ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
5th October, 2017Type
MotherboardPrice
$249.99 USASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Motherboard - Features
Moving on, we have the more price optimized variants of the ROG family known as ROG STRIX. These are the more budget gamer tuned motherboards that still feature a very stylized design, looking great and rocking some great features.
I was sent the ROG STRIX Z370-E is the top variant of the ROG STRIX lineup and very gaming user friendly. You can find dual way SLI/CFX GPU support, faster 4000+ MHz DRAM support, high-end audio driver, Intel Gigabit Ethernet LAN, tons of RGB and a rock solid power delivery system on the board. The motherboard comes at a price of $216.99 US which is slightly on the high side if we take into account the greater than $200 US price tag but I'll try to find out if it's well worth at this range.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Motherboard Features:
- LGA1151 socket for 8th -gen Intel Core desktop processors.
- Aura Sync RGB: Synchronize LED lighting with a vast portfolio of compatible PC gear, including addressable RGB strips.
- Onboard M.2 heatsink: Cools your M.2 drive, delivering consistent storage performance and enhanced reliability.
- 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor-made for your rig.
- Gaming audio: SupremeFX S1220A teams with Sonic Studio III to create an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action.
- Gaming connectivity: Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C connectors.
- Gaming networking: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, LANGuard, GameFirst and 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support.
- Gamer’s Guardian: ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum endurance.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Motherboard Gallery:
IMPROVED OVERCLOCKING FOR FASTER GAMING PERFORMANCE
A dedicated base-clock generator designed for 8th Generation Intelprocessors allows overclocked base-clock (BCLK) frequencies up to 432MHz* — or even beyond. This custom solution works in tandem with the TPU to enhance voltage and base-clock overclocking control, providing an exciting new way to boost performance to extreme heights.
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.
With ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming you have comprehensive control over fans and all-in-one (AIO) coolers, via either Fan Xpert 4 or our media-acclaimed 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.
INTEL ETHERNET - LOWER CPU WORKLOAD, HIGER TCP & UDP THROUGHPUT
Featuring the latest Intel Ethernet (I219-V) for faster, smoother gaming. Intel Ethernet controllers have a natural synergy with their processors and chipsets, reducing CPU overhead and offering exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput, so there's more power for games and other tasks.
M.2 HEATSINK - PERFECTED COOLING FOR UNLEASHING PERFORMANCE
ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming is equipped with an M.2 heatsink integrated into the PCH heatsink. With a huge cooling surface, the M.2 heatsink perfectly chills an inserted M.2 SSD — for consistent performance and reliability. Featuring a stylish angular design, the M.2 heatsink adds a beautiful touch to the build.
DUAL PCIE 3.0 M.2 - LET YOUR SSD SCREAM AT SPEEDS OF UP TO 32GBPS
Dual PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots provide NVMe SSD RAID support for an incredible performance boost. Create a RAID configuration with up to three PCIe 3.0 storage devices via two M.2 slots and a PCIe x16 slot to enjoy the world's fastest data-transfer speeds.
SUPREMEFX - SHIELDED AUDIO, SUPERIOR SOUND
ROG Strix's SupremeFX audio technology has levelled up, delivering an exceptional 113dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection for best-ever recording quality and 120dB on line-out for crystal-clear sound! We've also added a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220A codec, plus Texas Instruments RC4580 and OPA1688 op-amps for high gain with low distortion. It all adds up to audio that envelops you as never before!
SONIC STUDIO III
Sonic Studio now 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.
OUTSHINE THE COMPETITION
A well-tuned 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 hardware.
2X2 WI-FI WITH MU-MIMO -ONBOARD WI-FI WITH TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 867MBPS
Next-level 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 dual-band 2.4/5GHz antennas offer up to 867Mbps transfer speeds and the very latest Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology ensures that every connected user experiences the best wireless and online speeds!
GAMER'S GUARDIAN
ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming is carefully designed and engineered with loads of high-quality components to protect your investment and we call them Gamer's Guardian. Individually they're tough, together they're unstoppable.
RGB HEADERS
RGB LIGHTING PERFECTED
ROG Strix Z370-E Gaming features a pair of onboard 5050 RGB headers and an addressable RGB 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 extension cables are included. LED strips and Aura Sync-compatible devices are sold separately.
ASUS 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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