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ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi) X570 Motherboard: specs and who it suits
An ATX AM4 motherboard with the X570 chipset, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and M.2 heatsinks. What the specs mean for a Ryzen build.
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The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi) is an ATX motherboard built on AMD's X570 chipset. It uses the AM4 socket, so it takes 2nd and 3rd generation Ryzen processors, and it is aimed at enthusiasts who want fast storage, strong networking and tuning tools in one board.
The AM4 socket and X570 chipset
AM4 is the socket used by a long line of Ryzen desktop chips. ASUS lists support for 2nd and 3rd generation Ryzen processors, and it is worth checking the maker's CPU support list and BIOS version if you plan to use a different generation. X570 was the first AMD desktop chipset to bring PCIe 4.0, which roughly doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 per lane. In practice, that matters most for fast NVMe SSDs and recent graphics cards.
Storage and ports
The board supports up to two M.2 drives and USB 3.2 Gen2, and it works with AMD StoreMI, a tool for combining a fast and a slow drive into one volume. M.2 drives can run hot under sustained transfers, so ASUS includes an M.2 aluminium heatsink.
Cooling design
ASUS describes a comprehensive thermal design: an active chipset heatsink (X570 chipsets typically draw more power than earlier ones, hence the fan), the M.2 heatsink and a ROG cooling zone around the power delivery. Check your case airflow so these parts get fresh air.
Networking
On-board Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO support is included, along with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and a Gigabit Ethernet port, both with ASUS LANGuard protection. GameFirst V software is supported for prioritising network traffic. The faster ports only help if your router, switch and internet connection can use them.
Tuning and build features
5-Way Optimization is ASUS's automated tuning, producing overclocking and cooling profiles for your hardware. The board also has a pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS SafeSlot (a reinforced graphics card slot), BIOS Flashback and Aura Sync RGB lighting. BIOS Flashback typically lets you update the firmware from a USB stick without a processor installed, which helps when a new CPU needs a newer BIOS.
Who it suits
It suits enthusiasts building or upgrading an AM4 Ryzen desktop who want PCIe 4.0 storage, built-in Wi-Fi, fast wired networking and overclocking tools, and who are using a full-size ATX case.
What to check before you buy
- Processor: confirm your Ryzen model and any BIOS update it needs.
- Case size: it is a full ATX board, about 14.6 x 12.3 inches in its packaging per the listing.
- Memory: check the memory kit against the board's supported list.
- Storage: confirm the number and type of M.2 and SATA drives you need.
- Cooling: plan for airflow around the chipset heatsink.
- Network gear: you need a compatible router for Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gbps speeds.
The short version
- An ATX X570 motherboard for AM4 Ryzen 2nd and 3rd generation processors.
- PCIe 4.0, two M.2 slots with a heatsink and USB 3.2 Gen2.
- Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 Gbps and Gigabit Ethernet.
- BIOS Flashback, SafeSlot, pre-mounted I/O shield and Aura Sync RGB.
- Check CPU and memory compatibility first.
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