ASUS ROG Crosshair VI Hero (X370) Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. ASUS ROG Crosshair VI Hero: Packaging and Bundle3. ASUS ROG Crosshair VI Hero: Board Layout and Features4. ASUS X370 UEFI5. ASUS X370 Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: CPU Related8. Tests: Memory & System Related9. Tests: Gaming Related10. Overclocking & Power Consumption11. Tests: Motherboard Features Performance12. Closing Thoughts13. View All Pages

The ASUS ROG Crosshair VI Hero motherboard shows good performance that allows a Ryzen 7 CPU to flex its muscle. Overclocking performance was also solid, with the board managing to take our 1800X to 4.05GHz at a sensible 1.4V (once ASUS' annoying LLC levels are figured out).

On the topic of overclocking, ASUS provides a number of useful tools for tweakers. Onboard voltage monitoring points are extremely useful, as are control buttons and the 2-digit debug LED. UEFI layout is a strength for straightforward overclocking (with the exception of aforementioned LLC complexities).

Overall design is a strength for the Hero. ASUS smartly deploys features of the Ryzen CPUs and X370 chipsets, such as 10Gbps USB 3.1 ports via an internal header and a vast number of 5Gbps USB 3.0 rear connections. There's a 32Gbps PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot with a direct connection to the AM4 CPU, as well as capability with a SATA SSD. However, ASUS has not given enough thought to M.2 SSD cooling using some form of heatsink.

A strong, well-cooled power delivery system will be welcomed by Ryzen 7 users. The chips demand a sizeable amount of power when overclocked and keeping the MOSFETs cooled is important for system longevity. Performance from the audio system was strong and we would have no reservations about using onboard audio on a daily basis with this motherboard.

ASUS includes a pair of 4-pin RGB LED strip headers that can be controlled using AURA software in Windows. I am disappointed to see a lack of UEFI-based control but ASUS deserves praise for including two headers at opposite ends of the motherboard, which is ideal for mounting flexibility. The rear IO and chipset onboard LED zones are minimalistic but work fine.

Stability is an area that ASUS still needs to work on. Our favourite button throughout testing became the clear CMOS button. Getting memory to work at 3200MHz proved to be an art given the absence of an outright XMP solution that we trusted (after D.O.C.P. killed a different C6H sample). We are, however, confident that further BIOS updates will fix issues as the entire platform is still young.

Fan control was good through both the UEFI and OS-based software. ASUS includes a number of software tools that may be of use to niche sections of the purchase base, such as RAMCache which could aid budding videographers.

The ASUS ROG Crosshair VI Hero is available at Overclockers UK for £259.99.

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Pros:

• Worked correctly with high-speed 3200MHz G.SKILL DDR4 with some tweaks.
• Internal 10Gbps USB 3.1 header is a positive.
• A good range of overclocking features – onboard buttons and voltage monitoring points.
• Mounting compatibility for 3D printed accessories.
• Solid fan control with PWM and DC compatibility.
• Two RGB LED headers is good to see.
• Strong set of OS-based software.

Cons:

• Additional UEFI features would be welcomed – AURA RGB LED control especially.
• Very little onboard LED lighting compared to competing products.
• No M.2 cooling or native U.2 connector (M.2 fan bracket purchasable separately).
• Rear 10Gbps USB 3.1 is around 20% slower than AMD- or ASM2142-based ports on competing solutions.

KitGuru says: A strong high-end AM4 offering with a good balance of features and solid overclocking support.

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