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ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero vs MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

A

Product A: ASUS

ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

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B

Product B: MSI

MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

65 of 78 known

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Only differences

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero

BMSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK 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.

MAG1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Cover: MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI, MAG series.

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 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI, 911-7E59-0183Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026MSI UK store order code 911-7E59-018 for the product MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI. The back-connect model MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI PZ is another product with order code 911-7E84-001.

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.

47113774090633Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Barcode 4711377409063 in the store's product feed. Scan lists the same GTIN.7Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-amd-x870e-am5-ddr5-pcie-50-4x-m2-5gbe-wi-fi-7-usb-40-amd-expo-atxRead 14 October 2026GTIN 4711377409063, manufacturer code MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI.

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

Not available

Not available

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.

Available3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026The board is listed for sale on this page and on Scan on 2026-10-14.7Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-amd-x870e-am5-ddr5-pcie-50-4x-m2-5gbe-wi-fi-7-usb-40-amd-expo-atxRead 14 October 2026In stock at 329.99 GBP 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

MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK WIFI5Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 says the MAG X870E Tomahawk Max WiFi replaces the original X870E Tomahawk and calls the original its predecessor.

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

Not available

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).

Gaming1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI sells the MAG line as MSI Arsenal Gaming (Wccftech). The selling points say Lightning Fast Game experience and the most immersive gaming experience.

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

0 of 4 differ

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

AM51Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.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 X870E1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.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 Series1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026CPU Support row: AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Desktop Processors. BIOS updates can add series later. 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.

Yes4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026The chipset table lists overclocking support for X870E as CPU+Memory. The conclusion calls the BCLK OC Engine a step up for mainstream overclockers.

Board

1 of 5 differ

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

ATX1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 20263Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026PCB Info: ATX.

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)3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026PCB Info: ATX 243.84mm x 304.8mm. This is the exact conversion of 9.6 in x 12 in and rounds to the stored 244 mm x 305 mm.4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026Standard ATX offering that measures 243.84 x 304.8 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.

81Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Selling points: 8-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level material.

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.

No3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026PCB Info says ATX. The PZ page of the same board says Back-connect ATX, so this board is the front-connector model.

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.

No4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026The motherboard has no RGB LEDs on its own and has 3 ARGB and 1 RGB LED connectors.5Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Cons: no RGB frills. The review says there is the option to add your own 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+11Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Selling points: 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System 80A SPS.

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.

144Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 202614+2+1 (VCore, VccGT, VccAUX) power stages. The first number is the Vcore rail.

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.

80A1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Selling points: 80A SPS. Scan's spec text says 60A Smart Power Stage and names the X870E TOMAHAWK WIFI, so it is a copy of the older board's text. MSI's own UK store page, datasheet text and Club386 give 80A.4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 202680A Power Stages, the same figure MSI states.

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.

MPS MP28374Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026Review of 2026-01-12: 14+2+1 phase Duet Rail power delivery controlled by the MP2837 PWM controller with MPS2516 MP87670 80A power stages. The review writes MP2837 without a maker. The MP prefix is Monolithic Power Systems, and the same sentence names MPS for the stages. No other review names the controller.

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 pin1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Selling points: dual 8-pin CPU power connectors.4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026The CPU is supplied through an 8+8-pin power connector configuration.

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.

Yes3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Internal IO: 1x Power Connector (PCIE_PWR 8pin).

Memory

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Memory type

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

DDR51Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.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

41Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.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.

256GB3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Memory: 4x DDR5 UDIMM, Maximum Memory Capacity 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.

8,400MT/s1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Selling points: Dual Channel DDR5 8400+ MT/s (OC). The UK store page names this as 1DPC 1R with Ryzen 9000.3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Ryzen 9000 Series processors max. overclocking frequency: 1DPC 1R up to 8400+ MT/s, 1DPC 2R, 2DPC 1R and 2DPC 2R up to 6400+ MT/s. The 8400 value is stored. The memory table also lists DDR5 8400 to 5600 (OC) and 5600 to 4800 (JEDEC).

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.

No3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Supports 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

No3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Supports CUDIMM, Clock Driver bypass mode only.

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 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

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

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Slot table: 3 x PCI-E x16 slots. PCI_E1 is PCIe 5.0 x16, PCI_E2 is PCIe 3.0 x1 and PCI_E3 is PCIe 4.0 x4. The CPU or chipset source comes from the UK store page. All three are full-length slots.3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026PCI_E1 PCIe 5.0 x16 from the CPU on Ryzen 9000 and 7000 (PCIe 4.0 x8 on Ryzen 8700, 8600 and 8400, PCIe 4.0 x4 on Ryzen 8500 and 8300). PCI_E2 up to PCIe 3.0 x1 and PCI_E3 up to PCIe 4.0 x4, both from the chipset. The pre-installed Wi-Fi module sits in an M.2 Key-E slot, which is not listed.

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 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

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	Rear USB 40Gbps Type-C ports. Both run at PCIe 5.0 x2 when a device is installed in M.2_2. Setting M.2_2 to x4 in the BIOS turns off the USB 40Gbps Type-C ports
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

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Storage table: M.2_1 and M.2_2 are PCIe 5.0 x4, M.2_3 and M.2_4 are PCIe 4.0 x4, and the SATA mode row of every M.2 slot says N/A. Slot lengths, sources and lane sharing come from the UK store page.3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026M.2_1 from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x4, 22110 and 2280. M.2_2 from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x4, 2280 and 2260. M.2_3 and M.2_4 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 2280 and 2260. M.2_1 is PCIe 4.0 x4 on Ryzen 8000 and M.2_2 is PCIe 4.0 x4 on Ryzen 8700, 8600 and 8400 and unavailable on Ryzen 8500 and 8300. The USB 40Gbps Type-C ports and M.2_2 share PCIe 5.0 x4 bandwidth. Heatsinks are on all four slots per Wccftech and Club386.

M.2 slots

5=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots

2=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

2=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.

41Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026SATA 6G (Qty): 4.

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 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

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	1	10	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	3	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	2	Not available	Not available	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Back panel list and rear panel photo. The photo shows 2 audio jacks (line out and mic in). Counts come from the datasheet totals and the UK store page.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MAG-X870E-TOMAHAWK-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026USB ports totals: 2 USB 40Gbps (2 Type-C), 1 USB 20Gbps (1 Type-C), 3 USB 10Gbps (2 Type-A and 1 Type-C), 7 USB 5Gbps (Type-A), 8 USB 2.0. The 20 Gbps Type-C and the second set of 4 USB 5Gbps and 4 USB 2.0 ports are front panel headers. Datasheet generated 2026-02-26.3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Back panel list: Clear CMOS, USB 10Gbps Type-A, USB 5Gbps Type-A, USB 2.0, 5G LAN, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, audio connectors, Flash BIOS, HDMI, USB 40Gbps Type-C, USB 10Gbps Type-C, USB 10Gbps Type-A, optical S/PDIF out. Counts are from the USB table: 4 USB 2.0, 3 USB 5Gbps Type-A, 2 USB 10Gbps Type-A, 1 USB 10Gbps Type-C and 2 USB 40Gbps Type-C, all on the rear. The 2 Type-C DisplayPort USB4 ports support DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 and need a CPU with integrated graphics, so dp_alt_mode is true. HDMI 2.1 FRL up to 8K 60 Hz, also graphics from the CPU only. The 40Gbps ports are USB4. MSI does not say Thunderbolt. The audio jack count of 2 is from the rear panel photo.

Rear USB ports

11=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

12=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Rear USB-C portsiIncludes Thunderbolt and USB4 ports.

5=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

3=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

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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 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served	Power out (W)
USB-C header	20	1	1	27
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	Not available	4	Not available
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	Not available	4	Not available

Source3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Internal IO: 4x USB 2.0 ports, 4x USB 5Gbps Type A ports and 1x USB 20Gbps Type C port. These are ports served by front panel headers. The number of headers is not stated, so count is left out. The 27 W for the Type-C port is from Tech-Critter.4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026Connector list: 4x USB 2.0 ports, 4x USB 5Gbps Type A ports and 1x USB 20Gbps Type C port. Conclusion list: 4x USB 2.0 (Front), 4x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front) and 1x USB 20Gbps Type C (Front).6Reviewtech-critter.com/msimsi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Support for front USB Type-C with up to 27W fast charging. The review does not name the header speed, which comes from MSI's USB 20Gbps Type C port.

Front USB-C header speed

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

20Gbps=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.

83Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Internal IO: 1 CPU fan, 1 PUMP_SYS fan and 6 system fans make 8 headers. The JAF_2 ARGB+FAN+USB2.0 header (EZ Conn) is a combination connector and 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.

33Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Internal IO: 3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2).

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.

13Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Internal IO: 1x RGB LED connector (JRGB).

Networking

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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 RTL81261Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026LAN Chip: 1x Realtek 8126 5G LAN. Stored as the chip family RTL8126.

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).

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Wi-Fi Module row: Wi-Fi 7. The UK store page says the module is pre-installed in the M.2 Key-E slot.

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 71Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Wi-Fi Module row: Wi-Fi 7.

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 GHz3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz (320MHz) up to 5.8Gbps. 6 GHz may depend on each country's rules.

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.

320MHz3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 20266GHz (320MHz) up to 5.8Gbps, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be.

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.

5.41Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Bluetooth SPEC: Supports Bluetooth 5.4, MLO, 4KQAM. MSI says the version may be updated by the Wi-Fi chip 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 ALC40803Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026Audio: Realtek ALC4080 Codec, 7.1-Channel USB High Performance 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

2 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.

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Back panel list item 8: Flash BIOS Button.

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.

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Back panel list item 1: Clear CMOS Button.

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.

Yes3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026LED FEATURE: 4x EZ Debug LED, 1x EZ Digit Debug LED and 1x EZ Memory Detection LED. The EZ Digit Debug LED is MSI's two-digit POST display. Wccftech names it EZ Digi-DEBUG LED and Club386 an error code display.

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.

Not available

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

Not available

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.

Yes6Reviewtech-critter.com/msimsi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of 2026-04-02: other quality-of-life touches include a pre-installed I/O shield, Clear CMOS button, EZ Debug LED, and EZ Wi-Fi antenna.

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 release2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MAG-X870E-TOMAHAWK-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026Feature text for EZ PCIe Release (a button locks or unlocks the PCIe slot) and EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II (tool-less design for installing or removing the M.2 SSD and the shield). The EZ M.2 Clip II is named in the selling points of the spec sheet. Club386 says only two of the M.2 heatsinks are toolless and the large centre block needs a screwdriver. MSI's text is used. The Wi-Fi antenna connector type is not stated, so the push-on antenna option is not set.3Maker product pageuk-store.msi.com/products/mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifiRead 14 October 2026EZ DIY: EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, EZ M.2 Clip II, EZ PCIe Release and EZ Antenna.

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.

45.5°C5Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 performance table, stock settings: VRM temperature 45.5 C. 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. With Game Boost on the table shows 46.5 C. Tech-Critter reports 64 C by HWiNFO64 with a Ryzen 9 9950X, Wccftech shows 56 C in a bar chart with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Their methods differ, so they are not stored.

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.

129W5Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 performance table: power consumption idle 129 W. The meter is not named and the whole-system reading is assumed from the table title. Same test system as the VRM result. Wccftech shows 105 W in a bar chart with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D and an RTX 4090.

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.

303W5Reviewclub386.com/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-reviewRead 14 October 2026Club386 performance table: power consumption load 303 W. The load test is not named. The same table shows 379 W with Game Boost on, which tunes Precision Boost Overdrive for the CPU. The graphics card is not stated as loaded. Wccftech shows 362 W in a bar chart with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

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.

Quick installation guide, Cable sticker sheet, EZ Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 plate screw, 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2), 2 x SATA cables, EZ Front Panel cable4Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-review-the-best-mainstream-x870e-board-is-now-even-better/2Read 14 October 2026Unboxing page: Quick Installation Guide, Cable Sticker sheet, a flyer, EZ Wi-Fi Antenna, M.2 Plate Screw, 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2), two SATA Cables and an EZ Front Panel cable. This is the reviewer's list. MSI's box content list is empty on its pages. The flyer is left out.

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-TOMAHAWK-MAX-WIFI8Maker product pagemsi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X870E-TOMAHAWK-MAX-WIFIRead 14 October 2026The link appears in web search results for this model. 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

storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdf1Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/specSheet/us/mb/MAG%20X870E%20TOMAHAWK%20MAX%20WIFI.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI spec sheet, 2 pages, English (US) version, printed with the date 2026-10-14.

Manual

Not available

Not available

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.

3years7Retailer pagescan.co.uk/products/msi-mag-x870e-tomahawk-max-wifi-amd-x870e-am5-ddr5-pcie-50-4x-m2-5gbe-wi-fi-7-usb-40-amd-expo-atxRead 14 October 2026Warranty duration 36 months, direct, on this UK page. The EU MSI store lists 3 years for the PZ model.

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