ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero – AMD X570 ATX Gaming Motherboard with PCIe 4.0, 16 Power Stages, OptiMem III, On-Board Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, USB 3.2, SATA, M.2 and Aura Sync RGB Lighting

Upgraded power delivery, passive chipset cooling, and stealthy aesthetics allow the Crosshair VIII Dark Hero to strike from the shadows and form a menacing duo with AMD® Zen 3.

Performance

ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero boasts an optimized power design layout and all the cooling headers you need to handle the prodigious power of the latest AMD Ryzen processors.

Power Solution

Modern CPU architectures up the ante for motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power-saving modes to full load almost instantaneously. Our latest VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilizing teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

ASUS OptiMem III

Infused with proprietary memory trace layout tweaks that improve signal integrity and mitigate noise, Optimem III allows memory kits to run at lower latencies, reduced voltages, and operate at higher frequencies. Stack the Dark Hero with your favorite modules and maximize Zen 3 processors throughput for applications that demand massive bandwidth, or balance infinity fabric and memory performance for a diverse range of workloads.

Cooling

Maintaining system stability is paramount under high load, so Crosshair VIII Dark Hero employs passive chipset cooling with large VRM and chipset heatsinks that strike the right balance between surface area and mass. Featuring premium components and multiple fan headers, Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is fully armed to provide the best foundation for gaming systems.

VRM Heatsink

The two VRM heatsinks are placed above the MOSFETs and chokes, and are connected by a heat-pipe to further increase surface area for heat dissipation.

M.2 Heatsink

Two dedicated heatsinks keep the dual M.2 SSDs at the optimum operating temperature for consistent performance and reliability.

High-conductivity Thermal Pad

A high-quality thermal pad improves overall heat transfer from the system by bridging the heat generated by the power stages to the heatsink.

Passive Chipset Heatsink

A dedicated chipset heatsink draws heat away to maintain optimum operating temperatures.

Cooler by Design

ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features the most comprehensive cooling options ever.

ROG Water-cooling Zone

Dual water-temperature headers and a flow-rate header feed information straight into the AI Suite utility, allowing you to track coolant temperatures and the flow rate of the entire loop.

Optimization

ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is packed with intuitive and flexible tools to allow customization across all system parameters to deliver the performance you want.

5-way Optimization

The dashboard-style control panel of AI Suite 3 lets you fine-tune almost every aspect of your ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero system with ease. Get the best balance between performance, cooling, stability, and efficiency via one simple and intuitive interface.

UEFI BIOS

The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

Accurate Voltage Monitoring

Conventional motherboards use single-ended sensing tapped from a location that isn't ideal, leading to a large disparity between the actual voltage fed to the CPU and the value reported to software. ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features a differential-sensing circuit and delicate IC that simplify overclocking and tuning by allowing you to track voltages more accurately.

Connectivity

ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero offers advanced connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6 (AX200) and dual Ethernet with Intel® 1Gb and Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet port to eliminate bottlenecks so you can enjoy exceptionally smooth online and LAN play. Additionally, the M.2 supports AMD StoreMI technology to maximize the speed of your SSD for faster load times, and SupremeFX on-board audio provides superb sound, while saving a PCIe slot.

Networking

Wi-Fi 6 (AX200) - Onboard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) supports ultrafast wireless-networking speeds, improved capacity and better performance in dense Wi-Fi environments, providing exceptional online gaming experiences. *

Realtek 2.5G LAN

2.5G on-board Ethernet kicks your LAN connection up a notch with an up to 2.5X bandwidth improvement. Using your existing LAN cable, you can take advantage this networking upgrade to experience smoother, lag-free gaming, immediately stream high-resolution videos and enjoy faster file transfers.

Intel® 1Gbps Ethernet

ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero features the latest Intel® Ethernet (I211-AT) ensuring data exchanges with your network and the outside world are fast and smooth. Intel LAN reduces CPU overhead and increases TCP and UDP throughput, keeping more processing power.

Storage

Unthrottled Transfer Speed

Dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slot support up to 22110 and provide NVMe SSD RAID support for an incredible performance boost. Create a RAID configuration with up to two PCIe 4.0 storage devices to enjoy the fastest data-transfer speeds on the AMD® Ryzen™ 5000 and 3000 Series desktop processors.

AMD StoreMI

AMD StoreMI technology is a software utility that accelerates any drive for better system responsiveness with reduced startup and software load times. It combines SSD performance with the affordability and capacity of an HDD by automatically moving frequently accessed data to dedicated SSD storage.

Personalization

In addition to extraordinary performance, ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero provides extensive styling and customization options to let you build a system that truly stands apart.

RAMCache III

RAMCache III software utility turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times. Fully compatible with the latest NVM Express® storage options, RAMCache III utilizes uniquely intelligent technology to effectively cache any storage device, so favorite games and apps launch at breakneck speeds.

Sonic Studio III

Sonic Studio supports HRTF-based (head-related transfer function*) virtual surround for 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 and one-click presets, allowing you to tailor acoustics to suit personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.

DTS: Sound Unbound

ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero includes a pre-loaded DTS Sound Unbound app that envelops you in audio as never before, conjuring whole new levels of immersion for extraordinary gaming and entertainment experiences. By exploiting Windows Sonic spatial technology, DTS Sound Unbound delivers audio in a virtual 3D space - putting you right in the middle of the soundscape, where you can sense the location and direction of every gunshot, footstep or other sound in your virtual environment.

* DTS Sound Unbound requires in-game support. Check with developers for titles that offer support.

Armoury Crate

Armoury Crate is a software utility designed to provide centralized control of supported ROG gaming products. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate puts command of all your Aura gear at your fingertips with the new Aura Creator suite ready. The software also provides control of settings for a growing number of ROG products, making it easier to tune the look and feel of your system. Armoury Crate even offers dedicated product registration and ROG news feeds to help you stay in touch with the ROG gaming community.

Additional Information:

Visit the Manufacturer Web Page for Full Details

• Supports AMD® AM4 Socket for AMD® Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series/ 3000 G-Series/ 2000 Series/ 2000 G-Series Desktop Processors

• Windows® 10 (64-bit)

Make and Model	Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero ATX Motherboard
CPU Support	AMD AM4 Socket for AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series/ 3000 G-Series/ 2000 Series/ 2000 G-Series Desktop Processors * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
Chipset	AMD® X570 Chipset
CPU Socket	AMD® Socket AM4
Memory	4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4866(O.C)/ 4800(O.C.)/ 4600(O.C)/ 4400(O.C)/ 4333(O.C.)/ 4266(O.C.)/ 4133(O.C.)/ 4000(O.C.)/ 3866(O.C.)/ 3800(O.C.)/ 3600(O.C.)/ 3466(O.C.)/ 3400(O.C.)/ 3200/ 3000/ 2933/ 2800/ 2666/ 2400(O.C.)/ 2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture Design Supports ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU * Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
Integrated Graphics	N/A
Storage	3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors: 1 x M.2_1 socket 3, with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIE 4.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™/2nd and 1st Gen AMD Ryzen™ with Radeon™ Vega Graphics Processors: 1 x M.2_1 socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode) AMD X570 chipset: 1 x M.2_2 socket 3, with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110(PCIE 4.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support 8 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s) Supports RAID 0, RAID1 and RAID 10
Expansion Slots	2 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8) 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x8 mode) AMD X570 chipset: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 1 x PCIe 4.0 x1 AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors AMD Ryzen™ 4000 G-Series / 2000 Series Processors AMD Ryzen™ 3000 G-Series / 2000 G-Series Processors
Multi-GPU Support	Supports 2-Way NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology Supports 3-Way AMD® CrossFireX™ Technology
USB Ports	4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port(s) 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s) AMD® X570 chipset: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector port(s) 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s) 4 x USB 2.0 port(s)
LAN	1 x Intel® I211AT Gigabit LAN 1 x Realtek® RTL8125-CG 2.5G LAN ASUS LAN Guard
Wi-Fi	Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with 1024QAM/OFDMA/MU-MIMO Supports up to 2.4Gbps max data rate Supports dual frequency band 2.4/5GHz Supports channel bandwidth: HT20/HT40/HT80/HT160 Supports PCIe interface
Bluetooth	Bluetooth® 5.1 (BT 5.1 function will be ready in Windows® 10 build 19041 or later.)
Audio	ROG SupremeFX7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC - Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs - Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking, up to 24-Bit/192kHz playback - High quality120dBSNR stereo playback outputand113dBSNR recording input - ESS® ES9023P - Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback Audio Feature: - SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology - Gold-plated jacks - Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel - Audio Cover - Dedicated audio PCB layers - Premium Japanese audio capacitors - Unique de-pop circuit - Power pre-regulator: Reduces power input noise to ensure consistent performance * Due to limitations in HDA bandwidth, 32-Bit/192kHz is not supported for 8-Channel audio.
Back Panel I/O	1 x Optical S/PDIF out 1 x Clear CMOS button(s) 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi Module 5 x Gold-plated audio jacks 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) ports 8 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) ports 1 x BIOS FlashBack™ Button(s) 1 x Anti-surge 2.5G LAN (RJ45) port Anti-surge LAN (RJ45) port
Internal I/O	2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers 2 x Addressable Gen 2 header(s) 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s) 1 x TPM connector(s) 8 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s) 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) 1 x AIO_PUMP connector 1 x H_AMP fan connector 1 x W_PUMP+ connector 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s) 1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP) 1 x Slow Mode switch(es) 1 x Reset button(s) 1 x Node Connector(s) 1 x LN2 Mode jumper(s) 1 x Safe Boot button 1 x ReTry button 1 x System panel connector 1 x T_Sensor Connector 1 x W_IN header 1 x W_OUT header 1 x W_FLOW header 1 x Start button 1 x Speaker connector 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) connector 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5Gbps) connector support additional 2 USB ports 2 x M.2 Socket 3 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s) 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
Operating System	Supports Windows® 10 64-bit
BIOS	256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.2, ACPI 6.2
Manageability	WOL, PXE
Form Factor	ATX Form Factor
Dimensions	12" x 9.6" (30.5 x 24.4 cm)
Weight	N/A