.

    *Based on the flash and dash effect simulation.

Armoury Crate

Armoury Crate is a new software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported ROG gaming products. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate lets you easily customize RGB lighting and effects for every compatible device in your arsenal and synchronize them with Aura Sync for unified system lighting effects. The software also provides control of settings for a select and growing number of ROG products, including keyboard and mouse preferences as well as laptop overclocking and fan speeds, making it easier to tune the look and feel of your system. Armoury Crate even features dedicated product registration and ROG news areas to help you stay in touch with the ROG gaming community.

  • AURA SYNC

  • DEVICE CONFIGURATION

  • DRIVER & MANUAL DOWNLOAD

  • GAMING HIGHLIGHT

  • ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

RAMCache turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times. Fully compatible with the latest NVM Express storage options, its uniquely intelligent technology effectively caches an entire storage device so that favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds.

  • Smart mode

    Automatically caches all your storage devices to maximize your system’s resources

  • Real-time information

    The intuitive interface displays real-time drive information, such as current read/write speeds.

  • Health check

    And allows you to quickly check the health status of assigned memory.

THE POWER OF AMD

AMD X570 chipset

The AMD X570 chipset delivers outstanding overclocking capabilities for the latest AMD AM4 socket for 3rd and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ /2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors. It is optimized for multiple GPU configurations, including NVIDIA SLI® and AMD CrossFireX™. It also supports x16 PCI Express® 4.0/3.0 lanes and provides 10Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and 6 Gb/s SATA ports for faster data retrieval.​

AMD AM4 Socket for 3rd and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ / 2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors

The high-performance 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ processors are based on the next-gen 7nm Zen architecture and support up to 16 processor cores. AMD AM4-socket processors feature dual-channel DDR4 memory, native 10Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 and x16 PCI Express® 4.0/3.0 lanes for superb performance.​

Awards

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

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