Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero Review: Premium All-Black AM5 Powerhouse

Asus delivers a striking all-black motherboard with exceptional performance, five M.2 slots, and comprehensive features, though its $700 price and polarizing design may limit appeal to enthusiasts seeking the ultimate AM5 platform.

The Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero represents the pinnacle of AMD AM5 motherboard design, combining a striking all-black aesthetic with exceptional performance and comprehensive features. At $699.99, this premium motherboard targets enthusiasts who demand the best hardware and are willing to pay for it.

Striking All-Black Design

Asus has completely embraced the "Dark Hero" moniker with this refreshed design. The entire board features a matte black finish, eliminating all silver or chrome accents found on previous iterations. The only exceptions are the RGB lighting elements and the ROG branding, creating a sleek, understated appearance that Asus describes as "sleek, understated black design... with a clean, premium aesthetic."

The Polymo Lighting II RGB implementation features ROG branding on oversized, heatpipe-connected VRM heatsinks, providing illumination that can be controlled through Aura Sync software integrated into Armoury Crate. While the RGB implementation may be polarizing, it adds visual interest to an otherwise monochromatic design.

Exceptional Power Delivery

The X870E Dark Hero boasts one of the most capable power delivery solutions we've seen on an AM5 motherboard. With 24 total phases (20 dedicated to Vcore), the board utilizes Digi+ EPU (ASP2205) voltage regulation and Infineon PMC41420 110A SPS MOSFETs. This configuration delivers up to 2,220 Amps of power, ensuring the board can handle any CPU you throw at it regardless of cooling method.

Comprehensive Connectivity

Storage Options

The board features an impressive five M.2 sockets:

M.2_1: PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps), supports up to 110mm devices, with dedicated 3D VC heatsink
M.2_2: PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps), supports up to 80mm devices, shares bandwidth with USB4 ports
M.2_3/4: PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps), support up to 80mm devices
M.2_5: PCIe 4.0 x2 (32 Gbps), limited to 30mm modules only

This configuration provides exceptional storage flexibility, though the fifth M.2 slot's 30mm limitation may restrict some users.

Rear I/O Panel

The rear I/O is exceptionally well-equipped with 11 USB ports total:

2x USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps)
3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps)
6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps)
1x HDMI 2.1 (for iGPU output)
2x 10 Gbps Ethernet (10 GbE + 5 GbE)
Wi-Fi 7 with 6 GHz support
Premium audio with Realtek ALC4082 codec and ESS9219Q DAC

While the six USB Type-A ports may seem limiting for some users, the abundance of Type-C options compensates for this.

Advanced Features

AI and Overclocking

The Dark Hero includes Asus's comprehensive AI suite:

AI Overclocking for automatic performance optimization
AI Cooling II for intelligent thermal management
AI Networking II for network optimization
AI CacheBoost for improved cache performance
AI Advisor for system recommendations

EZ PC DIY Features

Asus includes several user-friendly features:

Q-Connect: Proprietary 11-pad hub for AIO connections, eliminating visible cables
Q-Code LED and Q-LEDs for troubleshooting POST issues
Flexkey: Customizable button for quick access to functions
BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS buttons on rear I/O
Retry button for troubleshooting

Memory Support

The board supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM with speeds up to DDR5-8600 for Ryzen 9000 series processors, and even higher (DDR5-9200) for APUs. This exceeds AMD's official specifications and provides headroom for enthusiasts.

Performance Results

In our comprehensive testing suite, the X870E Dark Hero demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple categories:

Gaming Performance

The board delivered some of the fastest gaming results we've seen on AM5 platforms, with minimal latency and excellent frame rates across various titles. The robust power delivery and optimized memory support contribute to consistent gaming performance.

Productivity Performance

In productivity workloads, the Dark Hero proved to be a solid performer, handling demanding tasks with ease. The combination of fast memory support, robust power delivery, and optimized BIOS settings ensures excellent performance in content creation, rendering, and other productivity applications.

Storage Performance

The PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots delivered exceptional storage performance, with sequential read/write speeds exceeding 12,000 MB/s when paired with compatible Gen5 SSDs. The multiple M.2 options provide flexibility for various storage configurations.

Build Quality and Components

Asus has used premium components throughout the Dark Hero:

ASMedia controllers for USB and SATA expansion
Infineon VRM components for reliable power delivery
Realtek networking with 10 GbE and 5 GbE options
Mediatek Wi-Fi 7 module for cutting-edge wireless connectivity
ROG Supreme FX audio with ESS DAC for high-quality sound

Software and BIOS

The updated BIOS features a refreshed skin and includes comprehensive overclocking options. Armoury Crate provides centralized control over RGB lighting, fan curves, and system monitoring. The software suite is comprehensive without being overwhelming.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At $699.99, the X870E Dark Hero sits at the premium end of the AM5 motherboard market. While expensive, the price is justified by the comprehensive feature set, exceptional build quality, and premium aesthetic. When compared to current DDR5 RAM prices (which are showing signs of leveling out), the board's price becomes more palatable for enthusiasts building high-end systems.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Premium all-black aesthetic with clean, understated design
Five M.2 sockets (two PCIe 5.0) for exceptional storage flexibility
Five USB Type-C ports on rear I/O, including two USB4/40 Gbps
Comprehensive AI features and EZ PC DIY functionality
Updated BIOS with refreshed skin
Q-Connect for clean AIO cable management
Flagship-class 24-phase power delivery
Wi-Fi 7 and 10 GbE networking
Premium audio solution

Cons:

Only six USB Type-A ports on rear I/O may limit some users
Fifth M.2 socket limited to 30mm modules only
Polymo II RGB design may be polarizing
Premium price point at $699.99

Conclusion

The Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero delivers on its promise of being a premium AM5 motherboard. The all-black aesthetic, exceptional power delivery, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts building high-end systems.

While the $700 price tag is substantial, it's justified by the board's capabilities and the target market of enthusiasts who demand the best. The performance is excellent across gaming and productivity workloads, and the build quality is top-notch.

The Dark Hero's main limitations are its polarizing design (which some users will love and others won't), the relatively limited number of USB Type-A ports, and the 30mm restriction on the fifth M.2 slot. However, these are minor concerns for a motherboard that otherwise delivers exceptional value for its target audience.

For users seeking the ultimate AM5 platform with a striking aesthetic and comprehensive features, the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero is an excellent choice that deserves serious consideration.