ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Motherboard - Close Up
Early in 2017, Intel released their brand new Kaby Lake platform, featuring a plethora of CPUs and motherboards. The Kaby Lake platform introduced nothing new over what Skylake and its boards already offered. It was simply part of Intel's yearly refresh and brought some modest clock speed upgrades and boards with added features (mainly by AIBs rather than the chipset itself).
But, a few months after Kaby Lake launched, AMD introduced Ryzen. A significant update to their processor family that not only brought IPC on par with modern Intel cores, but also delivered a mainstream platform with feature level parity with Intel's mainstream offerings. Ryzen also offered more cores on the mainstream platform, with multi-threading support and the major blow to Intel came in price to performance. Ryzen had done one thing, it had disrupted Intel's long running reign in the mainstream market by itself, we won't even mention Threadripper here as that is a whole other story.
Meanwhile, Intel already had plans to update their mainstream family to higher cores, but AMD surprised them with the Ryzen lineup. As such, while the plans to bring higher core count CPUs were formulated long before Ryzen was even announced, the roadmap changes were made about a few months ago. So, what was expected to launch in early 2018 is launched slightly earlier in late 2017, Intel's first mainstream core count bump in more than 10 years.
Intel has officially launched the 300-series platform. Designed to support 8th generation core processors that are codenamed Coffee Lake, the 300-series offers new features and updates in the form that were essentially made to house the new generation of mainstream processors. The latest launch comes just a few months after Intel's 7th Generation core family which is very surprising, even for Intel. Today, I'll be testing ASUS's ROG Maximus X Hero and their ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming motherboards with the Core i7-8700K processor which we tested back in October.
Intel Z370 Express Chipset - The Top 300-Series PCH
With the launch of Coffee Lake processors, Intel is also offering a new platform that is marked as 300-series. The Intel 300 series platform will feature several chipset SKUs but the first to hit the retail market is Z370.
The Z370 platform is exclusively built to support Coffee Lake CPUs meaning that while we can expect later CPU launches to feature support on the current platform, all CPUs that came before will not work on the new motherboards. We have more details on this in the LGA 1151 socket section so here, we will be taking a look at the Z370 featureset and what it offers over the previous 200 and 100 series platforms.
Intel Z370 PCH Features:
The 8th gen desktop platform has a range of new features that mainly include:
- More Cores
- More Intel Smart Cache
- Best In Class Design
- Enhanced Overclocking
- Improved 14nm Process
And of course, powering the new platform is the Z370 PCH. The PCH offers the following:
- Improved Power Delivery for 6 Core Processors
- Enhanced Package Power Delivery For Overclocking
- Memory Routing Support for DDR4-2666
- Rec.2020 & HDR Support, HEVC 10-bit HW Decode/Encode, VP9 10-bit HW Decode
- Integrated USB 3.1 Gen2 (10 Gbps)
- Intel Optane memory support
- Intel Smart Sound Technology with Quad Core Audio DSP
- 24 Chipset PCIe 3.0 Lanes
- 10 USB 3.1 Ports With Up To 6 USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Ports
- Up To 6 SATA 3.0 Ports
- Intel Rapid Storage Technology 16
- PCIe 3.0 x4 Storage Support
Intel Desktop Platform Chipset Comparison
| Chipset Name | Arrow Lake-S (ARL-S) PCH / 800 Series (Z890) | Raptor Lake-S (RPL-S) PCH / 700 Series (Z790) | Alder Lake-S (ADL-S) PCH / 600 Series (Z690) | Rocket Lake-S (RKL-S) PCH / 500 Series (Z590) | Comet Lake-S (CML-S) PCH / 400 Series (Z490) | Coffee Lake S (CFL-S) PCH / 300 Series (Z390/H370, B360, Q370, H310) | Coffee Lake S (KBL-R) PCH / Z370 Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 7nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 22nm |
| Processor | 24C, 20C, 14C, 12C, TBD) | 24,16C,12C,10C,6C,4C | 16C,12C,10C,6C,4C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 8C, 6C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 10C, 8C, 6C, 4C, 2C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 8C, 6C, 4C, 2C (Full corporate/consumer SKU stack at launch) | 8C, 6C, 4C (6 Consumer SKUs at Launch) |
| Memory | Up To DDR5-6400 (Native) | Up To DDR5-5600 (Native) Up To DDR4-3200 (Native) | Up To DDR5-4800 (Native) Up To DDR4-3200 (Native) | Up To DDR4-3200 (Native) | Up To DDR4-2933 (Native) | Up To DDR4-2666 (Native) | Up To DDR4-2666 (Native) |
| Media, Display & Audio | eDP / 4DDI (DP, HDMI) Display Capabilities | eDP / 4DDI (DP, HDMI) Display Capabilities | eDP / 4DDI (DP, HDMI) Display Capabilities | DP 1.2 & HDMI 2.0, HBR3 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) 12-bit AV1/HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP With USB Audio offload SoundWire Digital Audio Interface | DP 1.2 & HDMI 1.4 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP SoundWire Digital Audio Interface | DP 1.2 & HDMI 1.4 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP SoundWire Digital Audio Interface | DP 1.2 & HDMI 1.4 HDCP 2.2 (HDMI 2.0a w/LSPCON) HEVC & VP9 10-bit Enc/Dec, HDR, Rec.2020, DX12 Integrated Dual-Core Audio DSP |
| I/O & Connectivity | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ 7 BT CNVio) with Gig+ Integrated SDXC 4.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ 7 BT CNVio) with Gig+ Integrated SDXC 4.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ 7 BT CNVio) with Gig+ Integrated SDXC 4.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20G) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi6E/ BT CNVi) Integrated SDXC 3.0 Controller Thunderbolt 4.0 (Maple Ridge) | Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2 Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi / BT CNVi) Integrated SDXC 3.0 Controller Thunderbolt 3.0 (Titan Ridge) w/ DP 1.4 | Integrated USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Integrated Intel Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi / BT CNVi) Integrated SDXC 3.0 Controller Thunderbolt 3.0 (Titan Ridge) w/ DP 1.4 | Integrated USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Thunderbolt 3.0 (Alpine Ridge) |
| Storage | PCIe 5.0 (CPU Lanes), 8x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 5.0 (CPU Lanes), 6x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 5.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 4.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next-Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 3.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 3.0, 6x SATA 3.0 | Next Gen Intel Optane memory PCIe 3.0, 6x SATA 3.0 |
| Max PCH PCIe Lanes | Up To 24 (Gen 4) | Up To 20 (Gen 4) Up To 8 (Gen 3) | Up To 12 (Gen 4) Up To 16 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) | Up To 24 (Gen 3) |
| Max CPU PCIe Lanes | Up To 20 (Gen 5) Up To 4 (Gen 4) | Up To 16 (Gen 5) Up To 4 (Gen 4) | Up To 16 (Gen 5) Up To 4 (Gen 4) | Up To 20 (Gen 4) | Up To 16 (Gen 3) | Up To 16 (Gen 3) | Up To 16 (Gen 3) |
| Max USB Ports | Up To 5 (USB 3.2 Gen 2z2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 5 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 4 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 3 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) Up To 10 (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 10 (USB 3.2) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 10 (USB 3.1) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) | Up To 10 (USB 3.0) Up To 14 (USB 2.0) |
| Security | Intel TET Intel Boot Guard | N/A | N/A | N/A | Intel SGX 1.0 | Intel SGX 1.0 | Intel SGX 1.0 |
| Power Management | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C10 & S0ix Support for Modern Standby | C8 Support |
| Launch | 2024 | 2022 | 2021 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Intel LGA 1151 Socket Again - Now With Only 8th Generation Processor Support
Intel isn't moving away from the LGA 1151 socket anytime soon. We are once again looking at the same socket which has been doing the rounds in the mainstream market since 2015. There is however a major difference. There's no backward compatibility with Skylake and Kaby Lake processors.
That brings us to the next significant detail about the Intel 300-series platform. Intel is confirming that the Coffee Lake processors are only compatible with the 300-series chipset. The reason cited by Intel is the change in electrical lanes and power delivery that Z370 improves substantially. We did have a word with some motherboard manufacturers and while they reveal that Coffee Lake may work with older motherboards, it won’t deliver the same level of stability or clocking as on the Z370 series motherboards.
A more detailed analysis was posted by David Schor a few days ago which confirms the change in pin configuration on Coffee Lake processors, hence keeping the LGA 1151 socket on Z370 boards exclusive to Coffee Lake chips.
According to David, the reason we don't have Coffee Lake processors compatible with older series motherboards that feature the LGA 1151 socket is the change in pins. For instance, if the pin config changes on a processor, the sockets on the motherboard need to be configured as such. It's not a process that can be done via software as its more of a hardware level change.
When compared, the Coffee Lake processors have 391 VSS (Ground) pins which is an increase of 14 compared to Kaby Lake, 146 VCC (Electrical) pins which is an increase of 18 pins compared to Kaby Lake and about 25 pins that are reserved and a decrease of 21 pins from the 46 reserved on Kaby Lake.
Kaby Lake -> Coffee Lake
- VSS (Ground): 377 -> 391 (+14)
- VCC (Power): 128 -> 146 (+18)
- RSVD: 46 ->25
Intel LGA 1151 CPU Pin Configuration (Coffee Lake vs Kaby Lake):
So one thing is clear, Intel was in fact telling the truth about electrical changes to the processors and socket in the 300-series platform. Furthermore, it's not just the reserved pins from Kaby Lake that have simply been populated. There are pins aside the reserved ones that were swapped with VCC pins and indicate a design tweak.
While we can put many theories to rest with this new detail, I think much of the confusion could have just been avoided if Intel clarified this themselves. Of course, if you are making the boards with a new PCH and new series of processors on the same socket that ran the previous CPU line, consumers would definitely want to know more about why the new platform that has the same socket cannot support their older chips. We previously heard about the LGA 1151 V2 naming scheme and that may have sorted some confusion but as we can tell, all motherboards still use the LGA 1151 naming scheme which may lead to people thinking that their 6th and 7th generation processors can run on the newer boards.
Cooler Compatibility With LGA 1151 Socket
Keeping the same socket has some advantages in the form of cooler compatibility. All users who are running the LGA 1151 socket or even LGA 1150 boards can use the same cooler on the Z370 boards without any hassle. The socket has the same dimensions and no changes are made aside from electrical changes that are specific to socket and processor pins. The socket assembly and mounting remains the same.
Intel does offer a separate boxed cooler but it will be a much better choice to get an AIB cooling solution since those offer better cooling performance. It is recommended for the unlocked SKUs that users run them on a high end air cooler or liquid cooling solution. Custom loop cooling will deliver even better results.
First of all, what is Coffee Lake? In simple terms, Coffee Lake is an improved Kaby Lake that has been made possible with the latest 14nm++ process node. Intel briefed in their webinar that Coffee Lake is on the same architectural level as Kaby Lake with no changes at all. Aside from that, the new 14nm process allows for improved power efficiency and higher clock speeds. There's a reason that Intel is bumping up the core count across their entire range of processors. The Intel Core i7 and Core i5 lineup gets 6 cores (HT/Non-HT) while the Core i3 lineup gets 4 cores.
The Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors with 6 cores feature the same TDPs as their predecessors so bumping up the core count hasn't changed the TDP numbers. Actual power consumption may vary during testing real world applications but for that, you'd have to wait for our review in the coming weeks. You will also note that Intel has given a fairly good bump to both CPU and integrated GPU clock speeds which is only possible with the new and improved 14nm++ process.
Intel Coffee Lake CPUs Have 16 PCIe 3.0 Lanes, PCH Supports 24 PCIe 3.0 Lanes - These Make Up The 40 PCIe Platform Lanes
Now one thing you might have noticed in other articles is that they state the Intel Coffee Lake platform will feature 40 PCIe Lanes. That's true but not entirely an accurate representation. As you see, Intel does has 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes on their upcoming family but those are a combination of CPU and PCH lanes. All Coffee Lake CPUs feature 16 PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes while the Z370 PCH features 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes. These make up the 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes that Intel claims of.
This means that people can add in two GPUs for SLI or mGPU support which will be given to the CPU while PCH can allow for additional devices such as PCIe / M.2 storage or Intel Optane support.
The Intel 8th Gen, Core Desktop Family Full Specifications and Prices
At launch, Intel will introduce 6 new Coffee Lake CPUs to consumers. These include the flagship Core i7-8700K, Core i7-8700, Core i5-8600K, Core i5-8400, Core i3-8350K and Core i3-8100. Intel includes three "K" unlocked CPUs in the lineup while the rest are locked CPUs that don't feature overclocking but great for budget users in their own place.
Following are the detailed specs for these CPUs:
Intel Core i7-8700K – The Coffee Lake Flagship With 6 Cores and 4.3 GHz Boost Across All Cores
The Intel Core i7-8700K will be the flagship processor of the lineup. It will feature 6 cores and 12 threads. The chip will be compatible with the LGA 1151 socket on the Z370 chipset only. The chip will be Intel’s first hexa core product and will be based on the 14nm process node.
In terms of clock speeds, we are looking at a 3.7 GHz base frequency which boosts up to 4.3 GHz (6 core) and 4.7 GHz (1 core). These clocks are really impressive so we can expect much faster gaming performance on Coffee Lake parts than the current generation of CPUs. The chip is fully unlocked allowing for overclocking and comes with a TDP of 95W. There’s 12 MB of L3 cache on board along with a GT2 tier iGPU. The chip supports DDR4-2666 MHz memory (native) and up to 4400 MHz+ (OC). The Intel Core i7-8700K will cost $359 US at launch.
Intel Core i5-8600K – The Gamer Aimed Hexa Core With Overclocking Capability and 4.3 GHz Boost
The Intel Core i5-8600K is the second unlocked chip in the lineup and features a hexa core design. We have learned that the Intel Core i5 series will stick with 6 cores but they will not feature a multi-threaded design. The chip probably features 9 MB of L3 cache while being supported on the LGA 1151 socket.
In terms of clock speeds, we are looking at 3.5 GHz base, 4.2 GHz (6 core), 4.3 GHz (1 core) boost clocks. The chip will feature a TDP of 95W and the pricing will be set at $257 US which is just a few bucks over $242 US Price of the Core i5-7600K making it a great option for gamers who want some extra cores inside their rigs.
Intel Core i3-8350K – A Quad Core i3 Processor With 4 GHz Clock Speed
The Intel Core i3-8350K might be the only Core i3 chip in the 8th Gen family that enables overclocking support. Intel’s 8th Gen Core i3 family is also the first to feature 4 cores which will be a great deal for budget builders. The Intel Core i3-8350K comes with 4 cores and 4 threads that are clocked at 4.0 GHz. The chip features 6 MB of cache and will feature a TDP of 91W.
The Intel Core i3 chips will not feature boost clocks but they will have a more stable base clock speed and pricing is set at $168 US for the unlocked model.
Intel Core i5-8400 - A 6 Core Chip Under $200 US, Is This The Dream Gaming Chip?
The one other chip that is worth mentioning is the Intel Core i5-8400. This is a 6 core processor with no hyper threading and no overclocking enabled so what makes it so special? The pricing. The Intel Core i5-8400 has been priced at a remarkable $182 US range which is under the $200 US pricing range. This makes it a very competitive chip for the gaming desktop market as you can have a modern 6 core gaming processor for a fantastic price. We are very interested to test the chip out ourselves.
Intel Coffee Lake 8th Gen Desktop Core Lineup:
| CPU Name | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i3-8350K | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-8600K | Intel Core i7-8700 | Intel Core i7-8700K | Intel Core i7-8086K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Family | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S | Coffee Lake-S |
| CPU Process | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm | 14nm |
| CPU Cores | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CPU Threads | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 4.00 GHz | 2.80 GHz | 3.60 GHz | 3.20 GHz | 3.70 GHz | 4.00 GHz |
| Boost Clock (Max) | N/A | N/A | 4.00 GHz | 4.30 GHz | 4.60 GHz | 4.70 GHz | 5.00 GHz |
| Boost Clock (6 Core) | N/A | N/A | 3.50 GHz | 4.40 GHz | 4.20 GHz | 4.30 GHz | 4.30 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (256 KB per Core) | 1 MB (256 KB per Core) | 1.5 MB (256 KB per Core) | 1.5 MB (256 KB per Core) | 1.5 MB (256 KB per Core) | 1.5 MB (256 KB per Core) | 1.5 MB (256 KB per Core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 6 MB | 9 MB | 9 MB | 12 MB | 12 MB | 12 MB |
| Overclocking Support | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Socket Support | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 |
| PCH | 300-Series | 300-Series | 300-Series | 300-Series | 300-Series | 300-Series | 300-Series |
| TDP | 65W | 91W | 65W | 95W | 65W | 95W | 95W |
| Price | $117 US | $168 US | $182 US | $257 US | $303 US | $359 US | $429 US |
Intel Details Overclocking and Gaming Performance Figures - Our Advice, Wait For Reviews
Intel has also detailed some performance numbers for their Coffee Lake processors. First of all, we have overclocking details. Intel claims that Coffee Lake processors are the best chips designed for overclocking. There are a range of new features supported by the chips which include:
- Per Core Overclocking
- Max Memory Ratio Up To 8400 MT/s
- Real-Time Memory Latency Control
- Extended PLL Trim Controls
- Enhanced Package Power Delivery
The combination of these tools and features will presumably deliver better overclocking and even faster performance out of the chips. In terms of pure gaming performance, Intel says that the Core i7-8700K, when paired with a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti class graphics card delivers up to 195 FPS in the Gears of War 4 title, that's a 25% increase in FPS over the Core i7-7700K. The extra number of cores also deliver better streaming performance that is a must in today's gaming ecosystem. We can see up to 45% better performance in Player Unknown Battlegrounds while gaming, streaming and also recording at the same time versus a Core i7-7700K. Compared to a 3 year old PC with something like Haswell or Ivy Bridge inside it, we can see a difference of 2X which sounds great.
Intel Coffee Lake PCB Thickness Compared To Kaby Lake and Core X Processors
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 |
The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero comes in a standard cardboard package. The front features a nice red and black color scheme which ASUS's ROG lineup is well known for. The package does weigh a lot considering its size so we expect to see a lot of accessories alongside the motherboard itself.
The back side of the package lists down the specifications and special features of the motherboard such as SupremeFX S1220 Codec, Addressable header & Aura, Pre-mounted I/O, M.2 heatsink and has the full specs sheet too. There's also a 20% off coupon on CableMod cables inside the box so if anyone is interested, just comment below.
The front side also lists down support for Intel's 8th generation Core processors. There's also support for Intel Optane memory along with ASUS AURA Sync, NVIDIA SLI, AMD Crossfire / CFX technology (although AMD has abandoned the Crossfire name and uses mGPU instead nowadays) and 3D Mounting support.
Inside the package are two sections, the top section houses the motherboard with a plastic cover to protect it from damage while shipping. We are also greeted by a "Welcome to The Republic" message upon opening the box.
There are several accessories included in the package which are listed below:
- User's manual
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
- 1 x M.2 Screw Package
- 1 x CPU installation tool
- 1 x Supporting DVD
- 1 x MOS fan bracket kit
- 1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
- 1 x ROG big sticker
- 1 x Q-Connector
- 1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
- 1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
- 1 x 3D printing mount package
- 1 x ROG coaster(s)
The plastic cover on the motherboard is very easy to remove and reveals the entire motherboard in its full glory.
The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero looks very impressive when unboxed. We can see that ASUS has been enhancing their ROG series motherboards over several iterations, making it feel premium then the rest of their offerings. There's lots to talk about this motherboard so let's get started.
Over the past few years, ASUS has dropped the red and black color theme on their motherboards and went with RGB Lighting to allow users to customize the boards as per their will. The stock RGB lights are indeed set to red but users can customize them through the AURA Sync software. Aside from that, the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero comes in an all black color while the heatsinks feature a chrome silver and brushed aluminum frame. The motherboard comes in the standard ATX form- factor and costs north of $250 US.
The board uses the LGA 1151 socket to support Intel Core processors. The socket is compatible with Intel's 8th generation core family only at the moment. The socket has a protective cover on top of it that points out the exclusivity with Coffee Lake CPUs and refrains users from running a older 6th or 7th generation CPU as it could damage the socket.
Next to the socket are four DDR4 DIMM slots which can support up to 64 GB dual channel memory. These slots are rated to support XMP profiles up to 4133 MHz (OC Plus). Each slot is labeled, making it easier to install DIMMs in the proper orientation.
The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero packs a 10 phase Extreme Engine Digi+ design. Features such as MicroFine Alloy Chokes, NextFET Power Block MOSFET, 10K Black Metallic Capcitors are found on the board along with software support such as One-Click overclocking, X.M.P 2.0, Direct Key, Clr CMOS and Power On that make overclocking a breeze on this high end ROG board.
The VRMs are cooled off by a pair of heatsinks that do their job well considering their size and over all bulkiness. The metallic block underneath the heatsink makes direct contact with the VRMs and heat is dissipated by the air flow within the chassis, provided by various fans including the CPU fan cooler.
The one thing to note though is while being a $250 US+ offering, ASUS hasn't implemented a heat pipe design on this board which is a let down but during testing, I found that the VRMs were not being pushed that hard and the heatsinks developed by ASUS did a fine job to handle the load.
The CPU is supplied power through a single 8-pin power connector. This will feed the CPU with up to 150W of power. Most Intel CPUs will be shipping with TDPs under 100W but that changes when users overclock, since that changes the power limit based on applied voltages and clock speed.
Expansion slots include three PCI Express 3.0 x16 (single mode x16, dual mode x8/x8, triple mode x8/x8/x4), three PCI Express 3.0 x1 and two M.2 slots. The board can support three-way multi-GPU (CrossFireX / SLI). The M.2 slots are rated to support NVMe PCIe gen3 x4 (one can switch between PCIe and SATA mode) and Intel Optane series memory.
ASUS is using a metallic cover on the sides of the expansion slots which provides protection to some extent. It adds more retention and shearing resistance by reinforcing the slots with metal plates. Aside from adding more protection, they do look really sweet.
ASUS has also implemented the M.2 heatsink technology on this board which comes in the form of a nice heatsink located right below the CPU slot. This heatsink comes with a brushed metal finish and is engraved with the Republic of Gamers Logo. M.2 devices with lengths up to 80mm can be supported by the M.2 heatsink.
The PCH is cooled off by a large metallic heatsink which runs next to the SATA ports. The PCH heat sink has embedded RGB LEDs and provide a good light show for those that are interested in RGBs trend. You can also turn off the LEDs entirely through ASUS's AURA Sync software if you are not a fan of such LEDs.
Storage options include six SATA III ports rated to operate at 6 GB/s. These can support eight different storage devices at once.
For Audio, ASUS is running the SupremeFX 8-Channel HD audio (Codec S1220) which falls under their ROG brand. This features technologies such as ESS ES9023P DAC, SupremeFX Shielding tech, 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input, high quality Nichicon caps, switching MOSFETs and gold plated audio jacks.
The entire motherboard is compliant with the ASUS AURA Sync RGB technology and there are multiple lighting points where the RGB can be addressed using their software.
The motherboard has a range of interesting features too which are not common on various other boards. There's support for 3D Printing mount, MemOK!, Q-Code, several RGB headers, a range of sensors for fan and AIO coolers, Intel Ethernet (I219-V) and a DIY friendly design which makes this a great board for PC modders. There's also a USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel header internally on the motherboard which makes fast data access all the more convenient. Following is the list of all the internal I/O ports on the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero:
- 1 x Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
- 2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
- 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
- 1 x TPM connector(s)
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
- 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin)
- 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (3 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x AIO_PUMP connector (1 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x H_AMP fan connector
- 1 x W_PUMP+ connector (1 x 4 -pin)
- 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
- 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
- 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
- 1 x MemOK! button(s)
- 1 x Slow Mode switch(es)
- 1 x Reset button(s)
- 1 x LN2 Mode jumper(s)
- 1 x Safe Boot button
- 1 x ReTry button
- 1 x System panel connector
- 3 x 3D Mount screw port(s)
- 1 x EXT_Fan header
- 1 x W_IN header
- 1 x W_OUT header
- 1 x W_FLOW header
- 1 x Thermal sensor connector
- 1 x Start button
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
Finally, we have the I/O panel which includes a Display Port, HDMI Port, a single LAN (RJ45) port which is run by the Intel Ethernet chip (I219-V), 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-A + Type-C) ports, 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Optical S/PDIF out port, 1 Clear CMOS button, 1 USB BIOS Flash back button and a 8 channel gold plated audio jack.
In case you missed it, yes this motherboard comes with a pre-mounted I/O shield which means you will never get into the mess of not installing the rear panel I/O shield after setting up your PC.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO Motherboard Photo Gallery:
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 |
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming also comes in a standard cardboard package. The front features a black color scheme along with the ROG eye logo which hints at the RGB features on their motherboard.
The back side of the package lists down the specifications and special features of the motherboard such as USB 3.1 Gen2 front panel connector, Addressable header & Aura and has the full specs sheet too. There's also a 20% off coupon on CableMod cables inside the box so if anyone is interested, just comment below.
The front side also lists down support for Intel's 8th generation Core processors. There's also support for Intel Optane memory along with ASUS AURA Sync, NVIDIA SLI, AMD Crossfire / CFX technology (although AMD has abandoned the Crossfire name and uses mGPU instead nowadays) and a 3D Printing friendly design.
Inside the package are two sections, the top section houses the motherboard with a plastic cover to protect it from damage while shipping. We are also greeted by a "Welcome to The Republic" message upon opening the box.
There are several accessories included in the package which are listed below:
- User's manual
- ASUS Q-Shield
- 1 x ASUS Fan Holder
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
- 1 x M.2 Screw Package
- 1 x CPU installation tool
- 1 x Supporting DVD
- 1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
- 1 x CABLE TIE BLACK
- 1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
- 1 x ROG Strix stickers
- 1 x 10-in-1 ROG cable label
- ROG Fan Label
- 1 x ROG Door Hanger(s)
- 1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
- 1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
- 1 x Thermistor cable(s)
- 1 x 3D printing mount package
The plastic cover on the motherboard is very easy to remove and reveals the entire motherboard in its full glory.
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming gets one thing right in its first impression, it looks gorgeous. The ROG STRIX series may not be the high-end, fully loaded offerings that the original ROG lineup is known for but for their price, they do pack lots of goodies while looking great. There's lots to talk about this motherboard so let's get started.
Over the past few years, ASUS has dropped the red and black color theme on their motherboards and went with RGB Lighting to allow users to customize the boards as per their will. The stock RGB lights are indeed set to red but users can customize them through the AURA Sync software. Aside from that, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming comes in an all black color while the heatsinks feature a brushed silver finish that is fantastic. The PCB also comes with laser etched texturing which would go well with many PC builds. This motherboard costs north of $200 US so let's dig in to its features.
The back of the motherboard comes in a very stylized design for the PCB. It has laser printed textures along with the naming logo that reads "ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming".
The board uses the LGA 1151 socket to support Intel Core processors. The socket is compatible with Intel's 8th generation core family only at the moment. The socket has a protective cover on top of it that points out the exclusivity with Coffee Lake CPUs and refrains users from running a older 6th or 7th generation CPU as it could damage the socket.
Next to the socket are four DDR4 DIMM slots which can support up to 64 GB dual channel memory. These slots are rated to support XMP profiles up to 4000 MHz (OC Plus). Each slot is labeled, making it easier to install DIMMs in the proper orientation.
The ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming packs a 10 phase Digi+ VRM design. Features such as DRAM over current protection, TurboV, GPU Boost, Stainless Steel Back I/O, highly durable components, Safe Slot, ESD Guards, Ai Charger are found on this motherboard for best in class stability.
The VRMs are cooled off by a pair of heatsinks that do their job well considering their size and over all bulkiness. The metallic block underneath the heatsink makes direct contact with the VRMs and heat is dissipated by the air flow within the chassis, provided by various fans including the CPU fan cooler.
The one thing to note though is while being a $200 US+ offering, ASUS hasn't implemented a heat pipe design on this board which is a let down but during testing, I found that the VRMs were not being pushed that hard and the heatsinks developed by ASUS did a fine job to handle the load.
The CPU is supplied power through a single 8-pin power connector. This will feed the CPU with up to 150W of power. Most Intel CPUs will be shipping with TDPs under 100W but that changes when users overclock, since that changes the power limit based on applied voltages and clock speed.
Expansion slots include three PCI Express 3.0 x16 (single mode x16, dual mode x8/x8, triple mode x8/x8/x4), four PCI Express 3.0 x1 and two M.2 slots. The board can support three-way multi-GPU (CrossFireX / SLI). The M.2 slots are rated to support NVMe PCIe gen3 x4 (one can switch between PCIe and SATA mode) and Intel Optane series memory.
ASUS is using a metallic cover on the sides of the expansion slots which provides protection to some extent. It adds more retention and shearing resistance by reinforcing the slots with metal plates. Aside from adding more protection, they do look really sweet.
ASUS has also implemented the M.2 heatsink technology on this board which comes in the form of a nice heatsink that comes in the form as an extension to the PCH heatsink This heatsink comes with a brushed metal finish and is engraved with the M.2 logo to make access easier.
The frame of the heatsink can be lifted off by removing three screws from the PCH heatsink to seat the storage device. M.2 devices with lengths up to 80mm can be supported by the M.2 heatsink.
The PCH is cooled off by a large metallic heatsink which runs next to the SATA ports. The PCH heat sink has embedded RGB LEDs and provide a good light show for those that are interested in RGBs trend. You can also turn off the LEDs entirely through ASUS's AURA Sync software if you are not a fan of such LEDs.
Storage options include six SATA III ports rated to operate at 6 GB/s. These can support eight different storage devices at once. A right angled USB 3.0 front panel header is also situated next to the SATA ports.
For Audio, ASUS is running the SupremeFX 8-Channel HD audio (Codec S1220) which falls under their ROG brand. This features technologies such as ESS ES9023P DAC, SupremeFX Shielding tech, 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input, high quality Nichicon caps, switching MOSFETs and gold plated audio jacks.
The entire motherboard is compliant with the ASUS AURA Sync RGB technology and there are multiple lighting points where the RGB can be addressed using their software.
The motherboard has a range of interesting features too which are not common on various other boards. There's support for 3D Printing mount, MemOK!, Q-Code, several RGB headers, a range of sensors for fan and AIO coolers, Intel Ethernet (I219-V) and a DIY friendly design which makes this a great board for PC modders. There's also a USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel header internally on the motherboard which makes fast data access all the more convenient. Following is the list of all the internal I/O ports on the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero:
- 1 x Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
- 1 x AAFP connector
- 2 x RGB Header(s)
- 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
- 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE mode only)
- 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA mode & X4 PCIE mode)
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
- 1 x M.2_FAN connector
- 1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
- 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
- 2 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
- 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
- 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
- 1 x System panel(s) (Chassis intrusion header is inbuilt)
- 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
- 1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
- 1 x CPU OV
- 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
- 1 x 14-1 pin TPM connector
- 1 x COM port header
- 1 x AIO PUMP Header
- 3 x 3D Mount screw port(s)
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 front panel connector
Finally, we have the I/O panel which includes a DVI port, Display Port, HDMI port, 1 LAN (RJ45) port which is run by the Intel Ethernet I219-V chipset, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 (Type-A + Type-C) ports, 2 USB 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Optical S/PSIF out port, a 8 channel gold plated HD audio jack and a ASUS branded Wi-Fi GO! module that allows for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v4.2 connectivity.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Motherboard Photo Gallery:
For testing, we used the latest Intel Core i7-8700K, Core i5-8600K and Core i5-8400 CPUs which were sent to us by Intel. The Intel Coffee Lake family comes with higher core count on the main stream platform but prices are close to the predecessors in the same segment. We also slightly updated our test platform as Intel had sent us with their 32 GB Optane Memory which they say boosts performance of SATA based storage devices significantly and Coffee Lake can prove to be worthy demonstration for this type of memory product.
ASUS ROG Z370 Test Platform:
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Gigabyte Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 ASRock Z370 Professional Gaming i7 |
| Power Supply | Corsair RM 750X Gold Plus |
| Solid State Drive | Samsung SSD 960 EVO M.2 (512 GB) |
| Hard Disk | Seagate Barracuda 2 TB 7200.12 |
| Memory | G.SKILL Trident Z RGB Series 32 GB (4 x 8GB) CL16 3600 MHz |
| Case | Corsair Graphite Series 780T Full Tower |
| Video Cards | MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Lightning X |
| Cooling Solutions | Corsair H115i GTX Cryorig R1 Ultimate |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit |
Our test rig includes the Samsung 960 EVO 500 GB SSD that boots up our main OS while a 2 TB Seagate HDD is used for demonstration purposes for the Intel Optane memory. In addition to these, we are running a MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Lightning X graphics card, a Corsair RM 750X Gold Plus power supply and 32 GB of G.Skill provided Trident Z RGB series memory which runs with a clock speed of DDR4-3600 MHz. For cooling, we used the Cryorig R1 Ultimate and Corsair H115i GTX AIO coolers to see how the new Coffee Lake CPUs perform on both air and liquid cooling solutions.
We won't be focusing on Intel's Core i7-7700K architecture in this review since it is entirely the same chip as Skylake along with minor improvements. The Skylake / Kaby Lake architecture analysis can be seen in detail here. For overclocking, I made the following tweaks to the CPUs:
- ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero With Intel Core i7-8700K @ 5.1 GHz With 1.362V (100 x 51)
- ASUS ROG Z370-E Gaming With Intel Core i7-8700K @ 5.0 GHz With 1.312V (100 x 51)
3DMark Time Spy CPU Performance
3DMark Firestrike is the widely popular video card benchmark test for Windows that is designed to measure your PC’s gaming performance. While the overall benchmark is great, the utility also provides a good indication of the CPU performance.
3DMark Firestrike CPU Performance
3DMark Firestrike is the widely popular video card benchmark test for Windows that is designed to measure your PC’s gaming performance. While the overall benchmark is great, the utility also provides a good indication of the CPU performance.
Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
Cinebench R15
CINEBENCH is a real-world cross platform test suite that evaluates your computer’s performance capabilities. CINEBENCH is based on MAXON’s award-winning animation software CINEMA 4D, which is used extensively by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation. MAXON software has been used in blockbuster movies such as Iron Man 3, Oblivion, Life of Pi or Prometheus and many more.
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench is based on Maxon’s Cinema 4D. It is used to compare graphics as well as processor performance. We are using the CPU performance numbers for our comparison.
HandBrake
HandBrake is a tool for converting video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.
PCMark 10
PCMark 10 is a complete PC benchmarking solution for Windows 10. It includes several tests that combine individual workloads covering storage, computation, image and video manipulation, web browsing and gaming. Specifically designed for the full range of PC hardware from netbooks and tablets to notebooks and desktops, PCMark 10 offers complete Windows PC performance testing for home and business use.
POV-Ray
The POV-Ray package includes detailed instructions on using the ray-tracer and creating scenes. Many stunning scenes are included with POV-Ray so you can start creating images immediately when you get the package.
SuperPI
Super PI is used by many overclockers to test the performance and stability of their computers. In the overclocking community, the standard program provides a benchmark for enthusiasts to compare “world record” pi calculation times and demonstrate their overclocking abilities. The program can also be used to test the stability of a certain overclock speed.
WinRAR
WinRAR is a powerful archive manager. It can backup your data and reduce the size of email attachments, decompress RAR, ZIP and other files downloaded from the Internet and create new archives in RAR and ZIP file format.
X264 HD Encode Benchmark
This benchmark measures the encoding performance of the processor. It offers a standardized benchmark as the clip as well as the encoder used is uniform.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - Ashes of The Singularity
Stardock's Ashes of the Singularity RTS title is a new take on the historic genre. The game incorporates several things that many pc gamers have been curious about and anxious to try for themselves such as Explicit Multi-Adapter Support and full Asynchronous Compute under DirectX 12 API. We tested the game at 1440P with 4x MSAA on Crazy Settings under DirectX 12.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming – Battlefield 1
Battlefield 1 is the kind of game that doesn’t need any real introduction. The latest installment of the Battlefield series is as beautiful as anyone would expect and comes right out of the gate with full DX11 and DX12. EA and DICE did a fantastic job with their AAA WW1 shooter this time by implementing some key gaming technologies. We tested the game at 1440P using Ultra settings and DirectX 11 API.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - DOOM
In 2016, Id finally released Doom. My testing wouldn’t be complete without including this title. It's a hell fest featuring fast paced FPS action and tons of demons to kill. The latest title is based on both Vulkan and OpenGL APIs that take advantage of the latest multi-core and multi-GPU upgrades.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - GTA V
GTA V is one handsomely optimized title for the PC audience. It's scalable across various PC configurations and delivers an impressive frame rate. Rockstar did an amazing job with the PC build of GTA V and it comes with a large array of settings that can be configured by PC gamers. We tested the title at 1440P with everything set to Ultra and 4x MSAA.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - Mass Effect Andromeda
Being a huge fan of the Mass Effect series, I was highly anticipating the arrival of Andromeda to store shelves. Now that it’s here, I put the fastest gaming card to the test. Using Frostbite, the latest Mass Effect title looks incredibly gorgeous and the open world settings on the different planets immerses you a lot.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - Rise of the Tomb Raider
The latest Rise of the Tomb Raider title gets lots of graphical enhancements added by Crystal Dynamics and Nixxes, including hardware tessellation, increased anisotropic filtering, additional dynamic foliage, increased LOD, additional PureHair strands, sun soft shadows, and improved bokeh DOF. We tested the game at 1440P under DirectX 12 API.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - Sid Meir's Civilization VI
Civilization VI is the pinnacle of the series. It's featured huge, sweeping changes, and nothing was left out. Everything has found a purpose, they all work together in tandem but also have a reason to stand alone. It uses a more fleshed out engine that now supports DirectX 12 capabilities. We tested the game with every setting maxed out (4x MSAA, 4096x4096 shadow textures) at 1440P in DirectX 12.
ASUS ROG Maximus X HERO and ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming - Watch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs 2 once again takes us on a hacking tour, but this time in the city of San Francisco. Using a very evolved version of the OPUS engine the developers should have a better grasp on things this go around than they did with Watch Dogs. The new engine incorporates several NVIDIA Gameworks technologies and is seen as one of the most graphics intensive titles to launch this year. We tested the game on a mix of Ultra and high settings at 1440P (Temporal Filtering Disabled).
The Coffee Lake architecture is meant to improve overall system power consumption and add to the efficiency. In the case of the 8th Gen CPUs, we are looking at refined 14nm++ process which allows Intel to gain improved clock speeds and increase the number of cores with in the same power envelope.
With the frequency bump, the new chips do end up with higher power consumption both in idle and load states. The Intel Core i7-8700K when overclocked, breaches the 400W barrier although surprisingly, it's not as intensive when compared with Core-X or Kaby Lake processors. Following are the results of the processor when overclocked on the different motherboards.
Do note that the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero was running the chip at 5.1 GHz when overclocked and the ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming was running the chip at 5.0 GHz when overclocked:
The Intel Coffee Lake processors feature higher clock speeds and more cores, this means that the temperatures can directly be affected by the updated design. In terms of packaging, the processors ship with the same TIM between the IHS that has been used on previous mainstream Intel CPUs. In short, they aren't as great as soldered ones but we should expect temps to stay under some what level of control due to tweaking. The results at stock were carried out with a Cryorig R1 Ultimate air cooler while the overclocked results were carried out with a Corsair H115i GTX AIO liquid cooler:
ASUS ROG MAXIMUS X HERO Final Thoughts and Conclusion:
The ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero is a surprising motherboard, excelling the previous ROG Hero design, it offers more for more or less the same price. At $249.99 US, It balances the ROG lineup in the best price and feature segment. It doesn't break your wallet like the high end ROG offerings but doesn't let you miss out the features either that you would expect from a ROG motherboard. Sure, I love the high-end ROG motherboards such as the APEX, Formula and Code but like I said, they come at a price which isn't a worthwhile investment for the masses. The ROG Maximus X Hero on the other hand is a well made and overly tuned option for them.
Still at $250 US, it does compete with a range of other Z370 motherboards and it does a good job. The overclocking on the ROG Maximus X Hero is great as it let me push the Core i7-8700K to 5.1 GHz. Overclocking any further than that led to instant crashes but the performance at 5.1 GHz was surprisingly good due to a more mature BIOS that ASUS is well known for.
In terms of design, the Hero stands out as a Hero in this segment. It has a good quantity of RGB LEDs spread over while the black and grey design is looking as fantastic as ever. The one thing I loved about this motherboard was the pre mounted I/O panel which is a plus one in my book.
Aside from that, there's lots of connectivity options and although it is missing wireless connectivity, the impressive SupremeFX audio system and the expanded storage options make up for the losses which can be covered up by spending $15 US more and getting the Wi-Fi AC option that is available for the same motherboard.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THE ASUS ROG MAXIMUS 10 HERE!
ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming Final Thoughts and Conclusion:
The next motherboard, the ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming impressed me quite a bit more than the ROG Maximus X Hero. For starters, it was bundled with a huge range of accessories which is a plus. Moving to the design, I found this motherboard to be well build and designed than the Hero which is easy to understand why. It's the top ROG STRIX series motherboard and has a price just slightly above the $200 US segment ($209.99 US).
The motherboard features solid VRM heatsinks but overclocking itself could be a hit or miss with this motherboard as I wasn't able to reach anything above 5.0 GHz with this motherboard. While not being able to go above 5.0 GHz is one thing, it should be noted that I required much less volts to hit 5.0 GHz than the other motherboards which had me surprised. The heatsinks on the other hand did an amazing job keeping this board running under control and stable all the time.
Coming to the design again, the PCH heatsink looks lovely with the brushed aluminum frame and the added M.2 heatsink is an amazing tool. You would want to keep your primary NVMe storage device underneath this heatsink for best stability and performance. The I/O shield with its RGB lights was absolutely stunning as the RGB runs through the clawed out sections of the heatsink. The supremeFX audio is just as great as the Maximus X Hero but here, we get to see an added wireless connectivity option which is something I consider a must have these days. For $209.99 US, the ROG STRIX Z370-E Gaming is definitely a strong product in this price segment as it offers a lot of features in a stunning design.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THE ASUS ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING HERE!
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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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