Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero Review: The Ultimate AM5 Board?
▼ Summary
– The Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero is a refreshed, high-end AM5 motherboard with a new all-black aesthetic and native support for the latest AMD Ryzen processors.
– It is packed with premium hardware features, including five M.2 sockets, 10 GbE and 5 GbE networking, Wi-Fi 7, a 24-phase power delivery system, and multiple USB4 ports.
– The board performed solidly in testing, delivering results from among the fastest to just slightly above average across gaming and productivity benchmarks.
– Its key selling points are its sleek, blacked-out design and extensive feature set, though its price of just under $700 positions it as a premium, not budget, option.
– The rear I/O is densely packed with connectivity, including 11 USB ports, dual Ethernet, and flagship-class audio, though the six Type-A ports may be limiting for some users.
The latest addition to AMD’s refreshed AM5 platform lineup arrives with the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero, a motherboard that prioritizes a stealthy aesthetic without compromising on high-end connectivity and power. This $700 board represents a visually distinct alternative to its more chromed-out siblings, cloaking its premium components in an all-black finish. While it supports the latest processors like the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, its core appeal lies in a feature set designed for enthusiasts who demand both performance and a specific, minimalist look for their builds.
Packed with hardware, the Dark Hero leaves little to be desired. It provides five M.2 sockets with two supporting the blistering speeds of PCIe 5.0. Networking is a standout with dual Ethernet, 10 GbE and 5 GbE ports, alongside Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof wireless connectivity. The rear panel is exceptionally well-equipped, featuring two USB4 ports capable of 40 Gbps transfer rates. Power delivery is handled by a robust 24-phase VRM design, ensuring stability for even the most power-hungry CPUs. Asus also integrates its suite of AI features for overclocking and system tuning, wrapping these capabilities into a cohesive, high-end package.
In performance testing, the board delivered results that ranged from class-leading to merely above average, proving itself a competent and reliable platform across gaming and productivity workloads. There are no performance shortcomings to note; the board does exactly what a premium X870E model should. The primary considerations for potential buyers will inevitably be its completely blacked-out aesthetic and its substantial price tag. While not inexpensive, it bundles every expected high-end feature into a sleek, monochromatic design.
A closer look at the specifications reveals the depth of its capabilities. The board supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, with official overclocking support reaching DDR5-8600 for Ryzen 9000 series chips. Storage flexibility is excellent, with its five M.2 slots supporting various RAID configurations. Audio is handled by a premium ROG Supreme FX solution combining a Realtek ALC4082 codec with an ESS9219 Quad DAC, a setup that negates the need for a dedicated sound card for most users.
The design philosophy is immediately apparent. Asus describes the look as “sleek, understated, and clean,” which is accurate. Matte black heatsinks cover the VRMs and M.2 slots, with subtle Polymo Lighting II RGB accents providing the only illumination. A large, heatpipe-connected VRM heatsink and a dedicated 3D VC M.2 heatsink for the primary PCIe 5.0 slot ensure critical components stay cool. The board includes Asus’s new Q-Connect feature, a proprietary 11-pad hub that allows compatible Asus AIO coolers to connect without a mess of visible cables, though its utility is currently limited to specific upcoming models.
Layout and connectivity are thoughtfully arranged. Four DDR5 slots with reinforced locking mechanisms sit to the right of the socket, alongside diagnostic LEDs and convenient onboard buttons for power and reset. The power delivery system is exceptionally robust, utilizing 20 phases with 110A SPS MOSFETs for the Vcore, offering far more current capacity than any consumer CPU would require. The PCIe slot configuration is straightforward, with two reinforced CPU-connected slots running at PCIe 5.0, though bandwidth sharing rules apply depending on your configuration.
The rear I/O panel is densely packed. It hosts a total of eleven USB ports, including the two high-speed USB4 Type-C ports, three 10 Gbps Type-C ports, and six 10 Gbps Type-A ports. The dual Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 antenna connectors underscore its networking prowess, while the BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS buttons add convenience for enthusiasts. The included accessory bundle is generous, featuring SATA cables, M.2 installation kits, an ROG-themed bottle opener, and a unique 60mm ROG assistant fan designed to help cool system memory during extreme overclocking.
Ultimately, the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero makes a compelling case for itself as a top-tier foundation for a high-end AM5 system. It delivers outstanding connectivity, overbuilt power stages, and a unique, cohesive black aesthetic that will appeal to builders crafting a specific visual theme. While its price is a significant consideration, it justifies the cost with a complete and uncompromising feature set that leaves little on the table for even the most demanding users.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
