ASUS Maximus VIII Hero Review
Category : Z170
Published by Marc Büchel on 01.09.15
With the Maximus VIII Gene, ASUS shows their next generation ATX gaming and overclocking motherboard, which is based on Intel's latest Z170 chipset. Like it's predecessor this board wants to convince with a balanced feature mix, which pleases overclockers as well as gamers. At this point we're very curious to find out what ASUS has come up with and how this board is going to perform.


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The Maximus VIII Hero is ASUS' ATX gaming and overclocking motherboard regarding Intels latest Z170 chipset. Once more we're really curious what they've come up with from the layout and design as well as feature perspective.

Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Specs and Delivery

Chipset Intel Z170
Memory Dual Channel DDR4, 4 x DIMM, Max. 64 GB DDR4, 3800 (O.C) / 3733 (O.C.) / 3600 (O.C.) / 3500 (O.C.) /3466 (O.C) / 3400 (O.C.) / 3333 (O.C.) / 3300 (O.C.) / 3200 (O.C.) / 3000 (O.C.) / 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2133 Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Multi-GPU
  • Supports NVIDIA 4-way SLI Technology
  • Supports AMD 3-way CrossFireX Technology
Slots
  • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16
  • 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4
  • 3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1
  • 1 x M.2 x4 Slots type 2242/2260/2280/22110
Sound ROG SupremeFX Impact Audio 8-Channel High Definition Audio
  • Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
  • SupremeFX Shielding Technology
  • ESS ES9023P DAC: dB SNR, dB THD+N (Max. kHz/ -bit)
  • TI RC4580 2VRMS audio OP AMP(s)
Storage Intel Z170 chipset:
  • 1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (both SATA & PCIE mode)
  • 6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), gray, , 4 ports from 2 x SATA Express
  • 2 x SATA Express port
  • Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
  • Intel Rapid Storage Technology supports
  • Supports Intel Smart Response Technology
ASMedia ASM1061 controller:
  • 2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), black,
Network
  • Intel I219V, 1 x 10/100 LAN Controller(s), GameFirst technology
  • Intel LAN- Dual interconnect between the Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)
  • Anti-surge LANGuard
Internal Connectors
  • 1 x AAFP connector
  • 2 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.0 port(s)
  • 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
  • 2 x SATA Express connector: gray, Compatible with 4 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
  • 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280/22110
  • 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
  • 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
  • 1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
  • 4 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (4 -pin)
  • 1 x Thunderbolt header(s)
  • 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
  • 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s)
  • 1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector)
  • 1 x 5-pin EXT_FAN(Extension Fan) connector
  • 1 x MemOK! button(s)
  • 1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
  • 1 x Power-on button(s)
  • 1 x Reset button(s)
  • 1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
  • 1 x Water Pump header (4-pin)
  • 1 x LN2 Mode jumper(s)
  • 1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header(s)
  • 1 x 14-1 pin TPM connector
External Connectors
  • 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
  • 1 x DisplayPort
  • 1 x HDMI
  • 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
  • 1 x USB 3.1 (black)Type-C
  • 1 x USB 3.1 (red)Type-A
  • 2 x USB 3.0 (blue)
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x Optical S/PDIF out
  • 5 x Audio jack(s)
  • 1 x USB BIOS Flashback Button(s)
Forfactor ATX (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
BIOS Bios (128 Mb flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS)


   





Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Features

Digi+

 Since quite some time ASUS has been equipping its boards with digital power designs. Using the right software it is not only possible to adjust voltages while being in Windows on can now also control impedances. Furthermore this board features high quality 10K black metallic capacitor which guarantee a long lifespan.
 

EPU

 EPU automatically detects the current system load and moderates power usage. It offers a system-wide energy optimization and is able to reduce fan noise.
   

SATA Express

 SATA Express is a port for storage devices that basically combines two SATA connectors and bundles them. Each SATA Express port has been wired using two PCI Express Gen2 lanes offering a total of 10 Gbps bandwidth. Compared to SATA-III with 6 Gbps bandwidth this is quite an improvement.
 

M.2 / NVMe support

 The new ASUS Maximus VIII Hero motherboard from ASUS features an M.2 slot, which can be equipped with an NVMe adapter card as well. This motherboard can be equipped with an SSD in M.2 format and it is wired directly to the Z170 PCH via four PCI Express Gen 3 lanes, therefore offering x4 bandwidth. In other words up to 32 Gbps can be pushed over the bus through this slot.
 

SupremeFX 2015

 With SupremeFX 2015 you get ASUS ROG's interpretation of high quality onboard audio. Supporting up to eight channels, the SupremeFX 2015 solution received shielding from other onboard components. Apart from that there are high quality Nichicon capacitors offering as clear as possible audio.


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Layout


At a first glance the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero looks very good with its harmonic design. For the first time in quite a few years ASUS has decided to change the color scheme of their ROG series motherboards. There is a matte black PCB and the heatsinks feature a metallic, dark silver tone, which reflects different colors. The layout itself is well-designed and there is plenty of space around the CPU socket to install even todays largest CPU coolers. The fact that there are angled SATA connectors allows an easy installation of oversized graphics cards.



  

The ASUS Maximus VIII Hero features a digital 10+2 phase power design. The CPU is backed up by ten phases, while the memory can rely on two, so there is a stable current supply in any case. Furthermore ASUS equips this board with their so called "BlackWing Chokes". Furthermore those chokes can cope with up to 60A per phase. Additionally there are 10K Black Metallic Capacitors, which have an average life span of 10'000 hours. The power design is overall more than powerful enough to easily deal with extreme overclocking.



  

There are four DIMM-slots on the Maximus VIII Hero. Officially supported are DDR4 3800 (O.C) / 3733 (O.C.) / 3600 (O.C.) / 3500 (O.C.) /3466 (O.C) / 3400 (O.C.) / 3333 (O.C.) / 3300 (O.C.) / 3200 (O.C.) / 3000 (O.C.) / 2800 (O.C.) / 2666 (O.C.) / 2400 (O.C.) / 2133.There is engough space between the DIMM-slots and the CPU socket which means that you won't encounter compatibility issues with large coolers even when you choose to install RAM with big heatspreaders. Also supported is Xtreme Memory Profile (XMP) in version 2.0.


On the Maximus VIII Hero the PCH (Platform Controller Hub) is being cooled by a passiv heatsink. A closer look at the area where the VRM is, shows that there are two additional heatsinks, which have been connected with a heatpipe. As we already mentioned, ASUS has decided to rework the design and in our opinion ASUS once again managed to improve the looks of these coolers compared to the previous generation. We particularly like the shroud covering the sound implementation, I/O area as well as a part of the power design.

  


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Connectors and I/O


ASUS has equipped the Maximus VIII Hero with eight angled SATA ports. All ports offer 6Gbps bandwidth and all SATA III ports are natively wired to the Z170 PCH. Furthermore four SATA ports can be combined to two SATA Express connectors. Right below the SATA connectors you'll find a M.2 slot, which has been wired to the PCH using four PCI Express Gen 3 lanes. Having a closer look at the full-sized PCIe Gen 3 slots, the first one has been wired using 16 lanes and the second one features eight lanes. You'll also find practical onboard power- and reset-buttons on this board as well as a debug display. Regarding onboard audio there is ASUS' latest SupremeFX solution. Also on this version of ASUS' SupremeFX audio solution there are high quality Nichicon capacitors as well as an ES9023P DAC.


  

There is a total of six fan header on the Maximus VIII Hero which is more than enough, to provide a well equipped ATX system with fresh air. The fan header are located around the CPU socket as spread over the motherboard. ASUS decided to use 4-pin PWM headers in all seven cases. Therefore it is possible to adjust rotation speed in the BIOS or in Windows. One of the headers is marked "W-Pump", which offers a greater control range in order to better adjust pump speeds of all-in-one water pumps.


  


  

Looking at the external connectors directly at the back-panel ASUS equipped the Maximus VIII Hero with a PS/2 port, three USB 3.1 Type-A ports and one Type-C port, four USB 3.0 ports, one gigabit ethernet port, an HDMI and a DisplayPort connector as well as an optical out and an analogue audio panel. Furtheremore you'll find also a clear CMOS button and a ROG Connect switch.




Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

BIOS


The most recent version of ASUS’s UEFI BIOS presents itself with an attractive design, and especially the new interface which called EzMode, where we can not only monitor system information, CPU and motherboard temperature, CPU voltage and DRAM status but also set system and CPU fans as well as directly change the boot priority and tune the system to different profiles, is leaving a good impression.

If you wish to go back to the good old times, where you were racing through the menus hammering up and down arrows as well as the enter key ridiculously fast, you just have to press F7 and there you go. Since this motherboard features a very solid power design it is suitable for gaming and high overclocking. The BIOS features all the usual ASUS options, which allow for altering virtually anything when it comes to overclocking. Overall, there is certainly no lack of options in this BIOS.

   


   


   


   


   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Test setup

Hardware
Motherboard
  • ASRock Z170 Extreme7+
  • ASUS Maximus VIII Gene
  • ASUS Maximus VIII Hero
  • ASUS Z170 Deluxe
  • ASUS Z170-A
  • Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1
  • MSI Z170 Gaming M7
Processor Intel Core i7-6700K @ 4.0 GHz
Memory 8 GB (2x4) G.Skill Ares DDR4-2133 CL15-15-15-2T 350
Graphic card ASUS GeForce GTX 980
Driver ForceWare 353.62
Hard disk Intel 335 Series SSD 120 GB
Power supply Seasonic Platinum Fanless 520W


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1
[pagebreak]

Preview / Gallery



Product Picture Link to Gallery
   

ASRock Z170 Extreme7+
   

ASUS Maximus VIII Gene
   

ASUS Maximus VIII Hero
   

ASUS Z170 Deluxe
   

ASUS Z170-A
   

MSI Z170 Gaming M7
   

Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

3D Mark

Ice Storm

3D Mark Ice Storm Score
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   195'178 100.85%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   195'737 101.14%
ASUS Z170-A   195'107 100.82%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   193'524 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   187'768 97.03%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   186'491 96.37%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   185'448 95.83%
  more is better


Ice Storm Physics

3D Mark Ice Storm Physics Score
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Z170-A   68'073 104.08%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   66'332 101.42%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   65'681 100.42%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   65'404 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   63'524 97.13%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   62'866 96.12%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   62'072 94.91%
  more is better


Fire Strike

3D Mark Fire Strike Score
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   12'089 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   12'085 99.97%
ASUS Z170-A   12'085 99.97%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   12'071 99.85%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   12'061 99.80%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   12'061 99.80%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   12'059 99.75%
  more is better


Fire Strike Physics

3D Mark Fire Strike Physics Score
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   13'000 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   12'993 99.95%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   12'987 99.90%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   12'977 99.82%
ASUS Z170-A   12'972 99.78%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   12'938 99.52%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   12'925 99.42%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

3D Mark 11

3D Mark 11 Total
Review Rating
 Percent
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   16'425 100.25%
ASUS Z170-A   16'416 100.20%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   16'406 100.13%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   16'384 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   16'366 99.89%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   16'377 99.96%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   16'357 99.83%
   more is better


CPU

3D Mark 11 Physics
Review Rating
 Percent
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   11'548 100.84%
ASUS Z170-A   11'531 100.69%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   11'519 100.59%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   11'502 100.44%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   11'459 100.06%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   11'452 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   11'357 99.17%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

3D Mark Vantage

3D Mark Vantage Total
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   46'052 100.26%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   45'932 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   45'900 99.93%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   45'891 99.91%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   45'881 99.89%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   45'793 99.70%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   45'717 99.53%
  more is better


3D Mark Vantage CPU
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   32'852 100.63%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   32'850 100.62%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   32'801 100.47%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   32'646 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   32'590 99.83%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   32'461 99.43%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   32'304 98.95%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

PC Mark 08

PC Mark 08 Total
Review Rating
 Points Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   4'631 100.02%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   4'630 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   4'627 99.94%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   4'621 99.81%
ASUS Z170-A   4'620 99.78%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   4'618 99.74%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   4'612 99.61%
  more is better


Web Browsing - JunglePin
Review Rating
 sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   0.28177 100.08%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   0.28200 100.00%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   0.28200 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   0.28215 99.95%
ASUS Z170-A   0.28219 99.93%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   0.28284 99.70%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   0.28300 99.65%
  more is better


Web Browsing - Amazonia
Review Rating
 sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   0.12182 100.07%
ASUS Z170-A   0.12185 100.05%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   0.12186 100.04%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   0.12191 100.00%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   0.12200 99.88%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   0.12200 99.93%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   0.12256 99.42%
  more is better


Writing
Review Rating
 sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   3.09199 100.26%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   3.10012 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   3.10024 99.99%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   3.14001 98.73%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   3.11766 99.44%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   3.21000 96.58%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   3.21000 96.58%
  more is better


Casual Gaming
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   140.10 100.96%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   139.32 100.40%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   139.05 100.11%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   138.90 100.09%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   138.77 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   138.65 98.97%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   137.39 98.07%
  more is better


Video Chat Playback 1
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   30.00 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   30.00 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   30.00 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   30.00 100.00%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   30.00 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   30.00 100.00%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   30.00 100.00%
  more is better


Video Chat encoding
Review Rating
 ms Percent
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   48.62 100.00%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   48.88 99.47%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   49.00 99.22%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   49.00 99.22%
ASUS Z170-A   49.00 99.22%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   49.00 99.22%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   50.00 97.24%
  more is better


Advanced Photo Editing
Review Rating
 sec Percent
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   0.30548 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   0.30810 99.15%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   0.31100 98.23%
ASUS Z170-A   0.31240 97.78%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   0.31300 97.60%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   0.31357 97.42%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   0.31645 96.53%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

SiSoft Sandra 1

Arithmetic Benchmark

SiSoft Sandra - Arithmetic Benchmark - Dhrystone
Review Rating
 GIPS Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   155.23 102.46%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   155.20 102.44%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7  

155.10

 102.38%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   155.00 102.31%
ASUS Z170-A   155.00 102.31%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   152.00 100.33%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   151.50 100.00%
  more is better


SiSoft Sandra - Arithmetic Benchmark - Whetstone
Review Rating
 GFLOPS Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   108.47 100.57%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   107.86 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   107.46 99.63%
ASUS Z170-A   107.41 99.58%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   107.17 99.36%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   106.73 98.95%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   106.14 98.41%
  more is better


Multimedia

SiSoft Sandra - Multimedia - Integer
Review Rating
 MPixels/sec Percent
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   512.34 101.54%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   504.69 100.03%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   504.56 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   502.20 99.53%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   501.55 99.40%
ASUS Z170-A   499.12 97.42%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   498.84 97.37%
  more is better


SiSoft Sandra - Multimedia - Floating Point
Review Rating
 MPixels/sec Percent
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   495.73 101.83%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   490.73 100.81%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   490.29 100.72%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   489.18 100.49%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   488.07 100.26%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   486.80 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   480.54 98.23%
  more is better


Crytography

SiSoft Sandra - Crytography - AES 256
Review Rating
 GB/sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   7.80 101.17%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   7.80 101.17%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   7.78 100.91%
ASUS Z170-A   7.73 100.26%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   7.71 100.00%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   7.68 99.61%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   7.66 99.35%
  more is better


SiSoft Sandra - Crytography - SHA 256
Review Rating
 GB/sec Percent
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   1.55 101.31%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   1.55 101.31%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   1.55 101.31%
ASUS Z170-A   1.55 101.31%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   1.55 101.31%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   1.55 101.31%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   1.53 100.00%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

SiSoft Sandra 2

Memory bandwidth

SiSoft Sandra - Memory bandwidth - Integer
Review Rating
 GB/sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   23.35 101.52%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   23.32 101.39%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   23.12 100.52%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   23.11 100.48%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   23.00 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   23.00 100.00%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   22.91 99.61%
  more is better


SiSoft Sandra - Memory bandwidth - floating point
Review Rating
 GB/sec Percent
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   23.34 102.46%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   23.11 101.45%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   23.00 100.97%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   22.86 100.35%
ASUS Z170-A   22.80 100.09%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   22.78 100.00%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   22.67 99.52%
  more is better


Memory latency

SiSoft Sandra - Memory latency
Review Rating
 ns Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   22.8 101.32%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   22.9 100.87%
ASUS Z170-A   23.0 100.43%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   23.1 100.00%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   23.1 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   23.1 100.00%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   23.2 99.57%
  less is better more is better


Memory and cache access

SiSoft Sandra - Cache
Review Rating
 GB/sec Percent
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   207.20 100.33%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   207.18 100.32%
ASUS Z170-A   206.87 100.17%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   206.65 100.07%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   206.51 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   206.40 99.95%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   205.49 99.51%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

UC Bench

UC Bench
Review Rating
 PW/sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   1'056.3 100.28%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   1'055.9 100.24%
ASUS Z170-A   1'055.9 100.24%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   1'055.5 100.20%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   1'055.1 100.16%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   1'054.6 100.11%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   1'053.4 100.00%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Super Pi 1M - 32M

Super Pi 1M

Super Pi 1.5 XS - 1M
Review Rating
 sec Percent
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   9.079 100.45%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   9.095 100.27%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   9.095 100.27%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   9.110 100.11%
ASUS Z170-A   9.111 100.10%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   9.111 100.10%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   9.120 100.00%
  less is better more is better

Super Pi 32M

Super Pi 1.5 XS - 32M
Review Rating
 sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   481.135 100.38%
ASUS Z170-A   482.305 100.14%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   482.462 100.11%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   482.789 100.04%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   482.985 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   485.394 99.38%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   487.266 99.12%
  less is better more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

wPrime 1024M Multicore

wPrime - 1024M Multi Core
Review Rating
 sec Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   158.752 100.49%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   158.816 100.45%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   159.026 100.32%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   159.042 100.31%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   159.401 100.08%
ASUS Z170-A   159.459 100.05%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   159.536 100.00%
  more is better more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Cinebench R15

Cinebench R11.5 - Multi Core
Review Rating
 pts Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   884 100.34%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   882 100.11%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   881 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   879 99.77%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   878 99.66%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   877 99.55%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   874 99.21%
  less is better more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Tomb Raider

Low resolution - 1024 x 768

Tomb Raider (low resolution, low details)
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   264.6 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   261.0 98.64%
ASUS Z170-A   260.6 98.49%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   260.0 98.26%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   258.1 97.54%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   257.1 97.17%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   255.1 96.41%
  more is better


High resolution - 1920 x 1080

Tomb Raider (high resolution, high details)
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   147.9 100.00%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   147.9 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   145.9 98.65%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   144.3 97.57%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   144.0 97.36%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   143.1 96.75%
ASUS Z170-A   142.0 96.01%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Metro Last Light

Low resolution - 1024 x 768

Metro Last Light (low details, low resolution)
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   186.03 101.53%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   184.71 100.81%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   184.02 100.44%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   183.22 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   182.29 99.49%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   181.85 99.25%
ASUS Z170-A   181.55 99.09%
  more is better


High resolution - 1920 x 1080

Metro Last Light (high details, high resolution)
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   57.23 100.81%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   56.77 100.00%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   56.77 100.00%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   56.70 99.88%
ASUS Z170-A   56.57 99.65%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   56.54 99.59%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   56.06 98.75%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Sleeping Dogs

Low resolution, low details

Sleeping Dog (low details, low resolution)
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   555.2 101.52%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   550.4 100.64%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   550.2 100.60%
ASUS Z170-A   548.3 100.26%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   548.1 100.22%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   546.9 100.00%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   545.7 99.53%
  more is better


High resolution, high details

Sleeping Dogs (high details, high resolution)
Review Rating
 fps Percent
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   244.4 100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   242.5 99.22%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   241.7 98.90%
ASUS Z170-A   241.1 98.65%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   241.0 98.61%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   240.8 98.53%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   238.4 97.55%
  more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Power Consumption

Idle

Idle
Review Rating
 Watt Percent
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   48 127.08%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   49 124.49%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   55 110.91%
ASUS Z170-A   56 108.93%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   59 103.39%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   61 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   61 100.00%
  less is better more is better


Load

Load
Review Rating
 Watt Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   108 123.15%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   109 122.02%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   113 117.70%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   121 109.92%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   133 100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   133 100.00%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   133 100.00%
  less is better more is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Performance Rating

3D and Gaming Benchmarks
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   100.16%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   100.00%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   99.92%
ASUS Z170-A   99.82%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   99.18%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   98.80%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   98.64%
  more is better


2D Benchmarks
Review Rating
 Percent
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   100.32%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   100.32%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   100.00%
ASUS Z170-A   99.82%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   99.82%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   99.61%
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   99.41%
  more is better


Performance per Watt
Review Rating
 Percent
MSI Z170 Gaming M7   79.57%
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+   84.57%
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene   89.37%
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero   90.68%
ASUS Z170-A   98.91%
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1   99.50%
ASUS Z170 Deluxe   100.00%
  less is better


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Price comparison

Model
Geizhals.eu
ASUS Z170 Deluxe
ASUS Z170-A
ASUS Maximus VIII Gene
ASUS Maximus VIII Hero
MSI Z170 Gaming M7
ASRock Z170 Extreme7+
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming G1


Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]

Conclusion

General   + -
At a first glance the Maximus VIII Hero definitely leaves a very good impression. The mix of overclocking features and high quality audio hardware makes this a state-of-the-art motherboard for mid-range ATX-gaming. And next to a very nice looking design, which has been reworked for this series of ROG motherboards, you find useful features like for example GameFirst. This software allows you to configure your network device the way gaming traffic gets prioritized (keyword traffic shaping). Furthermore also on this board we find an M.2 slot, which has been wired to the PCH using four PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes. This slot can also be equipped with U.2 adapters to install NVMe SSDs.   - Design
- Layout
- Features		  
       
Layout   + -
Basically the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero's Layout has been very well thought. Once more practical are the angled SATA connectors as well as the power- and reset-buttons. There is also a debug display which is very useful in case you should have issues with a component in your system or the board itself. Regarding the PCI-Express x16 slots there we have nothing to complain about. A closer look at the area around the CPU socket shows, that there is plenty of space to install big aircoolers without running into any issues. What we also liked is where the power and reset buttons are. Especially when you overclock memory using liquid nitrogen, then it makes sense to not have them next to the DIMM slots, since they will freeze quite quickly. ASUS also decided to further improve the onboard audio, by adding a dedicated DAC as well as high-quality Nichicon capacitors.   - Angled SATA connectors
- Space around the CPU socket - Placement of PCIe slots - Number of different storage connectors 		 
       
Performance   + -
Calculating the average of all 3D benchmarks we ran, we see that this is the fastest board regarding 3D benchmarks performance. When taking the average of all 2D results this board again comes in on an excellent second rank. On another note, we had a look at power consumption and since this is a board with many features, energy efficiency is average.   - 3D Performance
- 3DMark Ice Storm
- 3DMark Vanatage
- PCMark 8
- SiSoft Sandra Memory bandwidth - wPrime
- Tomb Raider
- Metro Last Light		 - 3DMark 11
       
Overclocking / BIOS   + -
ASUS has a beautiful looking BIOS when it comes to their ROG series motherboard. The UEFI BIOS gets a black background and there are a few additional red design elements. Meanwhile it's almost normal that a BIOS is absolutely complete offering countless features. If you're looking for overclocking options you'll find a great many of them and they are equally practical for novices and extreme overclockers. We always love the pre-defined profiles, which make overclocking quite a bit more efficient. Boosting our CPU to 5.0 GHz absolutely no problem at all.   - Sheer amount of options
- Design		  
       
Recommendation   + -
The Maximus VIII Hero is a very well equipped Z170 motherboard, which features excellent perfomance. Currently this board costs 205 Euro and at that price we can highly recommend it.   - Price - Gaming
- Enthusiast
- Overclocking		  
       
Rating
We give the ASUS Maximus VIII Hero excellent 5 out of 5 stars.





Page 1 - Introduction Page 14 - SiSoft Sandra 2
Page 2 - Specs and Delivery Page 15 - UC Bench
Page 3 - Features Page 16 - Super Pi 1M / 32M
Page 4 - Layout Page 17 - wPrime 1024M Multi Core
Page 5 - Connectors and I/O Page 18 - Cinebench
Page 6 - BIOS Page 19 - Tomb Raider
Page 7 - Test setup Page 20 - Metro Last Light
Page 8 - Preview / Gallery Page 21 - Sleeping Dogs
Page 9 - 3D Mark Page 22 - Power Consumption
Page 10 - 3D Mark 11 Page 23 - Performance Rating
Page 11 - 3D Mark Vantage  Page 24 - Price Comparison
Page 12 - PC Mark 8 Page 25 - Conclusion
Page 13 - SiSoft Sandra 1  
[pagebreak]