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. Teamed Power Architecture 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. Cooling Heatsinks 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. Multiple temperature sources - Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling. All settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI. 4-pin PWM/DC fan - Every onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans. AIO PUMP - A dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups. 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. Water pump - A dedicated header can supply over 3 amps to high-performance PWM or DC water pumps. Water in/out - A dedicated header enables monitoring of temperatures at the input/output points of any component. Water flow - A dedicated header enables constant monitoring of flow rate throughout 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. Performance Level Up 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 isnt 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 WiFi 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. WiFi 6 (AX200) Onboard WiFi 6 (802.11ax) supports ultrafast wireless-networking speeds, improved capacity and better performance in dense WiFi environments, providing exceptional online gaming experiences. * Pair your motherboard with ASUS WiFi 6 routers to fully experience the networking potential of WiFi 6. Find out more about ASUS WiFi 6 solutions: https://www.asus.com/wifi6/ *Actual speed varies, depending on networking conditions. 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. 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.? SupremeFX ROG SupremeFX audio technology delivers an exceptional 113 dB signal-to-noise ratio on the line-in connection to provide best-ever recording quality. Theres also a low-dropout regulator for cleaner power delivery to the SupremeFX S1220 codec, an ESS® ES9023P digital-to-analog converter for superior front-panel output, and a Texas Instruments® RC4580 op amp for high gain with low distortion — all to produce unmatched audio quality. Personalize 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. Grow your gaming world Gear up with ROG components, from graphics and monitors to mice and keyboards. And up your game with complementary aesthetics, control and compatibility. The ROG ecosystem is more extensive than any competing brand, so enjoy greater choice as your system expands. Addressable Gen 2 RGB header The addressable Gen 2 RGB headers now feature software that can automatically tailor lighting effects to specific devices. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB gear. RamCache III RAMCache lll software utility turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game-load times. Fully compatible with the latest NVM Express® storage options, RAMCache lll 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. Main Features AMD AM4 socket: Ready for AMD Ryzen 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series/ 3000 G-Series/ 2000 Series/ 2000 G-Series desktop processors; also supports up to two M.2 drives and features USB 3.2 Gen 2 and AMD StoreMI to maximize connectivity and speed Comprehensive thermal design: Passive chipset heatsink, M.2 aluminum heatsinks and ROG Water Cooling Zone. Robust power delivery: Designed power solution 14 2 TI power stages rated for 90A, ProCool II power connectors, microfine alloy chokes and 10K Japanese-made black metallic capacitors High-performance networkin On-board Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO support, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, both with ASUS LANGuard protection, and support for GameFirst VI software. 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor made for your rig. DIY Friendly Design: Pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS SafeSlot, BIOS flashback and premium components for maximum endurance. Unmatched personalization: ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, including RGB headers and addressable Gen 2 RGB headers Industry-leading ROG audio: ROG SupremeFX S1220 is combined with the venerable ESS ES9023P to deliver high-fidelity audio to headsets and exotic cans. CPU CPU Socket Socket AM4 CPU Brand AMD Installed Processors (Max) 0 (1) Supported Processor Manufacturer AMD Supported Processors AMD Ryzen 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series/ 3000 G-Series/ 2000 Series/ 2000 G-Series Desktop Processors 64-bit Support Yes Socket AM4 Rear Panel I/O Ports USB Ports 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C 7 x USB 3.1 Type-A 4 x USB 3.0 RJ-45 Ports 2 x RJ-45 Audio Line In Ports 1 x 3.5mm Jack Audio Line Out Ports 3 x 3.5mm Jacks Microphone In Port 1 x 3.5mm Jack S/PDIF Port 1 x S/PDIF Optical Out Antenna Connector(s) 2 x SMA Antenna Internal I/O Connectors SATA Connectors 8 x SATA III USB Connectors 1 x USB 3.1 header (supports 1 Type-C port) 1 x USB 3.0 header (supports 2 ports) 2 x USB 2.0 headers (supports 4 ports) Speaker 1 x Speaker header Cooling Fan Support 1 x CPU fan header 1 x CPU_OPT fan header 1 x AIO_PUMP header 1 x H_AMP fan header 1 x W_PUMP header 3 x Chassis fan headers Thunderbolt Port(s) 1 x Thunderbolt header TPM Header 1 x TPM header Power Connector Port 1 x 20 4-pin ATX 1 x 4 4-pin EPS 1 x 4-pin EPS Other Connectors 1 x M.2, Socket 3, M Key (Type 2242/2260/2280/22110) 1 x M.2, Socket 3, M Key (Type 2242/2260/2280) 2 x 3-pin ARGB headers 2 x 4-pin RGB headers 1 x Thermal Sensor header 1 x W_IN header 1 x W_OUT header 1 x W_FLOW header Memory Memory Bus Speed 5100(O.C)/5000(O.C)/4866(O.C)/4800(O.C.)/4600(O.C)/4400(O.C)/4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3200/3000/2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz Memory Type DDR4 Maximum RAM 128 GB Memory Slot 4 x DIMM Motherboard Chipset Manufacturer AMD Northbridge X570 RAID Supported Yes RAID Format RAID 0, 1, 10 SATA Supported Yes Expansion Number of PCI Express Slots 2 x PCI Express 4.0 x16 (@ x16 or x8/x8) 1 x PCI Express 4.0 x16 1 x PCI Express 4.0 x1 Graphics Device Integrated Graphics Supported Yes Sound Integrated Sound ROG SupremeFX Warranty Warranty 3 Years Network Integrated Network Realtek RTL8125-CG Intel I211-AT Network Speeds Supported Realtek: Up to 2.5 Gbps Intel: Up to 1 Gbps Wireless LAN Yes (802.11ax) Wireless Network Speed Up to 2.4 Gbps Bluetooth Yes Bluetooth Version 5.0 System Requirements Operating Systems Supported Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit System BIOS 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.2, ACPI 6.2 Jumpers 1 x LN2 Mode Software Included (may be trial or restricted) Yes Drivers Yes SLi/Crossfire Features Supports NVIDIA 2-Way SLI Technology Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX Technology Physical Form Factor ATX Motherboard In The Box ROG CROSSHAIR VIII DARK HERO Motherboard Userïs manual 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s) 1 x Supporting DVD 1 x ROG big sticker 1 x Q-Connector 1 x Wi-Fi Antenna(s) 1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm) 1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED 1 x ROG coaster(s) 1 x ROG Thank you card 1 x M.2 SSD screw package(s) Width 305 mm Length 244 mm Key Features Motherboard Chipset AMD X570 Thunderbolt No Motherboard Model ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero WiFi Speed 2400 Mbps USB 3.1 Support Yes Internal USB3.0 Header Yes M.2 Support Yes On-board RGB Control ASUS Aura Sync Memory Speed 5100 MHz RGB Header Type 3-Pin ARGB Addressable RGB Yes Firewire No Wireless Network Yes Memory Channel Dual On-board Audio Type 7.1 Number of SATA Ports 8 port(s) Number of USB Ports 12 port(s) SATA III Support Yes USB 3.0 Support Yes Multi GPU Support Both VGA Connection No DVI Connection No HDMI Connection No DisplayPort Connection No Motherboard Form Factor ATX Motherboard Power Connectors 4 8-Pin