ROG CROSSHAIR VI Hero Review

After getting the Zen architecture out there, AMD definitely came back on the front of the scene.

But even though their latest “super” processors are available, they still need a suitable motherboard to make it to your casing.

And that’s where it hurts. Even though AMD managed to produce, arguably, the very best gaming CPU available to us, and for a fraction of the cost Intel is currently selling at ($500.00 for a Ryzen 7 1800x VS $1,200.00 for an I7 6900K), it is an absolute nightmare to get an acceptable Gamer’s Motherboard for the Ryzen.

Well… until the ROG CROSSHAIR VI Hero that is.
Asus did it again… and with its enthusiast-ready ROG motherboard lineup, it did not disappoint me.

For roughly $250.00 (ARP as of June 2017), you’ll get yourself an AURA compliant X370 board, which can handle both 7th Gen Athlon and ZEN CPUs. That explains why both AM3 and AM4 attached holes are presents on the board. Simple, but efficient!

Let’s dig deeper!

X370 chipset

To support its latest flagship processor, AMD released a flurry of chipsets (A300, A320, B350 and the X370). And, as expected, no all are equal under the sun!

The X370 chipset should ring a bell.. this is the only chipset available allowing multiple GPU compatibility, in both CrossFire and SLI modes. And if you are a serious gamer, this is the chipset you will need.

Especially relevant, the X370 also allows overclocking and offers a wide range of tweaks.

Memory

The ROG CROSSHAIR VI Hero features only one M.2 SSD connector in a horizontal configuration and up to 110mm in length. Additionally, this board is compatible with 3D printable accessories, including an M.2 SSD fan mount.

Ram wise, The ROG CROSSHAIR VI Hero can support up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, in a dual channel configuration and overclockable up to 3.2 GHz if coupled with a Ryzen CPU, or up to 2.4 GHz if operated with a 7th Gen. Athlon.

Peripherals

The ROG CROSSHAIR VI Hero features:

• Two  3.1 USB inlets (1 type A and 1 type C) , graded to transfer data up to 10 Gb/s.
• Eight  3.0 USB inlets , graded to transfer data up to 5 Gb/s.
• Two  2.0 USB inlets , graded to transfer data up to 480 Mb/s.

ROG CROSSHAIR VI Hero:

The Pros:

– X370 chipset
– AURA compliant
– Compatible with both AM3 & AM4 Socket
– Built quality (awesome)
– Q Code screen available
– Onboard Start and Reset buttons
– Multiple GPUs (Crossfire and SLI)

A few Cons: 

– The IO shield is NOT built in (unlike the MAXIMUS IX Formula or Extreme)] – No dual M.2 SSD Connector… but with an X370 chipset.. I kind of get it.
– WIFI adapter optional (wait what?)

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