Overview
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero is a premium ATX motherboard built around the AMD X870E chipset and Socket AM5. It supports compatible AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series desktop processors, combining advanced power delivery, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 expansion, multiple M.2 storage sockets, and high-speed wired and wireless networking.
Part of the ASUS Republic of Gamers Crosshair family, this motherboard features a predominantly black design, extensive thermal hardware, integrated Polymo Lighting II, and connectivity for performance-oriented gaming PCs and enthusiast desktop systems.
Processor Platform and Power Delivery
The AM5 socket supports compatible AMD Ryzen desktop processors from the 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series. Processor compatibility should be confirmed against the ASUS CPU support list and the BIOS version installed on the motherboard.
ASUS specifies a 20+2+2 power-stage design, with 110A-rated stages for the CPU core and SoC power sections and 80A-rated stages for the auxiliary power section. Dual ProCool II CPU power connectors and substantial VRM cooling support demanding processor configurations.
Enthusiast tuning features include Dynamic OC Switcher, Core Flex, an asynchronous clock generator, and dedicated controls for selected overclocking and recovery functions. Actual operating limits depend on the processor, cooling system, power supply, and configuration.
DDR5 Memory Architecture
Four DDR5 DIMM slots support dual-channel memory and up to 256GB of installed capacity. The motherboard supports AMD EXPO, ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP), DIMM Fit, DIMM Fit Pro, and NitroPath DRAM Technology.
Memory overclocking capability depends on the installed processor, memory kit, number of populated slots, BIOS configuration, and system stability. Check the ASUS memory compatibility list when selecting high-speed DDR5 modules.
PCIe Expansion and NVMe Storage
The motherboard provides two full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for compatible expansion devices. With supported Ryzen 9000 and 7000 Series processors, the slots support x16 or x8/x8 operating modes. When the primary slot operates at PCIe 5.0 x16, the second slot operates at PCIe 3.0 x4 unless the configuration is adjusted in BIOS.
Processor selection affects the available expansion bandwidth. Compatible Ryzen 8000 Series processors provide different PCIe generations and lane configurations, so the motherboard's maximum interface specifications should not be assumed to apply to every CPU.
Five onboard M.2 sockets support NVMe storage in several physical formats. Two processor-connected sockets support PCIe 5.0 x4 with compatible Ryzen 9000 and 7000 Series processors, while the chipset-connected sockets provide PCIe 4.0 storage connectivity. A fifth M.2 socket supports PCIe 4.0 x2 and the 2230 form factor.
Four SATA 6Gb/s ports provide additional storage connectivity. The motherboard supports AMD RAIDXpert2 RAID configurations, with supported RAID levels dependent on the processor and storage arrangement.
Networking and Wireless Connectivity
Integrated networking includes a Realtek 10Gb Ethernet interface and a separate Realtek 5Gb Ethernet interface. These provide high-bandwidth wired connectivity for compatible network infrastructure, storage systems, and local networks.
Wi-Fi 7 uses a 2x2 wireless configuration and supports the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands, including 320MHz channel bandwidth where supported. Bluetooth 5.4 provides connectivity for compatible wireless peripherals.
Wireless performance and available features depend on the operating system, router capabilities, regional regulations, interference, and network configuration. ASUS specifies Windows 11 version 24H2 or later for full Wi-Fi 7 functionality; earlier supported Windows 11 releases provide Wi-Fi 6E functionality instead.
USB4 and High-Speed USB Connectivity
The rear I/O panel includes two USB4 Type-C ports operating at up to 40Gbps and nine USB 10Gbps ports, comprising six Type-A and three Type-C connectors. USB4 also supports compatible display output, subject to processor graphics capabilities and the connected display configuration.
Two internal USB 20Gbps Type-C headers provide front-panel connectivity. One supports USB Power Delivery and Quick Charge 4+ output of up to 60W when the required additional 8-pin PCIe power connection is installed. Without that additional power connection, the supported output is limited to 27W. The second front-panel Type-C header supports up to 15W output.
Additional internal headers support four USB 5Gbps ports and six USB 2.0 ports through compatible case connections.
Audio and Thermal Design
ROG SupremeFX audio uses the Realtek ALC4082 codec and an ESS ES9219 QUAD DAC. The audio implementation includes gold-plated connectors, optical S/PDIF output, and support for high-resolution front-panel headphone playback. Full 7.1-channel analog output requires a compatible chassis front-panel HD audio connection.
The motherboard's thermal hardware includes a VRM heatsink assembly, a metal backplate, M.2 heatsinks, and a 3D VC M.2 heatsink. Multiple four-pin fan headers and dedicated pump connections provide options for compatible air-cooling and liquid-cooling configurations.
Key Features
- AMD X870E platform: Supports compatible Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series processors through Socket AM5.
- 20+2+2 power-stage design: Provides dedicated CPU, SoC, and auxiliary power delivery with substantial VRM cooling.
- Five onboard M.2 sockets: Combines PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 storage interfaces with four SATA ports.
- High-speed networking: Integrates Realtek 10Gb Ethernet, Realtek 5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.
- USB4 and advanced tuning: Includes two 40Gbps USB4 ports, front-panel USB-C Power Delivery support, Dynamic OC Switcher, and BIOS FlashBack.
Applications
- High-performance gaming PCs: Supports compatible Ryzen processors, discrete graphics cards, DDR5 memory, and high-speed NVMe storage.
- Enthusiast desktop systems: Provides processor tuning controls, advanced memory configuration options, and dedicated recovery and diagnostic features.
- Content creation workstations: Supports multiple storage devices and high-speed peripheral connectivity for compatible creative applications.
- High-bandwidth network environments: Provides separate 10Gb and 5Gb Ethernet interfaces for compatible network equipment and infrastructure.
- Multi-drive systems: Accommodates multiple NVMe SSDs and SATA storage devices, subject to documented interface-sharing limitations.
DC Supplies Product Note
Plan the M.2 and USB4 configuration before installation. The M.2_2 socket shares available bandwidth with the USB4 controller. Installing an SSD in M.2_2 limits both interfaces to up to x2 operation by default; configuring M.2_2 for x4 operation in BIOS disables the USB4 40Gbps ports. Also check processor-specific PCIe lane allocation before selecting multiple expansion cards.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | ASUS |
| Manufacturer | ASUSTeK Computer Inc. |
| Part Number / MPN | ROG CROSSHAIR X870E DARK HERO |
| Product Type | Desktop motherboard |
| Product Series | ROG Crosshair |
| Chipset | AMD X870E |
| CPU Socket | AMD Socket AM5 |
| Supported Processor Families | AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series desktop processors |
| Power Delivery | 20+2+2 power stages; 110A CPU and SoC stages, 80A auxiliary stages |
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
| Memory Slots | 4 x DIMM |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 256GB |
| Memory Architecture | Dual-channel |
| Memory Features | AMD EXPO, ASUS AEMP, DIMM Fit, DIMM Fit Pro, NitroPath DRAM Technology |
| Primary Expansion | 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots; supported modes depend on processor and BIOS configuration |
| M.2 Storage | 5 x M.2 sockets |
| PCIe 5.0 M.2 | 2 sockets, processor-dependent support |
| PCIe 4.0 M.2 | 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4 sockets and 1 x PCIe 4.0 x2 socket |
| M.2 Form Factors | 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 and 2230, depending on socket |
| SATA Storage | 4 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| RAID Support | AMD RAIDXpert2; supported levels depend on processor and configuration |
| Wired Networking | 1 x Realtek 10Gb Ethernet and 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), 2x2, 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz |
| Maximum Wi-Fi Channel Bandwidth | 320MHz, where supported |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Rear USB4 | 2 x USB4 Type-C, up to 40Gbps |
| Rear USB 10Gbps | 9 ports: 6 x Type-A and 3 x Type-C |
| Front USB-C | 2 x USB 20Gbps headers; one supports up to 60W PD/QC4+ with additional power connection |
| Additional Internal USB | 2 headers for 4 x USB 5Gbps ports; 3 headers for 6 x USB 2.0 ports |
| Audio Codec | ROG SupremeFX, Realtek ALC4082 |
| Audio DAC | ESS ES9219 QUAD DAC |
| Digital Audio Output | Optical S/PDIF |
| Rear Display Outputs | 1 x HDMI and 2 x USB4 Type-C display outputs, subject to processor graphics support |
| CPU Power Connectors | 2 x 8-pin +12V |
| Additional Power Connector | 1 x 8-pin PCIe power connector for specified front USB-C power delivery functionality |
| BIOS Recovery | BIOS FlashBack |
| Diagnostic and Control Features | Q-Code, Q-LED, FlexKey, ReTry button, Start button, Clear CMOS |
| Lighting | Polymo Lighting II and Aura Sync support |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Dimensions | 30.5 x 24.4 cm (12 x 9.6 inches) |
| Operating System Listed by ASUS | Windows 11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which processors are compatible with the ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero?
The motherboard supports compatible AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series desktop processors using Socket AM5. Check the ASUS CPU support list and BIOS requirements for the exact processor model.
How many M.2 SSDs can be installed?
There are five onboard M.2 sockets. Supported drive lengths and PCIe operating modes vary by socket and processor. The M.2_2 socket also shares bandwidth with the USB4 controller, so review this limitation when configuring high-speed storage.
Does this motherboard support PCIe 5.0 graphics cards?
Yes. It provides two full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, with available operating modes depending on the processor and BIOS configuration. Installing devices in both slots can change their available bandwidth.
What networking options are integrated?
The motherboard includes Realtek 10Gb Ethernet, Realtek 5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. Actual network performance depends on compatible equipment, operating-system support, and configuration.
Can the front USB-C port provide 60W charging?
One front-panel USB 20Gbps Type-C header supports up to 60W USB Power Delivery and Quick Charge 4+ when the additional 8-pin PCIe power connector is installed. Without that connection, the specified output is limited to 27W.
Does the motherboard include integrated graphics?
The motherboard itself does not provide a discrete GPU. Its HDMI and USB4 display outputs rely on graphics capabilities available from the installed processor. Check the CPU specifications to confirm that the required integrated graphics features are supported.
Product Identification
Brand: ASUS
Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
Series: ROG Crosshair
Model: X870E Dark Hero
Part Number / MPN: ROG CROSSHAIR X870E DARK HERO
Product Type: AMD X870E ATX motherboard
