Summary
- The board features a large ROG logo on the I/O shroud and a smaller one on the PCB.
- The board features a prominent Aorus logo on the I/O shroud and a smaller one on the heatsink.
- The board also includes a number of software utilities, such as AI Suite 3 and Armoury Crate, which provide additional functionality and control over the system.
The release of AMD’s next-generation AM5 platform has ignited a fierce rivalry between motherboard manufacturers. Among the top contenders are the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero and the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master. Both boards boast cutting-edge features and promise to deliver exceptional performance for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. In this comprehensive guide, we will pit these two titans against each other to determine which one emerges victorious in the battle for AM5 motherboard supremacy.
Design and Aesthetics
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero: The Crosshair X670E Hero exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic. Its black and gray color scheme is complemented by bold RGB lighting that can be customized to your liking. The board features a large ROG logo on the I/O shroud and a smaller one on the PCB.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master: The Aorus Master, on the other hand, showcases a more subdued and elegant design. Its predominantly black PCB is adorned with silver accents and a subtle RGB lighting scheme. The board features a prominent Aorus logo on the I/O shroud and a smaller one on the heatsink.
Connectivity and Features
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero: The Crosshair X670E Hero offers a wide range of connectivity options, including:
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (with SafeSlot support)
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
- 3x PCIe 4.0 x1 slots
- 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 2x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 slots
- 1x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot
- 1x 10GbE LAN port
- 1x 2.5GbE LAN port
- 1x Wi-Fi 6E module
- 1x Bluetooth 5.2 module
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master: The Aorus Master also boasts an impressive array of connectivity options:
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (with SafeSlot support)
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
- 3x PCIe 4.0 x1 slots
- 8x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 2x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 slots
- 1x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot
- 1x 10GbE LAN port
- 1x 2.5GbE LAN port
- 1x Wi-Fi 6 module
- 1x Bluetooth 5.2 module
Both boards offer excellent connectivity options, with the Crosshair X670E Hero having a slight edge in terms of expansion slots and LAN ports.
Power Delivery and Cooling
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero: The Crosshair X670E Hero features a robust 16+2-phase power delivery system with 105A power stages. It also employs a large heatsink with a dedicated fan to ensure optimal cooling for the CPU and VRM components.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master: The Aorus Master comes with a slightly less powerful 16+2+1-phase power delivery system with 90A power stages. However, it features a more elaborate cooling solution with two large heatsinks and a direct-touch heatpipe that connects the VRM and chipset.
While both boards have excellent power delivery and cooling capabilities, the Crosshair X670E Hero has a slight advantage due to its higher-rated power stages.
Overclocking Potential
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero: The Crosshair X670E Hero is renowned for its excellent overclocking capabilities. It features a dedicated overclocking BIOS with a wide range of options and presets. The board also includes a number of features designed to enhance overclocking stability, such as LN2 mode and voltage monitoring points.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master: The Aorus Master is also a capable overclocker, but it falls slightly short of the Crosshair X670E Hero in this area. It offers a less comprehensive overclocking BIOS and fewer stability-enhancing features.
BIOS and Software
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero: The Crosshair X670E Hero comes with the latest version of the ASUS UEFI BIOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and advanced customization options. The board also includes a number of software utilities, such as AI Suite 3 and Armoury Crate, which provide additional functionality and control over the system.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master: The Aorus Master uses Gigabyte’s own UEFI BIOS, which is also easy to navigate and offers a wide range of settings. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the ASUS BIOS. The board includes a number of software utilities, such as Aorus Engine and RGB Fusion 2.0, which provide similar functionality to the ASUS software.
Price and Availability
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero: The Crosshair X670E Hero is priced at around $650. It is available from major retailers such as Amazon and Newegg.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master: The Aorus Master is priced at around $550. It is also available from major retailers such as Amazon and Newegg.
The Verdict: Which Board Reigns Supreme?
Both the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero and the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master are exceptional motherboards that offer a wealth of features and excellent performance. However, after careful consideration, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero emerges as the clear winner. It boasts a more robust power delivery system, better overclocking potential, and a more comprehensive BIOS and software suite. While the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master is a solid choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Crosshair X670E Hero is the superior choice for those who demand the best that AM5 has to offer.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which board has better VRM cooling?
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero has slightly better VRM cooling due to its dedicated fan.
2. Which board offers more PCIe 5.0 slots?
Both boards offer two PCIe 5.0 slots.
3. Which board has more SATA ports?
Both boards offer eight SATA ports.
4. Which board has better Wi-Fi connectivity?
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero has better Wi-Fi connectivity with its Wi-Fi 6E module, while the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master has only a Wi-Fi 6 module.
5. Which board is more expensive?
The ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero is slightly more expensive than the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Master.