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ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£400Avg. price in US:~$500CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD X570Form factor:ATX

ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

90%

7.7

Technical Score

10%

9.4

User score

â–²Better than 74% of motherboards
7.7

Technical Score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.3

Platform & Features

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

9.0

Network

13%

8.1

Ports & USB

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

8.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

â–²Better than 72% of motherboards
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User reviews

30%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(907)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(959)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

★Better than 96% of motherboards
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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Verdict

The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is a high-end ATX motherboard based on the AMD X570 chipset, featuring a robust 14+2 teamed power stage design with 90A MOSFETs and a passive chipset heatsink for silent, fanless operation. Key specifications include dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, 12 rear USB ports (including eight USB 3.2 Gen 2), 2.5 Gbps and Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6 (AX200) support. Main pros are its exceptional overclocking capabilities—aided by the exclusive Dynamic OC Switcher—superb VRM thermal performance, and a sleek, all-black aesthetic. Notable cons include its premium price tag and the lack of a 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port.

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero

Technical Score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.3

Platform & Features

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

9.0

Network

13%

8.1

Ports & USB

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

8.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

7.7
ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a technical score of 7.7 points, which is higher than that of 71.7% of products in this category.
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User reviews

30%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(907)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(959)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a user score of 9.39 points, which is higher than that of 96.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
9.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Popularity:
ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a popularity score of 9.8 points, which is higher than that of 89.8% of products in this category.
9.8
ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a popularity score of 9.8 points, which is higher than that of 89.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components:

60%

7.9

Overall score

40%

8.4

Price

8.1
ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a value-for-money score of 8.1 points, which is higher than that of 68.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
Asus
CPU socket
AM4
CPU socket
AM4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This motherboard uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 38.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
CPU platform
AMD
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard is built for the AMD CPU platform, which is less common than that of 68.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 31.5% of motherboards.
Chipset
AMD X570
Chipset
AMD X570
â–² Better than 55% of models
This motherboard uses the AMD X570 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.6% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
3,200 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
3,200 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 63.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.9% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 50% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/10, which is narrower than 68.1% of motherboards and equal to 23.3% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
AMD RAIDXpert2 support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
3
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
3
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 97.4% of motherboards and equal to 2.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
12
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
12
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 12 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 92.6% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 91.3% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT
â–² Better than 86% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 86.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
2
N. of RJ45 ports
2
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 60% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
SupremeFX S1220
Audio codec
SupremeFX S1220
â–² Better than 84% of models
This motherboard uses the SupremeFX S1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 84.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.3% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
14+2
VRM phases
14+2
â–² Better than 77% of models
This motherboard has 14+2 VRM phases, which is more than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Pump header max current
3 A
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.1% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    7
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    7 vs 1
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    12
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    12 vs 8
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    dual LAN
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 3 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    3
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    3 vs 0
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    SupremeFX S1220
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 17.3% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
    the average motherboard
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.39 vs 8.000).
    9.39 vs 8
  • 56.9% more popular
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is more popular than the average motherboard (9.83 vs 6.3).
    9.83 vs 6.26
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    AM4
    â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Supports ECC memory
    ECC memory support
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 21% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC requires compatible CPU.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    8
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 3 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    3
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    3 vs 0
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    7
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    7 vs 1
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    12
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    12 vs 8
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    2 vs 1
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    dual LAN
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    SupremeFX S1220
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    SupremeFX S1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    14+2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    14+2 vs 10
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    3 A
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD X570
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X570 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD X570 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No integrated graphics support
    Integrated graphics support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Fewer RAID options
    Supported RAID levels
    0/1/10
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
    JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 32.4% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    3,200 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3200 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 2.5x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £160).
    £400 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2.5x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £160).
    £400 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD X570
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X570 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD X570 vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    Integrated graphics support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Older CPU platform
    CPU platform
    AMD
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard uses the AMD CPU platform compared to Intel on the average motherboard. The average motherboard uses Intel CPU platform.
    AMD vs Intel
  • 32.4% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    3,200 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3200 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Fewer RAID options
    Supported RAID levels
    0/1/10
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
    JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.1
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.1 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer RJ45 ports
    N. of RJ45 ports
    2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1

Graphic comparison of ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
907 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
959 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero?

  • Passive chipset cooling (no fan) ensures silent operation and eliminates a mechanical failure point.
  • Exclusive Dynamic OC Switcher allows for high single-core boosts and manual all-core overclocking simultaneously.
  • Extremely robust 14+2 phase VRM design with 90A MOSFETs handles flagship Ryzen 5000/3000 CPUs with ease.
  • Extensive connectivity including 12 USB ports on the rear I/O and dual LAN (2.5G and 1G).
  • Sleek, all-black aesthetic with subtle, customizable RGB lighting.
  • Highly refined and user-friendly BIOS with comprehensive tweaking options.

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero?

  • High price point makes it poor value for average users compared to mid-range X570 or B550 boards.
  • Only provides two M.2 slots, whereas some competitors at similar prices offer three or more.
  • Known software bloat issues with ASUS Armoury Crate utilities.
  • Reported intermittent cold-start or restart hang issues for some users, occasionally requiring PSU power cycling.
  • Lacks newer standards like PCIe 5.0 or DDR5 support (inherent to the AM4 platform).

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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