ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero User Manual

ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard manual cover
Pages 84
Year 2021
Language(s)
English en

ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard Specification

The ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero is a high-performance motherboard designed for gaming enthusiasts and overclockers, compatible with AMD's AM4 socket processors, including Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series CPUs. It is built on the AMD X570 chipset, offering robust performance and advanced connectivity features. The motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM across four DIMM slots, with speeds reaching up to 4866 MHz through overclocking. It features a 14+2 power stage VRM design, ensuring stable power delivery and enhanced overclocking capabilities. The Crosshair VIII Dark Hero includes passive cooling solutions, employing large heatsinks and an efficient thermal design to manage heat dissipation effectively.

For storage, it offers dual M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support, accommodating high-speed NVMe SSDs for rapid data access. Additionally, it provides eight SATA 6Gb/s ports for conventional storage solutions. Networking capabilities are robust, featuring integrated Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and 2.5Gb Ethernet, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity options. USB connectivity is plentiful, with rear I/O ports including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 options.

The motherboard supports multi-GPU setups with NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX technologies, catering to advanced graphics configurations. A comprehensive audio solution is provided by SupremeFX S1220, delivering high-fidelity sound with premium capacitors. The board features customizable RGB lighting through ASUS Aura Sync, enabling personalized lighting effects. With its rich feature set and premium build quality, the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero stands out as a top-tier choice for users looking to maximize their PC's gaming potential and performance.

ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS support website, extract the file, and copy it onto a USB drive. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the DEL key during boot. Navigate to the 'Tool' menu and select 'ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility'. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the BIOS from your USB drive.

What should I do if my system does not boot with the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard?

First, ensure all power connections are secure. Check CPU and RAM seating, and ensure no components are shorted. Try using the 'Clear CMOS' button to reset BIOS settings. If the problem persists, attempt booting with minimal hardware to isolate the issue.

How can I enable XMP for my RAM on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero?

To enable XMP, enter the BIOS by pressing the DEL key during boot, navigate to the 'AI Tweaker' menu, and set 'Ai Overclock Tuner' to 'DOCP'. Select the appropriate XMP profile for your RAM. Save and exit the BIOS to apply changes.

What are the steps for installing a new M.2 SSD on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard?

Power down the system and unplug it. Remove the motherboard's M.2 heatsink. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a 30-degree angle, then secure it with a screw. Reattach the heatsink to ensure proper cooling. Power on the system and configure the SSD in the BIOS if necessary.

How do I configure RAID on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard?

Enter the BIOS setup by pressing DEL during boot. Go to the 'Advanced' menu, select 'SATA Configuration', and set 'SATA Mode' to 'RAID'. Save changes and reboot. Enter the RAID configuration utility during POST to set up your RAID array as desired.

Why is my ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard not detecting all RAM sticks?

Ensure that all RAM sticks are properly seated. Check for any bent pins in the CPU socket, as this can affect memory channels. Test each RAM stick individually to identify faulty modules. Update the BIOS to the latest version for improved memory compatibility.

What is the procedure to reset the BIOS to default settings on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero?

To reset the BIOS, either enter the BIOS setup and select 'Load Optimized Defaults', or use the 'Clear CMOS' button on the rear I/O panel. Alternatively, you can remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes and then reinstall it.

How can I optimize the cooling performance on my ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard?

Ensure adequate airflow within the case by organizing cables and ensuring no obstructions. Use the Fan Xpert 4 utility in the ASUS AI Suite software to configure fan curves for optimal cooling. Consider additional case fans if temperatures remain high.

What are the LED indicators on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard used for?

The LED indicators provide diagnostic information. The Q-LEDs display the status of CPU, DRAM, VGA, and BOOT devices during the boot process, helping to troubleshoot issues by indicating where the system may be failing.

Can I use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously on the ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero Motherboard?

Yes, you can use both connections simultaneously. Go to the network settings on your operating system to configure both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. This setup can be useful for network redundancy or load balancing.