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ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero vs MSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

A

Product A: ASUS

ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

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B

Product B: MSI

MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

65 of 78 known

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Only differences

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

BMSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

General

2 of 9 differ

Series

ROG Crosshair2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026ROG Crosshair is the ASUS line in the product name. The page sits in the ROG Crosshair family.

MAG1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026The cover reads MAG Series Motherboard.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

ROG CROSSHAIR X870E DARK HERO, 90MB1NT0-M0EAY01Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The page names the model as ROG CROSSHAIR X870E DARK HERO. The part number 90MB1NT0-M0EAY0 comes from the retailer listings below.10Retailer pageasusbymacman.es/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-placa-base-11567.htmlRead 15 October 2026The excerpt shows the part number 90MB1NT0-M0EAY0 for the ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero.11Retailer pageshop.avoira.com/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-amd-x870e-socket-am5-atx-90mb1nt0-m0eay0.htmlRead 15 October 2026The URL and excerpt carry the part number 90MB1NT0-M0EAY0.

MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI, 7E70-016R1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026The cover names MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI. The part number 7E70-016R is from Geizhals and the retailers it lists. The sibling MAG X870E GAMING MAX WIFI (911-7E86-001) is a different board with 12+2+1 power stages and a 2.9 Gbps Wi-Fi module, so its codes are not used.3Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026Item details: Model Number X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI.4Spec databasegeizhals.de/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-a3685336.htmlRead 14 October 2026Retailers listed on Geizhals sell the board as part number 7E70-016R.

GTIN / EAN

471163639867110Retailer pageasusbymacman.es/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-placa-base-11567.htmlRead 15 October 2026A web search excerpt of this page shows P/N 90MB1NT0-M0EAY0 with EAN 4711636398671. The page returns HTTP 403 to agents, so only the excerpt was read. The Avoira page below shows the same EAN and SKU. The EAN check digit is valid.11Retailer pageshop.avoira.com/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-amd-x870e-socket-am5-atx-90mb1nt0-m0eay0.htmlRead 15 October 2026A web search excerpt of this page shows EAN 4711636398671 and SKU 90MB1NT0-M0EAY0. The page returns HTTP 403 to agents, so only the excerpt was read.

4711377406727, 8241424485713Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026Item details: UPC 824142448571.4Spec databasegeizhals.de/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-a3685336.htmlRead 14 October 2026The Geizhals page carries EAN 4711377406727, the same as BuildCores.5Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/k8i4mblgd/MSI-MAG-X870E-GAMING-PLUS-MAX-WIFIRead 14 October 2026BuildCores lists UPC 824142448571 and EAN 4711377406727 (and 0824142448571).

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

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Status

Available3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review page shows current retailer prices for the board on 2026-10-15.

Available4Spec databasegeizhals.de/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-a3685336.htmlRead 14 October 202618 offers on 2026-10-14.5Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/k8i4mblgd/MSI-MAG-X870E-GAMING-PLUS-MAX-WIFIRead 14 October 2026In stock at Amazon, Walmart and Newegg on 2026-10-14.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$699.993Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review names the board at $699.99. US price, excl. sales tax, from a reviewer and not a statement by ASUS. pchardware.org also gives a launch MSRP of 699.99 USD.8Spec databasepchardware.org/motherboards/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Launch MSRP 699.99 USD. The database lists manufacturer part number 90MB1NT0-M0VAY0 for it.

Not available

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

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ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

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SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ProArt is Creator. It is not assigned from price or features. Maker lines that are not gaming, creator or workstation lines, such as ASUS PRIME, MSI PRO and ASRock Pro, are mainstream.

Gaming2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026The page sits under ROG gaming motherboards (breadcrumb Gaming Motherboards).

Gaming8Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/02/24/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The review calls MAG the MSI Arsenal Gaming tier and the board an entry-level enthusiast motherboard. Geizhals lists the segment as Mainstream and is not used.

Board revisioniThe maker's revision name, e.g. rev. 1.1, for variant rows of revisions that keep the board's name and model number. Leave it out when the maker names no revision.

Not available

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Platform

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CPU socketiSocket name without spaces, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851.

AM51Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026

AM51Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026

ChipsetiChipset with its brand and without the word chipset, e.g. AMD B850, AMD X870E or Intel Z890. Same form as desktop PCs and as compatible chipsets on CPUs.

AMD X870E1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026

AMD X870E1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Supported processorsiProcessor series the maker lists for the board, one item per series in the chip maker's name. BIOS updates can add series later.

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series, AMD Ryzen 8000 Series, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026AM5 for Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series. The page refers to the ASUS download center for the CPU support list. Read on 2026-10-15.

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series, AMD Ryzen 8000 Series, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series desktop processors, socket AM5. The manual refers to msi.com for the newest support status. Read on 2026-10-14.

CPU overclockingiThe board allows multiplier overclocking of an unlocked CPU. Memory overclocking alone does not count.

Yes2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026The page describes AI Overclocking, Core Flex, Dynamic OC Switcher and an asynchronous clock generator for CPU overclocking.9Maker product pageamd.com/en/products/processors/chipsets/am5.htmlRead 15 October 2026AMD's chipset page describes the X870E chipset with robust overclocking capabilities. This is the chip maker's page and not the board maker's.

Yes10Maker product pageamd.com/en/products/processors/chipsets/am5.htmlRead 14 October 2026AMD's chipset page says an AMD X870E motherboard has robust overclocking capabilities. The FPS Review says the BIOS offers manual CPU and memory overclocking and MSI OC Engine BCLK tuning. This is the chip maker's page and not the board maker's.

Board

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Form factoriThe maker's stated board standard. Other covers sizes such as XL-ATX or Mini-DTX.

ATX1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026

ATX1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 20: ATX Form Factor, 9.6 in. x 12 in. (244 mm x 305 mm).

Board dimensionsiSize of the board itself. Height runs along the rear I/O edge, as the board stands in a tower case. ATX is 244 mm wide and 305 mm high. Micro ATX is 244 mm high and up to 244 mm wide. A size with a cover that reaches past the board, as NZXT prints, is not used when the maker also states the board size.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ATX form factor, 12 inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm).

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 20: 9.6 in. x 12 in. (244 mm x 305 mm).

PCB layersiCopper layers in the circuit board as published.

82Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview page: a server-grade eight-layer design with two-ounce copper power planes.

88Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/02/24/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of 2026-02-24, features page: the PCB is 8 layered, server grade with 2 oz inlaid copper. The manual lists a 2oz copper thickened PCB without a layer count.

Back-connect designiPower, fan and front-panel connectors sit on the back of the board to hide the cables, e.g. ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero or GIGABYTE Stealth. It needs a case made for it.

No2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026The 24-pin and CPU power connectors sit at the top and right edge of the board, as the connector lists and the Tom's Hardware walk-through show. The AIO Q-Connector is a hub for compatible AIO coolers. The board is not a back-connect design.3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026The walk-through places the 24-pin ATX power connector, the 8-pin PCIe connector and the fan headers on the front side of the board.

No1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026The page 27 layout shows the usual front-side power, fan and USB connectors. The board is not a back-connect design.

RGB lighting on the boardiLEDs on the board itself. Headers for external lighting are counted under Internal connectors. True only when the maker's spec or feature list names lighting on the board. A single small LED that a reviewer sees does not count.

Yes2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026The page describes Polymo Lighting II on the board with an I/O zone and addressable Gen2 headers. Tom's Hardware describes Polymo Lighting II RGBs with ROG branding on the VRM heatsinks.5Press articleguru3d.com/story/asus-crosshair-x870e-glacial-and-dark-hero-hit-retail-shelvesRead 15 October 2026The Dark Hero replaces the Glacial's LCD with an RGB-lit area with Aura Sync support.

No8Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/02/24/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026There are no RGBs on this board, but several headers are available. Club386 also says there is no RGB lighting.

Power delivery

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Power stage layoutiAs the maker publishes it, e.g. 18+2+2. The first number is the CPU core (Vcore) rail. Makers group the other rails differently, so compare the first number. Doubled or teamed stages are written as the maker prints them, such as MSI's 12+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's count of real phases goes in the source note.

20+2+22Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026ROG Ultimate Power Solution 20(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A) power stages: 20 Vcore, 2 SoC and 2 MISC.7Reviewtechgaming.nl/review-asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 202620x 110A for Vcore, 2x 110A for SoC and 2x 80A for Misc.

14+2+13Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026From the manufacturer: Digital PWM IC 14 Phase Duet Rail Power System (60A / SPS), 2 Phase SOC Power, 1 Phase MISC Power. Reviews write it as 14+2+1.6Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: VRM 14+2+1, 60A.

CPU core (Vcore) power stagesiPower stages on the Vcore rail. Makers call them phases or power stages. A doubled design has more stages than controller phases. Use the first number of the maker's layout, such as 14 for MSI's 14+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's different count goes in the source note.

202Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026The VRM features 20+2+2 power stages, each rated up to 110 amps for Vcore.

143Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026From the manufacturer: Ultra Power, 14 DRPS with 60A SPS. Geizhals lists 14 Vcore stages (7 doubled phases).

Vcore power stage ratingiCurrent rating of each Vcore power stage. Only a figure the maker or a copy of the maker's text states. A review's reading of the chip markings is not enough.

110A2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026Each Vcore power stage is rated 110 A. The SoC stages are 110 A and the MISC stages 80 A.

60A3Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026From the manufacturer: 60A SPS. The Guru3D news post and Club386 also say 60A.6Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026The text says 14+2+1 power phases with 60A per phase.9Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-and-oc-engineRead 14 October 2026News post of 2026-03-30: a 14+2+1 phase VRM configuration using 60A Smart Power Stages.

VRM controlleriPWM controller chip with maker, e.g. MPS MP2857. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the part number without the date code in the chip marking.

ASUS ASP22053Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Power flows from the EPS connectors to the Digi+ EPU (ASP2205) voltage regulator, then to Infineon PMC41420 110A power stages. The image captions credit Realtek with the VRM controller, but the text names the ASP2205. Single review.

Not available

CPU power connectorsiEPS 12 V connectors for the CPU as pin counts, e.g. 8+8 pin, 8+4 pin or 8 pin.

8+8 pin1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Internal connectors: 2 x 8-pin +12V CPU power connectors and the 24-pin main power connector.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: 2x 8-pin +12V power connectors (CPU_PWR1~2) and the 24-pin ATX main power connector.

Extra slot power connectoriA PCIe or other power connector on the board that feeds the expansion slots. The 24-pin and CPU connectors do not count. A connector the maker ties only to a front USB-C header does not count.

No1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The list has 1 x 8-pin PCIe power connector. The page ties it only to the front USB Type-C port: for 60W the cable must go to it, or else only 27W is supported. The 24-pin and CPU connectors do not count. The help text does not count a connector that feeds only a front USB-C header, so the value is false. No ASUS text says it feeds the expansion slots.

Yes1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19 and page 44: 1x 8-pin PCIe power connector (PCIE_PWR1).

Memory

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Memory type

DDR51Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026

DDR51Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Memory slotsiDIMM slots on the board.

41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026

41Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Max memoryiMaximum total capacity the maker states for the board. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value.

256GB1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 20264 x DIMM slots, max. 256GB, DDR5.6Reviewguru3d.com/review/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: 4x DDR5 DIMM, up to 256 GB.

256GB1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 4x DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 256GB.

Max memory speed (overclocked)iHighest overclocked speed the maker lists for one module per channel, with the newest CPU family the board is sold for, e.g. Ryzen 9000 or Core Ultra 200S. Ryzen 8000 values are never used. The source note names the family and the other module setups. It is not the CPU's official speed. A JEDEC-only list such as 5600/4800 is not this value. When the maker lists a manual overclock and a memory profile speed, the higher one is stored. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value. A table that names the CPU family wins over a headline speed that names none.

8,600MT/s1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Ryzen 9000: up to 8600+ MT/s (OC) for max manual overclocking and 8200+ MT/s (OC) for XMP, EXPO and AEMP profiles, which can be impacted when four DIMM slots are used. Ryzen 8000: 9600+ and 9200+. Ryzen 7000: 8000+ for both. The Ryzen 9000 manual overclocking value is stored. The page gives no table for other module setups.

8,200MT/s3Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026Features and specs: Memory Clock Speed 8200 MHz. The title says DDR5 Memory Boost (up to 8200+ MT/s OC). The text names no CPU family and no module setup. Geizhals lists max. DDR5-8200 OC. Club386 says one stick runs 8,200 MT/s and a dual-channel pair up to 6,400 MT/s.6Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: max. OC speed 8,200MT/s. One stick runs 8,200 MT/s and a dual-channel pair up to 6,400 MT/s per the text.

ECC memoryiThe board runs unbuffered ECC modules with ECC active. A board that runs ECC modules in non-ECC mode does not count. DDR5 on-die ECC does not count. A maker list of ECC and non-ECC unbuffered memory with no non-ECC mode qualifier counts as true, as on ASUS and ASRock AM5 boards. A note that ECC mode depends on the CPU, as ASUS writes for AM4 boards, still counts as true.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Page: supports ECC and Non-ECC, Un-buffered DIMM. It says supported memory types and speeds vary with the CPU and memory configuration. The maker does not say how ECC works with each CPU.

No1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory.

CUDIMM supportiThe board runs clocked unbuffered DIMMs (CUDIMM) with the clock driver active. Clock driver bypass mode only does not count. A plain "Supports CUDIMM" with no bypass limit, as ASRock and ASUS write it, counts as true.

Not available

No1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: supports CUDIMM, clock driver bypass mode only. POR boot frequency and support vary by CPU series.

Expansion slots

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Expansion slotsiPhysical card slots. Storage M.2 slots are listed under Storage. The M.2 slot of a pre-installed Wi-Fi module is not listed. A full-length slot wired for x4 is PCIe x16 with 4 lanes.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	8	5	CPU	1

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Ryzen 9000 and 7000: 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (x16 or x8/x8 modes). When PCIEX16_1 runs at PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIEX16_2 runs at PCIe 3.0 x4. The bandwidth can be changed in the BIOS. With Ryzen 8000 the slots run at PCIe 4.0. Both slots connect to the CPU, per Tom's Hardware.3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Both reinforced PCIe slots connect through the CPU at PCIe 5.0. The top slot runs at x16 and the bottom slot is limited to x8. When PCIEX16_1 runs at x16, the second slot runs at PCIe 3.0 x4.

BMSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	1
PCIe x16	1	3	Chipset	1
PCIe x1	1	3	Chipset	1

Source1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17 and page 32: PCI_E1 PCIe 5.0 x16 from the CPU with Ryzen 9000/7000 (PCIe 4.0 x8 or x4 with some Ryzen 8000), PCI_E3 PCIe 4.0 x4, PCI_E4 PCIe 3.0 x1 and PCI_E2 PCIe 3.0 x1, all from the X870E chipset. The spec lists three PCIe x16 slots (PCI_E1, PCI_E3, PCI_E4) and one PCIe x1 slot (PCI_E2). Geizhals and the FPS Review list the same slots.

Full-length PCIe slotsiCounts full-length slots, whatever their lane count.

2=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Fastest PCIe x16 slot generationiHighest PCIe generation of a full-length slot. This is normally the graphics card slot.

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Storage

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M.2 storage slotsiOne row per M key storage slot on the board, front or back. Slots on an included add-in card are not listed. Values are with the CPU family that gives the board its full connectivity. A slot listed for 25110 counts as M.2 22110. A slot listed for 2260 counts as M.2 2280.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink	Shares lanes with
M.2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M.2_2	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes	The USB4 40Gbps ports. A drive in M.2_2 makes both run at x2. Setting M.2_2 to x4 in the BIOS turns the USB4 ports off
M.2_3	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available
M.2_4	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available
M.2_5	4	2	Chipset	M.2 2230	No	Yes	Not available

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Ryzen 9000 and 7000: M.2_1 (Key M) 2242/2260/2280/22110 at PCIe 5.0 x4 and M.2_2 (Key M) 2242/2260/2280 at PCIe 5.0 x4. Both connect to the CPU. AMD X870E chipset: M.2_3 and M.2_4 at 2242/2260/2280 and PCIe 4.0 x4, M.2_5 at 2230 and PCIe 4.0 x2. 2280 is stored for the 2242/2260/2280 slots. With Ryzen 8000 the CPU slots run at PCIe 4.0 and M.2_2 is not supported on the 8500 and 8300 series. The USB4 40Gbps ports and M.2_2 share bandwidth: with a device in M.2_2 both run at up to x2, and M.2_2 can run at x4 when the BIOS setting turns the USB4 ports off. The page lists every slot with PCIe modes only and gives no SATA mode for any of them, so sata is false. Heatsink: the overview page says five M.2 slots with heatsinks, backplates and thermal pads.

BMSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink
M2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_2	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_3	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes

Source1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: M2_1 from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x4 with Ryzen 9000/7000 and PCIe 4.0 x4 with Ryzen 8000, 2260/2280. M2_2 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 2260/2280. M2_3 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 2280/22110. No slot lists an M.2 SATA mode, so sata is false. The manual states no shared lanes, so the shares_lanes_with cells are empty. Heatsinks: pages 35-41 show the M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink on all three slots, and Club386 and the FPS Review say all three slots have heatsinks.

M.2 slots

5=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

3=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots

2=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

1=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

SATA portsiSATA 6Gb/s connectors on the board. SlimSAS connectors and M.2 slots that take SATA drives do not count.

41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Storage: 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports. Two are on the AMD X870E chipset and two on an ASMedia ASM1162 controller.

41Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports (from the X870E chipset).

Rear ports

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Rear portsiPhysical connectors on the rear I/O panel. Wi-Fi antenna connectors and buttons are not ports. 3.5 mm audio counts analog jacks of any role. A video input, such as the DisplayPort In of a Thunderbolt board, is Other.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB4	2	40	USB4	Yes
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	3	10	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	6	10	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	10	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	5	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available	Not available	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Back panel list: 2 x USB4 (40Gbps) Type-C ports with display output, 9 x USB 10Gbps (6 Type-A and 3 Type-C), 1 x HDMI (4K@60Hz as specified in HDMI 2.1), 1 x Realtek 10Gb Ethernet, 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet, 2 x gold-plated audio jacks and 1 x optical S/PDIF out. ASUS names USB by speed, so 10Gbps is stored as USB 3.2 Gen 2. The Wi-Fi module and the two buttons are not ports. The page does not state display output for the 10Gbps Type-C ports or a USB power output for the rear ports.

BMSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB4	1	40	USB4	Yes
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	1	20	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	2	5	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 2.0	4	0.48	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	5	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	3	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Pages 19 and 23: 1 HDMI, 1 USB 40Gbps Type-C (from ASM4242, supports DisplayPort over USB Type-C), 1 USB 20Gbps Type-C, 2 USB 10Gbps Type-A, 2 USB 5Gbps Type-A, 4 USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 5Gbps LAN, 2 Wi-Fi antenna connectors, 3 audio jacks and the Clear CMOS and Flash BIOS buttons. The manual calls the 40Gbps port USB4, not Thunderbolt. HDMI is HDMI 2.1 (4K 60Hz). The USB4 port supports DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 over USB Type-C. Video output needs a CPU with integrated graphics. Geizhals lists two USB4 ports, which the manual and three reviews contradict.

Rear USB ports

11=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

10=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Rear USB-C portsiIncludes Thunderbolt and USB4 ports.

5=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

2=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Fastest rear USB port

40Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

40Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

ThunderboltiThunderbolt on the rear panel. A header for an add-in card does not count.

No=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

No=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Internal connectors

3 of 5 differ

Internal USB headersiHeaders for front-panel USB ports. The header count may be left out when the maker states only the front ports served.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served	Power out (W)
USB-C header	20	1	1	60
USB-C header	20	1	1	15
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	2	4	Not available
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	3	6	Not available

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Front USB: 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (USB Type-C, up to 60W PD/QC4+: 5/9/15/20V max 3A, PPS 3.3-21V max 3A) and 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (USB Type-C, max 5V/3A, stored as 15 W). The 60 W needs the cable on the 8-pin PCIe power connector, or only 27 W is supported. Also 2 x USB 5Gbps headers for 4 ports and 3 x USB 2.0 headers for 6 ports.

BMSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served
USB-C header	10	1	1
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	2	4
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	3	6

Source1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: 1x USB 10Gbps Type-C front panel port, 2x USB 5Gbps connectors for 4 ports and 3x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 ports.

Front USB-C header speed

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

Fan headersiAll fan and pump headers on the board, including CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump and chassis fan headers. Combination connectors that carry fan power together with other lines, such as MSI EZ Conn, do not count. A header that drives several fans, such as GIGABYTE 3_FANS, counts once. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

81Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026CPU fan, CPU OPT fan, AIO pump, 4 chassis fan headers and 1 W_PUMP+ header, all 4-pin, make 8. The AIO Q-Connector is a combination connector and is not counted.3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: 7 four-pin fan headers, 1 W_PUMP+ header and 1 AIO Q-Connector. The text says the board has eight standard 4-pin fan headers.7Reviewtechgaming.nl/review-asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026Text: a total of eight 4-pin fan connectors.

81Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: 1x 4-pin CPU fan, 1x 4-pin water-pump/system fan and 6x 4-pin system fan connectors. The EZ Conn-Header (JAF_1) is not counted.

ARGB headersi3-pin 5 V addressable RGB headers. Combination connectors do not count. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

31Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 20263 x Addressable Gen2 headers. Tom's Hardware writes one 6-pin header that serves two ARGB Gen2 channels plus two 3-pin headers, which is the same three channels.3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: one 6-pin ARGB Gen2 header that supports 2 headers and two 3-pin ARGB Gen2 headers.

31Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: 3x 3-pin A-RAINBOW V2 (ARGB Gen2) LED connectors.

RGB headersi4-pin 12 V RGB headers. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

01Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The internal connector list is complete and has no 4-pin 12 V RGB header.

11Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector.

Networking

4 of 9 differ

Ethernet controllersiOne item per Ethernet chip, as maker plus chip family without suffix letters, e.g. Realtek RTL8126 or Realtek RTL8125. Suffixes and revisions go in the source note. Leave it empty when no maker document or review names the chip. A Killer chip is written with Intel as its maker, such as Intel Killer E3100G.

Realtek RTL8127, Realtek RTL81263Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Realtek 8127 (10 GbE) and Realtek 8126 (5 GbE). The maker writes only Realtek 10Gb and 5Gb Ethernet.

Realtek RTL81261Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1x Realtek 8126VB 5Gbps LAN controller. The suffix VB is left out.

Ethernet ports

2=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Ethernet speediFastest Ethernet port.

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Wi-Fi includediA Wi-Fi module comes installed. A board sold with and without Wi-Fi is two products.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026A Wi-Fi module is listed on the back panel (1 x Wi-Fi module).

Yes1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: the wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot, and the back panel has 2 antenna connectors.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wi-Fi 7 (MediaTek MT7927), 2x2 Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be).

Wi-Fi 71Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: Wi-Fi 7, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be.

Wi-Fi bandsiBands the installed module supports.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Supports the 2.4/5/6GHz frequency bands. The page says 6 GHz availability varies by country.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz (320MHz) up to 5.8Gbps.

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel the installed module supports, e.g. 320 or 160. It follows the Wi-Fi module, so a board revision can change it.

320MHz1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Supports Wi-Fi 7 320MHz bandwidth.

320MHz1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 320MHz.9Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-and-oc-engineRead 14 October 2026Integrated Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz channel support and Bluetooth 5.4.

Wi-Fi moduleiChip as published. A board revision can change the chip. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the chip's part number with its maker when any source gives it, such as Qualcomm QCNCM865 for a module also written NCM865. A platform name such as FastConnect 7800 is used only when no part number is published.

MediaTek MT79271Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The page names the module as MediaTek MT7927.6Reviewguru3d.com/review/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi 7 (MediaTek MT7927, 2x2, 2.4/5/6 GHz) with Bluetooth 5.4.

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio on the Wi-Fi module.

5.41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Bluetooth v5.4 with LE Audio. The page says the version may vary and refers to the Wi-Fi module maker.

5.41Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: Bluetooth 5.4. The manual says the version may be updated and refers to the Wi-Fi chipset vendor.

Audio

2 of 2 differ

Audio codeciMaker and model, e.g. Realtek ALC4080. A board revision can change the codec.

Realtek ALC40821Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4082.6Reviewguru3d.com/review/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: ROG SupremeFX 7.1 HD Audio (ALC4082) with an ESS ES9219 QUAD DAC.

Realtek ALC8971Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: Realtek ALC897, 7.1-channel High Definition Audio.

DAC chipiA separate DAC chip next to the codec, e.g. ESS ES9219. Maker plus part number as the maker writes it, with suffix letters, e.g. ESS ES9219Q. A marketing name that stands for a part number is written as the part number, so ESS SABRE9219 is ESS ES9219 and the maker wording goes in the source note. Leave it empty on boards with only a codec.

ESS ES92191Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Audio features list ESS ES9219 QUAD DAC. ASUS writes no suffix letters. Tom's Hardware writes ESS 9219Q.3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Text: an ESS 9219Q DAC/HPA under the black metal shroud.6Reviewguru3d.com/review/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Same table: ESS ES9219 QUAD DAC.

Not available

Features

4 of 7 differ

BIOS flashbackiA button that updates the BIOS from a USB drive without a CPU or memory installed. Maker names include BIOS FlashBack, Flash BIOS Button and Q-Flash Plus.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 20261 x BIOS FlashBack button on the back panel.5Press articleguru3d.com/story/asus-crosshair-x870e-glacial-and-dark-hero-hit-retail-shelvesRead 15 October 2026Both boards include a switch for BIOS update.

Yes1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Pages 19 and 23: Flash BIOS button on the back panel, with the Flash BIOS port.

Clear CMOS button (rear)iA button on the rear panel that resets the BIOS settings. A jumper or header does not count. A board whose only clear CMOS button sits on the board itself is false.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 20261 x Clear CMOS button on the back panel.5Press articleguru3d.com/story/asus-crosshair-x870e-glacial-and-dark-hero-hit-retail-shelvesRead 15 October 2026Both boards include a switch for Clear CMOS.

Yes1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Pages 19 and 23: Clear CMOS button on the back panel.

POST code displayiA two-digit display that shows boot codes, e.g. ASUS Q-Code or ASRock Dr. Debug. Single status LEDs do not count. Taken from the maker's spec or manual only. A review spec table is not enough.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ASUS Q-Design lists Q-Code. The overview page says the on-board LED panel shows 2-digit diagnostic codes.2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026The page says the on-board LED panel shows 2-digit diagnostic codes (Q-Code).5Press articleguru3d.com/story/asus-crosshair-x870e-glacial-and-dark-hero-hit-retail-shelvesRead 15 October 2026Both boards include onboard debug and recovery controls such as a POST display.

No1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19 and page 56: 4x EZ Debug LED and 1x EZ Memory Detection LED. No two-digit display.8Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/02/24/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026No debug digital outputs. A set of debug LEDs is on the board.

Power button on the boardiA power or start button on the board itself, for use outside a case. A button with another label counts when the maker says it can turn the PC on, such as GIGABYTE's quick button labelled RESET. A button on the rear I/O panel counts. A button on a module that ships fitted to the board, such as MSI's EZ BRIDGE, counts.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The internal connector list has a Start button.5Press articleguru3d.com/story/asus-crosshair-x870e-glacial-and-dark-hero-hit-retail-shelvesRead 15 October 2026Both boards include a power button.

No1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026The specifications, special features and onboard LED pages list no power or reset button on the board. The FPS Review says the board has no power buttons.8Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/02/24/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026You won't find any debug digital outputs or power buttons.

Dual BIOSiTwo BIOS chips, so the board can start from the second chip after a failed update. Two flash chips alone do not count.

Not available

No1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 20: BIOS is 1x 512 Mb flash. Dual BIOS is not stated.

Pre-installed I/O shieldiThe rear I/O shield is fixed to the board.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ASUS EZ DIY list: Pre-mounted I/O shield.

Yes4Spec databasegeizhals.de/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-a3685336.htmlRead 14 October 2026Feature list: I/O-Blende integriert (integrated I/O shield). The FPS Review says the case bracket is preinstalled.8Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/02/24/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The case bracket is preinstalled.

Tool-free featuresiM.2 latch holds a drive without a screw. M.2 heatsink comes off without a tool. PCIe slot release is a button or lever that frees the graphics card. Push-on antenna connector fits the Wi-Fi antenna without screwing.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink, PCIe slot release, Push-on antenna connector1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ASUS Q-Design: M.2 Q-Latch (tool-free SSD latch), M.2 Q-Release (removes the M.2 heatsink), M.2 Q-Slide, PCIe Slot Q-Release (with PCIe SafeSlot) and Q-Antenna (Wi-Fi antenna snaps into place).2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026Q-Release for the M.2 heatsink, M.2 Q-Latch, PCIe Slot Q-Release and Q-Antenna are described and shown.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink, PCIe slot release1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 21 DIY Friendly: EZ PCIe Release. Pages 35-41: the Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink on M2_1 and the EZ M.2 Clip II. The M2_2 and M2_3 steps loosen screws on their M.2 Shield Frozr heatsinks. Page 26 says to connect the antenna cables tight to the Wi-Fi connectors, and Geizhals lists RP-SMA connectors, so the push-on antenna option is not set although Club386 calls the connection plug and play.

Measured

3 of 3 differ

VRM temperature under CPU loadiHighest VRM temperature a reviewer measured during a sustained all-core CPU stress test at stock settings. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. The reviewer's probe reading when given, otherwise the board sensor. The sensor and the CPU package power during the test go in the source note.

51°C4Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-review/3Read 15 October 2026CPU at stock, AIDA64 System Stability Test on all threads for 30 minutes, about 25 C ambient. The test system on page 2 is a Ryzen 9 9900X with an Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420. The CPU drew about 145 W by the chart. The review says the VRM peaked at just under 51 C on the reviewer's sensor (thermocouples) and 57 C on the ASUS internal sensor. The thermocouple reading is stored as 51. The exact value under 51 is not printed.

37.5°C7Measurementclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 performance table: VRM temperature 37.5 C at stock. Test system: Ryzen 9 9900X, Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black, Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5-6400 32GB, Crucial T700 2TB, Radeon RX 7800 XT, be quiet! Dark Power 13 1000W. The review's How we test page says temperatures are read with an infrared thermometer. The stress test, its duration, the sensor position and the ambient temperature are not stated. The MEG X870E Godlike got 41 C in the same table.

Power draw idleiWhole test system at the wall at idle, measured by a reviewer. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

93W4Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-review/3Read 15 October 2026Whole test system idle at the wall with a Kill-A-Watt meter, Windows Balanced power plan. The review used a DDR5-7200 kit. Chart: idle 93 W.

85W7Measurementclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 performance table: power consumption idle 85 W. The meter is not named and the whole-system reading is assumed from the table title. Same test system as the VRM result.

Power draw CPU stressiWhole test system at the wall at the peak of a CPU stress test, measured by a reviewer. The graphics card is not loaded. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

269W4Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-review/3Read 15 October 2026Peak of the whole test system at the wall (Kill-A-Watt) during the AIDA64 System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache and Memory enabled. The graphics card was not stressed. Stock settings. Chart: load 269 W, average of idle and load 181 W.

248W7Measurementclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 performance table: power consumption load 248 W. The load test is not named. The same table shows the load rising from 248 W to 332 W with Game Boost, which tunes Precision Boost Overdrive for the CPU. The graphics card is not stated as loaded.

In the box

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In the boxiItems as the maker lists them.

4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables, 1 x DDR5 fan holder, 1 x ROG assistant fan (60mm), 1 x Screw package for cooling kit, 1 x Thermal pad for M.2 22110, 1 x ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, 1 x Q-connector, 3 x M.2 Q-Slide package, 5 x M.2 backplate rubber packages, 1 x ROG stickers, 1 x ROG VIP card, 1 x ROG Bottle Opener, 1 x Quick start guide1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Accessories list on the specification page.

1x Motherboard, 1x Quick installation guide, 1x European Union Regulatory Notices, 2x SATA 6Gb/s cables, 1x EZ Front Panel Cable, 1x 1 to 2 EZ Conn-Cable (V1), 1x EZ Wi-Fi antenna, 2x EZ M.2 Clip II, 1x EZ M.2 Clip II Remover1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 22 package contents.

Links

Not compared

Product page

rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-heroRead 15 October 2026

www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X870E-GAMING-PLUS-MAX-WIFI2Maker product pagemsi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X870E-GAMING-PLUS-MAX-WIFIRead 14 October 2026The link comes from the job's evidence and web search results. msi.com blocks agents, so the page was not read and its content is not used for any value.

Spec sheet

rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/spec1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero/specRead 15 October 2026

Not available

Manual

Not available

gzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdf1Owner's manualgzhls.at/blob/ldb/e/4/e/3/b4434731d7bbf48415b45a72b73c3d488e95.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WIFI User Guide, 73 pages, PDF created 2025-10-14, hosted by Geizhals. The cover names this exact model.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years3Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-dark-hero-motherboard-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Warranty 3 Years. The review is a US review.

3years3Retailer pageamazon.com/X870E-Gaming-Plus-MAX-Motherboard/dp/B0GKQMNGWPRead 14 October 2026Item details: Warranty Description 3 Years. The FPS Review also says three years. Geizhals lists 3 Jahre.4Spec databasegeizhals.de/msi-mag-x870e-gaming-plus-max-wifi-a3685336.htmlRead 14 October 2026Garantie 3 Jahre.

Both are also in the API. Back to all motherboards.