What To Know
- The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a dedicated overclocking panel on the board itself, making it convenient to tweak settings on the fly.
- Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a slight edge in overclocking potential, which can provide a performance boost in certain games.
- The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a more robust VRM and better cooling, making it a better choice for extreme overclocking.
For discerning PC enthusiasts, the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming stand as formidable contenders in the AM4 motherboard landscape. Both boards boast an impressive array of features, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences and similarities, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero sports an ATX form factor, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming comes in an E-ATX size. The former offers more expansion slots and flexibility for high-end builds, while the latter provides ample space for large graphics cards and other components.
In terms of aesthetics, the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero exudes a stealthy and industrial look with its black and gray color scheme. The Strix X570-E Gaming, on the other hand, embraces a more vibrant and futuristic design with its RGB lighting and angular accents.
Chipset and VRM
Both motherboards feature the powerful AMD X570 chipset, providing support for the latest AMD Ryzen processors. However, the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero boasts a beefier VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) with 16 power stages, while the Strix X570-E Gaming has 14 power stages. This difference translates to better power delivery and overclocking potential for the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero.
Memory and Storage
The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5100MHz, while the Strix X570-E Gaming supports up to 64GB at similar speeds. Both boards offer ample storage options with multiple M.2 slots and SATA ports.
Expansion Slots and Connectivity
The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a total of four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, allowing for multi-GPU configurations or other high-bandwidth devices. The Strix X570-E Gaming has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one of which is an x8/x8 slot.
Both motherboards provide a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet. The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero also includes a Thunderbolt 4 port for ultra-fast data transfers and peripheral connectivity.
Audio and Networking
The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and Strix X570-E Gaming both feature high-quality audio solutions with SupremeFX audio codecs. However, the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for improved audio fidelity.
For networking, the Strix X570-E Gaming includes a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, while the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a more advanced 10Gb Ethernet port, providing blazing-fast internet connectivity.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer robust BIOS interfaces with comprehensive overclocking options. The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a dedicated overclocking panel on the board itself, making it convenient to tweak settings on the fly.
Pricing and Value
The ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero typically retails for around $350, while the ROG Strix X570-E Gaming can be found for around $250. The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero offers more premium features and better overclocking potential, making it a more suitable choice for enthusiasts and performance-oriented users.
The Ultimate Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard
Ultimately, the best choice between the ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and ROG Strix X570-E Gaming depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best in features, overclocking capabilities, and connectivity, the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize value and prefer a more modest feature set, the Strix X570-E Gaming offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a slight edge in overclocking potential, which can provide a performance boost in certain games.
Q: Can I use the same RAM on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both motherboards support DDR4 memory and have similar memory speed capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has four M.2 slots, while the Strix X570-E Gaming has three.
Q: Which motherboard is recommended for heavy overclocking?
A: The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a more robust VRM and better cooling, making it a better choice for extreme overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has the best audio quality?
A: The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC, which provides superior audio fidelity compared to the Strix X570-E Gaming.
