Moving past the socket and before the DRAM slots is the new Asus Q-Connect feature. The proprietary 11-pad hub transfers power and control signals (think pump, ARGB, fans, and, on some models, the display) directly through the motherboard, eliminating the need for traditional, visible, individual cables that detract from a clean aesthetic. At the time of this writing, only the CES 2026-announced ROG Strix LC and SLC IV 360 AIOs work with the connector. It’s a useful feature if you plan to use compatible Asus AIOs. But I would like Asus to include a simple rubber cover to match the board’s appearance, so it doesn’t stick out if you’re not using it. Next, the four DRAM slots (with Nitropath technology) are to the right, with locking mechanisms to secure the RAM on the top and bottom. Asus lists support for 256GB of RAM and speeds up to DDR5-8600 for 9000 series desktop processors, and even higher (DDR5-9200) for APUs. Though, unless you’re benching for Hwbot, I can’t see many using an APU on a $700 motherboard. Still, that’s plenty fast and way past AMD’s sweetspot.
Above the DRAM slots (still under the shroud) are the first three (of eight) standard 4-pin fan headers. Per usual, each supports PWM and DC-controlled devices. Power output varies from 1A/12W on most headers (CPU, Chassis, AIO, and the AIO_POGO), while the single W_Pump+ header allows 3A/36W. The Asus BIOS or Armory Crate software controls these attached devices.
In the upper-right corner are the two-character Q-Code LED and Q-LEDs that help troubleshoot POST issues. The Q-LEDs light up during the POST process and remain lit to give you a general idea of where the problem is (CPU, VGA, DRAM, Boot), while the Q-Code LED provides two-digit codes to indicate more specific issues.
Looking down the right edge, we see the Start and Flexkey buttons, along with a small Retry button. Below that are another 4-pin fan header, the 24-pin ATX power connector, an 8-pin PCIe connector for supplemental board power (to support 60W charging), and a single front-panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gbps) Type-C connector.
Power delivery on the X870E Dark Hero is one of the most capable we’ve seen. With a total of 24 phases (20 for Vcore), there are only a handful of boards with more capable power delivery. Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connectors and onto the Digi+ EPU (ASP2205) voltage regulator. From there, it moves to the Infineon PMC41420 110A SPS MOSFETs. The 2,220 Amps available will handle any CPU you throw at it, regardless of cooling method. Your CPU cooling will limit you before the board gets in the way.
At the bottom of the board, on the left and hidden under a black metal shroud, are the flagship Realtek ALC4082 codec and an ESS 9219Q DAC/HPA. This is the platform's premiere setup. If you want something better, you’ll have to buy a dedicated sound card.
Next are the two PCIe slots in the middle. Both of these reinforced slots connect through the CPU, offering PCIe 5.0 bandwidth. The top slot is for primary graphics and runs at x16 speeds, while the bottom slot is limited to x8. Note that this applies to 7000 and 9000 series desktop processors; APUs are different (see the specifications on Asus’ website for details). Thankfully, Asus moved away from its controversial PCIe latching mechanism and now uses a more traditional button to lock and unlock the top slot, reducing the risk of scratching the PCIe connection on your video card. Be aware that when PCIEX16_1 runs at x16, the second slot runs at PCIe 3.0 x4.
Above the top PCIe slot is the first of five M.2 sockets. M.2_1, the top socket under the huge individual heatsink, connects through the CPU and is your first 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) socket (*holds up to 110mm devices). Under the plate heatsink are three other M.2 sockets. M.2_2 is your other 5.0 x4 socket and holds up to 80mm modules. M.2_3/4/5 all connect through the chipset with 3/4 PCIe 4.0 x4 capable, and the bottom slot, M.2_5, PCIe 4.0 x2. That last slot is also limited to small, 30mm devices. M.2_2 shares bandwidth with the USB4 ports and both run at PCIe 5.0 x2 when a device is installed in the M.2_2 socket. You can switch to 5.0 x4 in the BIOS, but this disables the USB4 Type-C ports altogether.Along the right edge is another USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gbps) front-panel connector, followed by a 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connector. Below that are four SATA ports, with two using native chipset connectivity and two using an ASMedia controller that does not support RAID. We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. The X870E Dark Hero uses several different brands, including ASMedia (USB), Infineon (VRMs), and Realtek (audio, network, VRM controller).
(Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) At the bottom are several headers, including front-panel audio and USB ports. A complete list of connectivity is listed below (from L to R):
The rear IO on the X870E Dark Hero is chock-full of buttons and ports, including 11 USB ports. On the left are two buttons, one for BIOS Flashback and the other for Clear CMOS. Below those, to the right, are three Type-C ports (10 Gbps). Continuing right, we run into an HDMI port for iGPU output, and then the two USB4 (40 Gbps Type-C) ports. Above that, in red, are six USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) ports. Above those are the two Realtek-based Ethernet (5 and 10 GbE) ports, the quick-connect Wi-Fi 7 antenna connector, and the audio stack (2x 3.5mm for line out/mic in, and optical SPDIF out). Six Type-A ports could be limiting if you're not already using multiple Type-C devices, but that's the only potential problems I see.
Current page: Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero Features and Specifications
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-review#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.