ASUS Z170 Maximus VIII Hero Alpha Review

ASUS Z170 Maximus VIII Hero Alpha Review

Introduction

Yes, you’re right. We have indeed reviewed the Maximus VIII Hero already. We found it to be the perfect blend between price and performance, and ASUS have jammed it full of so many features that it could have been called the Maximus VIII Extreme and we wouldn’t have batted an eyelid. So no, the festive season hasn’t affected our memory or yours.

ASUS have released an updated version of the Hero, the Hero Alpha, and it has something that is exciting enough to be worthy of another look.

The move from red and black RoG models of old to the more neutral black/grey looks of the Z170 Maximus range is something we said would be perfect for a flash system, because the neutrality of the hue means that you can build your system in whatever colour you desire without it being compromised by the red. ASUS clearly agreed with us and the Hero Alpha takes this concept and raises it to new heights.

What exactly does it do? Read on.

Technical Specifications

As you would expect there is oodles of technologies and capabilities built into the Hero Alpha. Whether it’s blistering RAM speeds (upto 64GB of 3800MHz DDR4), dual 802.11AC WiFi, the outstanding Intel I219-V Network controller, or ASUS excellent audio, the Alpha ticks all the boxes you’d expect.

Storage options are catered for too in the highest bandwidth technologies around. There is USB 3.1 support as well as dual U.2 NVMe storage options. If you’ve got more money than you know what to do with then 5GB/s RAID transfer rates are within your grasp.

The main reason we’re here though, and the technology that impressed us enough to revisit the Maximus VIII Hero, is the AURA RGB Strip headers. Two nondescript ports that allow you to change the entire lighting colour of your system on the fly. Oh yes.

ASUS Z170 Maximus VIII Hero Alpha Review    ASUS Z170 Maximus VIII Hero Alpha Review

 ASUS Z170 Maximus VIII Hero Alpha Review  Â