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The launch of Intel's Skylake CPUs sees the introduction of a whole new platform based around the LGA 1151 socket. Making use of Intel's feature-healthy Z170 chipset, Asus is targeting gamers who value premium aesthetics and enhanced gaming-grade features with the Maximus VIII Hero. Will the Republic of Gamers (ROG) features and branding tempt gamers to part with the Hero's £171.99 asking price?
You can read our review of the Skylake processors HERE.
Offering support for a pair of graphics cards in addition to high-speed storage, Asus is clear in its targeting of gamers who are willing to spend a little more on a motherboard that comes equipped with a solid supply of features. Forming the aforementioned set of features are Asus' enhanced – SupremeFX – audio solution, an Intel NIC with network prioritisation software, a diverse range of gaming-centric software applications, and a customisable lighting scheme for the chipset heatsink LED.
Other noteworthy features include USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports, a PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 connector, and support for up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with 4000MHz+ operating speeds. With its gaming-orientated styling and focus on overclocking capabilities, how does Asus' Maximus VIII Hero fair in our test suite?
Features:
- Intel Ethernet with LANGuard and GameFirst III
- SupremeFX 2015 Audio.
- Lighting Control.
- Extreme Engine Digi+.
- USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C.
- PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2.
Z87/97 still look better. This new one not really. Too much black and not enough red. The grey does looks okay. Looks like I’ll be skipping this series. The specs will make the difference in the end and the pricing.
X99 has 8 RAM ports and many of the boards have USB 3.1 and M2 Turbo ports. I can’t really justify this.
hi! just wanna know what is the total height if the covering plates from the back panel up to the parts near the cpu socket? hope anyone can answer it by millimeter. thanks 😀
I think it looks pretty awful tbh compared to their Z87/97 offerings. That plastic cover looks way tacky and sub-standard for a £170 board. The whole overall look of the board just doesn’t scream high-end ROG to me. Granted the RGB is a nice touch but it’s only on the chipset heatsink and there is still red present on the heatsinks which just ruins the point doesn’t it not?
The Ranger board is even worse on the styling. I don’t get why people are loving the look of these…
Can the chipset lighting cover be removed for paint modding?
Really mate? Please link the x99 matx motherboard with 8 Ram slots, because I would love to see it.
In my opinion this board looks better than other 1151 ones on the market (Gigabyte GA-Z170X, MSI Z170A for example). All of them have a tacky look to them with coloured highlights and labels.
I’d like to know what you think is a better looking board than this one, even if it is subjective.