Quick summary
- The AORUS MASTER, on the other hand, showcases a more subdued black and silver aesthetic, with sharp lines and a prominent RGB lighting system that illuminates the board’s various components.
- Both the Crosshair VIII Formula and AORUS MASTER feature the AM4 socket, making them compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including the latest 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs.
- The Crosshair VIII Formula features a 16-phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the AORUS MASTER employs a 14-phase VRM with 90A power stages.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the foundation upon which your entire system is constructed. It’s the central hub that connects all your components, enabling them to communicate and function seamlessly. When it comes to high-end X570 motherboards, two names stand out: the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Formula and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS MASTER. Both motherboards boast impressive features, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance, making them ideal choices for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of each motherboard, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision about which one is the perfect fit for your next build.
Design and Aesthetics: A Feast for the Eyes
The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Formula and GIGABYTE X570 AORUS MASTER both exude an aura of elegance and sophistication. The Crosshair VIII Formula features a striking black and red color scheme, accented by intricate patterns and a sleek, futuristic design. The AORUS MASTER, on the other hand, showcases a more subdued black and silver aesthetic, with sharp lines and a prominent RGB lighting system that illuminates the board’s various components. Both motherboards feature high-quality materials and a robust construction, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliability.
Socket and Chipset: The Foundation of Performance
At the heart of both motherboards lies the powerful AMD X570 chipset, designed to unleash the full potential of AMD’s latest Ryzen processors. The X570 chipset offers support for PCIe 4.0, enabling blazing-fast data transfer speeds and enhanced connectivity options. Both the Crosshair VIII Formula and AORUS MASTER feature the AM4 socket, making them compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including the latest 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs.
VRM and Power Delivery: Unparalleled Stability and Performance
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) plays a crucial role in delivering clean and stable power to the CPU. Both the Crosshair VIII Formula and AORUS MASTER boast robust VRM designs, ensuring exceptional power delivery and stability even under demanding workloads. The Crosshair VIII Formula features a 16-phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the AORUS MASTER employs a 14-phase VRM with 90A power stages. These high-quality components ensure efficient power delivery, minimizing voltage fluctuations and maintaining stable system operation.
Memory Support: Unleashing the Potential of DDR4
When it comes to memory support, both motherboards offer ample options for high-speed DDR4 RAM. The Crosshair VIII Formula supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds of up to 5100MHz (OC). The AORUS MASTER also supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds of up to 4800MHz (OC). Both motherboards feature advanced memory trace routing and shielding to minimize interference and ensure stable memory performance.
Storage Options: Blazing-Fast NVMe and SATA Connectivity
Both the Crosshair VIII Formula and AORUS MASTER provide ample storage options to meet the demands of modern users. The Crosshair VIII Formula features six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage speeds. The AORUS MASTER also offers six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, with two supporting PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs and one supporting PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs. Both motherboards also include an onboard M.2 heatsink to help dissipate heat from high-performance NVMe SSDs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Connectivity: A Gateway to the World
In terms of connectivity, both the Crosshair VIII Formula and AORUS MASTER offer a comprehensive range of options. The Crosshair VIII Formula features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, enabling high-speed data transfer and connectivity to external devices. It also includes a 2.5GbE LAN port, providing fast and reliable wired network connectivity. The AORUS MASTER offers similar connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and a Wi-Fi 6 module for wireless connectivity. Both motherboards also include a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, for flexible peripheral connectivity.
Audio Performance: Immersive Sound for Gamers and Audiophiles
For those seeking exceptional audio performance, both the Crosshair VIII Formula and AORUS MASTER deliver immersive sound experiences. The Crosshair VIII Formula features the SupremeFX S1220A audio codec, which provides high-quality audio output and supports 7.1-channel surround sound. It also includes a dedicated headphone amplifier for enhanced audio clarity and detail. The AORUS MASTER utilizes the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, which delivers rich and detailed audio output. It also features a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for high-fidelity audio playback and supports 7.1-channel surround sound.
In a nutshell: The Ultimate Choice for Enthusiasts and Power Users
The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Formula and GIGABYTE X570 AORUS MASTER are both exceptional X570 motherboards that cater to the needs of demanding users. The Crosshair VIII Formula stands out with its striking design, robust VRM, and comprehensive connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3 and 2.5GbE LAN. The AORUS MASTER impresses with its sleek aesthetics, powerful VRM, and a wide range of storage and connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports and Wi-Fi 6. Ultimately, the choice between these two motherboards depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize aesthetics, cutting-edge features, and the latest connectivity standards, the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Formula is the ideal choice. If you seek a more subdued design, exceptional power delivery, and ample storage and connectivity options, the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS MASTER is a compelling option. Regardless of your choice, both motherboards offer exceptional performance, stability, and features that will elevate your PC building experience to new heights.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which motherboard offers better VRM performance, the Crosshair VIII Formula or the AORUS MASTER?
- Both motherboards feature robust VRM designs, but the Crosshair VIII Formula has a slight edge with its 16-phase VRM and 90A power stages compared to the AORUS MASTER’s 14-phase VRM and 90A power stages.
2. Can both motherboards support high-speed DDR4 memory?
- Yes, both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 5100MHz (OC) for the Crosshair VIII Formula and 4800MHz (OC) for the AORUS MASTER.
3. Which motherboard has more storage options, the Crosshair VIII Formula or the AORUS MASTER?
- The Crosshair VIII Formula has a slight advantage in terms of storage options, offering six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, compared to the AORUS MASTER’s six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots.
4. Do both motherboards include Wi-Fi connectivity?
- The Crosshair VIII Formula does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, while the AORUS MASTER includes a Wi-Fi 6 module for wireless connectivity.
5. Which motherboard is better suited for audiophiles, the Crosshair VIII Formula or the AORUS MASTER?
- Both motherboards offer excellent audio performance, but the Crosshair VIII Formula has a slight edge with its SupremeFX S1220A audio codec and dedicated headphone amplifier.