OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£370CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z170Form factor:ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

40%

5.7

Technical score

20%

5.7

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 69% of motherboards
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 88%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.5

Platform

16%

4.9

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

4.8

Ports

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

6.5

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

â–¼Worse than 58%
5.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models

5.7

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 79%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models

70%

8.6

Rating

30%

8.8

Popularity

â–²Better than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asus-rog-maximus-viii-hero-alpha
asus-rog-maximus-viii-hero-alpha
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.5

Platform

16%

4.9

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

4.8

Ports

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

6.5

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

5.7
Reviews score
5.7
User score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

7.1
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses LGA 1151, which is less up-to-date than 70.7% of Motherboards and the same as 13.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z170
This motherboard uses Intel Z170, which is less capable than 75.7% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.4% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
3,866 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,866 MT/s, which is lower than that of 58% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 74.3% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
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
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I219-V
This motherboard has a Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 58.2% of Motherboards and equal to 10% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
10
This motherboard has 10 VRM phases, which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 3.7% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
7
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
1 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 56.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 19.6% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more U.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    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
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 16.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 61% of models

    70%

    8.6

    Rating

    30%

    8.8

    Popularity

    8.6 vs 7.4
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2 more U.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    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 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    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.
    via ESS DAC.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated Aura Sync lighting
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 21.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models

    5.7

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    5.7 vs 7.3
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 21.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models

    5.7

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    5.7 vs 7.3
  • 2.47x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha is more expensive than the average motherboard (£370 vs £150).
    £370 vs £150
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.11 vs 7.7).
    7.11 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 17.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,866 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,866 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 22.7% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,866 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,866 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.1 vs 5.4).
    4.1 vs 5.4
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    1 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

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

Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
29/04/2016
Full review · RGB and storage
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha adds Thunderbolt 3, two U.2 ports and RGB headers, but its rear panel has few USB ports.
8.0
hardwareviews.com
≈ estimated
25 de noviembre de 2016
Product review · Gaming features
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha suits gamers who want Intel networking, dual U.2 and M.2 storage and RGB headers, though memory tops out at 64GB.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities and stability
  • Intuitive and highly detailed UEFI BIOS with extensive customization
  • Premium aesthetic design with customizable Aura RGB lighting and headers
  • High-quality onboard SupremeFX audio
  • Future-proof connectivity including dual U.2 ports and USB 3.1 Type-A/C
  • Superior fan control with multiple headers and dedicated water pump header
  • Comprehensive diagnostic tools such as Q-Code LED and onboard buttons (Start/Reset/Clear CMOS)

What customers don't like about ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha

  • Higher price point compared to the standard Hero model
  • Lacks dual M.2 slots (only one onboard)
  • Large plastic I/O shroud can be flimsy and may obstruct the first PCIe x1 slot
  • Occasional software issues with AI Suite and BIOS/driver compatibility
  • M.2 installation and boot configuration can be complex for some users
  • Reported issues with audio 'popping' in certain software/driver configurations

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z170 chipset, supporting 6th and 7th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1151 socket. It features four DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of DDR4-3866 (OC) memory, high-speed storage via dual U.2 and one M.2 (up to 32Gb/s) ports, and integrated 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO. Main characteristics include the world's first integrated RGB strip headers controlled by Aura lighting, SupremeFX 2015 audio with an ESS ES9023P DAC, and Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet with GameFirst IV. Pros include exceptional overclocking stability, a wealth of modern storage interfaces, and a user-friendly UEFI BIOS. Cons include high power consumption at idle and a relatively high launch price compared to the original Hero model.

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