ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
5th October, 2017Type
MotherboardPrice
$249.99 USASUS ROG Maximus X HERO Motherboard - Features
ASUS sent me two ROG series motherboards for this review, the ROG Maximus X Hero and the ROG STRIX Z370E Gaming. Let's start off with the ROG Maximus X Hero which is a high end motherboard carries a top end design that boasts literally every feature that gamers demand.
You can find three way SLI/CFX GPU support, faster 4133+ MHz DRAM support, high-end audio driver, Intel Gigabit Ethernet LAN, tons of RGB and a solid power supply design scheme that can take true advantage of overclocking capabilities that Coffee Lake unlocked CPUs have to offer. The motherboard comes at a price of $259.99 US and it'll be interesting to know if it's worth the price.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO Motherboard Features:
- LGA1151 socket for 8th -gen Intel Core desktop processors
- Synchronize RGB lighting with a vast portfolio of Aura Sync capable PC gear – now with support for addressable light strips
- Onboard M.2 Heatsink: Cools your M.2 drive, delivering consistent storage performance and enhanced reliability
- Gaming Audio: SupremeFX and Sonic Studio III – High fidelity audio that draws you deeper into the action
- Gaming connectivity: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard, Dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C connectors
- 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor made for your rig
- Gaming durability: ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum durability
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO Motherboard Gallery:
OC DESIGN- ASUS PRO CLOCK II TECHNOLOGY
A dedicated base-clock (BCLK) generator that extends CPU and memory overclocking margins. This custom solution works in tandem with the TPU to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control, providing the flexibility to extract every ounce of performance from 8th Generation Intel® processors.
5-WAY OPTIMIZATION -ONE-CLICK OVERCLOCK AND COOLING, DONE!
One click takes care of all that complex tuning. ASUS 5-Way Optimization makes your PC smart. It dynamically optimizes essential aspects of the system, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailored for your rig.
・ An automated tuning utility that optimizes overclocking and cooling profiles for your unique system configuration.
・ Fans stay whisper-quiet for everyday computing, and deliver optimal airflow when the system is crunching through CPU or GPU-intensive tasks.
・ All-new stress test that allows users to optimize and overclock for CPU or memory-centric workloads.
DDR4 OC 4133MHZ+
ASUS OptiMem preserves memory signal integrity by routing memory traces and vias to the optimal PCB layer, and our T-Topology layout ensures time-aligned signaling by balancing trace lengths between memory slots. These enhancements lead to more headroom for overclocking and improved stability, allowing memory speeds of DDR4-4133 and beyond with all slots populated.
SupremeFX
ROG's awesome SupremeFX audio technology has levelled up, delivering an exceptional 113dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection — and that means our best-ever recording quality! We've also added a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220 codec, an ESS Sabre Hi-Fi ES9023P digital-to-analog converter for superior front-panel output, and a Texas Instruments RC4580 op-amp for high gain with low distortion — which all adds up to audio that envelops you as never before.
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, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.
PRE-MOUNTED I/O SHIELD
ROG's patent-pending I/O shield is capable of withstanding electrostatic discharge up to 12kV, and is pre-fitted to make it even easier to install the motherboard. Its sleek new design looks as good as it performs.
AURA LIGHTING CONTROL
A well-tuned enthusiast system deserves a matching aesthetic. ASUS Aura offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for the built-in RGB LEDs as well as strips connected to the onboard RGB headers. And it can all be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura-capable ASUS hardware.
ROG Maximus X Hero features a duo of onboard 5050 RGB headers and an addressable header that can be connected to compatible lighting strips, fans, coolers, and PC cases, creating a new world of illumination possibilities.
*The addressable RGB header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (5V/Data/Ground), with a max power rating of 3A (5V) and a max of 60 LEDs.
* The Aura RGB-strip header supports 5050 RGB LED strips with a max power rating of 3A (12V). For maximum brightness, strip length should not exceed 3m.
**RGB and addressable RGB LED extension cables are included. LED strips and Aura Sync-compatible devices are sold separately.
EXCLUSIVE 3D MOUNT FOR EASY INSTALLATION
Dedicated 3D Mounts on the motherboard makes fitting 3D-printed parts easy. Using the same screws as M.2 drives and standard motherboard mounting holes, you can easily add nameplates, cable covers, or an M.2 fan holder in a matter of moments.
M.2 HEATSINK
ROG Maximus X Hero is equipped with a stylish, angular M.2 heatsink that keeps your SSD cool. By efficiently dissipating heat away from the M.2 area, ROG Maximus X Hero minimizes the possibility of the performance-sapping throttling that can happen when drives become too warm. The heatsink's angular design adds an eye-catching touch to any build, while the T-sensor detects temperatures in the vital M.2 area for instant monitoring.
INTEL ETHERNET
Featuring the latest Intel Ethernet (I219-V) for faster, smoother gaming. Intel Ethernet controllers have a natural synergy with their CPUs and chipsets, reducing processor overhead and offering exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput, so there's more power for games and other tasks.
ASUS DUAL PCIE GEN3 M.2
With x4 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 bandwidth, M.2 supports up to 32Gbit/s data-transfer speeds. It is the perfect choice for an operating system or application drive, making your whole PC or professional apps work as fast as possible.
ROG Z370 Motherboard Lineup Specs:
ASUS Z370 Motherboard Lineup:
| Motherboard Name | ASUS ROG Maximus X Apex | ASUS ROG Maximus X Formula | ASUS ROG Maximus X Code | ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero | ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming | ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-F Gaming | ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-G Gaming | ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-H Gaming | ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-I Gaming | ASUS PRIME Z370-A | ASUS PRIME Z370-P | ASUS TUF Z370-PRO Gaming | ASUS TUF Z370-Plus Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Support | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs | Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs |
| Form Factor | EATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | microATX | ATX | Mini-ITX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| Socket Type | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 |
| Power Phases | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| CPU Power Connectors | 2 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin | 1 x 8 pin |
| DDR4 DIMM Slots | 2 x DDR4 up to 4266+ (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4266+ (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4133+ (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4133+ (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4000 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4000 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4000 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 3866 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4333+ (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 4000 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 3866 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 3866 (OC) | 4 x DDR4 up to 3866 (OC) |
| Multi-GPU | 2 SLI, 4 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, 3 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, 3 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, 3 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, 3 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, 3 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, CrossFireX | 2 SLI, CrossFireX | NA | 2 SLI, 3 CrossFireX | 2 CrossFireX | 2 SLI, CrossFireX | 2 CrossFireX |
| PCI-e 3.0 Expansion Slots | 4 x16 2 x1 | 3 x16 3 x1 | 3 x16 3 x1 | 3 x16 3 x1 | 3 x16 4 x1 | 3 x16 4 x1 | 2 x16 2 x1 | 3 x16 3 x1 | 1 x16 | 3 x16 4 x1 | 2 x16 4 x1 | 3 x16 3 x1 | 2 x16 4 x1 |
| M.2 | 2 x4 | 3 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 | 2 x4 |
| SATA III 6 GB/s Ports | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Ethernet | Aquantia 5G Intel 1G | Aquantia 5G Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G | Realtek 1G | Intel 1G | Intel 1G |
| WiFi | NA | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | NA | 802.11ac | NA | 802.11ac | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Audio | SupremeFX S1220A | SupremeFX S1220 ESS Sabre DAC | SupremeFX S1220 | SupremeFX S1220 ESS Sabre DAC | SupremeFX S1220A | SupremeFX S1220A | SupremeFX S1220A | SupremeFX S1220A | SupremeFX S1220A | Crystal S1220A | Realtek ALC887 | Realtek ALC887 | Realtek ALC887 |
| USB 3.1 Gen2 | 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 1 front 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 1 front 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 1 front 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 1 front 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 2 Type-A | 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | 1 Front | 1 Type-C 1 Type-A | NA | 2 Type-A | 2 Type-A |
| Aura Sync headers | 4 strip | 4 strip | 4 strip | 2 strip 1 address | 2 strip 1 address | 2 strip 1 address | NA | 1 strip | 1 address | 1 strip | NA | NA | 1 strip |
| Price | TBC | TBC | TBC | $259.99 US | $216.99 US | $208.99 US | $189.99 US | $169.99 US | $189.99 US | $174.99 US | $139.99 US | $159.99 US | $149.99 US |
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About the author: A Software Engineer by training and a PC enthusiast by passion, Hassan Mujtaba serves as Wccftech's Senior Editor for hardware section. With years of experience in the industry, he specializes in deep-dive technical analysis of next-generation CPU and GPU architectures, motherboards, and cooling solutions. His work involves not only breaking news on upcoming technologies but also extensive hands-on reviews and benchmarking.
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