​ASUS Maximus VIII Hero – One of the Most Powerful Motherboards of the Outgoing Year

Introduction
In order to join the products of the ASUS Republic of Games series in the framework of Skylake processors, it's just enough to pay attention to the motherboard ASUS Maximus VIII Hero. This model in the line of ASUS motherboards for Skylake processors stands out not only for its original appearance, but also for its outstanding features. Based on the set of Intel Z170 logic system, this motherboard supports the latest technology, and it can also provide the user with extensive overclocking abilities.

Main Characteristics
Motherboard format - ATX
Manufacturer and Model -  ASUS Maximus VIII Hero
Socket CPU  - LGA1151
Power connectors 1x 24-pin. ATX
1x 8-pin EPS12V
CPU phases - 10 pieces
Memory and type - 4x DDR4 (two channels)
Memory subsystem - Max. 64 GB (16 GB slats)
SLI / CrossFire SLI (2-Way), CrossFireX (3-Way)
Built-in Functions:
PCI Express - 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 (electrically x16 / x8) via Skylake-S CPU
1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (electrically x4) via Intel Z170
3x PCIe 3.0 x1 through Intel Z170
 
LAN - 1x Intel I219-V Gigabit-LAN
Audio codec and interfaces - 8-channel ROG SupremeFX 2015 (Realtek ALC1150) audio codec
5x 3.5mm audio jacks
1xTOSLink
Connectors for connecting fans - 2x CPU FAN 4-pin.
4x Chassis FAN 4-pin.
1x Water Pump 4-pin.
1x Extension FAN PCB Header 5-pin

Packaging
As it fits to the boards of the Republic of Games series, the packaging of the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero is made in the classic dark and red colors. This style and design of products of this series from the company ASUS is present for a long time, thanks to which this product is recognizable among many other devices. The front part of the box contains the name of the model of the motherboard, as well as a sticker with information about the 15-day premium account for the game World of Warships. Pictograms at the bottom of the box get the names of the supported technologies and standards, among which a special emphasis is placed on compatibility with Windows 10.
 
Being a premium product, the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero is packed in a box with a double lid and a transparent inner wall, thanks to which it is possible to view the card through a plastic blister without opening the entire package. Such a flip wall for ASUS products is no longer a wonder, and is inherent, as a rule, only top models.
 
The folding cardboard cover on the inside is also an informational useful component, as it is here that the manufacturer tells about the company's technologies which are present in the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero.
 
Design
In the board design of ASUS Maximus VIII Hero, most people will see the features of the game device. The combination of thin dark red lines and black and gray colors creates quite a brutal mood.
The board ASUS Maximus VIII Hero is made in the ATX form factor, the physical dimensions of the novelty are 305x244 mm. Mounted in the case of the system unit board with the help of nine holes.
 
The main detail to which the manufacturer has focused all the attention, giving such bizarre forms to the radiators and the casing is the processor socket. ASUS Maximus VIII Hero supports any 14-nm processors of the Skylake family with LGA1151 connector, including models with an unlocked multiplier. For high-quality power the latter on the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero is provided with a 10-phase power harness with solid-state capacitors and digital control.
 
RAM on the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero can be installed in up to 4 modules, each of which can be up to 16 GB. Supports DDR4 memory modules with an operating frequency from 2133 to 3800 MHz. Next to the memory slots there is a main 24-pin power connector, and a 19-pin USB3.0 connector.
 
From the very corner of ASUS Maximus VIII Hero you can see a two-symbol POST indicator, according to which it is easy to guess the reasons for the system's inappropriate work.


Most of the audio components on the motherboard ASUS Maximus VIII Hero is covered with a plastic casing, on which the inscription SupremeFX flaunts.
 
Closer View
The motherboard ASUS Maximus VIII Hero has eight SATA-3 6-Gb / s ports and two SATA Express ports.
 
The main merit in supporting the most up-to-date standards and technologies remains behind the set of Intel Z170 system logic. The chipset itself, as expected, is closed by a small aluminum radiator with the logo of the Republic of Games series.
 
There are six connectors with a 4-pin connector: three from the top of the board, and three more in the remaining parts of the overall board design.