ASUS Maximus IX Hero Preview

Up Close

The ROG packaging is famous for its instantly recognisable looks, but we still like the slight evolution of the design that has occurred with the Maximus IX Hero. Still obviously ROG. Still fresh and interesting. As you would expect with so many features on a high end board the reverse is full of highlights. As so many of these Z270s are very similar in the majority of features – thanks to Intel’s exceptional chipset cramming all of it on rather than relying upon manufacturers adding extra chips – the extra bits and bobs you get in the box can make a bigger difference than ever before. In the case of the Hero it has a sticker set which has the usual cable/fan stuff, but surprisingly comes with a fake credit card sticker. Not entirely sure what you could do with it, but maybe we’re just too old to fully grasp how cool it is.

The design of the M9 Hero looks a lot like the Maximus VIII. Evolution is a good thing to have when your design was already so good, and we’re pleased that they haven’t ditched the excellent IO shield/heatsink combination. Unquestionably the big thing, both in obviousness and reality, is the size of the aforementioned heatsink. Look how thick it is. No microfine fins of aluminium here, go chunky or go home.